2005 Secret Orkney (Highland Park) 19 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A63 #28 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

700ml ~ $179.99

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

We have partnered with bars and restaurants across the UK to celebrate The Macallan 200 Years Young. Each venue will have a limited availability of TIME : SPACE Mastery to savour by the dram, or in cocktails that highlight the time travel of mixology through classic serves created with a modern twist. Locate your nearest hospitality venue and join us in celebrating this special 200th year.

VIEW LOCATIONS

+TIME : SPACE COLLECTION

Whisky making is like time travel: what we bottle today was created many years in the past, and the spirit we lay down in casks now is destined for many years in the future. Through time travelling, we learn from the past and look to the future.

Two limited expressions, two journeys through time.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

There are some things every festive table should have, so this Christmas, make sure to give the gift of time. Whether it’s festive whiskies, exquisite whisky gifts or distillery experience gift vouchers, save a place for Glengoyne at your table this year.

EXPLORE FULL CHRISTMAS GIFTING GUIDE

ralfy review 1052 Extras. – The ‘forensics’ in buying whisky

‘Sky’s the limit: the rise of global travel retail’ by Mathieu Jeannin

Shopping at the airport is a unique experience. Travellers usually have time on their hands before boarding. They’re more likely to be in the mood to browse, to treat themselves or splash out on a gift. Alternatively, they could be one of the savvy millions who wait to stock up on the brands they love with a tax-free discount.

According to recently released figures from the IWSC (August 2024), Global Travel Retail (GTR) footfall is back to its pre-pandemic level and its value to the alcohol sector is now higher than in 2019. Despite volumes being more sluggish due to careful consumer spending, they expect the channel to outperform all other alcohol markets in the run up to 2028, with value growth of +7% predicted.

This explains why, for spirits brands, GTR has become such a priority. In our latest ‘In Conversation With…’  article, International Beverage’s Paris-born Senior Sales Manager for Global Travel Retail, Mathieu Jeannin, shares his secrets for success in this booming channel.

I’ve spent my whole career in the drinks industry, working in sales for Bordeaux wines and French Cognacs amongst others, in both Europe and Asia. I joined International Beverage just after the pandemic to support markets in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan before heading to London for a role in the European GTR team – a job I relish given how much I love travel and how long I’ve spent in airports over the years!

This is a very special – and specialised – channel. Particularly so for Scotch whisky, which is a premium category with a huge international consumer base. I came into the role knowing that airports can be a powerful shop window to the world, with an opportunity to sample and immerse consumers in your brand. But to succeed and ensure your brands shine – and sell – in the channel, there are some important strategic insights and trends to be aware of.

It’s all about premium

Travellers want something different and exclusive in the airport, compared to the products they see on shelf during their weekly shop. They want more elevated expressions and to dip into the higher end of your portfolio. We bring a future-oriented strategy to GTR, led by new products, limited editions and premium or super-premium ranges. We have invested in transforming our GTR ranges to meet consumer needs – from Old Pulteney’s ‘Traveller’s Exclusives’ to the dedicated GTR range we’ll be introducing for our Speyside single malt, Speyburn, in 2025.

Build the volume opportunity

If GTR was a country, it would be the world’s most valuable one when it comes to Scotch whisky. That’s a powerful statistic, and a reminder of the huge potential for commercial wins in the channel. Single malt volume sales were up by +24% in 2023 (IWSR August 2024) and are forecast to sustain this growth. The channel presents brands with a captive market selling exclusive products, so price sensitivity is less of an issue. It’s also an enduring channel. People’s love of travel and airport shopping is going nowhere. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite in domestic markets, GTR is an increasingly important volume driver for many global spirits brands.

Tracking the new consumer

We make no assumptions about the GTR shopper. As an insights-driven business, we can see consumer behaviour and trends evolving – such as the emergence of younger shoppers in the GTR mix, who are making the most of budget travel but still want to spend on premium goods at the airport.  And they’re digital savvy, looking online before they travel to pre-plan purchases. A blended digital and in-airport approach to marketing and activations is crucial – as is keeping track of future trends and tastes of consumers in this space!

