Roaming Road Spirits Roams Into UK, European Markets With Unique Single-Cask Offerings

 The Roaming Road motto of “We Go Where the Spirit Takes Us” leads brand founder Mike Gilmore overseas as an American independent bottler with a global view 

DUBLIN, IRELAND – It started as an idea – bring to American drinkers a unique value proposition of specialized single-cask, cask strength offerings tracked down through hard work, personal relationships and an authentic desire to offer the finest expressions chosen for singular character and provenance. It is through this filter that American independent bottler Roaming Road Spirits, the personal passion project turned international success story of founder Mike Gilmore, finds itself on a truly global trajectory in bringing its mission of “We Go Where the Spirit Takes Us” to new international markets.

The Roaming Road Spirits journey, started in the United States in 2024, found Mike developing a highly enthusiastic following for his ability to discover and bring to market the finest in single-cask and Irish Whiskeys.  Taking an approach not common to the American market, he intentionally chose to avoid domestically releasing some of the finest Bourbon and Rye Whiskey casks from Kentucky and Indiana that he found. While he had built his reputation prior to Roaming Road by tracking down these types of American Whiskeys for a liquor store he owned, the timing didn’t feel right to do this same approach when he launched his brand.

Mike Gilmore of Roaming Road Spirits

“I didn’t want to just release another Bourbon or Rye,” said Mike. “I wanted to create something that carried their American soul across the ocean and gave it an Irish voice.”

With that in mind, and having found American success with its single-cask offerings, Roaming Road Spirits made the bold decision to take its same philosophy abroad. To this end, Mike brought the brand to Whiskey Live Dublin, where its newest offerings, Kentucky and Indiana Bourbon and Rye Whiskeys finished in Single Malt Irish Whiskey casks on the coast of Ireland with age statements ranging up to 10 years, were met with great enthusiasm. This transatlantic marriage of flavor – rich, full-bodied American Bourbon and Rye with a subtle, maritime-influenced Irish character – helped set the stage for pouring these expressions at the annual July 4th celebration hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, and held at the US Ambassador’s Residence, for 2,000 people. Since then, Roaming Road has become available throughout Ireland, including a prominent placement in the Shannon Airport Duty Free Shop.

Keeping this dual “whiskey cultures” approach in mind, Roaming Road has entered into the United Kingdom market by taking a similar approach in Scotland, where it is in the early stages of introducing Kentucky and Indiana Bourbon and Rye Whiskey finished in Single Malt Scotch casks sourced from various Scotch whisky–producing regions and distilleries. Ranging from the smoky depth of Islay to the rich, sherried influence of Speyside and the elegant malt-driven notes of the Highlands, cask-strength bottlings that capture the diversity of Scotland’s whisky heritage, while preserving the bold, cask-strength foundation of American whiskey, promise to bring to new fans distinct regional characteristics.

“It was never part of the plan for Roaming Road to go beyond Ireland,” noted MIke, “but the interest from other whiskey nations—places like Scotland wanting to connect through their own cask heritage—opened a new and exciting chapter we never expected.”

Looking to further horizons, the brand is excited to be bringing its single-cask philosophy to wider European markets, including Poland, Slovenia, and future sights set on France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Mike is also exploring future collaborations in Japan, where he plans to finish American whiskey in rare Mizunara oak casks.

From America’s heartland to the Irish coast and beyond, Roaming Road has truly embraced its “We Go Where The Spirit Takes Us” mission. We invite you to join us.

About Roaming Road 

Roaming Road Spirits is not just a brand; it’s a philosophy. With a unique and adventurous motto,” We Go Where The Spirit Takes Us,” Founder Mike Gilmore has built a highly-regarded brand that constantly searches for the best single-cask spirits, regardless of geographical boundaries. This passion project of Mike’s is not about highlighting every barrel selection out there but about identifying those of the highest quality that fit his mission. This distinct point of view gives Roaming Road unparalleled access to an extremely deep and ever-growing catalog of expressions, inviting you to join in the adventure.

