Ring In The Lunar New Year With Royal Salute’s Stunning Celebratory Release

Royal Salute, the master of exceptionally aged Scotch whisky, welcomes the Lunar New Year with a new special edition gift pack featuring its own “gun salute”. Created by Chinese illustrator, Jason Lyon, the stunning design depicts symbols of prosperity, opportunity and rebirth being fired from The Tower of London, Royal Salute’s symbolic home. The illustration captures the vibrancy of the celebrations that bring families and friends together to mark the passing of one year and the fresh start of the next with light, sound and colour.   

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend Special Edition Gift Pack brings a refreshed take on the significance of Lunar New Year with Lyon’s signature style spotlighting its association with renewal and regeneration. Blooming flowers and natural waterfalls signify the start of new journeys, whilst lanterns, phoenixes and sparkling fireworks intertwine to respectively represent reunion, new beginnings and luck. Icons of Royal Salute’s rich heritage, including Strathisla Distillery, the spiritual home of Royal Salute in Scotland, are also discoverable throughout the design, nodding to its longstanding legacy in marking moments of celebration.  

Royal Salute’s story began when it was first created as a gift for the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Rooted in the tradition of gift giving, Royal Salute remains at the heart of celebration and continues to be a fitting choice to elevate festive moments of togetherness with a spark of wonder and enchantment. 

Jason Lyon commented: “My design captures the intricate details and symbols used to elevate the festive atmosphere as people across the globe gather to celebrate new opportunities. With this special edition of Royal Salute, I’m blending legacy and culture to immerse others in joy, fortune, elegance and love.” 

Inside the bespoke presentation box is Royal Salute’s 21 Year Old Signature Blend – a flagship expression and a timeless blend that has remained the same since its inception more than 70 years ago. Masterfully crafted from the rarest and most exceptional Scotch whiskies, it offers a sophisticated and opulent character, thanks to its majestic flavours of ripened fruits and hints of spice notes.  

The Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend Lunar New Year special edition gift pack is part of an annual series, and will be available worldwide at selected luxury retailers, for RRP $200 USD. For more information, follow @RoyalSalute or visit royalsalute.com  

January 2025 Auction ENDS TONIGHT (10.01.2025)

ENDS TONIGHT: January 2025 Auction

A warm welcome to our January auction, featuring a myriad of rare whiskies — an unmissable opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles.

This month’s selection is nothing short of spectacular, from showstoppers like the breathtaking Highland Park 50 Year Old 2010 to legendary vintages from Italian greats Samaroli and Zenith Import. Also on offer are exceptional old-style Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) USA imports. We’re especially proud to debut the first-ever release from the Isle of Tiree distillery, available exclusively with Whisky Auctioneer. Browse our curated highlights below and bid today!

 Legendary Samaroli

Bowmore Bouquet, Glenugie ‘66, Scapa ‘58, Longrow ‘73, Balvenie ‘74

Old Style SMWS U.S. Imports 

Highland Park 50 Year Old 2010 Release

Glen Grant 1948 Berry Brothers and Rudd

Zenith Import Bottlings​

Rosebank 20, Glenfiddich 21, Caol Ila 12

Isle of Tiree First Release​ #1 – #10

Old Soul 8 Year Old 10 Month (9 Year) “Tintype #2” 2nd Release Cask Strength Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml) $125.00

View

Tintype Series is a collaboration between Cathead Distillery and the Music Makers Foundation (MMF) in homage to respected blues musicians affiliated with the foundation. Tintype #2 celebrates funk, soul, and psychedelic rock guitar legend Hermon Hitson. Founded in 1994, the MMF meets the day-to-day needs of American artists and cultural legends who create traditional American music, ensuring their voices are heard and giving all people access to our nation’s hidden musical treasures. You can meet the artists and discover music at musicmaker.com or scan the QR code on the back of the bottle.

Each bottle of Old Soul helps support the goals of the MMF, which are to support those carriers of America’s oldest roots music traditions. This exceptional bourbon was aged for 9 years in the powerful Mississippi heat and humidity. While the label states 8 years and 10 months, every drop is at least 9 years old. Distilled with 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, only 20 barrels were selected for this incredible batch and were bottled uncut & unfiltered at 113.7 proof.

