Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Bourbon & Beyond Unite for Largest Bourbon Toast

FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Sunday, September 14, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is raising a glass once again with its signature World Bourbon Toast. Hosted by KDA’s iconic Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the second annual event is bigger, bolder, and poised to break records.

Following a history-making global debut in 2024, with toasts in every time zone, the KDA is amplifying the experience in 2025, thanks to a new partnership with Danny Wimmer Presents. This year’s World Bourbon Toast will stream live from Bourbon & Beyond Festival, voted Pollstar’s Global Music Festival of the Year. Together, they’ll unite Bourbon lovers and music fans with the world’s largest Bourbon toast, live from the festival’s main stage.

On September 14th, fans can join the celebration by tuning in to the official livestream via Kentucky Bourbon Trail’s Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube channels. In addition to featuring the world’s largest Bourbon toast, the World Bourbon Toast livestream will include artist and celebrity toasts and exclusive interviews with Bourbon notables throughout the day.

KDA also invites fans to “Toast & Post” throughout the day, by raising a glass, snapping a photo or video, and sharing their toast on social media using #WorldBourbonToast and tagging the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Selected posts will be featured on Kentucky Bourbon Trail channels, putting Bourbon fans from around the globe in the spotlight.

KDA Vice President of Operations Colleen Thomas said that the World Bourbon Toast started as a bold idea to unite people everywhere in a shared moment of connection, and the response last year was overwhelming.

“Last year’s Toast proved that Bourbon brings people together across continents and cultures. From Kentucky to Fiji, Edinburgh to Toronto, glasses were raised in unison. It’s a simple act with a big impact, and this year’s event promises to be even more expansive, more spirited, and downright legendary.”

“Bourbon is at the heart of Kentucky’s culture, and Bourbon & Beyond is where we share that spirit with the world,” said Chamie McCurry, General Manager/CMO, Danny Wimmer Presents. “Partnering with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to host the World Bourbon Toast is a true celebration of music, flavor, and community. We can’t wait to raise a glass alongside fans from across the globe on September 14.”

Returning for a second year, Lewis, a Nashville-based creative agency, is once again partnering with the KDA to bring the event to life and amplify its reach worldwide.

Katie Peninger, VP of Account Service & Business Growth at Lewis, said last year, people from every time zone joined in, with participants spanning 32 countries and six continents and featuring 30 special guests.

“The World Bourbon Toast is more than an event — it’s a moment of connection that transcends borders. This year, we’re building on that momentum to create an even bigger, more engaging experience that once again invites the world to raise a glass with Kentucky.”

Learn more about how you can get plugged into this year’s World Bourbon Toast on September 14th, at worldbourbontoast.com.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association is a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association that passionately unites, promotes, protects and elevates the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. 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.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™, KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME®, ORDER OF THE WRIT®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TALES®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL WELCOME CENTER®, URBAN BOURBON TRAIL® and THE PROOF IS HERE® are trademarks/service marks of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

Caisteal Chamuis Blended Malt 12 Year Old

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

The brothers of the Night’s Watch take an oath and pledge their lives to protect the Seven Kingdoms and guard them from the terrors that lie beyond the ancient barrier of ice, The Wall, from their base at Castle Black. There lies a frozen wasteland which, legend has it, is inhabited by giants, wildlings and the Night King and his army of White Walkers who bring with them the long night. Just like Castle Black, Oban Distillery sits at the foot of a steep cliff that overlooks the bay, the frontier between the West Highlands and the Islands of Scotland. The richness of the whisky is balanced with a woody, spicy dryness that would keep even the Night’s Watch warm in winter.

On the nose this Oban has aromas of hay and tangy savoury aromas, but calms into cocoa and Morello cherries. On the palate there are instant flavours of dark berry pie and liquorice. Toasted oak joins the fray, and citrus and cloves add a lighter touch. The finish brings back those cherries and dark fruits, alongside a hint of savoury.

