Glen Scotia 9YO Campbeltown Malts Festival, 54.3%

https://youtu.be/UtBseOlcHPc

Welcome, one and all, to one of the most anticipated parts of the year! Glen Scotia and their Campbeltown Malts Festival release. A heavily peated, cask strength, nine-year-old single malt. Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished for no more than 6 months in Ribera del Duero Spanish red wine casks. What a combination!

The last few years of Glen Scotia Festival release bottles have been good, but didn’t wow me. It’s an unfair thing to say in all honesty. It’s a hard task to like all of them when they’re designed to be so different from the start. This one happily hits all of the sweet spots I want from a limited release, a fairly affordable bottle from Glen Scotia.

The nose is weighted with smoke, sea salt, and ash. However, and this isn’t something I’ve been able to do with a lot of cask strength whiskies, you can take a huge whiff of the liquid, a really deep pull on this thing and it is decadent with cherry, raspberry, strawberry and melted dark chocolate.

It is a truly wonderful thing from the folks at Glen Scotia and something that has honestly rekindled my love for this distillery. It never waned, but it can get lost in the massive world of whisky and everything that it can offer to us.

This is a must buy for all of us in 2025. It is a peated delight that drops you into a world of smoke, salt, rich red fruits, and bountiful amounts of dark chocolate.

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Kentucky Company Combines Bourbon and Technology to Create Hogshead, an Online Barrel Marketplace

Site Brings Buyers and Sellers of Aged Bourbon Barrel Inventory Together

LOUISVILLE, KY – There’s a saying that bourbon brings people together. In Louisville, Kentucky, the heart of bourbon country, the bourbon and technology industries have come together to form Hogshead, the first-of-its-kind online marketplace for barrel-aged spirits.

Named after the old English reference to a large cask that holds liquid, Hogshead Company was formed in 2023 by a bourbon industry insider and a team of tech entrepreneurs based in Louisville with the goal of bringing barrel-aged buyers and sellers together in one seamless platform.  On the site, licensed buyers can browse an inventory of aged bourbon worth more than $310 million, held inside more than 135,000 aging barrels for sale by various proprietors.  Sellers who have an excess of aging bourbon barrel inventory can reach a broad audience of potential buyers, and distilleries can utilize the site to streamline and automate their contract distilling business.

“Hogshead is a one-stop-shop for the online buying and selling of bulk whiskey,” said Chris Wiedmar, co-founder, Hogshead.  “We’ve taken the technical knowledge that all of our team has in software development, IT strategy, applications, data mining and online marketplaces, and brought it together in this site.  We’re a tech company focused on whiskey, and we’ve brought the management of aged barrel inventory up to the 21st century.”  Wiedmar has spent his career in various tech and start up companies, including a founder of a barrel sensor technology company and creating software for a large global distilled spirits company based in Louisville.

Another Co-Founder, Beau Beckman, brings over a decade of experience in managing and developing barrel sales and web-based platforms for one of the world’s largest spirits companies. “In my previous career, I built a marketplace of sorts for single barrel buyers because I recognized the growing need for purchasing barrels online. Now, with Hogshead, we’re doing the same for bulk barrel buyers—making it easy for both buyers and sellers to connect, while also simplifying execution and management for distilleries and bonded storage facilities,” said Beckman.  “When the bourbon industry declined in the 1980s, it coincided with the rise of software and tech. But when the industry bounced back, it lacked the standardization and documentation to keep up. That’s why the first thing we built at Hogshead was a barrel commerce engine—to streamline transactions and create a centralized tool that aggregates, facilitates, tracks, and manages everything from bulk sales to storage contracts, removing complexity from the process. By simplifying how brands source barrels for bottling and adding pricing transparency, buyers can make more informed decisions, finding the best barrels at the right quantities and prices. Ultimately, this delivers more value to the customers enjoying the whiskey—because without them, none of this works.”

All sellers are vetted before they can begin listing their product on Hogshead, and all inventory is checked by the Hogshead team to ensure everything is legitimate.  Buyers must have a federal tax identification number to purchase.  “There are no ‘scams’ on the inventory we list, everything you see on the site is authentic,” adds Beckman.

Buyers may see barrels listed for sale in ages ranging from 16 years old to recently made bourbon, also called “new fill.” The barrels listed are from some of the most recognized distilleries in the world, many with hundreds of years of distilling expertise behind them.  All of the barrels have a minimum order quantity, or MOQ, some as low as one barrel.

Since the barrels are physically located in different storage facilities, depending on the seller’s warehousing location, Hogshead can also assist in the logistics of moving barrels to the buyers.  Financing is also available for qualified buyers.  More updates and opportunities will be added to Hogshead.com as they develop.