Aberlour Unveils a new Limited Edition A’bunadh Sherry Cask Collection

ABERLOUR, SCOTLAND – Aberlour, the meticulously crafted Speyside single malt, launches the Aberlour A’Bunadh Sherry Cask Collection. This limited-edition release marks an evolution of the distillery’s Aberlour A’Bunadh legacy, celebrating Aberlour’s craftsmanship and expertise in sherry cask maturation. 

The inaugural  Aberlour A’Bunadh Sherry Cask Collection – Release 1 (ABV 56.2%) stands as a profound testament to sherry cask artistry. Master Distiller Graeme Cruickshank has curated this first expression with double cask maturation, fully finished in two distinct, hand-selected sherry cask types: Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez (PX). Each cask is chosen for its exceptional quality, profound aromatic profile, and rich, nuanced characteristics, ensuring an exquisite sensory journey.  

While honouring the timeless spirit of iconic Aberlour A’Bunadh, which was born from generations of craft, passion, and knowledge – this collection boldly carves its own path. Exclusively finished in 100% first-fill sherry casks, this first release delivers maximum flavour extraction and a deep sherry influence. Bottled at natural cask strength and non-chill filtered, it fully preserves the whisky’s character, aroma, and mouthfeel with a distinctive maturation style and premium packaging instantly signalling its coveted, limited-edition status.  

Graeme Cruickshank, Master Distiller at Aberlour, commented, “The Aberlour A’Bunadh Sherry Cask Collection represents a significant milestone, not just building upon the beloved Aberlour A’Bunadh tradition, but boldly pushing the frontiers of sherry cask influence. This new release is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, offering whisky enthusiasts a rare, unmissable opportunity to experience the profound depth and complexity that a 100% first-fill sherry cask finish can truly deliver.”  

Designed as a collectible, each subsequent release promises a new revelation, featuring different, interesting sherry finishes. Aberlour A’Bunadh Sherry Cask Collection – Release 1 will be available in select markets from October 2025 at a suggested retail price of £95. Discover more here.

Give the Gift of Whisky Knowledge

Looking for a standout Christmas gift that will last far beyond the holidays? Treat the whisky lover in your life to an experience they’ll genuinely enjoy. Our most popular Certificates (including Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey and Gin) make brilliant gifts, and our digital Gift Vouchers are perfect for last-minute shoppers.

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SAMPLE BOTTLE IMAGE

Frank August 7 Year Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

(750ml)

$139.99

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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

SMWS Canada December 2025 Outturn At The Strath

THE VIDEO

Join Adam as he once again introduces us to another epic set of SMWS releases at The Strath. Check out the SMWS page on The Strath’s webstore, where you can buy bottles and tickets to upcoming events – http://strathliquor.com/smws

WHISKY BOTTLER UNVEILS THEIR FIRST-EVER LIMITED-EDITION CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Falkland, Fife: Scotland’s fastest-growing independent bottler Saltire Rare Malt is embracing the magic of the season with the launch of a Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old – a festive single malt made for winter’s most cherished moments. Their first-ever Christmas Special Single Malt is drawn from a 2nd Fill European Oak Hogshead seasoned with Oloroso sherry.

A festive single cask from Saltire Rare Malt captures the warmth, tradition and nostalgia of Christmas in a glass, marrying the rich character of sherry-matured whisky with the timeless comfort of the season – evoking crackling fires, winter gatherings and shared moments that define the spirit of Christmas.

This limited-edition bottling, the 19th release from Saltire Rare Malt, is presented at 48.8% ABV, non-chill filtered and limited to just 247 bottles. It is available now through the Saltire Rare Malt website and select distribution across Europe and Asia, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to enjoy a distinctly festive dram.

Curated with Festive Finesse

Distilled on 8th February 2008 and bottled on 10th February 2025, this Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old single malt has been carefully chosen for its rich winter character and depth of flavour.