Expect earthy spice and fruit with notes of pear and black cherry, along with hints of dark chocolate and sweet cornbread. Rye spice notes abound, balancing the caramel on the palate with nutmeg, black pepper, and cardamom. A big baking spice finish with long and lingering black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 12, 2024

These Tintypes are some of the most exciting new MGP juice on the market today. Distilled to the 21% mashbill, aged in Mississippi heat, and adorned with these underappreciated musical legends, this is what it’s all about. Incredible to taste these two whiskies together, Tintype #1 and Tintype #2. They’re identical in every way, but two years apart in age, yet they couldn’t be more different. Herman Hitson’s funky, soulful rhythms vs. Captain Luke’s rumbling bass voice. Here we go.

The color is a deep tawny (1.4). The nose is all baked pear, sweet corn, bold oak, and cinnamon. Some red fruit layered on top, with a much bigger vanilla tone than Tintype #2. On the palate, it’s a big spicy roll in the dusty forest. The sweetness here is black fruit, which contrasts the nose incredibly well. We get tons of spice and plenty of body. It’s deeper and longer than its younger brother.These are two of the most exciting new American whiskies on our shelves and represent a fabulous way to support American musical legends while enjoying some legendary American whiskey.

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

Decadent Drams Mortlach 19 years old

This totally magic Decadent Drams bottling is a single 1st fill barrel of Mortlach, distilled in 2005, aged for 19 years and bottled at natural cask strength. Come be bewitched by this latest Decadent potion, let us wave a whisky wand and allow yourself to become spellbound by this weighty, fruity, sweet, oily and fantastical single cask Mortlach. Other atrocious witch-themed patter available for free on the rear label.

ralfy review 1064 Extras – Independent Bottler ‘Forensics’

Seven in 10 Brits concerned about health of their local river, Chivas Brothers survey finds

Seven in 10 (69%) Brits are concerned about the health of their local river while 84% are concerned about the health of UK waterways more generally, according to a new survey of 2,000 people conducted by Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky.

Despite this, awareness and understanding of the specific issues facing rivers and the associated solutions is limited among the general public.

While more than seven in 10 (74%) are aware that rising temperatures negatively impact river health, three in 10 (31%) incorrectly believe that decreased water flows lower the impact of pollution and nearly a quarter (23%) incorrectly believe that tree planting on the banks of rivers is detrimental to river health. When presented with six images of rivers – three healthy and three unhealthy – just 8% of the public were able to identify all correctly.

According to a report from The Rivers Trust – the umbrella organisation for 65 member Rivers Trusts across Britain, Northern Ireland and Ireland – large stretches of these vital networks have deteriorated due to the combined impact of human intervention and climate change.

While significant efforts are underway to protect and restore the rivers and waterways of the UK, more than three quarters (76%) of people believe that not enough is being done. This demonstrates the critical need to raise awareness of the work being undertaken by the charitable organisations dedicated to safeguarding these vital ecosystems.

In March 2024, Chivas Brothers launched The River Within, a long-term programme in partnership with three Scottish river trusts – the Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, and the Spey Catchment Initiative – to support the delivery of habitat restoration projects to ultimately preserve, protect and improve the health of Scotland’s rivers and waterways.

Elle Adams, Strategy Lead at Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust commented:

“Many of the issues faced by rivers, burns and waterways are not obvious without an understanding of the wider landscape. One of the key ambitions of The Findhorn Watershed Initiative is to inspire a local culture of nature connection. Enhancing peoples’ understanding of, and connection to, their local river environment is fundamental to our nature restoration work.”

The survey also highlighted how important rivers are to the public. For 92% of respondents, rivers are critical in making their country a beautiful place to live and visit. Over one in five people (22%) visited their nearest river in the past week, while more than three quarters (76%) have done so in the past year. Whether for relaxation and mental well-being (37%), exercise (36%), or wildlife observation (23%), rivers play a vital role in the daily lives of many.

Ronald Daalmans, Sustainability Director at Chivas Brothers commented: “Water is one of just three ingredients used to make whisky and the lifeblood that runs through the communities of which we are a part. As a business with a vision to safeguard the future of Scotch whisky, we must work to protect the environments we rely on, not only for ourselves but all those around us.

“Therefore, its responsible use is integral to our efforts to become the leaders of whisky’s waste-free future, along with energy reduction and decarbonisation, regenerative agriculture and reimagining our packaging.

“We acknowledge that increasing education is essential to build stronger support to protect and enhance our rivers and waterways. Programmes like The River Within will bolster public awareness of the issues faced and act as the catalyst for continued change in this area.”

Since The River Within launched, Chivas Brothers has been working closely with its partners to target projects that will improve river resilience and biodiversity. Three projects have begun including a fluvial audit & topographical study, riparian planting, woodland restoration and fencing to promote natural regeneration of an ancient riverine woodland, the outcomes of which will help to mitigate the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on Scotland’s waterways and riverbanks.

