40% ABV • 700ml

Single Malt Whisky from The Highlands in Scotland

$95.57 $71.68 + tax and deposit

White Peak reveals the 3^rd generation of Wire Works Necessary Evil Finish

A celebration of provenance, innovation, quality and friendship

from the heart of Derbyshire

Award-winning independent Derbyshire distillery White Peak is releasing its third iteration of a distillery favourite limited-edition: Wire Works Necessary Evil Finish.

This bottling is a bold expression of the distillery’s core values: provenance, heritage and flavour, brought to life through a unique collaboration with neighbouring Thornbridge Brewery.

The whisky is a dual maturation of White Peak’s lightly-peated spirit, matured initially in ex-bourbon barrels, before being finished in casks that previously held Thornbridge’s celebrated imperial stout, Necessary Evil. Since 2022, the Distillery has released two previous sell-out editions of Necessary Evil Finish. This year’s release, bottled again at 51.3%, is an evolution of the previous releases.

The STR (ex-red wine, shaved, toasted and recharred) finishing casks began life with Wire Works whisky, went on to mature Necessary Evil stout (winner of world beer awards 2024 world’s best flavoured beer), and then returned to White Peak for one final transformation. The story of Necessary Evil Finish is one of a unique Derbyshire relationship; a true journey of flavour, friendship and a shared commitment to quality.

Max Vaughan, co-founder of White Peak, explains:

“We’ve had a strong relationship with Thornbridge since we began. We use their spent brewer’s yeast in all our fermentations – collecting it weekly has become part of our distilling routine. Necessary Evil Finish brings the story full circle: whisky that starts life with Thornbridge yeast, and finishes its journey in their stout casks. It’s a reflection of our shared heritage and commitment to quality.”

Tom Lindsey, White Peak’s whisky lead and brand ambassador adds:

“We allowed this final finish to sit for around eight months, leaving some headspace in the cask to encourage subtle oxidation. The result is a wonderfully complex whisky with mellow, fruit-forward and savoury notes.”

This third release of Necessary Finish follows two previous sibling successes – the inaugural 2022 edition receiving Gold at the Global World Whisky Masters.

This year’s bottling will be available from 25^th July at the Distillery (and selected UK retail partners including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange) RRP: £69.

TASTING NOTES

Overview: Sweet & savoury, with hazelnuts, freshly roasted coffee and dark chocolate, dates, cranberry, and a gentle wisp of smoke.

Nose: Vanilla fudge, milk chocolate digestive biscuits, freshly roasted coffee, hazelnuts, flaked almonds, crème brûlée, baked apple pie, cassia, marzipan, sage, strawberry laces.

Palate: Cacao nibs, Black Forest gateaux, cracked black peppercorns, salted caramel, marmite on toast, butter pastry, Medjool dates, Seville orange marmalade, hint of spearmint, fresh espresso, soft white candy.

Finish: Rich dark chocolate, tobacco, murray mints, dark cherries, roasted malt, touch of smoke.

White Peak Awards:

INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION (IWSC)

2022 First Release: Silver

2022 Best Contemporary Design: Wire Works Whisky

2023 Caduro: Gold

2025 Bourbon Barrel: Gold

THE GLOBAL WORLD WHISKY MASTERS

2022 Necessary Evil Finish: Gold

2022 Small Batch: Gold

2023 Alter Ego: Masters

2023 Caduro: Gold

2023 Design & Packaging: Masters

2024 Caduro: Gold

WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS

2024 Virgin Oak (English small batch single malt batch single malt no age statement) Gold & Category Winner

2024 Over Smoke (English small batch single malt no age statement) Gold & Category Winner

2025 Peated Quarter Cask: Gold & Category Winner, England Single Cask, Single Malt Winner

2025 Rum Cask Finish: Gold & Category Winner, England Single Malt Winner

2025 Madeira Finish: Gold & Category Winner

2025 Caduro Cask Strength: Silver

INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE (IWC)

2023 Caduro & Virgin Oak: Silver

2024 Alter Ego & Full Port: Silver

TOKYO WHISKY & SPIRITS COMPETITION

2025 Caduro: Gold

2025 Alter Ego: Gold

ENGLISH WHISKY AWARDS (PUBLIC VOTE)

2024 Best English Whisky: Bourbon Barrel

2024 Best English Whisky Distillery

ONLINE SCOTCH WHISKY AWARDS

2024 Bourbon Barrel: Peoples Choice Award World Whisky Category 

GREAT TASTE AWARDS

2024 Caduro: 2 stars

Our July 2025 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 27th July 2025.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Brora – 22 Year Old (Rare Malts 1972)

 Glenrothes – 42 Year Old (1980)

Ledaig – 42 Year Old (1972) Dùsgadh

Michter’s – 20 Year Old (Limited Single Barrel Release 2015)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Johnnie Walker Blue “Perfect Moment Ice Chalet” Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $250) $189.99 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

ralfy review 1088 Extras – A different malt-moment !

Bladnoch Distillery partners with Maison Villevert in French distribution deal

Bladnoch, Scotland’s oldest privately-owned Scotch whisky distillery, has partnered with premium spirits distributor Maison Villevert to accelerate growth of the single malt whisky brand in France.

As part of a three-year deal, Bladnoch will work with Cognac-based Maison Villevert to expand the Lowland distillery’s core portfolio into new markets and accounts across France.

Dating back to 1817, Bladnoch Distillery is one of the oldest single malt Scotch whisky producers in the world and is enjoying a bold and powerful revival. The legacy brand has been revived in recent years by David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bladnoch whiskies are now available in more than 45 markets worldwide, including the UK, the US, Australia, France and Taiwan.