About Hogshead

Hogshead is a barrel business company founded in 2023 by five Louisville, Kentucky residents with backgrounds in technology, starts ups and bourbon.  Named one of the 2025 KY Inno Startups to Watch, Hogshead is a first-of-its-kind online marketplace for bulk spirits, bringing together buyers and sellers of barrel-aged spirits.  Hogshead offers solutions for all sides of the spirits industry, sellers, brands, investors and distillers.  For more information on Hogshead visit www.hogshead.com

Highly Anticipated Arrival
2006 Glenlivet 17 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” 1st Fill Single Sherry Butt #900810 Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

(700ml) ($149.99)

“This is world-class whisky that truly deserves a higher price point—but here we are. We bought every available bottle in the country.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Just landed! This exceptional barrel from a renowned Speyside distillery takes us back to a time when high-proof, sherry-matured single malt was available at accessible prices. Filled in 2006 into a first-fill Oloroso sherry butt, this whisky spent 17 years aging before being bottled at cask strength—unchillfiltered and without added color.

K&L has had the privilege of bottling several standout Glenlivet casks from this era, and this release proudly continues that tradition. Available exclusively through K&L in California, this rare whisky typically commands prices at least $50 higher elsewhere in the global market. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an exceptionally aged Glenlivet at an unbeatable value.

2006 Glenlivet 17 Year Old “Signatory Unchillfiltered Collection” 1st Fill Single Sherry Butt #900810 Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) ($149.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2025

There was a time when we could sell 16-year-old Sherried Glenlivet from Signatory for $80. Then, for many years, a similarly aged bottle would easily cost over $200, and even 12-year-old stocks ran $140. Now, we’re back to a world where Signatory dominates both price and quality, offering high-caliber whisky at well below market rates. This exceptional Glenlivet, presented in the iconic Signatory decanter, is part of a notable run of 2006/2007 barrels that Signatory appears to have held onto for quite some time. We’re extremely lucky to have acquired a substantial stock of this remarkable cask. While some Glenlivets from this batch are ultra-clean and refreshing, others present a deeply complex, old-school character—this one definitely falls into the latter category.

The color is a rich burnt umber (1.7). On the nose, it’s dense and layered with notes of dried tobacco, dried plums, fruitcake, dark jam, and a roasty rancio undertone. The palate is unctuous and bold, brimming with jammy flavors and sweet caramel candies, accented by hints of old wood, tobacco, and mineral oils for a bit of sass. This is world-class whisky that truly deserves a higher price point—but here we are. We bought every available bottle in the country.

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

SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEY

Ireland is in the midst of a golden era for whiskey, and while you’ll find single malts, blends, ryes and more in all corners of the Emerald Isle, there’s one style that’s come to exemplify Irish whiskey above all others: single pot still.

Like single malt, single pot still whiskey refers to whiskey made at one distillery in a pot still. But unlike single malt, single pot still whiskey is made with a mixture of malted and unmalted barley (and often with other grains, too), resulting in a creamy texture and a fruity and spicy flavour profile.

                                                                                                                                                                   DISCOVER                SHOP NOW

There’s no style that captures the history, spirit and flavours of Irish distilling quite like single pot still. Those are just the basics, but the story of its rise, fall and modern renaissance is a must for those looking to expand their whisky knowledge.

EQUINOX & SOLSTICE SPRING 2025 LONGMORN – 11 YEAR OLD

Kicking off our 2025 Equinox & Solstice series, this 11-year-old Longmorn is a blend of two 2013 first-fill barrels. One of which was naturally pretty low and wonderfully syrupy and concentrated as a result. Bottled at 48.5%, this whisky is fruity, luscious, and full of vibrant, natural sweetness.

To top it off, this release features artwork by this years new Equinox & Solstice artist, Kirsty Lorenz. She specialises in artworks that explore and celebrate Scottish flowers and flora – a very fitting theme for our Equinox & Solstice series. We’re delighted with what Kirsty has come up with, and we’re really pleased with how this luscious Longmorn has turned out.

SHOP NOW

One of only 176 bottles – charged from a Refill Hogshead – REF – DL15825. This 2000 Dumbarton is a single cask bottling for Douglas Laing’s Old Particular range of whisky. Distilled at Dumbarton Distillery, bottled by Douglas Laing.

Distilled November 2000
Bottled May 2022.
Cask No DL15825.

£98.00

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

The Good Dram Show – Episode 586 ‘Bruichladdich Octomore’ – Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which peat is definitely the theme as I’ll be looking at the Octomore 14’s and 15’s.

https://youtu.be/aOIJzbqayqs

The Beast Whisky Weekend

and

Gordon MacPhail Closed Distilleries Dinner

at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

April 25-27, 2025

I (Andrew) have been working with Gordon & MacPhail, Authentic Wine & Spirits, the Maligne Range, and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge to organize an epic weekend of whisky in one of the most beautiful places in the world. This is not a Kensington Wine Market event, but you can be sure I will be attending!

Richard Urquhart from Gordon & MacPhail will be on hand to host three tastings at the Jasper Park Lodge, including a 6 course Closed Distilleries Dinner on the Friday night, as well as Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail range tastings on the Saturday.

Saturday night, the action moves to the Maligne Range Distillery and Restaurant in the Jasper town site for the “Beauty & the Beast Experience”, a tour, tasting, and meal. There will be live music and a charity auction supporting both the Fort McMurray and Jasper wildfire recovery efforts.

The price for this incredible once in a lifetime experience starts at $3000 based on double occupancy, $3767 if you are travelling on your own. The price will vary depending on the room you select.