Right product, right place

There are huge regional variations to factor into any successful GTR strategy. Europe is a mature market, and the big hubs such as London, Paris and Amsterdam are growing more slowly than their counterparts in Asia (GTR sales in APAC were +46% in value during 2023, IWSC August 2024).  This is where the big opportunities lie in terms of volume and long-term growth – with Chinese tax-free super-hub Hainan attracting an incredible 90 million consumers each year. We continue to invest in both regions, but always with one simple rule at the core: right product, right place. I’s a granular, long-term strategy for success, driven by the profile and needs of each airport – whether that’s Balblair leading our activations in Hong Kong or Caorunn taking centre stage in its home market in Scotland.

Experience is everything

2024 has marked some of our company’s biggest marketing investments to date in the GTR channel. We now have full time brand ambassadors at several major travel hubs to deliver all important ‘liquid on lips’. Combined with a memorable brand experience – such as our stunning Old Pulteney tasting bars which have been transporting people to the brand’s Highland home at Paris Charles de Gaulle and Heathrow – we’ve delivered impressive results.

Partnership working

After airlines, duty free shopping is the biggest revenue driver for airports over any other – including hotels and restaurants. Airports want brands to invest and succeed, and they are ready and willing to support ambitious ideas and activations. As with so many aspects of our industry, strong long-term partnerships are the key to success.

Iron Gate (CANADA) Fine Whisky Auction Ends November 11, 2024.

As the holiday season approaches, the most anticipated Fine Spirits Auction in Canada is here, offering a curated selection of rare bottles that are perfect for collectors and those looking for a truly exceptional gift. Iron Gate presents yet another beautiful catalogue with 444 lots of fine spirits. Single malt scotches, rare bourbons, fine cognacs, world whiskies and premium rums are on offer in Canada’s only national spirits auction curated for you.

Catalogue HERE

Auction runs from November 4-11, 2024. Only in Canada.  Shipping available coast to coast.

LOST LANTERN MAKES A STATEMENT WITH ITS FIRST 10-YEAR-OLD

SINGLE CASK COLLECTION

Vergennes, VT (OCTOBER 22, 2024)— With the release of their Fall 2024 Collection, Lost Lantern is making a statement, challenging the misconception that whiskey from newer American distilleries is always young.

The new collection, featuring a 10-year-old bourbon, two 10-year-old ryes, and a nearly 10-year-old American single malt, highlights distilleries that have invested in long-term aging. These are the oldest whiskies Lost Lantern has ever released, and in some cases, the oldest ever from these distilleries.

Lost Lantern Co-Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski want to emphasize that new American distilleries have come of age. “As more American distilleries reach new milestones, whiskey lovers will see a greater variety of age statements, proving that age and quality come from intentional craftsmanship, not just tradition,” explains Polonski. “The whiskies in this collection honor distilleries that have demonstrated patience and dedication. After all, there’s only one way for a distillery to end up with a 10-year-old whiskey they made themselves: make it, and wait ten years.”

The Lost Lantern Fall 2024 10 Year Collection will be available starting November 7th at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in California and Massachusetts, and in the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

Each release is presented at natural cask strength, non-chill-filtered, and with no color added. Bottles are priced at $150 each.

Westland Peated American Single Malt 9.99 Years Old Single Cask: 109.8 Proof (185 bottles)

A transformative voice in single malt, Westland Distillery in Seattle is at the forefront of creating whiskey that truly reflects where it’s made. This single cask was made from malted barley heavily peated with Scottish peat and aged for exactly 9.99** years in a new oak cask. The nose leads with savory smoke and notes of scorched apples and roasted meats. It tastes like a marshmallow s’mores, fresh from the fire. Smoky, fresh, and elegant.

**This single cask was bottled one day short of its tenth birthday. To date, Westland has yet to release its own 10-year-old whiskey, making this single cask the oldest whiskey Westland has ever released. If and when a 10-year-old is released, it will be done so by the folks at Westland.

Tom’s Foolery Ohio Straight Bourbon 10 Years Old Single Cask: 119.4 Proof (82 Bottles)

This family-owned distillery in Chagrin Falls, OH uses traditional, labor-intensive methods, including wooden fermenters and pot still distillation. This straight bourbon whiskey was aged for 10 years in a 53-gallon barrel, and was made from 63% corn from their family farm, 10% winter rye, and 27% malted barley. A reflection of the Ohio snowbelt, it has maple-drizzled cornbread, french vanilla, and warming oak spice on the nose, with hints of maple, chocolate, and fresh-cut hay on the palate.