On the nose and palate: dried fruits, raisins, soft oak spice and a delicate tannic structure. A splash of water reveals cigar boxes, chestnut paste and cherry pipe tobacco. The finish is long, warming and gently spiced – the kind of whisky that invites slow sipping beside a fire on a winter night.

As with every Saltire Rare Malt bottling, the 19th release has been selected with the guidance of internationally respected whisky curators Hans Offringa and Becky Offringa – The Whisky Couple. Their expertise ensures only the most exceptional casks make it into the collection.

Commenting on their first-ever festive release, Saltire Rare Malt Founder & Director Keith Rennie said: “This release is our love letter to winter. It’s elegant, nostalgic and made for those quiet golden moments when the world slows down.

“If Christmas had a flavour, this would be it – rich fruit, warm spice and old-world charm in a glass. We’re very proud of this whisky and confident Saltire fans will enjoy every drop of this special release.”

A Measure of Time & Taste

Founded in Falkland by lifelong friends Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie, Saltire Rare Malt is an independent bottler dedicated to exceptional single casks – from iconic distilleries to hidden gems and lost whisky landmarks. After three decades of working together, their shared passion for fine and rare Scotch inspired them to create a global platform to share their remarkable private collection.

Launched in 2024, 530 years after the birth of Scotch Whisky, the brand is proudly rooted in the historic town of Falkland. Each release is meticulously curated, featuring well-known labels, rare gems and casks from lost distilleries. Every whisky is nurtured over time and bottled only when it reaches its moment of perfection.

The Tamnavulin 17-Year-Old Christmas Special Single Malt, the 19th release from Saltire Rare Malt, is available now through the Saltire Rare Malt website and select distribution across Europe and Asia, offering collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to enjoy a distinctly festive dram.

About Saltire Rare Malt Whisky

Saltire Rare Malt are bottlers of a unique range of limited-run single malt whiskies. The independent bottling company was born from a longstanding partnership between friends & Founders Nigel Heywood and Keith Rennie. The pair have worked together for three decades, before moving into the whisky world to collect fine and rare single malts. A shared passion for the ‘water of life’ led to the creation of Saltire Rare Malt – a global vehicle to share their outstanding collection of Single Malt Whiskies.

The founders felt that 2024 would be a good year to launch the very first bottlings of Saltire Rare Malt, 530 years after the birth of Scotch Whisky – in the beautiful, historic town of Falkland. Among Saltire Rare Malt’s meticulously curated collection are ‘well-known labels’, ‘rare gems’ and casks from ‘lost distilleries’ with Single Malt Scotch Whisky releases that are ‘never rushed or hurried — they’re bottled when the right time arrives’.

W: https://www.saltireraremalt.com/
I: https://www.instagram.com/saltireraremaltwhisky
F: https://www.facebook.com/people/Saltire-Rare-Malt-Whisky/61554723364117/

About The Whisky Couple, Hans & Becky Offringa:

Hans Offringa is an international author and whisky expert who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. An inductee of the Whisky Hall of Fame, a Kentucky Colonel and a Keeper of the Quaich, Hans is a judge at the Scottish Whiskies Awards and the World Whisky Awards and serves as Director on the Advisory Board of The Council of Whiskey Masters.

Becky Lovett Offringa is a Keeper of the Quaich and co-author of numerous whisky books. Becky is a well-respected judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whiskies Awards. She also is a Member on the Advisory Board of the Council of Whiskey Masters. Becky and Hans, internationally known as ‘The Whisky Couple’, are trusted partners of the Saltire family.

About Falkland, Fife; The Birthplace of Scotch Whisky

Falkland is a beautiful Scottish market town in the Kingdom of Fife, built around the 12th century Falkland Palace. 1494 saw the first record of Scotch Whisky. King James IV, staying at the Palace, issuing the famous order: “8 bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, werewith to make the ‘water of life”. This can be considered the birth certificate of Scotch Whisky. Saltire Rare Malt is now situated in the market square opposite Falkland Palace. Over 530 years after the birth of Scotch whisky, its story has now come full circle.