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2010 Caol Ila 14 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogsheads Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $99.99 View

2009 Mortlach 16 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $109.99 View

2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $225.00 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

Benromach Distillery Exclusive, 60.6%

THE VIDEO

After what was easily the most wonderful distillery trip that I’ve ever had in Scotland, here we have part of the wonderful haul of products that I brought back with me. A distillery exclusive bottlings that is ten days from being a fifteen-year-old, cask strength, first fill sherry monster that delivers all of the profile of the distillery with huge complexity and sweet, chewy sherry influence. Four of us were at this tasting room and a unanimous ‘woah’ passed through all of us upon the first sip. It is what I think of when I imagine Benromach – gently smoky, huge cask influences from first-fill barrels, a slightly funky profile and a massive finish that keeps on going.

Town Branch®️ Just Doubled Down!

The 7th Member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®️ Just Released This Dynamic Duo of

Allocated Annual Release Whiskeys, Blended-to-Order

LEXINGTON, Ky— Town Branch Distillery, the 7^th member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and the heart of Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co.—just doubled down by releasing not just one of its anticipated allocated annual release whiskeys, but two custom, blended-to-order whiskeys.

Discover The Rye and Explore The Malt

They say two heads are better than one, good things come in pairs, and that sometimes it takes two to tango—and Town Branch is proving just that with this year’s release of Town Branch® Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and Town Branch® 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey. With the invitation to Discover the Rye and Explore the Malt, these expressions showcase the distillery’s move to a blend-to-order philosophy, resulting in more distinctive, limited releases designed to heighten the consumer experience.

Town Branch® Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey has long been a sleeping giant for the distillery, earning multiple prestigious awards over the years—including recognition from Forbes as one of the Best Rye Whiskeys—before being allocated in 2022 to preserve valuable blending stocks. Alongside it, Town Branch® 7-Year Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey stands as a true steward of the emerging American Single Malt category. Distilled since 2008 on Town Branch’s double pot stills—originally fitted into the brewery while the distillery was still under construction to gain a head start on aging—it proudly showcases its Kentucky pedigree, 7-year age statement, and proprietary upcycled cooperage, offering whiskey drinkers a respected gateway into a category on the rise.

Building on past production innovations—including refined blending processes, broader age ranges, and enhanced quality control measures—Town Branch continues to elevate its portfolio with whiskeys that balance tradition and innovation. “Don’t just make something, make something great,” says Robert Krass, Managing Director at Town Branch Distillery. “The team is under strict instruction not to stop until they love it—for example, our straight rye whiskey alone took over 15 micro-blends before we got it right, but we got it.”

At a suggested retail price under $50, these two expressions give whiskey enthusiasts the chance to explore distinctive categories without the premium price tag often tied to special releases. In a market where comparable whiskeys command much higher costs, Town Branch is intentionally passing value directly to the consumer, making discovery more accessible while maintaining its dedication to craftsmanship.

For whiskey drinkers and bartenders alike, the message is clear: whether enjoyed neat, mixed into a cocktail, or as part of a deeper exploration into emerging whiskey categories, now is the time to branch out.

Brand Highlights:

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

• This 100-proof small batch straight rye whiskey focuses on tempering youthful, charismatic barrels with rich and mature barrels for balance, creating a harmony of flavors for each individual annual blend and release. Previously recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Rye Whiskeys, it continues to stand out for its exceptional character.
• Classification: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Mash Bill: 90% Rye / 5% Corn / 5% Malted Barley
• Cooperage: New American White Oak, #4 Char Level
• Age: Blended; 4-years to 9-years age range; oldest barrel 3278/16H07 (9-years+)
• ABV: 50% / 100 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Annual Release in August; est. 475 cases for 2025 release
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Deep Golden Amber
  • Aroma: Sweet Cocoa, Honey, Oak, Cherry, Dried Fruits, Ripe Berries, Pecan Pie, Cinnamon and leather
  • Palate: Smooth velvety mouthfeel with candy apple, fresh citrus, toffee, oak, allspice, dry pepper and prunes
  • Finish: Lacey and leggy with very gentle hints of spearmint simple syrup