Spirit Works California Straight Rye 10 Years Old Single Cask: 139.2 Proof (120 Bottles)

Based in the heart of Sonoma wine country, the distillery is renowned for its gin and rye whiskey, guided by one of the only female-led distilling teams in the U.S. This release, made from 70% rye, 10% malted rye, and 20% malted barley, was aged for 10 years in a new American oak cask, making it one of the oldest whiskies ever to come from Spirit Works. The nose brings hints of fresh lemon and spearmint, while the palate is fresh and powerful, with deep, balanced oak notes.

New York Distilling Company Straight Rye 10 Years Old Single Cask: 133.9 Proof (125 bottles)

Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Co. is one of the country’s first and finest urban distilleries and a champion of the rebirth of gin and rye whiskey in the Empire State. This 10-year-old release, made from 72% rye, 16% corn, and 12% malted barley, is among the oldest New York whiskies ever. The nose offers lemon custard, fresh mint, lemon verbena, leather, and dense oak. The palate bursts with dark chocolate, mint brownies, and cinnamon-frosted babka. Remarkably fresh, deep, and complex.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, VT. The brand was recently honored as Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards and founders Nora and Adam were both named SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency.  Lost Lantern has now released whiskey from more than 30 distilleries in over 20 states. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, to visit the tasting room, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

WORLD’S RAREST AND MOST COVETED JAPANESE WHISKY COLLECTION OFFERED AT BONHAMS CORNETTE DE SAINT CYR

 Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Full “Card” Series offered with each bottle signed by Ichiro Akuto

 Very few sets of the Full “Card” Series exist in the world

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Full “Card” Series. Estimate: €700,000 – €1,200,000.

Paris – One of the world’s rarest and most coveted collections of Japanese Whisky – the Hanyu Ichiro Malt Full “Card” Series – will be offered at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris in an online sale on www.bonhams.com from 12 – 29 November 2024.

Carrying an estimate of €700,000 – €1,200,000, this celebrated collection with exceptional provenance from a prominent private collector, comprises 54 bottles representing each playing card in a full pack. Each ‘card’ was bottled from a single cask of premium whisky ranging in production years from 1985 to 2000 from the acclaimed and now closed distillery of Hanyu. Only a few sets of the Malt Full “Card” Series exist in the world with this collection being unique, as each bottle has been signed by Ichiro Akuto, the whisky-making legend of Japan.

Amayès Aouli, Bonhams’ Global Head of Wine and Spirits comments, “As a pioneer in spirits at auction, Bonhams holds multiple world records for the Hanyu Ichiro Malt Full “Card” set series. We are honoured to offer this exceptionally rare collection once more. This is an incredible opportunity to acquire the most collectible of Japanese whiskies, with excellent provenance. For each bottle to be personally signed by the Master Distiller, Ichiro Akuto, makes this set truly unique.”

Clément Gaillard, Bonhams’ Specialist in Spirits added, “With only a finite number produced, it is one of the most sought-after whisky collections across the globe. To own this series, is to own an extraordinary piece of whisky history.” 

Bonhams sets world records

In 2015, Bonhams was the first auction house to sell the Full “Card” series, which set the world record for the most valuable Japanese whisky collection at HK$3,797,500. The legendary set then broke two new records at Bonhams in 2019 (for HK$7,192,000) and then again in 2020 when the collection made a spectacular combined total of HK$11,890,60 (US$1,520,000).

The Hanyu Distillery

Founded by Isouji Akuto, a 19^th generation descendant of a long line of sake brewers to produce Scotch-style malt whisky, the Hanyu distillery ceased production in 2000. But not before Ichiro Akuto, grandson of Isouji, stepped in to secure most of the casks of whisky left from the distillery (approximately 400). An avid whisky lover like his grandfather, Ichiro personally selected the prized amber liquid to be bottled for each ‘card’ released between 2005 and 2014, ensuring that the Hanyu legend lives on.  Read the interview with Ichiro Akuto in Bonhams Magazine here.

Sale: Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Full “Card” Series Location: www.bonhams.com

Date: 12-29 November 2024

About The Bonhams Network

Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.

