Scotland’s First Whisky Region

For whisky historians, the name Ferintosh carries deep significance. Famed for producing high-quality spirit long before the modern idea of ‘whisky regions’ emerged, the name is making headlines again with the Clachan Distillery announcing plans to restore the Ferintosh whisky name. This has sparked fresh interest in Ferintosh’s historical importance, but what made it so special in the first place? We asked whisky writer Iain Russell to explain.📖  Read the Post 

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY’S 100 BOURBON SETS FOR 100 CHARITIES INITIATIVE RETURNS TO CONTINUE NATIONWIDE CHARITABLE GIVING

The Distillery to donate 100 sets of its finest whiskeys to support fundraising efforts for 100 nonprofit organizations

FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 26, 2025) – Ahead of Bottled-in-Bond Day, Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the return of its annual charitable initiative, 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities. The initiative, which honors the legacy of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr., celebrates and supports non-profit organizations across the United States that are committed to bringing positive changes to their communities. Taylor, who owned Buffalo Trace Distillery from 1869-1878, is often referred to as the founding father of the modern bourbon industry due to his technological innovations, advancements in distilling, and instrumental efforts leading to the 1897 passage of the Bottled-in-Bond Act. 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities pays homage to the 100 proof alcohol measurement, one of the key requirements for a whiskey to be labeled as Bottled-in-Bond.

In its inaugural year, the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative supported organizations from 36 states across the country. In total, the program raised more than $134,000 for a variety of causes dedicated to veteran services, youth education and programming, cancer treatment, animal rescue and adoption, among many others.

“It is incredible to see the work being done by nonprofit organizations around the country and we believe Taylor would be proud to know his legacy continues to bring such a positive change to countless communities,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative celebrates those who, like Taylor, have a passion for improving the world. We are proud to support nonprofit organizations in their efforts to better lives and communities.”

Featured products for the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative include lineups from some of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s most sought-after brands, including E.H. Taylor Jr., Blanton’s, Eagle Rare, Weller and more. The number of bottles in each set may vary. Interested nonprofits can apply here. 

Charities of all kinds are encouraged to apply for 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities. Those interested in applying can do so beginning March 3, 2025, in honor of Bottled-in-Bond Day. All applications must be received within 100 days – by June 11, 2025 – for consideration. Selected charities will be announced the week of July 28, 2025. Bottles sets will be delivered within 30 days following the selection announcement.

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to carefully read over the application. Buffalo Trace Distillery will coordinate the logistics of transporting bottles to selected organizations based on the legal requirements in each state. Once received by the organization, it is the nonprofit’s responsibility for executing a program that complies with each state’s legal specifications. Organizations must use their bottle sets and report back their monies raised by December 31, 2025. 

About the Bottled-in-Bond Act

The Bottled-in-Bond Act was first-of-its kind legislation that saved whiskey in America. Passage of the Act led to increased quality and consumer safety across categories (and the formation of the modern FDA) and paved the way for the focus on quality & innovation that Buffalo Trace Distillery maintains today.

Bottled in Bond required distillers to label aged spirits, mostly American Whiskey, as “bottled-in-bond,” meaning the product meets the following criteria:

• The spirit must be produced in a single distillation season by a single distillery.
• The spirit must mature in a U.S. bonded warehouse for a minimum of four years.
• The aged spirit must be bottled at 50% ABV (or, 100 proof).

For any questions regarding the 100 Bourbon Sets for 100 Charities initiative, please email charity@buffalotrace.com. For more information on Buffalo Trace Distillery and its ongoing charitable efforts, please visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Stay up to date with news from Buffalo Trace Distillery by following along on Instagram and Facebook.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

THE MACALLAN ARCHIVAL SERIES, FOLIO 8

We are delighted to introduce the latest release of The Macallan Archival Series, Folio 8.

Each release revisits a legendary advertisement from the 1980s and 1990s, breathing new life into much-loved campaigns. These adverts introduced The Macallan to a wider audience for the first time and now have a moment to captivate once more.

Folio 8, celebrates the billboard advert ‘The Colossus of Nose’, a witty and clever play on words that nods to the classical reference ‘The Colossus of Rhodes’. It playfully alludes to the magnificent aroma emitted by the King of Malts, otherwise known as The Macallan.

DISCOVER THE WHISKY

TASTING NOTES
EXPLORE COLOUR, NOSE, PALATE & FINISH

COLOUR
Vintage Terracotta.

AROMA
Golden Sultanas and Ripe Dates, Sweet Berry Compote, Toffee Brittle, Lemon Peel, Cinnamon and hints of Anise.

PALATE
Sweet Raisin and Sultanas, Ginger, Lemon and Orange Zest, Toffee and Sweet Oak.

FINISH
Long, Rich with Sweet Oak Spices.