Maison Villevert’s entrepreneurial spirit can be traced back to 1487 with Jehan Robicquet, an ancestor of the artisan distributor’s current founding chairman Jean-Sébastien Robicquet, playing a pioneering role in the cognac business during the 16^th century.

Dr Nick Savage, master distiller at Bladnoch, said:

“Our proposition to create a bold Galloway spirit with a proud heritage is unique to our distillery. As a result, demand for Bladnoch has grown at pace in recent years, not only in the UK but increasingly in France.

“Our partnership with Maison Villevert marks the next step in our vision for growth in this important market, helping us to reach more whisky enthusiasts in France with our signature Lowland Scotch whisky style and ‘taste-first’ approach to whisky making.”

Yannick Perezzan, commercial director at Maison Villevert, said:

“Maison Villevert and Bladnoch share strong common values rooted in independence, authenticity, and a deep respect for heritage and craftsmanship.

“Maison Villevert will develop the Bladnoch brand in France by leveraging our tailored distribution model across premium retail network and on-trade. Thanks to its strong market expertise, premium positioning and storytelling-driven approach, we aim to elevate Bladnoch’s visibility, build emotional connections with consumers, and establish it as a key reference in the single malt whisky category in France.”

Bladnoch’s partnership with Maison Villevert, established in March, follows the appointment of London-based Enotria&Coe as the brand’s UK distributor in February 2024 and an ongoing partnership with US distributor Twenty20 Beverages, established in the same month.

For more information, visit https://bladnoch.com.

About Bladnoch Distillery

Bladnoch Distillery was established in 1817, making it the oldest privately owned Scotch whisky distillery in the world. As the southernmost distillery in Scotland, Bladnoch is commonly referred to as the ‘Queen of the Lowlands.’

Hand-crafted using malt from British growers and the pristine water from the River Bladnoch which flows alongside the distillery, Bladnoch single malts are non-chill filtered to ensure the truest flavours shine through.

This legacy brand has been revived in recent years by Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage, formerly of The Macallan, and owner David Prior, who purchased Bladnoch Distillery in 2015 and is the first Australian businessman to own a Scotch whisky distillery.

Bladnoch has been commended with several high-profile award wins in recent years, most recently at the World Whiskies Awards 2025, where Bladnoch 16 Year Old was awarded gold in the ‘Single Malt – 13 to 20 Years’ category and Bladnoch 13 Year Old taking silver in the same division. In the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2025 Bladnoch was awarded a trio of prestigious awards, receiving double gold medals for each of its Vinaya, Samsara and 13 Year Old Lowland single malt whiskies.

The team at Bladnoch is truly passionate about the preservation of the environment and the local community’s generational involvement in this iconic distillery.

About Maison Villevert 

Maison Villevert is an independent, family-owned French spirits house that has been pioneering innovation for over 20 years, inspired by Cognac heritage into world-class creations. From recipe development packaging and distribution, every step is crafted to reflect French elegance and character. As a mission-led company, Maison Villevert integrates sustainability, territorial roots, and ethical governance into its strategy to promote its own brands and those of its partners. Maison Villevert incubates and develops premium brands through a bespoke, tailor-made approach. This custom strategy enables the company to build strong brand foundations and long-term value by adapting to the unique identity, ambitions, and market potential of each brand.

CASK NO. 66.250

Beautifully balanced

ABV55.0% | Age 25 years | DISTILLED DATE 23/10/1997 | CASK TYPE refill ex-bourbon hogshead | PROFILE Lightly Peated | REGION Highland

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

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Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Colorado Three Chamber & Tennessee Blend Rye Whiskey (Previously $115) $39.99 View

George Dickel has teamed up with the Leopold Bros to produce an innovative rye whiskey offering. The release blends George Dickel’s column still rye produced at Cascade Hallow Distillery with Leopold Bros’ Three Chamber Rye to recreate a historic style. This union between column distilled rye and Three Chamber distilled rye turns back the hands of time, returning to an era that saw heavy-bodied rye whiskey served at bars and saloons throughout America. The Cascade Hollow component of this blend is a never-before released traditional column still rye.

Whisky Advocate

Fragrant aromas of fresh fruit and caraway on the nose, with dried banana, buttered corn, black currant, raspberry coulis, and preserves being jarred for winter, along with an earthy warehouse note. Smooth and sweet on the palate, with hints of orange peel, candied orange, cocoa, and root beer. The finish is long and pleasurable, if perhaps a bit less complex than the palate, ending with a reprise of lovely earthiness balancing the fruit. (DF, Spring-2022)

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

CLASSIC?

THE MACALLAN CLASSIC CUT – 2025 EDITION

Introducing The Macallan Classic Cut – 2025 Edition, an annual release that reflects our ongoing pursuit of the extraordinary. This exceptional whisky is bottled at the whisky maker’s preferred strength of 50.6% to reveal a unique character and flavour, shaped by notes of grapefruit, panna cotta and apple. Matured in a combination of sherry seasoned European and American oak, and ex-Bourbon casks, this whisky is anything but classic.

 DISCOVER MORE

NATURAL COLOUR Golden Sunset.
NOSE Orange oil, barley sugar, velvety milk chocolate. Caramel wafer, creamy vanilla panna cotta and freshly baked apple turnover.
PALATE Icing sugar sweetness with fresh fruits like grapefruit and mandarin. Lemon zested meringue and caramelised almonds.
FINISH More grapefruit, melon and a touch of warming oak spice.
ABV 50.6%