KENTUCKY DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION WELCOMES WHISKEY HOUSE OF KENTUCKY AS NEWEST MEMBER

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association today announced Elizabethtown’s Whiskey House of Kentucky (Whiskey House) as the newest member of the non-profit trade group that unites and leads Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Founded in 2021 by industry veterans David Mandell, John Hargrove and Daniel Linde, Whiskey House is a fully-automated distillery designed from the ground up to produce high-quality, custom whiskey for its exclusive contract customers.

Since beginning operations on July 1, 2024, Whiskey House has produced more than 50,000 barrels, 20 different mashbills and more than 50 unique recipes at their 176-acre campus in the T.J. Patterson Elizabethtown – Hardin County Industrial Park.

“We could not be more excited to join the KDA and help further the Association’s important mission to promote America’s native spirit and advance our industry and the critical role it plays in our nation’s economy,” said co-founder and CEO David Mandell.

“We are pushing the bounds of innovation with the newest and most advanced distillery in the nation,” continued Mandell. “Because we’re closed to the public, will never have our own brands, and do not compete with our customers in the marketplace, we’re able to focus our complete attention on our customers.”

KDA President Eric Gregory proudly welcomed Whiskey House into the growing KDA family of the state’s finest distillers. He said sophisticated new advanced manufacturing business models like Whiskey House are driving innovation and helping shape the industry.

“It’s amazing to see technological advancements like the ones at Whiskey House that are keeping Kentucky Bourbon at the forefront of spirits innovation,” he said. “Congratulations to David, John, and Daniel who are creating unique opportunities for the world to taste our great whiskey and pouring more revenue into the local Hardin County economy.”

Whiskey House is a part of the growing Bourbon economic impact in the Louisville Metro region. Hardin and its surrounding counties have 27 distilleries responsible for 7,000 jobs and a $664 million payroll. Bourbon brings to the area an annual economic impact of $3.3 billion and nearly $77 million in local and state tax revenue.

Learn more about Whiskey House of Kentucky at www.whiskeyhouse.com.

Whiskey House of Kentucky joins KDA as a “Heritage” level member, aging more than 50,000 barrels per year. Visit the KDA and its Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

Our May 2025 Auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 16th May until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 25th May 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!

Macallan – 52 Year Old (2018 Release)

Glenlivet – 12 Year Old (1964) Peter Dominic Ltd

Karuizawa – 1981 (Single Cask #818) Sumo Label

St. Magdalene – 18 Year Old (1964)

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.

Mac-Talla Unveils Amarone Cask Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition 

The third annual Mac-Talla release for Fèis Ìle 2025

Mac-Talla, the Islay single malt brand created and bottled by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD), has announced the launch (tomorrow – Friday, 16 May) of its latest limited edition whisky in celebration of Fèis Ìle 2025 (23-31 May).

Now in its third year, the annual release pays tribute to the island’s distinctive whisky heritage and the art of cask finishing. Following a 2023 edition finished in PX Sherry casks and a 2024 release matured in rum casks, the 2025 expression has been fully matured in first-fill Amarone wine casks sourced from northern Italy.

With a love for the island and a desire to reconnect with Islay, Mac-Talla Single Malt Scotch Whisky was created as a result of generations of heritage with the aim to take you on a journey of taste throughout the island.

The whisky is bottled at 53.8% ABV and described as offering layers of rich dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, alongside Mac-Talla’s hallmark peated character.

Lauren Doherty of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers said: “Each Fèis Ìle edition is an opportunity to explore the versatility of Islay malt through exceptional wood.”

“This year’s Amarone cask finish adds depth and elegance, while still allowing that signature coastal smoke to shine through.”

Mac-Talla, which means “echo” in Scottish Gaelic, was created by the Morrison family – one of Scotland’s oldest whisky families,  to express their deep connection with the island of Islay. The brand sources its spirit from undisclosed Islay distilleries and is known for combining bold maritime peat with carefully selected cask finishes.

Amarone della Valpolicella is a full-bodied Italian red wine, made using the traditional appassimento method, where grapes are air-dried to concentrate flavours. Its influence brings sweet, rounded fruit notes that complement the smoky, savoury core of the Mac-Talla spirit.

The 2025 Amarone Cask Edition is now available via specialist retailers priced at RRP £78.00. Quantities are strictly limited.

For any lucky whisky lovers that will be attending Fèis Ìle this year, Mac-Talla are hosting some exclusive events over the festival. All details can be found here.

