A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY RELEASES OAK SERIES: AMERICAN OAK, SECOND IN ITS EXPERIMENTAL SERIES EXPLORING OAK VARIETALS

This 12-year-old limited-edition bourbon whiskey will be available to order via an online lottery November 25 – December 2, 2024

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (November 13, 2024) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery today announces the release of Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak, the second experimental whiskey to debut from its Abraham Bowman Oak Series. Following the March 2024 inaugural series release featuring French Oak, the Abraham Bowman Oak Series explores cask maturation in different oak varietals from around the world, as well as the effect charring has on the flavor of whiskey. For its second release, A. Smith Bowman Distillery introduces the classic American White Oak to the Abraham Bowman Oak Series.

“We know American White Oak as today’s trusted wood for aging whiskey, but this experiment is about testing numerous oak varietals in pursuit of making the best whiskey possible” said A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s Head Distiller David Bock. “American Oak, as the tried-and-true oak for whiskey making, is a vital part of this experiment as we compare numerous experimental oak options.” 

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is made from a blend of liquids aged in charred American White Oak barrels. Though American White Oak is the industry standard, most bourbons typically age in these barrels anywhere from four to six years. American Oak, however, is aged for 12 years and brings an exciting new dynamic in the Distillery’s pursuit of making the best whiskey possible. With its smooth flavor and beautiful color, this bourbon exemplifies the richness and quality resulting from aging in American White Oak barrels.

Bottled at 135 proof, Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak has a vibrant red color indicative of prolonged maturation. On the nose it has a sweet aroma of tart apple and dried berries. The pallet features a balance of complex flavors, with an immediate taste of raspberry jam followed by hints of a smokey undertone. The finish is exceptionally smooth with persistent sweetness lingering throughout.

“Immediately, what stood out to me was how different American Oak was in comparison to our John J. Single Barrel Bourbon, which is aged for about 9.5-10 years,” said Bock. “A whiskey that has sat for 12+ years has the potential be too oak forward, but I am very pleased that American Oak has a delicious balance of flavor components. When blending American Oak, we landed at 135 proof to showcase the tart apple paired with hints of pepper notes, which makes a really enjoyable spirit that I think our fans will love.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection of whiskeys began in 2010 to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Bowman, the great-grandfather of the Distillery’s founder, Abram Smith Bowman. Each edition of the Abraham Bowman Collection reflects innovation and creativity coming from our previous Master Distillers Joe Dangler, the late Truman Cox, Brian Prewitt and current Head Distiller David Bock. Previous releases in the Abraham Bowman Collection have explored different mash bills, aging techniques, proofs, finishes and more.

Abraham Bowman Oak Series: American Oak is exclusively available for purchase through an online lottery. The lottery runs November 25 – December 2. Consumers nationwide are invited to enter the lottery, however winners MUST pick-up their bottle in-person at the A. Smith Bowman Gift Shop when purchasing. Limit one entry per person. To enter, please submit a form here. Winners will be randomly selected on December 4 and notified via email immediately following the selection. Those selected must pick up their bottles before 5:00pm on December 22. Each bottle will be sold at the suggested retail price of $79.99, excluding state taxes and fees.

For more information about the Abraham Bowman Collection, visit asmithbowman.com/spirits.

About A. Smith Bowman Distillery

As Virginia’s oldest distillery, A. Smith Bowman Distillery’s rich history dates back to 1927, when Abram Smith Bowman purchased 7,200-acres in Fairfax County, Virginia. Named Sunset Hills Farm, the Bowman Family were grain and dairy farmers until the fields became so abundant that Bowman needed a use for the excess grain. In 1934, he built a groundbreaking distillery on the farmland and, with the help of his two sons, produced the first-ever batch of Virginia Gentleman Whiskey.

Today, the historic distillery has relocated 60 miles away to Fredericksburg, where it operates as a small, family-owned company continuing the time-honored traditions on which it was founded, producing premium handcrafted spirits in small batches and experimental editions that embody innovation at its core. Award-winning products produced at A. Smith Bowman Distillery include Bowman Brothers Small Batch Bourbon, John J. Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon, A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength Bourbon, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Collection, Deep Run Vodka, Sunset Hills Gin, George Bowman Caribbean Rum and Mary Hite Bowman Caramel Bourbon Cream, among others. In 2023, Cask Strength won Gold medals at multiple competitions including the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the American Whiskey Masters.

For more information on A. Smith Bowman Distillery, visit asmithbowman.com.

