Join the world's finest malt whisky club, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Find your nearest branch

Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.

Please submit your press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes or comments.

Suntory Yamazaki “Islay Peated” 2024 Tsukuriwake Limited ~ Single Malt Whiskey News

Suntory Yamazaki “Islay Peated” 2024 Tsukuriwake Limited Single Malt Whiskey (700ml) $450.00 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

Whisky Wednesday Reviews…….. – Scotch Whisky News

Phil will return next week……..

Auction Debut for One of the Rarest Offerings Ever from The Balvenie Distillery – Auction Whisky News

Auction Debut for One of the Rarest Offerings Ever from

The Balvenie Distillery

 Hammer Proceeds from the Sale of

The Balvenie Private Cask Trunk to be Donated to WWF and The King’s Trust

 Online Auction Open for Bidding Until 29 May

LONDON, 19 May 2025 – An exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the rarest offerings ever from The Balvenie – or from any whisky distillery – is currently underway at Sotheby’s in London. Bidding is now open on a sale of Finest Whisky, in which The Balvenie 50 Year Old Private Cask #16560 Trunk is a headline lot. Quite literally a treasure chest, the appearance of this hyper-rare item containing 10 bottles of single cask 50-year-old whisky from The Balvenie Distillery marks the first time that any bottles from The Balvenie’s rare cask programme have been seen at auction.

Every one of the 220 bottles produced from this cask – and the 22 wooden trunks in total in which they are housed – is owned by one collector, who has kindly chosen to consign one of the trunks to auction in order for the sale proceeds from the hammer price to be donated to two charities: WWF and The King’s Trust. Carrying an estimate of £240,000-450,000, The Balvenie Private Cask Trunk is available to collectors until 29 May only.

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Whisky & Spirits, said: “This unusual trunk represents not only ten fantastically old and rare bottles of whisky with exceptional presentation, but more importantly, it is a glimpse into the secret world within the upper echelons of whisky collecting. The rarest offering from Balvenie has finally become public and all for the benefit of two very worthy charities.”Cask #16560 is one of the few casks ever to be selected for the William Grant & Sons Private Client cask offer “event sale”, an annual programme in which only one cask selected from The Balvenie will be offered to one lucky private buyer and bottled for them that year. This Sherry Butt was selected by The Balvenie Malt Master, David C. Stewart MBE, for its extraordinary richness of character and depth of colour and bottled in 2021. On 14 December that year, Cask #16560 was removed from its home at The Balvenie distillery where it lay for nearly 51 years in order to be transformed into 220 dark sherry whisky bottles.

The cask itself went on to become not just the inspiration for, but the tools with which the labels were designed. For the label design concept, The Balvenie team worked with award-winning Scottish artist Paul Furneaux to commission an original artwork, from which 220 individual and unique labels were produced.

The starting point was a visit to The Balvenie’s Cooperage, a barrel-making facility that allows this particular distillery to control quality and creativity in their cask curation. Borrowing from a traditional lithography technique, Furneaux used the oak staves from Sherry Butt #16560 to create a collage of paint imprints on canvas using various colours and hues to invoke the Speyside landscape that surrounds the distillery. Once Furneaux’s vision was complete and the paint had been applied to canvas as a finished work, the final piece was scanned and then divided into 220 individual equal portions, one for each hand-applied label, giving every bottle from the cask its own unique appearance.

On the back of each bottle is another label containing the details of the liquid. Each label is individually numbered, and each bottle is packed in a matching wooden presentation case with a corresponding number etched into the top. For more information and detailed imagery of the production process, please click here.

The ten bottles are each contained with a carved wooden presentation case fixed with brass tube hinges. The cases have been lovingly produced and finished by hand and measured perfectly to fit the trunk itself. The solid oak trunk is laser engraved and gold gilded with the cask number and The Balvenie logo, then finished with Renaissance wax. For more information on the production process of these presentation cases, please click here.

World Wide Fund for Nature

The WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) is a global conservation organization that works to protect the environment and preserve biodiversity. It focuses on issues like wildlife conservation, climate change, deforestation, oceans and freshwater ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices. The WWF partners with governments, communities, and businesses to create long-term solutions for a healthier planet.