What’s included?

• Two nights’ accommodation at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Welcome Gift ($400 value)
• Friday Night Gala Gordon & MacPhail Closed Distilleries 6 Course Whisky Dinner
• Saturday Breakfast
• Two Saturday Whisky Tastings Featuring 6 Whiskies Each
• Luxury Coach Transport to “Beauty & The Beast Experience”*
• Sunday Champagne Brunch
• Surcharges & Resort Fee

*Jasper Park Lodge can assist you with booking into the “Beauty & the Beast Experience” at Maligne Range, but to comply with liquor regulations, the cost can’t be included in the package price. Details and pricing on this are below.

We are also looking at arranging transportation options from Edmonton International Airport, for those who need it.

You will find the event program and more details below. We are still working on the final pour lists for the two Saturday tastings.

This is an awesome package, please don’t hesitate to email me if you have any questions.

Registrations are through the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Click on this link to go to the registrations page.

A concierge can help you with your booking and any questions.

The Gordon & MacPhail Closed Distilleries Dinner with Richard Urquhart

Friday April 25

When was the last time you tried a Port Ellen, let alone a 42 year old Port Ellen? Have you ever tried whiskies from Convalmore, Glenlochy, or North Port? Here’s your chance! Kick off the weekend with an unforgettable six-course gala dinner designed to elevate your dining experience, paired with premium whiskies. Each course is thoughtfully paired with the finest selections, allowing you to explore and compare multiple flavour profiles. The Closed Distilleries Dinner will feature the six whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail’s Recollection Series 3; collectively 232 years of whisky with a combined retail price of close to $45,000.00. The range:

1. Rosebank 1991 32 Year
2. Imperial 1990 33 Year
3. Convalmore 1984 39 Year
4. North Port (Brechin) 1981 42 Year
5. Glenlochy 1979 44 Year
6. Port Ellen 1981 42 Year

Benromach Distillery Master Class with Richard Urquhart

11 AM Saturday April 26

For those not taking to the slopes, we will kick off the day with a Benromach vertical tasting at 11 AM. Richard Urquhart will guide you through a range of six Benromach single malts, including a couple of single casks, and a Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Benromach 1982.

Gordon & MacPhail Après Ski Master Class with Richard Urquhart – 3 PM 

Whether you carved any turns or not, you’ll be invited to join us for an Après Ski Gordon & MacPhail Master Class with Richard Urquhart. The range will include whiskies from Gordon & MacPhail’s Distillery Label and Connoisseurs Choice ranges, all of them 20-30+ years of age.

The “Beauty & the Beast” Charity Auction & Dining Experience at Maligne Distillery

Experience an enchanting evening at the heart of Jasper’s rugged beauty while indulging in the rarest whisky Canada has to offer: The Beast. This exclusive whisky and culinary event pairs Jasper’s breathtaking wilderness (Beauty) with a once-in-a-lifetime tasting of The Beast, one of Canada’s most coveted whiskies.

“The evening culminates in an Auction of Four Remaining Bottles of The Beast, with proceeds benefiting the Pursuit for Jasper Fund, and Fort McMurray Firefighters supporting community development and environmental sustainability initiatives in Jasper.”

The price for the evening is $70 plus taxes and gratuity, including an appetizer, main course, dessert, and flight of four Maligne Range whiskies. Transportation to and from the event will be provided by Jasper Park Lodge. JPL can also assist you in your booking for the event.

Andrew Ferguson

Our first outrun of 2025 is here!

Our Q1 outrun kicks off the year with an exciting array of whiskies. We have something for the purists with a Benrinnes matured in a first fill ex Bourbon barrel. We also have a very limited Caol Ila that has been softened by unusually high evaporation. Rounding out our current releases there is a Craigellachie with a heavy oloroso influence and a Teaninch from a Maderia quarter cask bursting with flavours of fruit and spice.

The popular St Bridget’s Kirk Solera series continues with batch 4, our most cask influenced batch so far!

Craigellachie 2013, 12 years old
Benrinnes 2013, 11 year old
Caol ila 2013, 11 year old
Teaninich, 2014, 10 years old
St Bridget’s Kirk – Solera Batch #4

Please note that in order to better support our retail partners this outrun and future outruns is not being sold through our website. Links to stockists can be found via the tab on our homepage.

All releases were bottled at our site in Dalgety Bay by hand.

UNDAUNTED SPIRIT

Created in 1968 by whisky visionary, Mr. George Urquhart, the Connoisseurs Choice range has featured more than 2,000 bottlings from almost 100 Scottish distilleries.

George Urquhart is widely acknowledged to be one of the industry’s true pioneers. In 1968, when the vast majority of spirit went to make blended whisky, George created the Connoisseurs Choice to provide little-known distilleries a platform to have their whisky enjoyed in its simpliest form, as a single malt.

A master of maturation, Mr George was instrumental to the growth and international success of Scottish whisky, particularly single malts.

The Unique story of each Connoisseurs Choice whisky is told through its label: cask type, bottling date, strength, vintage and tasting note.