Founded in 1793, Bonhams has representatives in more than 30 countries and operates flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

In 2023, Bonhams achieved 14% growth with $1.14 billion in turnover. Recent important auctions and landmark single-owner collections, include the white glove sales of Sir Michael Caine: The Personal Collection, Alain Delon: Sixty Years of Passion; Sir Roger Moore: The Personal Collection; Personal Property of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and The Robert & Jean-Pierre Rousset Collection of Asian Art: A Century of Collecting. Other notable single-owner sales included The Estate of Barbara Walters: American Icon; The Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; The Crown Auction: Props and Costumes and The Claude de Marteau Collection.

Top lots for 2023 include 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta, Sold at Quail Lodge, US for US$30,255,000. Tipu Sultan’s Bedchamber Sword (sold in London for £14m – a world record for both an Islamic and an Indian object); Paul Signac (1863-1935), Sisteron, 1902. Sold for US$8,580,000 (estimate US$4-6 million), and Claude Monet (1840-1926), La Seine près de Giverny, 1888. Sold for US$6,352,500 (estimate US$4-6m), both from the Alan and Simone Hartman Collection; A Gilt Copper Alloy figure of Virupaksha, Central Tibet, Densatil Monastery, Early 15th century. Sold for HK$37.9m (£4,060,326) in Hong Kong. Yoshitomo Nara (born 1959) Three Stars. Sold for HK$36,754,000 (£3,930,914), also in Hong Kong.

More information and highlights can be found HERE

For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails Releases New Limited-time Offering: Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour

A Fall-Inspired Twist on the Classic Whiskey Sour, Perfect for the Cooler Months

NEW YORK, – On The Rocks Premium Cocktails, the bartender-created, ready-to-serve cocktail brand, is excited to introduce its latest offering – the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour, a limited-edition cocktail now available in select markets nationwide.

Drawing inspiration from seasonal flavors, this distinctive twist on the classic Whiskey Sour blends citrus lemon, caramelized pear, and a custom spice mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, allspice, and rosemary, all expertly crafted on a foundation of Old Overholt Rye Whiskey.

Continuing its tradition of reimagining classic cocktails, On The Rocks presents a fall-inspired interpretation of the Whiskey Sour, crafted to capture the warmth and comfort of the cooler months. This limited-time offering balances premium rye whiskey with rich autumnal flavors, creating a cocktail that’s both perfect for fall and versatile enough to enjoy throughout the year. Simply pour over ice and garnish with a slice of pear or a cinnamon stick for an elevated experience.

“This cocktail perfectly captures the essence of the season with its warm blend of spices, caramelized pear, and the bold, smooth depth of Old Overholt Rye Whiskey,” said Carol Robert, Managing Director Ready-To-Drink at Suntory Global Spirits. “Our goal was to craft a cocktail that embodies the inviting spirit of fall while upholding the premium quality and craftsmanship On The Rocks is known for. The limited-edition cocktail is an ideal addition to both festive seasonal celebrations and laid-back autumn gatherings.”

The packaging introduces a thoughtful innovation with ‘Scratch & Smell’ technology, allowing consumers to experience the enticing aromas of pear and warm spices right at the time of purchase. This immersive feature enhances the consumer experience, drawing shoppers in and setting the stage for a truly memorable cocktail moment before the first sip.

The On The Rocks Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour cocktail is available now in 375mL at 20% ABV in select markets. For additional information about On The Rocks, please visit www.ontherockscocktails.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails
On The Rocks Premium Cocktails was founded in 2015 when a group of restaurateurs and award-winning bartenders left the world of fine dining and embarked upon creating a line of craft-made ready-to-serve bottled cocktails using only the most premium natural ingredients – from recipe to manufacturing. The founders pioneered in experiences and places where a bartender was not available, and elevated beverage options in settings where convenience is in demand.

On The Rocks Cocktails established itself early in the field with premium collaborations in the airline and hotel industries. Life doesn’t wait for the bar; some moments call for a complex drink in an unconventional setting. On The Rocks Cocktails was crafted to rise to your occasion and bring the bar to you. On The Rocks Cocktails are currently available nationwide in ten popular bottled expressions including The Blue Hawaiian, The Strawberry Daiquiri, The Aviation, The Cosmopolitan, The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, The Mai Tai, The Manhattan, The Espresso Martini, Margarita, and The Old Fashioned.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as , Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Suntory Global Spirits’ core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Suntory Global Spirits, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com