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

• Made from 100% malted barley and aged for a minimum of 7 years in upcycled Town Branch Bourbon/Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale barrels, Town Branch Distillery boasts having the oldest Kentucky Single Malt stocks in the world and offers exceptional craftsmanship that has garnered high praise receiving several medals and accolades including named Best Small Batch Single Malt by World Whiskies Awards.
• Classification: American Single Malt Whiskey / Kentucky Single Malt Whiskey
• Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
• Cooperage: 3^rd Use American White Oak (Town Branch Bourbon, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale)
• Age: Single Malt; 7-years to 10-years age range; oldest barrel 1444/14H18 (10-years+)
• ABV: 43.5% / 87 Proof
• Estimated Availability: Annual Release in August; est. 487 cases for 2025 release
• Tasting Notes:
  • Appearance: Light Golden Honey
  • Aroma: Ripe Green Apple, Citrus, Almond, Honey, Cinnamon and stewed pears
  • Palate: Oak, Walnut, Bread Crust, Slight Saltiness, Stewed Apples, Apricots, Vanilla, Molasses and Honey
  • Finish: Velvety soft finish, marked by oak, dried fruit, and nutmeg

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 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 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.

2014 Edradour 10 Year Old “Signatory Vintage” 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt No. 256 Cask Strength Single Barrel Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $135) $79.99 View

David Othenin-Girard
K&L Buyer
Review Date: 08/2025

This outstanding barrel of Edradour is one of the few full cask-strength releases from the distillery available in the U.S. market. There’s no doubt that Signatory Vintage is being highly selective when putting their name on the best casks from the tiny distillery they own. This particular barrel, selected by Andrew Symington for the U.S., is an incredible deal—comparable bottlings often sell for $40 to $50 more—making this one of the best values for a dense, sherried malt anywhere. The color is deep brown sherry (1.9). On the nose, it’s immediately intense, with dark chocolate, French roast, stewed fruit, menthol, camphor, kishibori shoyu, licorice root, salted plums, and pine resin. The palate is bold and structured, with deep European oak character that doesn’t overwhelm the dense Edradour malt. Instead, the spirit holds its ground, pushing back with savory richness and balance. Even without dilution, the whisky is impressively composed, but a splash of water draws out added sweetness without sacrificing its earthy core. Now notes of raisin, sweet fudge brownie, dense herbs, and a punch of orange oil emerge. It’s thick, rich, and shows just how much power this little distillery can deliver.

Edradour Distillery, once known as the smallest in Scotland, remains a favorite among collectors. Its bold spirit thrives in dense, dark sherry, and Signatory Vintage consistently selects the very best casks. Why does this respected independent bottler have access to such exceptional barrels from this charming Highland distillery? It’s simple. Signatory purchased Edradour and its small stock back in 2002 from Pernod Ricard. Since then, they have invested millions into refurbishing the historic site and began building an identical replica of the original stills next door in 2016 to expand production while preserving character. This single barrel was filled in June 2014 at the original Edradour facility and bottled in November 2024 at full cask strength, with no water or coloring added. Drawn from a freshly emptied Oloroso sherry butt of outstanding quality, it delivers a rich and powerful profile. Bottled at 59.5% ABV, this is a truly remarkable whisky at a nearly unbelievable price.

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

Finn Thomson Glen Garioch 36 Years Old

ABV: 45.2% 70 cL

2014 Glen Garioch 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) $64.99 View

2013 Ben Nevis 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $79.99 View

2013 Caol Ila 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Hogsheads Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $79.99 View

2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $225.00 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

Blackadder – The Epic Trilogy Unbottling

THE VIDEO

Adam introduces us to three more Blackadders from the final shipment of whisky to BC. Trapped in a warehouse since 2019, these whiskies are ready to unleash themselves upon their unsuspecting prey. Come try some Blackadders in store now at The Strath, or shop online at strathliquor.com