Join the world's finest malt whisky club, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Find your nearest branch

Welcome to WhiskyIntelligence.com where we'll be gathering information on the whisky industry and scotch whisky news in the form of press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes and comments.

Please submit your press releases, newsletters, events, tasting notes or comments.

Penelope Bourbon offers exclusive access to Founders Reserve – American Bourbon News

Penelope Bourbon offers exclusive access to Founders Reserve

Fans get first access to Penelope’s most prestigious release from the Estate Collection

ST. LOUIS (Oct. 8, 2024) – Penelope Bourbon proudly announces the launch of its Founders Reserve List. By joining this exclusive list, our most dedicated fans will have a special opportunity to acquire these coveted bottles from the ultra-limited Founders Reserve, the rarest in Penelope’s Estate Collection. This exclusive offering grants early access to five unique lots of 11-year-old straight wheat whiskey, bottled at cask strength and available in very limited quantities. 

By joining the Founders Reserve List, fans will have the exclusive opportunity to secure one of these rare bottles for $199.99 each or acquire the entire five-lot set for $995.95. Reserved bottles will be available for pickup only at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, between November 22 and December 21, 2024. To sign up, visit penelopebourbon.com/founders-reserve-pre-sale. 

To mark this special release, Penelope Bourbon founders Michael Paladini and Danny Polise will personally welcome guests on November 22 at Lux Row Distillers for the official Founders Reserve launch.

“Founders Reserve is one of our most special releases of the year. We created this product as a way to showcase rare and unique barrels we came across throughout our bourbon journey,” said Paladini. “We are excited to release 24 experimental barrels of 11-year-old 95% wheat whiskey from the Ross & Squibb Distillery for this year’s Founders Reserve.” 

Introducing Founders Reserve: A Rare Opportunity in the Estate Collection

Part of the Penelope Estate Collection, Founders Reserve features an 11-year-aged straight wheat whiskey with a mash bill of 95% wheat and 5% malted barley, aged in charred new American oak barrels at the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The Penelope team carefully selected barrels from the distillery’s renowned heritage, crafting five distinct lots, each offering a unique profile and bottled at cask strength.

“We have been looking forward to this release for some time,” said Polise. “Since first finding these barrels back in 2019, we’ve anxiously followed them as they aged and waited for the right time to dump each lot. Each lot is distinct in its character and offers something special for whiskey lovers.” 

Extremely Limited Production

Founders Reserve is a highly exclusive release, with some lots producing fewer than 300 bottles. The cask strength whiskey is bottled at varying proof points, ensuring that each lot delivers its own unique tasting experience:

  • Lot B: 4 proof (59.2% ABV)
  • Lot C: 6 proof (58.3% ABV)
  • Lot D: 5 proof (54.75% ABV)
  • Lot E: 6 proof (53.8% ABV)
  • Lot F: 2 proof (54.1% ABV)  

Exclusive Packaging and Experience

Each bottle of Founders Reserve is presented in a luxurious dark green box, featuring gold-embossed Penelope Estate Collection branding. Inside, complete details for all five lots are listed, adding to the exclusivity of this release and making it a perfect keepsake for collectors and connoisseurs.

After the distillery release, any remaining bottles will be offered through e-commerce channels, but availability will be extremely limited.

“The Founders Reserve List allows our supporters to experience these rare bottles before they’re gone,” said Polise. “We’ve crafted something truly special, and we’re excited to share it first with all who have supported us along the journey.” 

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).

Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada October 2024 Outturn – Scotch Whisky News

As the nights get longer and the weather gets crisper, there’s a certain charm in opening a bottle for a dram or two. Scroll on through our October Outturn to find your perfect autumn dram.

 

FRESH, BRIGHT AND CHARMING

CASK NO. 73.162

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  11 years

MUSCAT GRAVY

CASK NO. 128.22

CASK: 1st fill muscat of Setubal barrique 

AGE:  6 years

A FORAGE INTO ORANGE

CASK NO. 44.180

CASK:  New oak hogshead

AGE:  18 years

MUSTY MULCHY

CASK NO. 68.105

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

AGE:  15 years

VIKING TOOTHPASTE

DISTILLERY 93 RARE RELEASE

CASKS:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrels

AGE:  9 years

ALICE THROUGH THE TASTING GLASS

CASK NO: 138.8 

CASK:  1st fill ex bourbon barrel

AGE:  6 years

HEBRIDEAN HAMPER

CASK NO: 53.464 

CASK:  1st fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead

AGE:  15 years

BROWSE OCTOBER OUTTURN

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

Limited 50% Discount Tickets & New Whisky Brands at The World Whisky Experience ~ The Whisky Lounge News

Limited 50% Discount Tickets & New Whisky Brands at The World Whisky Experience

We’re excited to bring you some fantastic news for The World Whisky Experience, happening at Christ Church Spitalfields on 15th & 16th November. Not only have several incredible new whisky brands signed up to exhibit, but we’re also offering a limited number of 50% discounted tickets – just for The Whisky Lounge members.