LATEST COLLABORATION FROM BENROMACH CREATES MODERN TAKE ON DISTILLERY WORKWEAR

–Reworked 348 design distiller’s jacket using handmade techniques —

Benromach has blended the worlds of fashion and whisky to reimagine the workwear jacket traditionally worn by distillery workers over past centuries. And those who love the design – not to mention the award-winning single malt – can secure a limited-edition garment for themselves.

Created in partnership with Reworked 348, based the Derby, England, the design of the new ‘coverall’ jacket was directly influenced by the distillery team at Benromach. Their brief was brought to life by Reworked 348’s head designer Sally Harnden. Handmade techniques, handed down through the generations, were then used to create the finished garments, mirroring Benromach’s ethos to making their award-winning single malt whisky.

Similar coverall, or ‘chore’, jackets have been worn by distillery workers for centuries. But similar styles have recently seen a comeback in men’s contemporary workwear and utility trends, with people appreciating the workmanship and quality delivered by handmade products. As the name suggests, Reworked 348 tend to use recycled materials, with each Benromach jacket individually deconstructed and reconstructed from workwear originally made in the 1990s.

Created using traditional workwear construction, the distiller’s coverall jacket – made from 100% cotton herringbone in black with accents of Benromach red – provides essential durability and breathability for a working environment that can get hot. With functionality at the forefront of the brief, the jacket is equipped with two diagonal pockets for quick access and an inner pocket ideal for tools.

Safety features, such as cuffs that can be both buttoned and rolled up, as well as cleverly concealed front buttons have been thoughtfully integrated into the design. In an authentic black, the jackets provide practicality with a smart and stylish twist.

Murdo Mackenzie, Production Manager at Benromach, said: “Reworked 348’s approach aligns perfectly with ours in terms of using traditional handmade skills to create something special. It was great for them to come up and see us at work in Speyside, and then for me to visit their studio to create a product of great quality and character – just like our whisky.”

Sally Harnden, from Reworked 348, added: “Our goal is to bring products to life in authentic ways, with great attention to detail. So, when Benromach approached us, there was an immediate, natural fit. We are very proud of the end result and will be sitting down for a well-earned dram when the design is revealed to the world and people have the opportunity to buy one for themselves.” 

The Benromach Distiller’s Coverall Jacket (£130) is handmade to order from the Reworked website [reworked348.com], with a small number of jackets available at the distillery visitor centre, in Forres, Speyside.

For more information on Benromach Distillery, please visit: www.benromach.com/reworked-348

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character. For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

About Reworked 348
Reworked 348 was launched in February 2020 by a small collective of industry professionals. While the product will always come first, the team couldn’t ignore the negative impact the “regular” production cycle has on the planet and its inhabitants. That’s why they chose a different path. By avoiding the use of new and virgin materials wherever possible, they focus on being creative with what already exists—whether it’s reworking authentic vintage workwear or searching out “new” dead stock fabrics yet to be cut.

Every product is proudly made in the UK, each with its own unique history and story to tell.

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

The auction closes on Tuesday 26th November from 9:00pm (GMT)

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Are you interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

📞 +44 (0)1463 210 427

📧 sales@tgwa.com

The Arran 18 year-old scotch whisky is a wonderfully balanced expression of Arran Single Malt which displays the tremendous depth of character of their Distillery. Caramelised citrus and tropical notes on a background of toasted oak have created an intense, well rounded dram with charm and personality. A luxurious mix of their finest aged Sherry Casks, this fully mature expression of Arran Single Malt is exceptional.

£120.00

Tasting notes:

Nose: Orchard fruits with syrup and toasted oak

Palate: Caramelised orange, dark chocolate, baked peaches

Finish: Sweetness, Spice, Citrus, Baked peaches.

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT?

Get your holiday shopping off to a great start with our limited-edition Whisky Magazine Special Selection Bottlings! These handpicked whiskies are perfect for the true connoisseur and make a unique, thoughtful gift that will light up any celebration. Limited bottles are available. Start the holiday season with a gift that will be cherished—and enjoyed!

Nose – Creamy, with rice pudding and toasted vanilla. Rye and oat crackers. Sharp citrus bite – lemongrass, and lemon and lime sherbet – and a hint of Chablis-like minerality. Light notes of honey, underripe plum, and straw. Whole-milk latte.

Palate – Medium-full bodied, retaining that creaminess. Toasted vanilla pod, with roasted coffee notes and a hint of caramelised white chocolate. Cinnamon and vanilla sugar-dusted doughnut. Slight anise notes of clove and liquorice. Continuing citrus-sherbet tingle. Sweet and spicy grain notes run as an undercurrent.

Finish – Long, but gentle. Crisp green apple, honey, and rye cracker come through in the finish with a final twist of lemon peel.

