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D&M San Francisco ‘Producer Spotlight – Benriach Distillery’ – Scotch Whisky News

2200 Fillmore St.
SF, CA 94115
415.346.1325
www.dandm.com

DISTINCT, RICH, MULTI-LAYERED

SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALTS SINCE 1898

Earlier this week, we presented a range of selections from our Speyside Single Malt collection, most of which reflect the region’s characteristic unpeated “heather-and-honey” personality. Today, we cast the spotlight on a single producer from the region which veers from that tradition by, among other things, incorporating peat into their process.

Situated on a ruggedly beautiful old farm site in north Speyside, the Benriach Distillery has a unique whisky-making heritage that traces back to its founding in 1898. Central to the distinct character of Benriach’s offerings is its own captive water source: a mineral-rich aquifer that sits deep beneath the distillery. During the mashing process in which the barley’s starch is converted into fermentable sugar, they use four batches of that water, instead of the usual three used by most distillers, to maximize the sweetness of the malt. The high level of sweetness from the barley, alongside the mineral rich purity of the water, serves to unlock the signature orchard fruit notes that characterize their whiskies.

Also distinct to their process is a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky: classic unpeated, Highland peated and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world. This enables their whisky-makers, under the guidance of esteemed Master Blender Dr Rachel Barrie, to explore a vast range of flavor possibilities and to create some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside.

We invite you to explore our current Benriach selections which reflect varied distillation styles, cask selections, and aging protocols. As you may also happily note, in addition to their distinct quality and character, they represent true values in this era of ever-escalating prices.

Benriach The Original Ten Year Single Malt Scotch $59.99

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Benriach The Smoky Ten Single Malt Scotch $59.99

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Benriach The Twelve Single Malt Scotch Whisky $63.99

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Benriach The Smoky Twelve Single Malt Scotch $69.99

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Benriach 21 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky $199.99

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OUR CLUB PROGRAMS

Here at D&M we are passionate about  American Whiskey and Single Malt Scotch. To help make our passions a little easier on your (and our) pocketbook, we have come up with a number of different buying clubs. The purpose of these clubs is to explore these wonderful beverages, trying new things, and to save money. Click HERE to learn more about our club options.

The Whisky Exchange ‘The story of Ireland’s signature whiskey’ – Irish Whiskey News

A Guide to Pot Still Whiskey

With a rich history and a distinctive character, pot still is one of the world’s great whiskey styles. Sharing similarities with single malt, it’s made from a mix of grains and defined by its fruity, spicy and earthy profile. First distilled by monks in the 8th century, it became the foundation of Ireland’s whiskey industry.

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Ballantine’s Unveils Limited-Edition Gorillaz Bottle Featuring Never-Before-Seen Artwork – Scotch Whisky News

Ballantine’s Unveils Limited-Edition Gorillaz Bottle Featuring Never-Before-Seen Artwork

Ballantine’s, the world’s second most popular Scotch whisky*, unveils the latest limited-edition from its annual True Music Icons series that celebrates groundbreaking artists who have shaped music culture.

This year, the collection celebrates Gorillaz – one of the most pioneering and visually iconic bands in modern music. A global phenomenon known for their genre-blending sound, musical and visual innovation, and boundary-pushing creativity; the four Gorillaz band members Murdoc Niccals, 2D, Russel Hobbs and Noodle perfectly reflect Ballantine’s spirit of staying true to who they are.

Arriving during a landmark season for the band, this release marks 25 years of Gorillaz’s cultural impact. The limited-edition design reveals a never-before-seen illustration of the band, created exclusively for Ballantine’s by British artist and Gorillaz co-founder, Jamie Hewlett, that brings Gorillazs unmistakable band members to life on the bottle. A true collector’s item, it’s a standout addition to any drinks collection and a must-have for whisky lovers and music fans alike.

With a global following and a career built on collaboration, creative innovation and visual storytelling, Gorillaz continue to push the boundaries of how music is made and experienced. This collection celebrates the band’s far-reaching impact across sound, visual art, and culture.

Paul-Andre Vacheron, Global Marketing Director for Ballantine’s at Chivas Brothers, commented:

“This edition of True Music Icons continues our commitment to celebrating artists who defy convention. At Ballantine’s, we’ve always stood for those who stay true to who they are, and this Gorillaz collection is a toast to their pioneering spirit and the impact they’ve made in music. The True Music Icons series continues to offer fans a unique way to celebrate the artists they love by recognising their impact, ongoing influence, and adding something special to their collection.”

Previous editions of the True Music Icons collection have celebrated some of the most influential artists of all time – from the 2023 collection honouring AC/DC and Queen, to the 2024 tribute to Elton John and John Lennon – each embodying Ballantine’s Stay True ethos in their own iconic way.

The Ballantine’s True Music Icons Gorillaz bottle is available in select markets around the world. For more information visit www.ballantines.com or follow @ballantines.