ABV
43%

THE MACALLAN ARCHIVAL SERIES

The Macallan Archival Series celebrates the rich heritage of The Macallan – and its most unforgettable advertising campaigns from decades past.

These adverts combine stories, anecdotes, drawings and photographs to showcase how The Macallan grew from a remote farmstead on the River Spey to become a world-renowned single malt whisky recognised for its incomparable craftsmanship and creativity.

Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old “Origin Series – Wheated” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$44.99

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Bardstown’s High Wheat Bourbon is the first 39% wheated mashbill available on the market. This expression explodes with richness and flavor thanks to 39% wheat in the mashbil and at 106 proof in the bottle.vEstate-distilled, aged and bottle on-site; enjoy the unmatched character and elegance of High Wheat. CORN 53% WHEAT 39% MALTED BARLEY 8%. Tasting notes from the distillery, “Ripe apricot and lemon rest on leather and crème brûlée. A bold palate of oak and pastry leads to a lightly spiced, full-bodied finish.”

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

Strathearn

Discover the rich, creamy depths of Strathearn Highland Single Malt—crafted with Maris Otter Malt and expertly matured in hand-selected casks to achieve a refined, full-bodied character.

Nose

Rich malted barley with gentle oak notes.

Palate

Syrupy and mouth-coating, bringing honey, buttercream, baking spice, and dried apricots.

Finish

Long and warming, with hints of home baking and buttery oak biscuits.

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We’ve been singing the praises of the Tasting Panel and their expert noses this month – but we’re not the only experts on a mission to explore flavour in creative new ways. Husband-and-wife team and Society members Grant and Georgia Fraser of Cortino barrel-aged coffee have been creating a range of coffees with beans that have matured in Scotch whisky casks.

Fellow Society members, Adam and Isabelle specialise in loose leaf teas that they source from around the world. Both are dedicated to the possibilities of what experiences flavour can bring. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up tea and coffee-inspired bottlings to pair with your next brew.

READ THE STORY

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

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Town Branch Distillery Unveils New Whiskey Blending Strategy

Enhanced Blending Process Implemented for Distillery’s Flagship Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Alongside Allocated Straight Rye and Single Malt Whiskey Releases

LEXINGTON, Ky, February 2025— Town Branch Distillery, the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®—is proud to announce significant improvements in its blending process for several key whiskeys. The distillery has overhauled barrel selection methods, proofing techniques, and, most notably, increased the average age of the whiskeys within its updated blending strategy.

Town Branch®️ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 90 Proof

Under the leadership of Mark Lyons, a seventh-generation member of the Lyons family with deep roots in brewing, distilling, and cooperage, Town Branch has been refining its long-term vision. A major shift recently occurred with the re-envisioning of the flagship spirit: Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof.

In late 2024, Town Branch tasted several new potential blends for its flagship bourbon. The result: a unanimous decision to adjust to a new blend that is aged 2 years longer on average, thanks to an increase in its available mature inventory. This adjustment not only enhanced the whiskey’s age but also expanded the variety of barrels used. The distillery currently has four mature bourbon mash bills available for blending, two of which are its primary for blending, both with the same grain build but different distillation methods: double pot-still (creating deep flavors of stone fruit, orchard fruit and biscuit) and column-still (producing honey, cinnamon, and nut flavors). Along with these components, a longer proofing process was implemented to allow the whiskey to decant properly, developing additional flavor. The goal is to craft a blend driven by knowledge and experience, not necessity.

“We want to amplify and enhance the distinctive flavors and tasting notes of our blended Bourbon,” says Dave Bob Gaspar, National Brand Manager and Lead Blender. “Between 6-7 years of age, Town Branch Bourbons are at their peak, which gives us a more robust base for our blends.” The core blending range is between 5 and 8 years, and per current U.S. label laws, there is nothing under 4 years old in this NAS (No Age Statement) whiskey with all the barrels being selected for blending older than this.

The Art of Allocation to Improve The Art of Blending

Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof is not the only brand to benefit from the recent blending upgrades. Two other original core offerings—Town Branch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 100 Proof and Town Branch 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey – 87 Proof—were intentionally slowed in 2024 with a soft allocation process to the market. Starting in 2025, these whiskeys will follow a blend-to-order annual allocation model.

These updated blending strategies focus on increasing the average age of the whiskey and delivering exceptional value to consumers. “We produce only what our network demands each year, and by knowing their needs in advance, we can craft a blend for these types of products that represents the best whiskey possible at that time—rather than a standardized product year after year,” says Robert Krass, Managing Director at Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.

Town Branch Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey is designed to balance the liveliness of younger rye with the depth of older, more mature rye. Town Branch 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey explores the potential of American Single Malt Whiskey, offering consumers the assurance of an age statement comparable to globally recognized Single Malts.

