Did you see us on TV?

We’re still buzzing from the incredible response to our appearance on ITV’s ‘James Martin’s Saturday Morning’.  A huge thank you to everyone who tuned in, sent such lovely messages and joined us as new followers.  And an extra-special thank you to the amazing Chef Richard Corrigan whose reaction to tasting our cream liqueur, The Norfolk Nog, was simply “It’s Perfect” 

Missed it? You can watch the episode again – click below.

WATCH EPISODE HERE

Our Best-Selling Whiskies

Our best-selling whiskies are favourites for a reason. Chosen time and again for their balance, character and depth, these bottles showcase the styles our customers return to year after year. From sherried single malts and softly smoky drams to beautifully balanced blends, this collection rewards both discovery and familiarity, whether you’re revisiting a classic or finding a new favourite.

​SHOP NOW

The details we await …

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye Named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 “Whisky of the Year”

First-Ever Barrel Proof Rye from the Elijah Craig Family Earns the Top Spot in the Prestigious Whisky Advocate Top 20 Ranking

LOUISVILLE, Ky.  (December 2025) – Elijah Craig, the award-winning family of premium American Whiskeys, is proud to announce that Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye has been named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 Whisky of the Year, topping the publication’s coveted Top 20 list. This honor recognizes not only the exceptional quality of this inaugural Barrel Proof Rye release, but also Elijah Craig’s continued leadership in defining excellence within American Whiskey. It also adds to Heaven Hill’s distinguished barrel proof accolades, including Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon’s Whisky of the Year win in 2017 and Larceny Barrel Proof’s top ranking in 2020. Elijah Craig Rye is no stranger to the list—Elijah Craig Straight Rye debuted in the top ten in 2020 at No. 7—and this year’s recognition marks the first time a rye whiskey has earned Whisky Advocate’s highest honor, a historic achievement for both the brand and the category.

Released in September 2025 as the first Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the Elijah Craig portfolio, this inaugural release showcases the brand’s signature balance of bold character, nuanced flavor, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, the team selected barrels that delivered extraordinary depth and approachability. Aged 12 years and 3 months and bottled at 108 proof, this uncut, non-chill filtered expression quickly earned praise from whiskey enthusiasts and critics alike.

As someone who helped bring the Elijah Craig brand to life and guide its growth for decades, Max L. Shapira holds a uniquely personal connection to this milestone. “To have Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye recognized as Whisky of the Year during our 90th anniversary year is profoundly meaningful,” said Shapira, Executive Chairman, Heaven Hill Brands. “For nine decades, our family has remained committed to elevating American Whiskey with patience, integrity, and a deep respect for tradition. This award is a remarkable tribute to the generations of craftspeople who have shaped Heaven Hill, and to the bright future of American Whiskey that we continue to build together.”

Crafted to showcase Rye Whiskey in its purest form, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye reveals aromas of baking spices, gingerbread, and molasses, followed by a complex palate of stewed fruits and cinnamon. The finish lingers with nutmeg and a generous burst of rye spice, delivering a warm, satisfying close that reflects its extended aging and meticulous barrel selection.

“We are honored to see Elijah Craig’s first-ever Barrel Proof Rye recognized at the highest level,” said Max Stefka, AVP Global Whiskey Brands for Heaven Hill. “To be chosen as Whisky of the Year is a proud milestone for our entire team and we thank Whisky Advocate for the recognition and the value they provide to all whiskey fans.”

Batch A925 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Elijah Craig’s Barrel Proof lineup and further expands the brand’s commitment to offering whiskeys in their purest, most distinctive form. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye is available nationwide in 750 ml bottles with a suggested retail price of $74.99.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com

A whisky tasting and live music gig with The Rhythm and Booze Project!

Sometimes an event comes along that shouldn’t be missed; this is one of those times.