The King’s Trust

The King’s Trust, formerly known as The Prince’s Trust, is a UK-based charity founded in 1976 by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales). Its mission is to support young people aged 11 to 30 who are facing challenges such as unemployment, educational difficulties, mental health issues, or risk of exclusion. The Trust offers programs that help young individuals build confidence, gain skills, and find pathways into education, employment, or entrepreneurship. Since its inception, The King’s Trust has assisted over a million young people in the UK and has expanded its reach internationally, operating in more than 20 countries. Through various initiatives, it continues to empower youth to transform their lives and achieve their potential.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

 

UMIKI JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY NOW IN JAPAN, SELECTED ASIAN COUNTRIES & DUTY FREE! – Japanese Whisky News

UMIKI JAPANESE SINGLE MALT WHISKY NOW IN JAPAN, SELECTED ASIAN COUNTRIES & DUTY FREE! 

YOSHINO SPIRITS / KAMIKI SHUZO UNVEILS THE UMIKI SINGLE MALT WHISKY

A Refined New Expression, Now in Japan and Asian Markets- Duty-Free Stores!

Yoshino Spirits and Kamiki Shuzo proudly present Umiki Single Malt Whisky, a distinguished new release crafted exclusively for Japan, select Asian & airport duty-free stores.

Rooted in the tradition of purity and craftsmanship that defines Japanese whisky, Umiki Single Malt offers a harmonious balance of smoothness, complexity, and nature’s elegance.

This exceptional whisky is meticulously distilled and matured, then finished in rare Mizunara Oak casks — a wood prized for its delicate influence, imparting subtle spice, sandalwood, and an unmistakable Japanese character.

With its delicate flavors and graceful finish, Umiki Single Malt stands as a tribute to authentic Japanese whisky-making — a true Collector’s Item for those who seek rarity and refinement. This new expression reaffirms Yoshino Spirits’ dedication to excellence, offering a fresh perspective on the evolving world of premium Japanese single malts.

About Umiki Single Malt Whisky

Umiki Single Malt Whisky, produced by Kamiki Shuzo Co. Distillery is finished in rare Mizunara Oak Casks, and comes in elegantly packaged in a wooden gift box.

About Yoshino Spirits / Kamiki Shuzo:

Based in Osaka, Japan, Yoshino Spirits and Kamiki Shuzo are known for pioneering innovation in Japanese whisky. Through a dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and authenticity, they continue to define the future of Japanese spirits on a global stage.

For Further Information:

Please contact info@umikiwhisky.com and visit www.UmikiWhisky.com

A Story of Craftsmanship, Heritage, and a Rare Glengoyne 38 Year Old Single Cask – Scotch Whisky News

Unveiling the Legacy of the Russell Family

A Story of Craftsmanship, Heritage, and a Rare 38 Year Old Single Cask

Uncover the history of Glengoyne’s return to family ownership, their unique approach to whisky making, the next in our storytelling series. From their beginnings as whisky brokers in the 1930s to becoming esteemed custodians of Glengoyne, the Russell Family has dedicated generations to the pursuit of exceptional Scotch Whisky.

Their dedication culminates in the Russell Family Cask 38 Year Old. Matured in one of the finest first-fill sherry butts, this rare single malt is a bold celebration of three generations united by craftsmanship and tradition.

Immerse yourself in the legacy of the Russell Family and the meticulous creation of this extraordinary whisky.

Tasting the Russell Family Cask with Gordon Dallas, our Brand Ambassador

Russell Family Cask

 38 Year Old Single Cask

This rare gem, drawn from one of the finest first-fill sherry butts, is a tribute to three generations of the Russell family, owners and custodians of Glengoyne since 2003. For 38 years, cask no. 915 rested in our dunnage warehouse, reaching a richness and silkiness that embodies the passion and craft passed down within the Russell family. This whisky is not only a celebration of their dedication but also a reflection of Glengoyne’s enduring values of craftsmanship, patience, and heritage.

RUSSELL FAMILY CASK 38 YEAR OLD

Kavalan “Vinho Barrique” Solist #W170113034A Cask Strength Single Barrel ~ Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky News

SAMPLE/STOCK IMAGE as provided by Whisky Intelligence and NOT K&L!

Kavalan “Vinho Barrique” Solist #W170113034A Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

$220.00

The famous Solist series has become incredibly hard to find in the US over the last few years. But occasionally we see small lots of single barrels from various spots become available, often at well under market prices. We cannot argue with excellent Taiwanese whisky at $80 lower than most markets in the US. This cask strength single barrel is dark and brooding with a massive 122 proof. *****DUE TO TRADEMARK ISSUES KAVALAN SINGLE BARRELS DO NOT INCLUDE THE SOLIST NAME IN THE US, BUT THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT IS IDENTICAL TO THOSE UNDER THE SOLIST LABEL****

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 Whisky Exchange “A celebration of Islay whisky” – Scotch Whisky News

WHAT IS THE ISLAY FESTIVAL?