Use code TWLWHISKY50 at checkout to claim your discount. Be quick though, this offer is only available while stocks last.

New Exhibitors Joining the Lineup:

  • Four Roses
    A true legend in bourbon, Four Roses is renowned for its distinctive smoothness and rich flavour. Don’t miss out on tasting their premium whiskey range.
  • Curraghamore Whiskey
    From the heart of Ireland, Curraghamore is a standout Irish whiskey, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and historical legacy.
  • Waterford Distillery
    Famous for their innovative approach to whisky-making, Waterford focuses on terroir and the unique qualities of barley grown in specific locations. Their single malts are truly one-of-a-kind.
  • Scapegrace
    Hailing from New Zealand, Scapegrace is already celebrated for their award-winning gin, and now they’re making waves in the whisky world. Discover their fresh take on whisky at the show!
  • Maisy McCloughlin’s Grand Irish Whiskey
    A new entry to the Irish whiskey scene, Maisy McCloughlin’s Grand Irish Whiskey combines tradition with a modern twist, offering bold and unique flavours that are sure to delight.

Over 200 Whiskies to Explore

With these exciting new exhibitors, you’ll now have access to a collection of over 200 whiskies from around the world. Whether you prefer smooth Irish drams, bold bourbons, or innovative malts, The World Whisky Experience promises something for every whisky lover.

Masterclasses, Talks & Guided Tours

Join industry educators, including Eddie Ludlow and Kristiane Sherry, for insightful masterclasses, talks, and guided tours around the event. You’ll have the opportunity to deepen your whisky knowledge and discover new favourites.

Claim Your 50% Discounted Tickets Now!

A limited number of 50% discounted tickets are available using code TWLWHISKY50 at checkout. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the most exclusive whisky events in the UK at half the price!

Book your tickets now

The details

Date: Friday 15 November & Saturday 16 November

Time: Various time slots, 1-8pm

Location: Christ Church Spitalfields, Commercial Street, London, E1 6LY

Format: Walkaround tasting, masterclasses and guided tours

Tickets start at £65 without discount

Follow us on social media for the latest news and updates:

For queries about this event, please email info@cluboenologique.com

CLICK FOR MORE INFO &  TICKETS

Club Oenologique is a premium lifestyle publication for curious and discerning wine and spirits lovers. Renowned for inspiring stories and trusted expertise, we connect people to the joys of the world, through the lens of wine, spirits, and other interesting drinks.

Williamson (Laphroaig) 17 Year Old “Rites of Passage” 1st Fill Oloroso Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Blended Malt ~ Islay Scotch Whisky News

Williamson (Laphroaig) 17 Year Old “Rites of Passage” 1st Fill Oloroso Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

(700ml)

$229.99

View

Andrew Whiteley
Review Date: 04/2023

Smoke and salt and sherry. Such a combination. When it hits, it hits big. Many try for this but few seem to have the patience these days to properly execute it. Rites of Passage reracked this cask into first fill sherry in 2017 and waited a long 5 years to bottle it. Well worth it. The sherry is so beautifully integrated and is a cask worthy of the intensity of Laphroaig’s spirit. With the color of used motor oil, you can’t help but be excited as you open the bottle. At first pour, that classic smoky iodine that wafts from your glass is unmistakable. The typicity is perfect. Layer in line after line of classic Oloroso notes, like a perfectly baked croissant, each layer distinct, but beautifully part of one whole. Candied citrus peel (lemon and orange)- check. Dusty cocoa – check. Raisins – check. Dried palm fruits – check. Toasted nuts – check. Then BAM, Laphroaig again, smoke, salt, roasted seaweed, BBQ sauce. Molasses, cotton candy, malt balls, all there. It sits thick on your palate like cough syrup or a spoonful of the elixir surrounding Luxardo cherries. In a world where OB subpar 7-8 year old single casks in lack luster wood are going for $350+ this takes my hard earned cash. Every. Single. Time.

Rites Of Passage, while just delivering their first releases to the US, will surely be a household name in no time if the quality of their casks are all this high. All 4 releases in this first drop are superlative. It will be a remarkable journey if the hits keep coming like this. 17 year old teaspooned Laphroaig at a whopping 57.3% ABV that finished for 5+ years in dark first fill Oloroso sherry, it’s a no brainer and tastes even better than it looks. Distilled 9/21/2005 and filled first into a refill hoggie it was reracked in 2017 into a beautiful Oloroso hogshead and bottled 9/22/22. Bottled at cask strength and without chill filtration this cask yielded just 249 bottles.