Tasting Notes:

• Release Date: 16th May 2025
• RRP: £78.00 ABV: 53.3%
• Tasting notes: Prominent notes of stone fruits wrapped up in rich dark chocolate with a long finish of warming peat at the end Available Markets: UK, EU, and select international markets
• Age of Liquid: NAS
• Finish: 18 months finishing, marriage of two casks(1 butt of First Fill Amarone, 1 partial refill European Oak Butt), returned to Amarone casks for a further 6 months.
• Casks Used: 2 casks

Stockists: Mac-Talla Amarone will be available from select whisky retailers from 16th May – for more details on stockists visit: https://mactallawhisky.com/stockists

Mac-Talla’s Event Programme at Fèis Ìle 2025:

Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt Whisky Journey of Taste Walk:

A guided walk along Islay’s coast with 5 accompanying drams influenced by the Landscape.

Date: Monday 26th May 2025

Time: 2-4pm approx.

Islay Sea Adventures with Mac-Talla Islay Single Malt:

Islay Sea Adventures and Mac-Talla Islay Whisky have teamed up for a whisky and wildlife tour, taking in the Island’s stunning scenery, paired with delicious whisky!

Date: 26th May 2024

Time: 2-4pm

Location: Islay Sea Adventures

Indie Whisky Festival:

Date: 27th May 2025

Time: Several sessions throughout the day

Location: Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen

Pizza Paired Pours:

Islay’s renowned Peatzeria for an unforgettable tasting experience, with pizza paired pours.

Date: Wednesday, 28th May

Time: 2-3:30pm & 7-8:30pm

Location: Peatzeria, 22 Shore Street, Bowmore, Islay

For more information, visit www.mactallawhisky.com

ABOUT MAC-TALLA

Mac-Talla is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky owned by Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers. Meaning “echo” in Gaelic, the brand reflects the Morrison family’s deep-rooted connection to Islay. Bottled by MSWD, Mac-Talla showcases the island’s bold, peated character through a carefully curated range of expressions.

ABOUT Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (MSWD) is an independent, family-owned company based in Perth, Scotland. Rebranded in 2020, MSWD represents five generations of Morrison whisky heritage under one name, with a focus on single malt production, brand development, blending and bottling. Its flagship brands include Aberargie, Old Perth, Mac-Talla, Càrn Mòr and Bruadar.

MAY 2025 AUCTION ENDING SOON!

We are almost at the end of our Mayl auction but there is still time to take a closer look at a few of the interesting bottles on offer, starting with this newly released bottle of Macallan Art Is The Flower, inspired by the architectural design of world famous Scottish designer Charles Rennie MackIntosh.

Or how about this gorgeous bottle, distilled at Mortlach Distillery in 1984. Although there is no age specified, this expression was bottled in 2014 meaning that it was aged for around 30 years before being bottled by Gordon & MacPhail for their their iconic house label design.

Released in 1987 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Glenfiddich distillery, this Pure Malt was actually bottled on Cristmas Day 1986, exactly ninety-nine years after the first spirit was distilled at Glenfiddich! Presented in an unusual frosted glass bottle.

These well known bottling’s have been made available to the workers of the distilleries in what is now the Diageo portfolio for many years. Annually released from a single distillery in that portfolio, the distillery manager is tasked to choose the finest casks from that distillery to produce this yearly malt, which is then bottled at Cask strength in limited numbers. This particular expression was distilled at Caol Ila Distillery, aged 12 years and then bottled at Cask strength.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our March auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 18^th May from 8pm UK time.

House of Hazelwood’s ‘One For The Next’

In our latest mini-documentary, Whisky Magazine editor-at-large Christopher Coates travels to Hazelwood House — the private Speyside home of the Gordon family — to uncover the remarkable story behind One For The Next, the latest release from House of Hazelwood and the start of an unprecedented whisky story.

In This Film, Discover:

• The history behind the Gordon family’s private whisky stocks

• The production methods behind a ‘lost’ style of Girvan single grain whisky

• What makes House of Hazelwood’s aged collection truly one of a kind

• Why One For The Next represents a bold challenge to whisky investment culture

And much more….

WATCH NOW

Very Old Barton 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $9.99 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 1078 – Deanston single cask 18yo @54.3%vol: (Gleann Mor)

LITTLEMILL UNVEILS NEW ECHOES OF THE PAST COLLECTION OF RARE WHISKIES WITH RELEASE OF FIRST EDITION

Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill has revealed the opening release in a remarkable new collection of rare single malt Scotch whiskies, showcasing some of the final chapters from the lost distillery.

Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One is an exceptional 34-year-old single malt which marks the inaugural expression in a new four-part annual series, offering whisky connoisseurs and collectors the chance to experience the evolving maturation of a single Littlemill cask over time.

To create the collection, the final custodians of Littlemill will draw just 50 bottles of precious spirit each year from a single maturing Oloroso sherry cask for four consecutive years. The remaining spirit will be left to age further, deepening in flavour and complexity, with each subsequent release revealing the developing journey of this cask as the spirit draws even more character from its Oloroso finishing.