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Nose – Juicy fruit cake, like a bara brith (tea loaf). Ginger syrup, redcurrants, black tea with manuka honey, pear and almond tart. Madeleines and vanilla cream. A hint of roast beef and herbal sage. With water, baking spices, a touch of white pepper, and dulce de leche.

Palate – Medium-bodied. Sweet initially, steamed ginger sponge with toffee sauce, and sea-salt caramel dark chocolate. Then come raisins, dates, cinnamon sticks, and flaked almonds, with a hint of tamarind and soft leather. Malt loaf with set floral honey. Rich, yet pleasantly drying. Water dials up the toffee and sherried fruit notes and calms that dry edge.

Finish – Medium-long, led by nutmeg and clove spice, with apple and raspberry cordial and shortbread with hard toffee.

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Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old “Origin Series #1” Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $49.99 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

Tamnavulin 14 Years Old 2010 Ruby Port Finish

This single malt was distilled on the 7th of February 2010 at the Tamnavulin Distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland. It was first aged in bourbon cask, before being re-racked into a single Ruby Port Pipe on the 10th of March 2024. It has spent over 7 months in the Pipe, before being bottled on the 27th of October 2024 by Little Brown Dog Spirits, at natural cask strength, without chill filtration or artificial colouring.

£75.00

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R6 DISTILLERY Introduces “Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles,” A Vintage Label Single Barrel Cask Strength Whiskey Line

Los Angeles, CA — R6 DISTILLERY in El Segundo, California, announces the release of a brand-new whiskey line, the “Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles,” a single barrel cask strength whiskey.  This whiskey comes from select stocks of the distillery’s 2019 and older barrels, marking a new project under the guidance of Seth Benhaim, Strategic Advisor and Director of Business Development for the distillery.

Benhaim, known for his innovative work with Broken Barrel Whiskey, is recognized for his unique approach to barrel aging.  His development of the “Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles” project represents his first independent whiskey launch since creating Broken Barrel.  His role includes overseeing the selection process of both barrels and buyers alike – finding perfect pairs, and providing operational consultation, ensuring direct involvement from production through to each barrel’s release.

The whiskey is predominantly available through a limited number of online retailers and whiskey clubs, including Drammer’s Club, Taster’s Club, Blind Barrels, and Great American Craft Spirits, among others.  Available barrel options include whiskey aged a minimum of five years, Blue Corn Bourbon, Single Malt, Bourbon, and Rye.  The whiskey released in 2024 will all have been distilled, aged and bottled in El Segundo, just one mile from the Pacific Ocean.

R6 DISTILLERY, founded by Rob Rubens, is a veteran-owned business that places a strong emphasis on community engagement.  R6 is also recognized as “LA’s First Bourbon®”, i.e. the first legal Bourbon in Los Angeles, making the distillery an obvious match for the historic label.  Rubens was the master distiller at the time for all barrels being offered for the Stock Exchange Club of Los Angeles.

For inquiries regarding single barrel options, contact Seth Benhaim at seth@r6distillery.com.

About R6 DISTILLERY:  Located in El Segundo, California, R6 is a family and veteran-owned and operated distillery by founder Rob Rubens.  The distillery focuses on producing a range of craft spirits using both traditional and innovative production methods.  In addition to creating quality spirits, R6 is dedicated to supporting veterans through their partnership with Soldier’s Best Friend.

Maker’s Mark Names Master Distiller

The Iconic Kentucky Bourbon Continues to Lead in Pursuit of Better Flavor and a Better World with Key Appointments

November 2024 – Loretto, KY. – Maker’s Mark, the iconic Kentucky bourbon driven by the pursuit of better flavor and a better world, has announced Dr. Blake Layfield as the brand’s next Master Distiller and Beth Buckner as lead blender.

“Visionary leadership has been a critical and consistent factor in the success of Maker’s Mark, from the moment Bill Sr. and Margie Samuels decided to create something completely different in the bourbon category 70 years ago,” said Rob Samuels, eighth generation whisky maker and managing director, Maker’s Mark. “Blake embodies the brand’s commitment to culture, quality and a higher purpose, and I am thrilled he and the Maker’s Mark leadership team are guardians of the brand’s legacy and vanguards driving the brand forward.”

In this key leadership role, Blake Layfield will oversee the consistency and taste vision of Maker’s Mark bourbon, as well as new product innovation. In addition, Layfield will advance the many environmental and agricultural initiatives on Star Hill Farm, home to the Maker’s Mark distillery – enhancing flavor through nature and leading the industry to a more sustainable future.