SMWS Canada is beyond thrilled to welcome to Calgary, for one night only, The Rhythm & Booze Project, a blues duo out of the UK which incorporates whisky tastings into their roots, folk, and blues live music gigs. Blending infectious showmanship with their high-energy music, you’re in for an amazing evening of fantastic music and delicious SMWS whiskies.

Wednesday, January 14th

The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary)

$65 – doors open at 7:00pm for a 7:30pm start (should wrap up around 9:30pm)

GET TICKETS HERE

Here’s a little teaser of what to expect (ignore the whiskies in the video; we’re pourin’ SMWS drams!):

Our First-Ever Caribou Crossing Barrel Pick
Caribou Crossing “K&L Exclusive”
Single Barrel #1329 Canadian Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)
“There’s something so inviting and friendly about this whisky that makes it dangerously easy to drink.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Caribou Crossing Whisky has become such a sought-after gem in California that collectors snap up every bottle as soon as it hits the shelves. So, when they offered me the chance to select a barrel, it was an easy yes. After tasting thousands of single barrels of cask-strength bourbon, it was surprising to choose an 80-proof Canadian whisky. I’m so accustomed to the intensity of cask-strength bourbons that this felt like a new adventure.

When the barrel finally arrived, I was taken aback by the way the Sazerac apparatus labels their barrels. Not only did they include the distillation date—Christmas Eve 2017—but they also listed the mashbill as “bourbon,” which it definitely is not. However, it does contain at least 51% corn distillate, which piqued my interest. Unlike bourbon, these whiskies aren’t subject to the same stringent regulatory requirements regarding new oak, distillation temperatures, and more. But when I opened our first bottle, I was surprised to find an unmistakable maple note on the nose. Had they sweetened it with maple syrup? Of course not—that would be absurd. But there’s something so inviting and friendly about this whisky that makes it dangerously easy to drink.

This would be the perfect bottle to crack open on Christmas Eve. Not only can you tell your guests it was distilled exactly eight years earlier, but the winter vibes are undeniable. Let’s dive in: The color is a classic chestnut (1.2). The nose brings maple wood and sweet caramel to the forefront, with hints of winter spices and stone fruit adding complexity. It’s not overly spicy, just warm and inviting. The palate is soft and round, with a pronounced maple sweetness, subtle stone fruit, caramel candies and hints of clove-y spice. After a day of drinking cask-strength bourbon, this feels like a refreshing change. It’s whisky that will appeal to nearly everyone. It’s not boring or one-dimensional per se; it has enough character to be interesting, but it won’t knock you off your chair. It’s the kind of whisky that’ll make everyone at the table happy, and the striking elk on the top will capture everyone’s attention when you drop it on the table.

–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Caribou Crossing “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #1329 Canadian Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)

This rare, exclusive Caribou Crossing is the very first in K&L’s illustrious history. One of the very few Canadian single barrels on the market and indeed, it claims to be Canada’s very first single barrel whisky. Caribou has aptly been dubbed Canada’s answer to Blanton’s. Of course, just because there’s a cute little caribou on the cap does not make a legend. But for many years, Caribou has been one of the only Canadians to bridge the gap with diehard bourbon lovers. It doesn’t offer a replacement for Kentucky-style whisky, but rather a counterpoint to the powerful oak-forward character of its southern brethren. Expect this single barrel to deliver a beautifully refined and expressive profile, featuring appealing aromas of toasted vanilla, nougat, and rich caramel. There will inevitably be extreme interest in this rare and unique selection, but if you’re lucky enough to snag one, there’s no question it will be among the best Canada has to offer. This unique single barrel was hand selected by the team at K&L Wine Merchants representing one of the oldest offerings we’ve ever seen from the distillery and a very special one indeed: the Christmas Eve barrel. It was distilled on December 24th 2017, making it nearly 8 years old.

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

See you in 2026?