*Source: IWSR 2023

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AND IS PUBLISHED HERE AS A MATTER OF INTEREST.

Glengoyne Wetlands – A Whisky Story Rooted in Nature – Scotch Whisky News

Glengoyne Wetlands – A Whisky Story Rooted in Nature

Glengoyne has always been rooted in nature. From malted barley and pure water to the land that sustains us, every drop of whisky begins with care. When year-round production challenged traditional practices, we found a beautifully simple solution: the Glengoyne Wetlands.

Twelve wetland chambers transform spent our spent lees into pure water that flows back to Loch Lomond, creating a thriving ecosystem of sedges, willows, dragonflies, bees, and birds.

Our commitment goes further. We support the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust at Caerlaverock, restoring hides in one of Scotland’s best places to see geese – a fitting tribute to our name, Valley of the Wild Geese. And through Plan Bee, two hives which are home to 80,000 bees grace our distillery grounds, boosting biodiversity and producing a few pots of honey along the way.

Our efforts have earned Green Tourism’s top award for three consecutive years, but more importantly, we’ve created a sanctuary for wildlife and a cleaner future for whisky-making.

 Glengoyne Wetlands Single Cask 

A remarkable 16-year-old whisky celebrating our partnership with the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT). Proceeds from sales are being donated to further support WWT’s conservation work, helping to sustain ongoing projects and preserve wetlands that are integral to the geese in our glen and beyond. Only a few bottles remain. Available to buy on our website, in person at our distillery and at select WWT sites.

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Ballantine’s Celebrates Rock Legends, KISS With Limited-Edition True Music Icons Bottle

Ballantine’s Celebrates Rock Legends, KISS With Limited-Edition True Music Icons Bottle

Ballantine’s, the world’s second most popular Scotch whisky*, unveils the latest limited-edition from its annual True Music Icons series that celebrates groundbreaking artists who have shaped music culture.

This year, the collection celebrates KISS, one of the most legendary and influential rock bands in music history. Known for their explosive style and unshakable identity, KISS has spent decades pushing boundaries and doing things their own way.

The limited-edition bottle reveals bold visuals inspired by Destroyer – one of KISS’s most iconic album covers – reimagined on a bottle of Ballantine’s Finest. The design is theatrical, unmistakably KISS, and pays tribute to a pivotal moment in the band’s legacy and rock history, making it a true collector’s item for whisky lovers and music fans alike.

The launch comes ahead of an exciting season for the band, with their much-anticipated return to the stage at KISS Kruise: Landlocked In Vegas this November – a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the KISS Army fan club.

With a fiercely loyal global following and a legacy built on rejecting conformity, reinvention, and creative freedom, KISS embodies Ballantine’s unapologetic ethos around celebrating those who stay true to themselves. This bold collaboration captures the essence of the band – whose larger-than-life persona has left a lasting imprint on both music and culture.

Paul-Andre Vacheron, Global Marketing Director for Ballantine’s at Chivas Brothers, commented:

“This edition of True Music Icons continues our commitment to celebrating artists who defy convention. At Ballantine’s, we’ve always stood for those who stay true to who they are, and this KISS collection is a toast to the bands iconic style and personality and the impact they’ve made in music. The True Music Icons series continues to offer fans a unique way to pay tribute to the artists they love by celebrating their legacy, ongoing impact, and adding something special to their collection.”

Previous editions of the True Music Icons collection have celebrated some of the most influential artists of all time – from the 2023 collection honouring AC/DC and Queen, to the 2024 tribute to Elton John and John Lennon – each embodying Ballantine’s Stay True ethos in their own iconic way.

The Ballantine’s True Music Icons KISS bottle is available in select markets around the world. For more information visit www.ballantines.com or follow @ballantines.

*Source: IWSR 2023

THIS ARTICLE APPEARS WELL AFTER THE ORIGINAL PUBLICATION DATE AND IS PUBLISHED HERE AS A MATTER OF INTEREST.

Macallan Rare Cask 2024 Release -The Whisky Shop News

Macallan Rare Cask 2024 Release

Crafted from some of the most exceptional and scarce sherry-seasoned oak casks in the distillery’s collection, The Macallan Rare Cask 2024 Release stands as a testament to the art of cask selection and the mastery behind one of Scotland’s most iconic single malts. Each of the sherry-seasoned oak casks chosen for this annual release reveals a distinctive depth of flavour, natural colour, and velvety smooth texture.

Bottled at 43% ABV, this whisky opens with a nose of soft vanilla and rich raisin, delicately balanced by a sweet fusion of fresh apple, lemon, and orange. On the palate, an intense sweet raisin note takes centre stage before unfolding into layers of vanilla and dark chocolate, lifted by gentle hints of citrus zest. The finish is long, rich, and velvety, leaving a luxurious warmth that lingers beautifully.