Since joining Suntory Global Spirits from Diageo in 2019, Layfield has held a series of R&D and quality leadership roles in Kentucky, serving most recently as senior director of innovation, blending and quality for Maker’s Mark.  Layfield holds a doctorate in Food Science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC and a General Certificate in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is also Co-Chair on the Research Committee of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and serves on the board of the James B. Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky.

Layfield will continue to be supported by the talented Beth Buckner in her role as lead blender, a critical position as the brand continues to innovate to deliver incredible experiences for consumers. Buckner began her tenure at Maker’s Mark in 2013 and her exceptional palate, creativity, and leadership qualities led to her significant role in the development of the acclaimed Wood Finishing Series. Buckner leads the brand’s push for innovation and the complex, fine art of blending.

Continuing to oversee all operations is Kim Harmon, general manager at the distillery. She joined Maker’s Mark in 2019 as director of safety and sustainability, and among other achievements, was instrumental in Maker’s Mark’s B Corp certification in 2022 – a milestone achievement within the industry. Harmon’s career, with tenures at Heaven Hill and Suntory Global Spirits, can be characterized by exceptional vision and a highly effective and collaborative leadership style. She also exemplifies the Maker’s Mark culture of pursuing perfection, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com

About Maker’s Mark®   

In 1953, in Loretto, Ky. Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small batches, using soft red winter wheat to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency and, finally, aged each barrel to taste. While he developed the bourbon, his wife Margie Samuels ideated the bourbon’s name and label, standout bottle shape, iconic and signature look that still involves hand-dipping each bottle in red wax to this day. Together as co-founders, Bill and Margie transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon continues to be crafted in the same, purposeful way.

In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio, including Maker’s Mark 46, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, and Maker’s Mark Cellar-Aged, all Double Gold winners of the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as Maker’s Mark Private Selection: the brand’s custom barrel program.  Maker’s Mark is the largest bourbon distillery in the world to achieve B Corp Certification and the first distillery to achieve Regenified certification, a reflection of the brand’s dedication towards building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. For more information, visit www.makersmark.com.

WE MAKE OUR BOURBON CAREFULLY. PLEASE ENJOY IT THAT WAY.

As we hear and heed warnings about high pressure over Greenland and cold Arctic air tumbling towards our island, it’s clear seasonal change is afoot.

Officially, the season really should begin on the 21st of December with the winter solstice and the shortest day of the year. But, our Irish and Swedish friends will tell us that November 1st was the day that matters, farmers far and wide would point to Martinmas on the 11th as the marker, and meteorologists will insist that December is the date for your diary.

Here in Harris it’s probably a more phenological and gut feeling thing, as we witness nature’s fading, bemoan the local ferry delays, and realise that the dark nights are well and truly here. So, we’re declaring it now. Light the fires, get the drams in, and let winter begin!

Wherever you are in the world reading this, we wish you a fine season ahead and invite you to read on to discover ways to keep your hearts warm and island spirits high as it all unfolds…

Have a great weekend from all of us here in Harris!

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

Our historic single malt whisky takes its name from the Scottish Gaelic word for a native of Harris. Like many words in our language, it can sometime be a little tricky to trip off the tongue. So, if you’ve ever wondered how to pronounce our whisky’s name, let our islanders help you out with a wee film we made. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try it out with friends, family, bartenders, and in your favourite spirits stores this winter…just say The Hearach!

WATCH THE FILM ON VIMEO

When the weather outside is frightful, there are few things more appealing than the prospect of a fireside dram, particularly if you’ve just escaped inclement island weather. The Hearach single malt was made for drinking, and the elegant, complex flavours captured in every glass promise a perfect pour at this time of year.

Gentle aromas of peat smoke give way to notes of toasted malt in your glass as flavours of apple, wildflowers, spice, clotted cream and candied sweets unwind. It’s a true Outer Hebridean whisky and full of local character. Simply order your bottle online or from your nearest stockist, and open to discover more…

DISCOVER THE HEARACH SINGLE MALT

The second expression of our whisky-making brings plenty of warmth to the proceedings this season, thanks to its connections to southern Spain. The Oloroso First Fill Cask Matured single malt draws wonderfully rich, bold, and aromatic flavours from sherry butts sourced from this special region of Andalusia.

The results bring a fine array of winter spices and woodsmoke to the dram, alongside festive notes like cloves, dried oranges and white chocolate. If you’re looking for something which captures a sense of an island Christmas, the one’s for you and yours…

It’s a delicious dram designed to be enjoyed with friends and family so order yours and open to discover more…

DISCOVER THE HEARACH OLOROSO CASK