Exceptional Bourbon, Exceptional Value
K&L Liquors’ 7 Year Old Every Drop “Living Legend” Batch No. KY-03-25 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($49.99)
“To say this is one of the most ridiculous values we’ve ever offered at K&L would be an understatement.” — Josh Gelfand, K&L Spirits Buyer

There are few professional moments more gratifying than the work I’ve done on the recent releases of our new K&L Every Drop brand. This historic label, which predates the founding of our store by many decades, found its way to me thanks to a thoughtful customer who had won a miniature bottle from the 1940s at auction and passed it along. So when the opportunity arose to create a new, store-exclusive brand, I knew this magnificent, long-forgotten IP had to be revived.

We painstakingly reimagined every detail of the label, staying faithful to its original design. From the clean, classic lines to the timeless tagline—“Supreme Quality”—stretching across each bottle’s shoulders, it perfectly reflects our ethos. The label’s revival was inspired by an exceptional batch of rare bourbon that we had acquired through a stroke of good fortune: a great old whiskey from Frankfort, followed shortly by a second release of the same.

But how could we continue producing whiskies that lived up to those extraordinary beginnings? My premise was never that Every Drop must be mythical in rarity, but rather that every bottle—and yes, every drop—should offer our customers unmistakable quality, unique character, and exceptional value. That’s a tall order, especially considering that I have no control over the aging or production of the barrels we source. With only tiny samples representing entire lots, I set out—on little more than a wing and a prayer—to find our third batch.

That search led me to a parcel of mature bourbons from a certain distillery near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. While I can’t name it on the label, nothing stops me from saying it outright: it’s that ol’ Kickin’ Chicken in Tyrone. The question then became—how could a seven (nearly eight) year old Turkey compete with the best in class? The answer lay in blending and proofing.

I’ve always found immense joy in blending on the small scale I’m afforded, and this project gave me the chance to shape the final character through careful selection and proof adjustment. When a customer emailed asking if it might be similar to W.B. Saffell—a whiskey twice the price and up to 12 years old—I knew we’d hit the mark. The proof and batch name pay quiet homage to the great blenders behind that legendary bourbon, which indeed served as my guiding beacon.

Now, this is my Tuesday-to-Sunday whiskey. It’s exuberant, balanced, and endlessly satisfying. It’s unquestionably the best value on the shelf today in this style, which is quite distinct from regular WT or Russell’s Reserve—and happens to be a style I personally love. Expect an elegant balance of sweet oak, fragrant fruit, zesty spice, and a rich caramel backbone. It shines in cocktails and stands beautifully on its own.

And if you don’t appreciate Minerva’s Purple Wax, I know a monk in Midway who’d like to have a word.

— David Othein-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

K&L Liquors’ 7 Year Old Every Drop “Living Legend” Batch No. KY-03-25 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($49.99)

Seven years old, bottled at entry proof, and from one of my favorite Kentucky distilleries—one you can rarely get independent barrels from? Oh, yeah. Sign me up. To say this is one of the most ridiculous values we’ve ever offered at K&L would be an understatement.

Getting our own liquid from this undisclosed Lawrenceburg distillery—one that, let’s just say, pairs nicely with the main dish at your late-November family feast—is pretty, ahem, wild. I’m certainly giving thanks for this whiskey.

The nose is full of beautiful fall spice—cinnamon, clove, allspice, and dried flowers—like the potpourri surrounding the gourd on your table. There’s oak from an old barn, sweet caramel, and aromas of apple, apricot, and cherry pie adding layers of warmth. On the palate, the spice continues with musty oak, toffee, orange peel, and pepper, rounded out by peanut brittle and nutmeg before finishing with that classic rickhouse funk, soft leather, and roasted honey.