£315.00
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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

Hakushu 18 Year Old Single Malt ~ Japanese Whisky News

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer | Review Date: 01/2025

Hakushu 18 year for many years was my golden goose of Japanese whisky. Believe it or not, back when I started in this industry over 20 years ago, the Yamazaki 12 year was the least expensive 12 year old single malt in my store. I think we charged $37 and Glenlivet 12 year was $40. When I wanted to treat myself the 18 year was only $100! When the Hak 18 year launched in 2006, it was literally all I wanted and it was damn hard to find. Difficult to sell yourself the one bottle allocated to your store, so I eventually paid retail elsewhere and coveted that bottle like it was my baby. Then it became impossible to find and extremely expensive, yet my desire to have it in my possession diminished very little. Now tasting the modern version, I actually think its improved amazing over the years, as my desire to own the Hak 18 year never really connected with my perception of its quality. Let’s have a little bit together! The color a beautiful burnished color (1.1) – huh, this is much darker than I remember the old version being. HOLY MOLY the nose is absolutely stunning full of beautiful tropical fruit, wild honey, antique wood, the finest black teas, the smoke is so integrated and rich you’d be hard pressed to call it out as a peated malt on the nose. The ultra supple entry builds with deep roasted fruit, deep vanilla, rancio, baking spice that build toward a round complete and savory finish. Again we’re not at all in the overt peat world and the depth and age feel well beyond 18 years. For all that is said about Suntory’s consistency this is wildly inconsistent with what I remember in that it’s much much better! A pour little 92 point score from 13 years ago does not do the modern Hakushu 18 year any justice. It’s very clear that they’re putting beautiful old malt in this from a variety of extremely high quality barrels. A beautiful whisky that should be considered for any one looking for a luxurious experience.

$649.99

The Hakushu 18 Year is considered by many connoisseurs of Japanese whisky to be the ultimate offering. While the fanfare and limelight typically shine upon the Yamazaki distillery and their flagship 18-year-old product, those who are truly invested in the category seem universally drawn to the quiet confidence exuded by this wonderful well aged Hakushu. This spectacular distillery, located on the slopes of Mount Kaikoma to the west of Hakuto in Yamanashi prefecture, was established in 1973. It’s six pot stills are known as Suntory’s home for peated malt, but in fact makes several whiskies of various peat levels. Yet the 18 year isn’t overtly smokey or intense like an Islay malt. This incongruity is due to the blending of their various peat levels (light, medium, medium heavy, & heavy), but also because the age statement here is only a minimum age. Much older whiskies are included in the blend each in different wood types, so the resulting product likely has an average age well beyond the stated age and the character compares up too much older single malts from Scotland. The older peated malts naturally mellow and their powerful smokey character transforms into more complex tertiary character. Anyone looking for a superlatively good Japanese single malt, you need look no further than this special bottle.

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

Eagle Rare Side of Rye American Whiskey Pack – K&L California Whiskey News

Eagle Rare Side of Rye American Whiskey Pack

(Eagle Rare K&L Exclusive 375ml, Obtainium 14 Year Old Rye, Smoke Wagon Malted Rye)

(2x750ml, 1x375ml)

$150.00 View

This lovely pack of American whiskies combines the extremely delicious Eagle Rare K&L Pick with two very unique American rye whiskies. The value of the three whiskies on their own is close to $200, but we’re able to offer this exceptional pack of American Whiskies for nearly $45 off our normal retail price. An excellent way to fill out the rye side of the cabinet while obtaining one of the most limited and exclusive offerings of the year.

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

Diageo ‘Discovering our Scotland Brand Homes’ – Scotch Whisky News

Discovering our Scotland Brand Homes

There is no better way to discover Scotch than at one of our Scottish brand homes or distilleries.

From the Highlands to the Lowlands, and across the Islands, each year our world-class attractions welcome millions of guests from across the globe to immerse themselves in the world of Scotch, meet the craftspeople behind our iconic liquids and discover the magic of Scotland.

Whether it’s a dram of Talisker on the rugged shores of Skye, The Singleton of Glen Ord moments from the North Coast 500 or a Johnnie Walker cocktail at Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh – you’re invited to enjoy our Scotch, your way.

We asked Daffyd Pugh Williams, Managing Director, Scottish Brand Homes, why he thinks these experiences are so unique.

Explore the Craigellachie Range at The Whisky Exchange – Scotch Whisky News

Explore the Craigellachie Range

Discover the bold, characterful style of Craigellachie with a range that showcases its distinctive tropical fruit and malty depth. The 13 Year Old opens with vibrant notes of mango, pineapple and glazed ham, while the 17 Year Old brings creamy cereals, vanilla and charred oak.

The 23 Year Old completes the line-up with layers of malty sweetness and subtle herbal spice, lifted by hints of vanilla and menthol freshness. Every bottle showcases the distillery’s signature Speyside richness, combining depth, texture and individuality.

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