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

The Whisky Exchange Exclusive: Johnnie Walker Diwali Edition – Scotch Whisky News

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Diwali, India’s most important holiday, brings with it the promise of new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness. Over five days, homes glow with the warmth of clay lamps, and the night sky is filled with the sounds and colours of fireworks.

This limited-edition release of Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a vibrant celebration of Diwali, featuring an eye-catching design, inspired by the decorations that adorn the clay pots laid out during the festival.

If you’re planning to gift this special edition to a loved one, take advantage of free engraving available throughout October.

  SHOP NOW 

Whisky Wednesday Reviews Bruichladdich Octomore 15.1 – Islay Scotch Whisky News

https://youtu.be/GP0vE10uKvI

Welcome to Octomore October!

Kicking things off this week with the new Bruichladdich Octomore 15.1 release. A five year old single malt, peated to a level of 108.2 ppm and then bottled at 59.1% ABV. Solely matured in first fill bourbon casks for a maximum sweet/smoky Octomore profile, it was quite the charmer and really did put across how different and special Octomore releases can be.

It’s admittedly been a while since I’ve tried or reviewed an Octomore release, but thanks to this handy little sample bottles, it makes everything a little cheaper! For the money, I still think that the 15.1 is a really good buy if you’re wanting that ‘Octomore thing’ that nobody else can seem to do in the peated whisky world.

Stay tuned over the next coming three weeks for two more Octomore reviews and something rather special and unique on week 4…see you soon!

ANGEL’S ENVY® AND THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CELEBRATE A DECADE OF IMPACT WITH 11TH ANNUAL TOAST THE TREES INITIATIVE – American Whiskey News

ANGEL’S ENVY® AND THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CELEBRATE A DECADE OF IMPACT WITH 11TH ANNUAL TOAST THE TREES INITIATIVE

Since the program’s inception in 2014, ANGEL’S ENVY and the Arbor Day Foundation have replenished over 311,000 White Oak trees, which are estimated to prevent enough stormwater runoff to hydrate 213,710 people for a day, sequester 135,000 metric tons of CO2, and filter enough air to provide over 1.2 million people with breathable oxygen for a day over a projected 40-year period.

HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 2024 — ANGEL’S ENVY®, the global brand that produces finished whiskeys at their Louisville-based distillery, and the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest member nonprofit dedicated to planting trees, enter their 11th year of partnership for the annual Toast the Trees initiative, celebrating over a decade of impact. Since the program’s inception in 2014, ANGEL’S ENVY and the Arbor Day Foundation have planted over 311,000 White Oak trees. Based on 40-year estimates provided by the Arbor Day Foundation using the USDA Forest Service’s i-Tree tools, these trees are projected to help avoid 17.5 million gallons of water runoff (enough water to hydrate 213,710 people for one day), sequester 135,000 metric tons of CO2, and remove 428 tons of air pollutants (filtering enough air to provide over 1.2 million people with breathable oxygen for a day). In Kentucky alone, more than 40,000 trees have been planted across 62 acres, leaving a lasting impact on this vital habitat.

“Working with the Arbor Day Foundation on the Toast the Trees initiative has been a remarkable journey ANGEL’S ENVY has been honored to be a part of,” said Gigi DaDan, General Manager of ANGEL’S ENVY. “Over the past decade, we’ve supported the bourbon industry’s need for a healthy White Oak population, and, most recently, helped local communities in dire need of trees in their city through our Urban Canopy restoration efforts. This program reflects our pride in being an American Whiskey brand made in the heart of downtown Louisville and we can’t wait to see the kind of impact we will continue to build for years to come.”

Each September, in honor of U.S. National Bourbon Heritage Month, Toast the Trees emphasizes the importance of planting trees, from urban canopy restoration to replenishing White Oak forests to support for a more sustainable future for all. Bourbon must legally be aged in new oak barrels, and the white oak tree is the most common type harvested for North American cooperages. Each white oak tree yields between one and three barrels and takes about 70 years to mature.

“For more than a decade, ANGEL’S ENVY has shown a deep commitment to the transformative power of trees,” said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Through our partnership, we’ve witnessed firsthand how trees can drive positive change, from revitalizing forests to enhancing urban communities. We’re grateful to work alongside this team of forward-thinking leaders and we’re excited to continue this meaningful work together.”

