The warmest of welcomes everyone to our now live 173rd auction!  We have an absolutely stupendous array of drams on offer this month, and with the festive period right around the corner this is the perfect chance to start stocking up that drinks cabinet in preparation for the impending yuletide onslaught.

With that in mind we would like to encourage all our customers, but in particular in the US and Worldwide shipping zones, that if you wish to buy bottles for Christmas that you attempt to win them in this auction.

Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee any bottles won in the December Auction (174th) will be delivered on time for Christmas.

Time to start building that watchlist.

Our first bottle to shine a light on is a particularly enticing one, this beauty is the Glenfiddich 1964 37 Year Old Single Cask #10791.  Distilled right in the middle of the swinging sixties this delicious looking dram has spent an incredible 37 years in a sherry hogshead, and boy can you tell!  Bottled by Ian MacLeod this is a truly special dram from one of Scotland’s premier distilleries.

Next we have another bottle which has been receiving covetous glances here at SWA towers, this is the Springbank 1970 36 Year Old Signatory.  There are few things better in this life than a well-aged Springbank, and this little cracker certainly fits the bill.  Distilled at the dawn of the seventies and aged for the best part of four decades in a single Sherry Butt, this will be a dram to savour, no doubt.

Following on our theme of ‘drams I would like to drink’, this belter is the Glenfarclas 1961 Premium Casks.  A marriage of three 1st Fill Oloroso casks, all distilled in 1961, this darkly inviting dram was bottled for the German market in 2008.  Despite being the product of three casks only 458 bottles were produced, lending this dram an air of exclusivity to go with its obvious deliciousness.

And finally, we have a rather distinguished older Speyside gentleman this is the Macallan 1945 Speymalt Gordon & MacPhail.  To put the age of this dram into context World War II had yet to finish when it was distilled.  It would have to spend an inordinately long amount of time ageing in 1st Fill Sherry Hogsheads before it was finally bottled in 2013.  A chance to taste the Macallan of old, now who wouldn’t want that?As always we have an enormous selection of drams to suit every budget on offer this month, so now is the time to delve into this month’s offerings and start building that watchlist.

Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon

An expression that pays homage to Baker’s trucking business, where he delivered grains to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. During this time, he developed an appreciation for different grains and their influence on whiskey. This high-rye recipe has 2x the standard amount of rye in Baker’s Bourbon and is a continuation of our innovation journey, celebrating Baker Beam and all that he did for our distillery. This liquid is distilled to a 107 proof and barreled and aged for a minimum of 7 years, allowing the bourbon to pull more caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla flavor from the barrel wood.

53.5% ABV | SRP: $74.99

Baker’s 13-Year-Old

This limited edition bottling of special 13-year single barrel liquid explores how time and location in the warehouse drives distinction from barrel to barrel. Baker’s base bourbon is distilled to a lower proof and barreled and aged for a minimum of 13 years. This extra-aged expression allows the bourbon to pull more toasted nut, fruit, and vanilla flavor from the barrel wood.

53.5% ABV | SRP: $149.99

(Photo Credit: Suntory Global Spirits)

2025 Octomore (Bruichladdich) Edition 16.1 “The Reference” 5 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $204.99 View  

16.1 is crafted using 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto Barley, malted to 101.4 PPM and aged in cask for 5 years, with an ABV of 59.3%. This elegant liquid is matured in first-fill bourbon barrels, bringing forth intense peat smoke with surprising delicacy. Salted caramel, honeyed melon and apricot lead into chocolate and coconut, accompanied by a soft wave of earthy minerality and lingering smoke.

2025 Octomore (Bruichladdich) Edition 16.2 “Cask Aced” 5 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $239.99 View

The .2 expression offers a direct comparison to the .1, using the same malted barley with a different maturation profile, predominantly European Wine and/or Cognac casks. Produced from 100% Concerto barley grown on the Scottish mainland. It was malted to 101.4 ppm. The whisky was matured for 5 years in first-fill bourbon casks before being bottled at 59.3% vol. without chill-filtering and in its natural colour.

2025 Octomore (Bruichladdich) Edition 16.3 “Octomore Farm Islay Barley” 5 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $269.99 View

The .3 expression is an ultra-high provenance single malt, exploring the influence of barley grown exclusively in a single field on Octomore Farm, Islay. The whisky’s nickname gives it away: the 16.3 was produced entirely from Concerto barley grown on the Church Field of Octomore Farm on Islay. It was malted to 189.5 ppm and the whisky was matured for 5 years entirely in Bourbon, Sauternes and Pedro Ximénez casks. The Octomore 16.3 was bottled at an impressive 61.6% vol. without chill-filtering and without the addition of colouring.