— Josh Gelfand, K&L Spirits Buyer

K&L Notes: Since 1976, K&L Wine Merchants has been dedicated to sourcing the world’s finest wines and spirits and offering them at the best possible prices. That founding principle has guided us for more than 45 years and continues to shape our portfolio today.

When the price and availability of great whisk(e)y became increasingly prohibitive, we decided to take matters into our own hands. The first brand created by K&L’s Spirits Department was Faultline—a range that spanned the globe with Scotch, rum, and gin—though it was our Indiana bourbon that earned recognition well beyond our borders.

Until now, however, we had never bottled a true Kentucky bourbon under our own label. Enter Every Drop. The historic K&L Every Drop brand, originally used in the 1910s to sell whiskey, had been dormant since the mid-1970s. Revived today as our line of exclusively Kentucky whiskies, it represents our continued pursuit of exceptional barrels bottled solely for our customers.

This batch, distilled from a mash bill of 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% malted barley at a storied distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, offers a fascinating counterpoint to the mature 16-year releases we’ve previously offered under the same name. Bottled at 107 proof—a nod to the traditional entry proof at this distillery—the whiskey was drawn from ten hand-selected barrels of outstanding quality and carefully blended to create a singular expression available only at K&L.

Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 31, 2025

I really like that, in our K&L Liquors “Every Drop” series, we’re including some more budget-conscious options for people who want to experience this lineup but don’t have the means—or the inclination—to spend a few hundred dollars on a bottle. Josh already gave you all the hints we can possibly share about the source of this one, so I’ll leave that part to him.

When I let it sit in the glass for a bit, the nose first showed a maple note that quickly disappeared with a single swirl, revealing baking and barrel spices—everything that goes into the pie except the pumpkin. There’s vanilla crème brûlée in the background, and the palate is fairly sweet but not overly so, with plenty of toffee, peanut shell, vanilla custard, and just a touch of lemon oil weaving through it all.

It’s simply a lovely bottle that, for the price, really over-delivers. This happens to be one of my favorite distilleries, so maybe I’m a little biased—but I genuinely think it’s an exceptionally fair value. Plus, we picked this one just for you, so give it a try.

Cary Herrman | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 01, 2025

The caramel hits first – bold and buttery, like a sunshine melting over an old porch swing. It’s the flavor of a Midwest afternoon. As it settles, a touch of oak and spice steps in, rounding the edges with a quiet confidence. “Living Legend” fits – familiar, comforting, and just a little golden around the edges.

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

Special Order

Special Order Only! Special order items are not in stock and subject to availability. All special orders are final and non-refundable. Will take 3-7 business days to receive this product before it can be shipped. The oldest in the collection, this 51 Year Oloroso Puncheon release bears a molten bronze hue and radiates maturity, depth, and coastal charm. Aromas of sun dried raisin, blood orange preserve, maraschino cherry, sandalwood, spiced vetiver, and sea salt evoke a sense of timeless elegance. The palate rolls in like a warm tide, rich with raisin balsamic, blackberry jus, and salted treacle infused with orange and sloe syrup. Bottled at 44.2 percent, it is a contemplative malt marrying sherry opulence with seaside character in its most refined form.

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

HAUTES GLACES EPISTÉMÈ
ORGANIC WHISKY

Discover one of France’s most captivating whiskies — beautifully presented and rated 89 by Serge (WhiskyFun). Epistémè R18P23 “Yellow Circle” from Domaine des Hautes Glaces is an organic single rye whisky distilled on the slopes of the Vulson volcano.

The base of the bottle mirrors the Obiou mountain range, a striking nod to the distillery’s Alpine home. Elegant, expressive and making a truly beautiful gift — and with each bottle purchased, you’ll receive a 3cl sample to share with a friend.

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Speyside (M) Signatory Vintage 2009 Small Batch Edition #19 – Whisky Folk Review (Macallan)

THE VIDEO