A new era for whisky begins with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

Johnnie Walker is opening a bold new chapter in Scotch following the global launch of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby — a vibrant, fruit-forward Scotch that’s designed to open the doors of whisky to a new generation of drinkers.

Inspired by the iconic Johnnie Walker Black Label, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby builds on the classic foundation but with a rich depth of berry sweetness, complemented by a light, delicate green grass character. Bursting with bold red fruit notes and a smooth finish, it’s a modern, approachable whisky that reimagines how Scotch can look, taste, and be enjoyed.

The Willett Family Estate 12 Year Old Pack (6x750ml) Various Willetts included please read the description $750.00 View

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer |Review Date: 06/2025

“If you’re a serious collector of bourbon, there are few heights greater than the hunt for a purple top. These whiskies are so rare and coveted that they now command on unprecedented premium within the market place. The Willett Family, not being the slightest bit naive, have taken to capturing part of that upside by raising price throughout the years considerably, yet their releases regularly trade for triple or quadruple retail. Each year we get one barrel and try to find a reasonable way to support the distilleries other brands, while not taking over the top margins on their most coveted product. Now we’re reached the upper echelon of what the distillery can release in terms of age, but the limited quantities have not changed whatsoever. We may be the only retailer in California to get our own barrel of Willett this year. At 12 years old this incredible single barrel absolutely sings. The high corn recipe once seemed like a crazy move on the part of a distillery that was just starting out, but it’s turned out to be an incredible addition to the market offering whiskies that are both deep and wide. The color is mahogany (1.5). The nose is a huge honey and caramel bomb with hints of earthy herbs and sweet spices. There’s something of an apricot preserve note with caramel sauce drizzled and a fresh steeped french press on its way. The palate is so rich and easy up front, it’s cask strength isn’t immediately perceptible, but the broad mid is much denser. Dense stone fruit and roasted vanilla, with a chocolate dipped caramel ice cream finish. An absolutely bonkers little barrel here. We might charge $900-1000 for these 6 whiskies individually, but you can have 5 great bottles -enough to gift the whole crew this holiday- plus this legendary barrel – the oldest modern Willett we’ve ever bottled- for a much lower price. Grab it before someone else does.”

********THIS IS A PRE-SALE SKU, ORDERS WILL BE READY FOR PICK UP AFTER JUNE 30th******This year’s single barrel of Willett is the oldest and most delicious we’ve ever seen. Distilled way back in 2013, this is some of the oldest bourbon to come out of the Willett distillery to date. Distilled from the high corn mashbill, barrel number 2004 was bottled at cask strength of 124.2. K&L bottled a cask from the same series six years ago (barrel #2048) and the lot of barrels has continued to improve and devope incredibly over the last half decade. Along with your bottle of Willett Family Estate 12 Year Old “K&L’s Perfidia” Purple Top Kentucky Straight Bourbon, you’ll also receive a bottle each of Willett 4 Year Old Small Batch Rye, Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon, Kentucky Vintage Bourbon, Speakeasy Bourbon and Bardstown Estate 101 Proof bourbon. A Willett Family Estate Purple Top 12 year old alone trades from multiples of the cost of this bundle and together these 6 bottles represent some of the greatest value for your dollar on collectible whisky anywhere.

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

Ledaig 2007 – Aged 17 Years

£85.00

Single Cask Bottling | First Fill Sherry Butt | Cask Strength – 50.7% | Natural Colour | Cask no. 7000030 – 583 Bottles | Distillation Date – 19/02/2007 | 70cl

Ledaig (pronounced “Leh-chig”) is the peated variant produced by the Tobermory Distillery, located on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. This magnificent 17-year-old Ledaig is a single cask masterpiece matured in a first-fill sherry butt. Bottled at cask strength (50.7% ABV), it delivers a harmonious balance of bold peat smoke and rich, sherry-infused sweetness. A rare treat for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Nose: Maritime character, hints of smoke, and seaweed.
Palate: Peaty and bold, with a creamy mouthfeel. Unfolding dark chocolate and caramel flavours.
Finish: Long, warming finish with lingering smoke.
Tasting notes by Bartels Whisky

Bulleit Bourbon

$28.99

Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by the whiskey pioneered by Augustus Bulleit over 150 years ago. Only ingredients of the very highest quality are used. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone-filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that’s distinctively clean and smooth. Medium amber in color, with gentle spiciness and sweet oak aromas. Mid-palate is smooth with tons of maple, oak, and nutmeg. Finish is long, dry, and satiny with a light toffee flavor.