Both allocated whiskeys will be available for release later in the year, following the new blend of Town Branch Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof, which is now available on shelves nationwide.

Brand Highlights:

Town Branch®️ Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 90 Proof (SRP $39.99/750ml)

• Crafted for those who appreciate diverse whiskey styles from around the world, this bourbon elegantly balances the flavors imparted by each barrel by an enhanced focus on blending, resulting in its signature 90 proof, non-chill filtered bottling. Recognized for exceptional quality, Town Branch has received numerous accolades and has been featured in Liquor.com’s list of the 12 Best Kentucky Bourbons to Drink.
• Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Mash Bill: 72% Corn / 15% Rye / 13% Malted Barley
• Age: Blended; 5-years to 8-years age range
• ABV: 45% / 90 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Nationwide Availability

Town Branch®️ Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 100 Proof (SRP $49.99/750ml)

• This 100-proof small batch rye whiskey offers youthful spicy aromas and flavors balanced by rich and mature notes of vanilla, oak and tropical fruits. Previously recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Rye Whiskeys, it continues to stand out for its exceptional character.
• Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye
• Mash Bill: 90% Rye / 5% Corn / 5% Malted Barley
• Age: Blended; 4-years to 9-years age range
• ABV: 50% / 100 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Annual Release in August; est. 1,000 cases annual

Town Branch®️ 7yr Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey – 87 Proof (SRP $49.99/750ml)

• Made from 100% malted barley and aged for a minimum of 7 years in Town Branch’s own used Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale barrels, Town Branch boasts the oldest Kentucky Single Malt stocks in the world. Bottled at 87 proof and non-chill filtered, it offers an exceptionally balanced profile that has garnered high praise receiving several medals and accolades including a Gold Medal and 93 points from the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI).
• Classification: American Single Malt / Kentucky Single Malt
• Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
• Age: Single Malt; 7-years to 10-years age range
• ABV: 43.5% / 87 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Annual Release in October; est. 1,000 cases annual

About the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.:
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington Brewing Co. was originally established in 1890 and revitalized in 1999 by the late Pearse Lyons and his son Mark Lyons, evolving into Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. with the addition of Town Branch Distillery. Pearse Lyons was a pioneering Irish entrepreneur and scientist with a master’s degree in brewing and a Ph.D. in yeast fermentation. He also founded Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition. Today, both Alltech and Lexington Brewing & Distilling are led by his son, Mark Lyons, who represents the seventh generation of the Lyons family in the brewing, distilling, and cooperage industry. Lexington Brewing & Distilling is renowned for its Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch Distillery, which is a proud member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Committed to sustainability, every emptied barrel is upcycled from the distillery to the brewery to create exceptional beer and spirits. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

About Town Branch Distillery:
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, Town Branch Distillery is notable as the first new distillery to open in the city since Prohibition. It is part of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️. The distillery produces several acclaimed spirits, including Town Branch Bourbon, Town Branch True Cask Bourbon, Town Branch Overproof Whiskey, Town Branch Rye, Town Branch Malt, and Bluegrass Sundown, a Bourbon-infused coffee liqueur. Town Branch upcycles every used barrel to craft a variety of whiskeys and barrel-aged beers, such as Lexington’s flagship Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale. This process ensures each barrel’s legacy continues within our diverse product line. For more details, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Kentucky®️ Barrel-Aged Beers:
Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co., the only brewery and distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️, specializes in the art of barrel-aging beer. As one of the largest barrel-aged beer brands globally, Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co. leverages its access to freshly decanted Kentucky Bourbon barrels to craft a unique style of beer. Offerings include the renowned Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale®, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Imperial Milk Stout, Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Kentucky Pumpkin Barrel Ale, and a selection of Kentucky® Barrel-Aged Seasonal and Specialty releases. Upcycling its own bourbon barrels enhances the quality of its barrel-aged beers with a distinct character that sets them apart from other breweries in America. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbrewingco.com, or join the conversation Facebook or Instagram.

About Alltech:
Founded in 1980 by Irish entrepreneur and scientist Dr. Pearse Lyons and now led by his son Dr. Mark Lyons, Alltech is a global leader in agriculture, committed to providing smarter and more sustainable solutions. With over 40 years of scientific research backing its work, Alltech offers a diverse range of products and services designed to enhance the health and performance of plants and animals. This, in turn, leads to improved nutrition, reduced environmental impact, and advanced innovation in the field. Alltech’s portfolio includes specialty ingredients, premix supplements, feed, and biologicals, all underpinned by a strong scientific foundation and a commitment to adaptability. As a private, family-owned company, Alltech emphasizes quick responses to customer needs and fosters a unique, entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered near Lexington, Kentucky, Alltech operates in over 120 countries with five bioscience centers and more than 80 manufacturing facilities worldwide. Their mission, encapsulated in their purpose of “Working Together for a Planet of Plenty™,” focuses on providing nutrition for all, revitalizing local economies, and replenishing the planet’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.alltech.com, or join the conversation on Facebook and LinkedIn.