The cask selected for Echoes of the Past was distilled in 1990, during Littlemill’s final production years, initially laid down in a refill American oak hogshead for 25 years, before being recasked into a single Oloroso sherry barrel in 2015.

Littlemill’s final guardian, Master Blender Michael Henry selected the optimum moment to bottle the first release, resulting in an exceptional 34-year-old single malt which displays the perfect harmony of Littlemill’s distinctive summertime fruit character with classic sweet floral spice and sherried notes.

This extraordinarily rare echo of the past brings floral notes of rose petals and elderflower with dried apricot, kiwi and peach to the nose, a silk-like mouthfeel of melted brown sugar, honeysuckle and ginger spice with citrus peel on the palate, finishing with long layers of sweet citrus fruits.

Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One is presented in a beautiful solid oak display cabinet which features expertly curved, elegant facets, making it a striking addition to any collection. Inside, a stone interior adorned with a message from Michael Henry is revealed, paying tribute to Littlemill’s legacy as the cornerstone of the whisky industry.

The whisky is encased within an individually numbered Glencairn decanter with intricate engraving depicting the details of the single malt. Each cabinet also houses a 50ml miniature and a certificate of ownership so the very fortunate few recipients of this exceptional single malt can experience a taste of Littlemill’s past.

Founded in 1772 in Bowling, West Dunbartonshire, Littlemill was at the forefront of innovation for its time. It closed in 1994, before being lost to a fire in 2004. Since then, Master Blender, Michael Henry has held guardianship of the last remaining casks. 

Michael Henry, Master Blender at Loch Lomond Group, owner of Littlemill, said: “Each sip of Littlemill presents a remarkable opportunity to experience a taste of the distillery’s history and opens a window to its extraordinary past.  The Echoes of the Past Collection offers a new and unique opportunity for whisky connoisseurs to take a different kind of journey back to the final years of the distillery’s production, allowing them to experience an Oloroso finishing on a Littlemill malt at different ages.

“Though Littlemill distillery is lost to history, this cask carries its legacy forward, evolving with time. To witness its continuing journey of maturation and flavour over four releases is to glimpse a past that still lives on.

“Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One is a 34-year-old single malt which has rewarded us with the discovery of a new flavour dimension that enhances the distillery’s character, resulting in a wonderfully sweet, citrus and softly spicy dram.”

Nick Bradley, Prestige Portfolio Manager at Loch Lomond Group, owner of Littlemill, added:

“Incredibly, Littlemill’s story began back in 1772 as Scotland’s first licensed distillery, but with such finite and limited reserves remaining today, releasing a cask such as Echoes of the Past marks a special moment in the distillery’s history. 

“Each and every Littlemill cask provides a snapshot of history and when considering the creation of this collection, we wanted to offer travellers a special opportunity to experience these moments in time. This exceptional release offers the chance to follow a rare Littlemill cask on the final years of its journey. Like an echo, it changes with every repetition, eventually disappearing altogether.

“Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One showcases the beauty of this single malt, which with the right cask management, as well as patience and time, has allowed this exquisite cask the chance to reach its full potential. It is a testament to Michael Henry, who through his exceptional craftsmanship and unrivalled knowledge and understanding of the nature of the spirit, has honed it into something truly remarkable today.”

Released exclusively for select travel retail locations around the world, Littlemill Echoes of the Past Release Number One was bottled at a cask strength of 48.5% and is natural in colour. Each individually numbered decanter has an RRP of £3,900. For support on where to purchase enquire via www.littlemilldistillery.com.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Floral rose petals, elderflower, dried apricot, kiwi and peach.
• Palate: Silklike mouthfeel, melted brown sugar, honeysuckle, vanilla fudge, lime juice, cinnamon and ginger spice with citrus peel.
• Finish: Long with sweet vanilla, grapefruit and caramelised sugar, dried fruit and citrus.

About Littlemill

The Littlemill distillery was established in 1772 on the site of an old brewery that had been founded during the 14th century in Bowling on the banks of the River Clyde near Glasgow.

It is rumoured that illicit distilling had taken place there since 1750 when the site was bought by George Buchanan, a malt master, and according to the renowned whisky historian and writer Misako Udo in her book ‘The Scotch Whisky Distilleries’, distilling may have taken place there for centuries before.

After one year, on the 2nd of November 1773, local Justice of the Peace records for Dumbarton show that ‘Robert Muir of Littlemiln’, an employee, was granted the first-ever license by the Government of King George III to “…retail ale, beer and other excisable Liquors”, thus making Littlemill Scotland’s first and oldest licensed distillery.

In 1931 Littlemill led whisky still innovation whereby its innovative design could create three styles of spirit under the stewardship of the American Duncan Thomas, including the light fruit-forward triple-distilled character Littlemill is most known for today. It was these stills that inspired the stills that remain in place at Loch Lomond Distillery today.