About Bulleit Bourbon

Miltonduff Signatory 100 Proof 2015 – Whisky Folk Review

From America With Spirit:

The Emergence of American Single Malt Whiskey

London, June 2025: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is proud to present American Single Malt as one of the most dynamic and exciting new trending movements in global whiskey. Officially recognised as a distinct category by the United States government in December 2024, this new wave of American craft distilling is arriving in the UK with bold intent, showcasing a diversity of style, regional character and creative expression that is reshaping what single malt can be.

After years of advocacy by distillers and industry groups, American Single Malt is now federally defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), with strict production standards. These include distillation from 100 percent malted barley, production at a single distillery in the United States, maturation in oak casks not exceeding 700 litres, and bottling at no less than 40 percent ABV. All whiskey must be mashed, distilled, and matured entirely within the United States.

This official recognition has triggered a surge of international interest, including from the UK, one of the world’s most sophisticated whiskey markets. According to IWSR data, American whiskey exports to the UK rose by 28 percent in 2024, with premium and craft segments leading growth. Within this, American Single Malt has emerged as a key driver, celebrated for its inventive production, regional nuance and distinctive flavour profiles.

Industry tastemakers and publications such as Whisky Advocate, Punch, Forbes, and VinePair have all spotlighted American Single Malt as a category to watch, with growing interest from collectors, bartenders and whiskey bars looking to offer something fresh.

“American Single Malt brings something new to the table while respecting the craft that whiskey lovers appreciate,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of DISCUS. “This is a new world whiskey rooted in quality, innovation and a deep sense of place.”

To mark the arrival of the category in the UK, DISCUS will host a dedicated showcase of American Single Malt, alongside Bourbon, American Rye Whiskey, Tennessee Whiskey, and other American spirits at Bar Convent London (BCB), the UK’s leading on-trade drinks show. The event takes place on Sunday 30 June and Monday 1 July 2025 at Tobacco Dock, at Booth EM5-01.

Visitors to the DISCUS booth will be able to sample a curated selection of American Single Malts and a range of American Spirits from some of the most forward-thinking distilleries in the United States, all of them DISCUS members. Featured distilleries include:

• Angel’s Envy
• Arizona Distilling Co.
• Brother’s Bond Bourbon
• BroVo Spirits
• Good Trouble Bourbon
• Proof and Wood
• Reservoir Distillery
• Stone Ledge Spirits
• Uncle Nearest
• Virginia Distillery Co.
• Westland
• Woodford
• Yellowstone

On Monday 30 June, DISCUS will host a masterclass at BCB titled “American Single Malt – New World Whiskey, New Rules” from 2:15 to 3:00 p.m., offering UK drinks professionals a guided tasting and deep dive into the category’s evolution and global potential.

That evening, the celebration continues at the American Spirits Networking Reception, taking place from 6:30 p.m. at Odyssey Bar and Lounge in Shoreditch. This exclusive, invite-only event will feature American whiskey cocktails, guided tastings and a gathering of key trade, media and creative guests. RSVP via the registration link.

For UK buyers, bartenders and whiskey lovers, American Single Malt offers the familiarity of single malt production with the energy and edge of American craft. It is complex yet approachable, innovative yet grounded in tradition, and perfectly positioned to disrupt traditional whiskey shelves and back bars.

As the global appetite for premium and provenance-led spirits continues to grow, American Single Malt stands at the forefront of a new generation of whiskey-making. It is confident, creative and ready to rewrite the rules.

About DISCUS: The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the United States. Representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits, DISCUS advocates on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels; promotes the distilled spirits sector, raising awareness and opening markets in the United States and around the globe; and encourages responsible and moderate consumption of distilled spirits as part of a healthy adult lifestyle based on evidence-based research and policy. Bar Convent London and the networking reception are supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), which aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits export markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits. The U.S. distilled spirits industry is committed to social responsibility. For those adults who choose to drink, they should do always so in moderation and responsibly. For more information: www.drinkinmoderation.org. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, Inc., prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, or other protected status. For more information, please visit: https://www.responsibility.org/

About Cheers! Spirits from the USA: DISCUS’s Cheers! Spirits from the USA campaign, supported by the US Department of Agriculture’s Market Access Program (MAP), aims to educate the hospitality industry, adult consumers, and media in key spirits export markets on the taste, heritage, and style of American distilled spirits.