For the in-person Diploma in Single Malt Whisky courses in 2026, we’re delighted to be returning to Arniston House. Picture this. We’ve collected you from Edinburgh, it’s early but bacon rolls await. Spring is well and truly on the horizon and you’re sharing a ride with like-minded whisky lovers from all over the world. Step into Arniston and lose yourself in the intricacies of all things single malt with your adept whisky teacher, the one and only Vic Cameron (pictured). Deep study, a distillery visit, some sleep and 15 delicious samples later, you’ll be well equipped to sit your final assessment. See you there?

📖 Learn More

THREE ‘Better & Banger” Single Malt Scotch Whiskies for 2026

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection, A New Era Of Speyside Smoothness

The Glenlivet, the definitive Speyside single malt, is proud to launch The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection, a new aged range of 14, 16, and 19 Year Old expressions. This collection celebrates the mastery and vision of Cask Master Kevin Balmforth, showcasing The Glenlivet’s iconic smooth style. This new collection of aged single malts are exclusively available in Global Travel Retail (GTR), offering shoppers with passion for adventure the opportunity to discover something new. 

Drawing on over 200 years of whisky making expertise passed down through generations of cask masters, Kevin Balmforth has meticulously selected the finest casks to create a trio of beautifully rounded, well-balanced whiskies with an abundance of fruity notes that capture the very essence of Speyside, the heart of Single Malt Scotch whisky.  

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection features three distinct expressions: 

• The Glenlivet 14 Year Old: Matured in American and European Oak, this expression offers a harmonious balance of flavour, with notes of baked apple and citrus zest, delivering a smooth and complex experience. The crystal waters of the Livet are reflected in the pack’s crystalline blue colour gradient. 

• The Glenlivet 16 Year Old: Aged exclusively in 100% American Oak casks, The Glenlivet 16 Year Old is a perfect pairing of whisky and cask, resulting in a sweet and creamy profile with notes of creamy toffee and ripe plum. The Speyside sunset inspires the pack’s bold red gradient. 

• The Glenlivet 19 Year Old: The pinnacle of the three and marking a first for the brand, The Glenlivet 19 Year Old features a selective finish in Scottish Oak, paying tribute to The Glenlivet’s terroir. Alongside maturation in American and European Oak, the Scottish Oak finish brings notes of stewed apples and blackcurrant spice, for a rich yet smooth drinking experience. Scottish Oak trees grow slowly due to the local climate, reaching maturation between 120 and 150 years. This not only makes Scottish Oak very rare, but it also means the grain is tight and porous, contributing to the rich spice flavours in the whisky. The pack design is inspired by the changing hues of the forests of Scotland, where the Scottish Oak resides.  

Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet Cask Master commented: “With these three distinctive expressions, we have concentrated on what makes our Single Malt Scotch Whiskies stand out: the mastery of the makers, the character of our stills, and above all, the smoothness of our liquid. By honouring our heritage while continuing to push the boundaries of flavour with carefully selected casks, we’ve curated a collection that is a quality expression of Speyside whiskies.”   

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection also marks the reveal of an elevated and distinctive evolved contemporary design for The Glenlivet. The refreshed packaging includes a new brand monogram together with on-pack wave graphics, reflecting the meaning of The Glenlivet (‘The Valley of the Smooth Flowing one’). The new look honours The Glenlivet’s rich legacy, drawing inspiration from the flowing waters of the River Livet, the source of its exceptional character. 

The Glenlivet Cask Master’s Collection is now available exclusively in Global Travel Retail locations worldwide.

It’s the final issue of the year! It’s been a curious year in the world of whisky — turbulent, sure, but with many achievements along the way. In our 2025 issues, we’ve travelled the world through a glass, charting the whisky industry as it grows and changes. We look forward to sailing the good ship Whisky Magazine into 2026 with you aboard.

Our cover star for our last issue of 2025 is Adam Hannett, the recently appointed master blender for Bruichladdich. Although Hannett has worked with the Islay distillery for years, it hasn’t all been straightforward. He walks Alwynne Gwilt through his journey in whisky.