More information on the projects in development will be shared in the near future.

Methodology

Between the 9th and 13th August 2024, Chivas Brothers commissioned Opinium to conduct an online survey of:

• 2,000 UK adults (weighted to be nationally representative)

Iron Gate’s Spirits Auction Ends Monday!

Fine Spirits Auction from February 3-10, 2025.  Only in Canada.

Iron Gate is excited to kick-off the 2025 auction season with a selection of rare and collectible spirits, including several first-time appearances in Canada. Highlights include Talisker Xpedition Oak 43-year-old, Glenmorangie Truffle Oak 26-year-old, and Kweichow Moutai 30-year-old. Collect a collection, like the Bowmore Devil’s Cask Trilogy, Game of Thrones complete set or one of the 4 bottles in the “Renaissance” Series from Ardbeg. Cozy up by the fire, browse and bid on exceptional spirits.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SCOTCH WHISKY?  SCROLL BELOW!

BROWSE THE CATALOGUE

Secure Shipping Coast to Coast

Iron Gate Auctions is pleased to continue working with our partners at Calgary Shipping to handle the safe and effective shipment of your auction winnings across Canada. Offering flat rate shipping to select cities, Multi-Day Refrigerated shipping and more.

Calgary Shipping can be contacted by email at info@calgaryship.com or by phone at 587-887-1943.

Penelope Bourbon expands its award-winning portfolio with Wheated

New expression’s proof and price points make it a quality everyday bourbon for all

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 29, 2025) – Penelope Bourbon introduced a new addition to its Core Series of bourbons with Penelope Wheated Bourbon. The latest innovation expands the Penelope lineup with an approachable wheated bourbon that delivers on versatility due to its proof and price points. Penelope Wheated is bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) and available nationwide in February at a suggested minimum retail price of $39.99.

As the fifth core expression in Penelope’s Core Series, Wheated Bourbon diversifies the portfolio that includes award-winning Architect, Barrel Strength, Four Grain and Toasted. Wheated complements the existing expressions with a profile that strikes the balance between robust flavor and smooth drinkability.

“Wheated bourbons are more popular than ever, and we think we hit the mark with this one, from flavor to proof to price,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “It’ll be a welcomed addition to our core line up.”

With a carefully balanced mash bill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley, Wheated delivers a rich, sweet character with a smooth finish. The touch of rye adds just the right hint of spice, resulting in an inviting bourbon with depth and complexity. Wheated opens with aromas of light oak, sweet corn, apple and pear; and includes flavors of vanilla, honey, caramel apple and hints of orange zest. The finish features lingering brown sugar, toasted oak and a touch of cinnamon spice.

“Wheated is the perfect addition to the Core Series portfolio,” said Danny Polise, Penelope founder and master blender. “With its 95 proof point, Wheated brings full-bodied depth and complexity. A balance in blending we’ve been looking forward to releasing.”

A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions, known for their smoothness and rich flavor, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.

Penelope’s core expressions, including Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon, have won more than 40 awards across the spirits industry. In 2024 alone, Penelope won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength and Toasted Rye, alongside innovation awards for limited releases such as Rio.

Penelope Bourbon continues to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection, further establishing its place among the top premium whiskey brands. Today, Penelope is available in 49 states and seven countries, proving that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible.

For more information, visit penelopebourbon.com or follow us on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram/Facebook).

WHISKYLAND CHAPTER NINE GONE GRANT – 30 YEAR OLD

A single 2nd fill barrel of ‘Gone Grant’, which is our code for Caperdonich. Distilled in 1994 and aged for 30 years before bottling at natural cask strength, this is a superbly fruity, rich and magnificently waxy old example of this distillery.

Recalls much older school Speysiders in profile.

Get up close and go under the microscope with Chapter Nine of Whiskyland. It’s a beautiful 2nd fill barrel of ‘Gone Grant’ single malt, a beautiful whisky from a sadly lost distillery that rhymes with ‘tap her scone twitch’.

Distilled in 1994, aged for 30 years and bottled at natural cask strength. This is a whisky about beauty, finesse and detail. The kind of surprising detail and fascinating beauty you find when you put Whiskyland under a microscope. Join us in a world of Dramblemites, old outbid notification emails and strange matter…

£495.00 incVAT

Our collection schedule for February 2025 has now been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service. We can collect lots for up to three auctions.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 10th February 2025.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.