Littlemill fell into perpetual silence in 1994 and then the distillery was destroyed by fire in 2004. The remaining casks have since been under the care of Loch Lomond Distillery, stored just a short distance from where the original distillery once stood. In 2015 Loch Lomond Group released a limited number of its Littlemill Private Cellar Edition. Since then, a mere handful of bottles have been released annually, which have become sought after by collectors and whisky enthusiasts around the world.

Twitter: @LittlemillMalt

Instagram: @LittlemillMalt

Facebook: @Littlemillwhisky

https://www.littlemilldistillery.com/

Run to You… with whisky: Loch Lomond Whiskies delivers bespoke gift to Bryan Adams

Loch Lomond Whiskies has gifted a bespoke pack of its award-winning single malt whisky to Canadian star Bryan Adams – after the singer-songwriter said back in March that he loves the smell of Scotland’s national drink.

The independent distiller shared three iconic drams and a copita glass with the ‘Run To You’ hitmaker ahead of his headline performance at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow this week (Tuesday 13 May), part of the UK leg of his Roll with the Punches 2025 arena tour.

Each whisky in the pack – Loch Lomond Original, Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Perfectly Balanced, and Loch Lomond 18 Year Old – offer notes of fruit, honey and soft smoke on the nose, scents perfect to savour ahead of performing in front of thousands of fans.

Darroch Ramsay, senior global brand manager at Loch Lomond Whiskies, said:

“As superfans of Bryan Adams, it felt only right to offer him a small gift from Scotland during his time in Glasgow. Nosing our single malt is a fantastic introduction to the craftsmanship and character that has made Loch Lomond Whiskies one of the world’s most acclaimed single malts. Our signature straight-neck stills make us one of the most adept distilleries in Scotland, with our innovation also extending to bespoke whisky nosing boxes – this one developed exclusively for Bryan.”

To find out more about Loch Lomond Whiskies, visit: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

Loch Lomond Whiskies is an award-winning, independent Scotch whisky distiller which has been producing the finest single malt whiskies since 1814.  As a Highland malt, it is part of the largest and most diverse whisky-making region in Scotland.

The original site of the Loch Lomond Distillery was established near Tarbert, towards the northwest end of Loch Lomond. In the 1960s, under the leadership of American entrepreneur and chemist, Duncan Scott (who was instrumental in the ongoing success of Scotland’s oldest licensed distillery, Littlemill), a new site was created in Alexandria, which began a move to a more innovative philosophy and style of whisky-making that is still used today.

Located only a few miles from the famous loch, the distillery has a whisky-making capability like no other, using a combination of traditional swan-neck and its signature straight-neck-stills, which are unique to Loch Lomond Whiskies.

The straight-neck stills give Master Blender Michael Henry greater control over the distillation process, allowing him to carefully manipulate the flavour profile of each whisky, and providing a signature fruit, honey and soft smoke flavour profile.

Loch Lomond Whiskies is one of only four distiller’s in Scotland to have its own onsite cooperage, ensuring that barrel repairs and charring are carried out to an exacting standard, so every cask is perfect for maturing whisky.

The distillery’s multi-award-winning range includes Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond Inchmurrin 12 Year Old; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 21 Year Old and Loch Lomond 30 Year Old, as well as Loch Lomond Single Grain (peated and unpeated) and the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature.

In 2023, it was recognised as the ‘Most Awarded Distillery’ at the globally renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2023, achieving multiple Double Gold and Gold Awards for its collection of malt whisky brands.

Last year, Loch Lomond 18 Year Old was revealed as The Whisky Exchanges’ coveted ‘Whisky of the Year 2024’, achieving superior scores from the judging panel for its full-bodied and fruity character.

Are you going to Whiskey Live in Dublin this weekend?

If so, we will see you there, same stand as last year!

As a heads up for those going, and those that are not, we will have an exclusive bottling for Whiskey Live – Celtic Whiskey Shop & Wines on the Green Exclusive Barántúil Bottling.

So what is this wonderful drop that we have for Whiskey Live Dublin 2025?

It’s a 3 Year Old Single Pot Still that has been full term in a PX Sherry Cask. This single cask expression encourages a marriage of drier Pot Still Spirit spice with the drier European Oak spices. These are wonderfully balanced with the thick sweet notes of the PX Sherry maturation.

As always, cask strength, non chill filtered, no colouring  just banging flavour from the spirit and the cask.

The bottles are exclusive to Whiskey Live and all are purchased through the CWS shop at the show. As we are not policing the shop there is no limit per person, but there are less than 170 available at a generous price for the show of €115.00 (RRP €130).

We look forward to seeing you all at Dublin Whiskey Live and if you can’t go get a friend going to pick up a bottle for you!! 😉

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team