As the Toast the Trees program enters its 11th year, ANGEL’S ENVY will continue to support the replenishment of America’s White Oak population through reforestation efforts and by planting native trees in urban communities. ANGEL’S ENVY is also encouraging supporters to donate to the Arbor Day Foundation.

In 2023, ANGEL’S ENVY expanded Toast the Trees to include urban tree canopy restoration efforts. This year, tree plantings will continue in Jacksonville, FL; Kansas City, MO; Louisville, KY; Nashville, TN; Indianapolis, IN; Denver, CO; Sacramento, CA; Charleston, SC; New York, NY; and Phoenix, AZ throughout the fall.

ABOUT ANGEL’S ENVY
ANGEL’S ENVY is a global brand that produces finished whiskeys at their Louisville, Kentucky-based distillery. Founded in 2010, ANGEL’S ENVY was among the first American whiskey producers to employ a secondary finishing process broadly across its portfolio. Today, each of its award-winning whiskeys are finished in hand-selected barrels to add a distinct layer of flavor and complexity, and the ANGEL’S ENVY team continues to produce several highly acclaimed core offerings – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels and a Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks – as well as a variety of innovative, special releases.

ANGEL’S ENVY opened the doors to its distillery at 500 East Main Street in 2016, making it the first full-production whiskey distillery in downtown Louisville. In June 2022, ANGEL’S ENVY completed an $8.2 million expansion to its distillery, doubling annual guest capacity.

ANGEL’S ENVY is available in all 50 U.S. states and several international markets, and it is produced by Louisville Distilling Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi Limited.

HEAVEN CAN WAIT. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.
©2024. ANGEL’S ENVY, ITS TRADE DRESS AND THE ANGEL WINGS LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS. BOTTLED BY LOUISVILLE DISTILLING COMPANY, LOUISVILLE, KY. KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY FINISHED IN PORT WINE BARRELS – 43.3% ALC. BY VOL.

ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Together with our partners, we have helped plant more than 500 million trees in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival. Through our members, partners, and programs, the Arbor Day Foundation inspires people across the globe to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

Speyside Whisky Auction October 2024 Auction ENDS TONIGHT! – Auction Whisky News

We are live!

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Bid on Rare Whiskies!

Auction closes from 8pm TONIGHT!!

(BST) Tuesday 8th October

www.speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

Glenfarclas
The Family Casks – 1954 – 2003 Miniatures (50 x 5cl)

Quite simply put, this is the absolute pinnacle for any whisky collector. Within this custom built cabinet you’ll find fifty 5ml bottles that feature every Glenfarclas Family Cask release from 1954 to 2003.

With only 8 of these cabinets in existence this is definitely not something that comes to auction often if ever. Do not miss out on your chance to own a little bit of history.

Interested in Selling Whisky?

  We are already collecting for our next auction
🌍  Global Audience 
    0% Sellers commission
💸   Fast Payment

📱   WhatsApp   +447908 704201
📞   Phone        +44 (0)1340 835445
📧   Email         Reply or info@speysidewhiskyauctions.co.uk

4.9 / 5 | 615 reviews

BUNNAHABHAIN 21 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH PEDRO XIMENEZ CASK FINISH – Hard To Find Whisky News

BUNNAHABHAIN
21 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH
PEDRO XIMENEZ CASK FINISH

70cl | 53.6% ABV

Bottled at Cask Strength, this 21 year old Single Malt spent most of its life maturing in ex-Oloroso sherry casks before being finished in the finest Pedro Ximénez casks.

The result is everything you’d come to expect from Bunnahabhain with creamy berries, roasted nuts and gentle sea spray at the forefront complemented by a complex yet sweet syrupy layer from the Pedro Ximénez casks, that coats the palate with lingering bursts of figs and molasses.

 

£274.95

Add To Basket

Bruichladdich Octomore x 2 at K&L California – Islay Scotch Whisky News

Octomore “15.2 Edition” 100% Scottish Barley Heavily Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $229.99 View

Jim McEwan

This Octomore was peated to 108.2ppm, distilled from Scottish barley, and matured in a combination of American oak, red wine, and ex-cognac casks. A whisky with elegance and intrigue in equal measure, you can expect notes of rye bread, roasted coffee, and a thick, almost buttery texture, leading to toffee, cracked black pepper, and peat – lots of peat.

Octomore “15.3 Edition” 100% Islay Barley Heavily Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $259.99 View

Jim McEwan

This Octomore was peated to 307.2ppm, making it the second most heavily peated release in Bruichladdich’s range. It was made using 100% Islay barley and matured in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks. You can expect notes of smoked and salted toffee, runny honey, and citrus, complemented by dried fruit and a punch of peat smoke.

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


Powered by WordPress