A rare first fill bourbon cask of Port Charlotte distilled at Bruichladdich distillery. This is the heavily peated variant of their distillations and is quite rare to see as an independent bottling. Distilled on Islay its peated and coastal character is well regarded amongst enthusiasts. Ours is a single cask, cask strength bottling. Bottled in 2023, these 220 bottles produced won’t be around for long.

Nose: Seaweed and salt, slight citrus tone, cigar smoke.

Palate: Hints of oak with enough peat to warm but not overpower. some white fruity sweetness and hint of biscuit.

Finish: Warming peat, bread and spice

Tasting notes by Bartels

Longmorn 18 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $250) $169.99 View

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer |Review Date: 06/2025

“I’m totally in love with Longmorn, but the distillery has been sadly absent from our shelves for many years. We used to do exceptionally well with the well-priced 16-year, which was creamy and delicious, but eventually the price went crazy—and then it was discontinued. When the owners relaunched the brand, they did so much right: a limited-release 18-year-old whisky, non-chillfiltered, cask strength, small batch. But for one mistake—the price was absolutely wild. Almost $300! Now, at nearly half off, we’re getting serious about this one. Let’s have a go. The color is burnished (1.1). An absolutely classic nose of rich roasted vanilla, a huge pan of roasted fruits—persimmon, pear, and pineapple—dense, zingy barrel spice—galangal, cinnamon, more vanilla, and clove. Seville orange peel and fresh-baked biscuits with some water, but generally very much focused on roasted fruits and earthy spice. The texture is full-bodied and almost thick. Wildflower honey, wax fruit, roasted malt, dark chocolate, buttercream. It absolutely loves a splash of water, softening and broadening in a wonderful way. It’s still a special luxury whisky at this price, but it feels extremely fair now rather than sort of silly.IF you love Longmorn or Speyside whisky in general, it would be very weird to see this again at this price, so don’t hold your horses here.”

Longmorn’s 18-Year-Old Single Batch release is a standout expression from one of Speyside’s most quietly respected distilleries. Matured in a combination of American oak ex bourbon barrels and hogsheads, this unfiltered, cask-strength single malt shows the polish and complexity that comes from nearly two decades of aging. On the nose, there’s an immediate impression of richness—layers of golden orchard fruit, honeyed malt, and soft vanilla weave into deeper notes of citrus oil and toasted coconut. The palate delivers a plush, full-bodied texture balanced by a bright, structured core. Stone fruit, baked apples, and tropical hints meet creamy toffee, spice, and a touch of charred oak. The higher proof gives it power without sacrificing finesse, and a splash of water teases out even more fruit and floral nuance. This release perfectly captures Longmorn’s style—elegant yet substantial, with a long, refined finish that hints at dark chocolate, ginger, and dried fruit. While the brand keeps a relatively low profile, this bottling makes a strong case for Longmorn’s place among Speyside’s elite. A must-have for fans of mature Scotch that doesn’t chase trends, just delivers on quality.

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

Friar John Cor Chapter III

We’re delighted to say that our newest release, Friar John Cor Chapter III, is now available to purchase on our website and is stocked in our visitor centre shop. As you will hear in the clip below, an incredible amount of passion has gone into the creation of this dram. We may be bias, but we think this passion is palpable with every sip.

The marriage of ex-Bourbon barrels, plus Amontillado and Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts, has created a rich and indulgent dram that captivates from the first nose. With layers of sweet vanilla, honey, and dried fruits drawing you in, the palate then bursts with dark syrup, figs, and warming spices, wrapped in a velvety texture. The long, lingering finish of chocolate fudge and cinnamon leaves a lasting impression — elegant, bold, and deeply satisfying.

As always, we thank all the Lindores fans for your incredible, ongoing support. It is your enthusiasm for all things Lindores that ensures we are able to continue following our passion for making delicious whisky, whilst honouring our rich history. This couldn’t be embodied more perfectly by this release.

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 568: Ben Nevis 10 Year Old 2014 Blackadder for The Whiskybarn

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a young, sherried and fiery Ben Nevis. The Whiskybarn is a fantastic whisky shop in Daknam near Lokeren, run by the always friendly Jonas Calu. He teamed up with Blackadder, the well-known independent bottler, to release a splendid bottling. Jonas fell in love (and had his taste buds charmed) by a young Ben Nevis that will knock you out with its alcohol content. Yet, the beautiful color is so tempting that you won’t be able to resist it.

https://youtu.be/ZWWmCC8VY8c