Each year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music brings thousands of whisky enthusiasts to this remote Hebridean island. Join us in taking a deep dive into one of the world’s great whisky events with our very own ambassador and educator, Billy Abbott. Learn more about the Islay Festival in our Inspiration section.

DISCOVER

SHOP NOW

While Islay is well-known for intensely smoky single malts, not all the island’s whiskies are peated. Try Bunnahabhain or Bruichladdich for a taste of Islay without the heavy smoke.

ralfy review 1078 Extras – Whisky one step at a time. – Scotch Whisky News

YOSHINO SPIRITS ANNOUNCES THE GLOBAL RELEASE OF GODZILLA UMIKI BLENDED WHISKY! – Japanese Whisky News

Yoshino Spirits proudly announce the launch of Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky, an exclusive collector’s edition created in collaboration with Toho Co., Ltd., Japan’s most iconic entertainment company.

This special release commemorates Godzilla’s 70th Anniversary, honoring seven decades of the world’s most legendary movie monster. Since its first appearance in 1954, Godzilla has captured the imagination of generations, symbolizing strength, resilience, and global cultural impact. Today, its legacy continues to thrive with the overwhelming success of Godzilla Minus One and a growing fanbase worldwide.

A LEGENDARY COLLABORATION WITH TOHO CO. LTD. CELEBRATING GODZILLA’S 70th ANNIVERSARY

Inspired by the spirit of the Pacific Ocean, Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky is crafted by Umiki, the world’s first ocean-fused whisky brand. This unique blend delivers a refreshing, smooth profile that reflects the vitality and depth of the ocean itself.

The Godzilla Umiki Blended Whisky will be available as a Limited-Edition collector’s item for select markets outside of Japan, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Each bottle features a specially designed label and packaging, celebrating Godzilla’s monumental anniversary in true Japanese spirit.

For more information about Umiki Whisky, please visit: www.umikiwhisky.com

About Yoshino Spirits

Based in Osaka, Japan, Yoshino Spirits and Kamiki Shuzo are internationally recognized for blending Japanese tradition with modern innovation in whisky making.

About Toho Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1932, Toho is Japan’s leading film company and the creative force behind the legendary Godzilla franchise.

For Further Information please contact info@umikiwhisky.com

The Esteemed Judges at the San Francisco Spirits Competition have Awarded Woodinville’s 100% Rye Whiskey with a Double Gold – Award Winning Whisky News


The esteemed judges at the San Francisco Spirits Competition have awarded Woodinville’s 100% Rye whiskey with a Double Gold.

For a grain to glass whiskey born, grown and aged in Washington to earn such honors is a testimony to its origins and the people behind the spirit. The whiskey is handcrafted from rye grown on the Omlin Family Farm in rural, Quincy, Washington. It’s distilled in Woodinville, WA, then sent back across the Cascades to age in the Quincy barrelhouses. It’s not the most efficient way to make whiskey— but it’s worth it. Two terroirs: one extraordinary whiskey.

“Our 90 proof, 5+ year 100% Rye Whiskey delivers aromas of cinnamon, clove and fruit leather, and notes of caramel, wood spice and honey on the palate with a long memorable finish,” explains Woodinville Co-Founder Orlin Sorensen. “The Rye’s Double Gold status is a great achievement, and we’re excited to be releasing an older 100% Rye very, very soon.”

Woodinville Flagship 100% Rye is available nationally, in store and online, with an MSRP of $40. The spirit earned 96 points in the 2025 SFWSC competition.

About Woodinville Whiskey Company: Woodinville Whiskey Company (www.woodinvillewhiskeyco.com) is a craft distillery founded by two best friends from the area, Orlin Sorensen and Brett Carlile, under the mentorship of an industry icon, the late David Pickerell, former Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark. Woodinville is Washington state’s largest craft distillery. It was reported in Forbes that Woodinville Whiskey “may just be the best craft whiskey in America.”

The distillery and tasting room in Woodinville is home to exclusive new launches like its annual Harvest Release in the fall. Private tours led by a distiller are available, when scheduled in advance. The distillery is open daily. The attached photos shows a bottle of the Flagship 100% Rye.


Powered by WordPress