The Lassies Only Whisky Festival

If there is a group that continues to be underappreciated for their love and interest in whisky, it is women. The simple enjoyment of whisky can still sometimes come off as a 40+ year old man’s exclusive playground. And I am not just saying that because I belong to the demographic. Maybe it is due to tone-deaf marketing. Perhaps it is the confusion and worry that staring at a monumental wall of whisky bottles can foster. Possibly, it is the often impenetrable wall of faux-intellectual gibberish about bottles and dates and styles that any group of anoraks gets into.

We sometimes forget that whisky should be fun and inclusive for everyone who is curious about it. As long as they of legal drinking age, of course.

If you are female with have any interest in tasting whisky or learning more about it, then KWM’s 5th Lassies Only Whisky Festival is for you. Whether you are a seasoned expert or somebody new to sipping whisky on its own — our goal is to make this festival for you.

At this festival, it is Lassies Only for attendees. The people pouring and talking about the whisky behind the tables are also female when possible — this is about showcasing the women that work in the whisky world as much as we can. Myself and the other male staff at KWM will take a back seat and stick to refilling water stations and emptying spit buckets for the most part.

Gender exclusivity is not something we are keen on pushing. Providing a safe and fun space for the enjoyment of whisky around International Women’s Day is a tradition we are proud of, though. We hope to continue with this festival for a long time.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Brenda Strafford Foundation’s Heart Home Network of Calgary, which provides support and services for victims of domestic and family violence.

If you are female, or know women that would be interested in doing something a little different to celebrate International Women’s Day, tickets can be found here:

The 5th Annual Lassie’s Only Whisky Festival at Kensington Wine Market

Friday, March 7th from 7 PM to 9 PM

Tickets are $50 with the proceeds being donated to The Brenda Strafford Foundation’s Heart Home Network of Calgary.

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Regular Store Hours

Mon-Wed 10 AM – 8 PM

Thurs & Fri 10 AM – 9 PM

Sat 10 AM – 8 PM

Sun 11 AM to 6 PM

Our exclusive release.
Last few bottles remaining.

AWS team had the enormous pleasure of meeting with Morrison Distillers at their new Aberargie Distillery; during that visit, we came across a parcel of Bowmore single malt, which was distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2019 after maturing for 22 years in a single hogshead. After trying this incredible malt with light smoke and tropical fruit notes, we jumped at the chance to buy the remaining stock and relabel it for our store.

Bowmore 22 Years Old 1996 

Cask 901271

NOW £195.00

WAS £220.00

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Bowmore is proudly the oldest distillery on the Isle of Islay. Officially established in 1779 by John P. Simson, though local archivists suggest distilling began in Bowmore almost ten years earlier.

John passed the ownership to William and James Mutter in 1837 before his passing. The Mutter family transformed the distillery’s small artisan operation to a thriving commercial distillery. Many production techniques they produced are still used today.

In 1887 the distillery ownership was sold to John Bell Sherriff of Campbeltown. It became Bowmore Distillery Company. Unfortunately, in an unexpected turn of events, it entered admission just 3 years later. Due to hard economic times Bowmore distillery served as a soup kitchen for the next 30 years under the eclectic group of four investors.

The Sherriff family re-purchased the distillery in 1925, and ran a successful business for 15 years before production was halted in 1940 due to the war. For the next 3 years the distillery was used for three squadrons operation.

Tenmile Distillery Little Rest American Single Malt Whisky

(750ml)

$85.00

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The Tenmile distillery was founded on one simple principle – if the best people take the best ingredients and use the finest time-tested techniques, you’ll make one of the world’s finest products. Founded in Wassaic, New York on the edge of the Hudson Valley, the gorgeous distillery built in within the walls of an old dairy farm is result of countless hard lessons in doing things the right way. Founder John Dyson was a prominent New Yorker before purchasing and revitalizing the famous Sonoma Pinot Noir producer William Selyem, but his love for the Hudson Valley runs deep. After graduating Cornell Agriculture school, it took a lifetime of hard work to bring John back to this place to create a new standard for American single malt as he had done with American wine. Though Tenmile River meanders east toward the Housatonic, but we’re lucky to have their Little Rest Single Malt out west finally. K&L is the first store to stock this exceptional and highly sought-after single malt in California. Their flagship offering, distilled by renowned master Shane Fraser on Tenmile’s perfect pair of Forsyths pot stills, is a marriage of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry and red wine barrels. Expect a creamy malty mocha character supported by baked apples, dark chocolate, and juicy caramel sauce. Easily one of the top American Single Malts available today.

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