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

BIG PEAT SIGNATURE SERIES

DOUBLE GRAND CRU EDITION – AGED 6 YEARS

Savour the rare experience of a truly defining release in our Signature Series.

For the first time ever, Big Peat’s unmistakable Islay smoke has been enriched by a double wine cask influence – matured in Bordeaux oak and finished in Rioja. This unique combination creates a Whisky of remarkable depth, where peat and maritime character meet dark fruits, chocolate, espresso, and warming spice.

Limited to just 330 bottles worldwide – exclusively available online – this is classic Big Peat, reimagined for those who seek rarity, complexity, and craft.

SHOP NOW

ralfy review 1102 Extras – Two chips off the same block (Kilchomans)

Kentucky Senator Bourbon Co-Founder Damon Thayer
Inducted Into Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame

Industry Honor Highlights Award-Winning Brand’s Ongoing Momentum and Expansion

GEORGETOWN, KY — The Kentucky Distillers’ Association has named Damon Thayer, co-founder of Kentucky Senator Bourbon and a longtime legislative advocate for the industry, among the five distinguished inductees into the 2025 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. Thayer, a former Senate Majority Leader and one of the most influential champions of Bourbon modernization laws, will be formally honored this September during Bourbon Heritage Month at the Legacy at Log Still in Nelson County.

The Hall of Fame, established in 2001, is considered the highest honor in the Bourbon industry, reserved for those who have made transformational contributions to Kentucky Bourbon’s stature, growth, and global reputation. Thayer joins an elite class that includes Chris Morris, Craig Beam, Larry Ebersold, and the late trailblazer Mary Dowling.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be recognized by an industry I’ve spent so many years supporting,” said Thayer. “From passing laws that opened the door for Bourbon tourism and economic growth, to launching Kentucky Senator Bourbon with my business partner Andre Regard, my goal has always been to protect and promote our Kentucky spirit.”

Thayer’s induction comes at a time of notable momentum for Kentucky Senator Bourbon, the award-winning small-batch brand he co-founded in 2018. The brand recently earned a Double Gold Medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its John Brown Release and was named a finalist for Best Aged Small Batch Bourbon, with the winner to be announced at the Top Shelf Gala in November. Kentucky Senator Bourbon has also launched Louisiana Senator Bourbon, with the inaugural Huey P. Long Release set to hit shelves July 3.

With each bottle named for a U.S. Senator and crafted with historic reverence, Kentucky Senator Bourbon blends tradition with high-end taste. Its growing list of accolades continues to position the brand as a standout in the premium Bourbon category.

To hear directly from Damon Thayer about this honor, tune into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame livestream, sponsored by Kroger Wine & Spirits, airing September 16. The event will feature interviews with this year’s inductees and commentary from leading voices in the Bourbon world.

“We’re proud to have Damon receive the recognition he deserves,” said co-founder Andre Regard. “His leadership has not only shaped Kentucky Bourbon law but helped build a brand that’s winning awards, expanding into new states, and standing shoulder to shoulder with industry giants.”

For more information about Kentucky Senator Bourbon, or to explore their current releases, visit www.kysenatorbourbon.com.

About Kentucky Senator Bourbon
Kentucky Senator Bourbon is an award-winning small-batch Bourbon brand committed to crafting exceptional spirits with a side of American history. Each limited-edition release is named after a real U.S. Senator and represents a blend of tradition, character and U.S. heritage; it is distilled and aged in Kentucky for about six years (the same length as a U.S. senate term).

Founded by Andre Regard and Damon Thayer, Kentucky Senator Bourbon revives a historic brand once produced by Crigler & Crigler in Covington and later Double Springs Distillers in Bardstown. The brand launched its first revival release in 2021 and has since become known for producing richly aged, 107-proof Bourbon expressions that connect past and present.

Awards & Recognition

• Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s inaugural release, the Alben W. Barkley Release, was highlighted in Forbes’ Online Magazine: Read More!
• Fred Minnick, a noted Bourbon author, ranked Kentucky Senator Bourbon in his Top 100 Whiskeys of 2021 and 2022: 2021 Rankings | 2022 Rankings | 2023 Rankings
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon won Gold ASCOT Awards for taste and a Double Platinum ASCOT Award for marketing and brand design: Read More!
• Kentucky Senator Bourbon recently won its first Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its 2024 John Brown release. Read More!

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Damon Thayer at damon@kysenatorbourbon.com.

Lost Lantern Leads Scotch Lovers to Stateside Single Malts

Lost Lantern Unveils its Fall 2025 Collection Bridging Scottish Tradition and American Single Malt

Vergennes, VT (October 29, 2025) — Lost Lantern, the award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey, proudly announces its Fall 2025 release: The Scotch Lovers’ Collection, an invitation for Scotch drinkers to take a deep dive into the more traditional side of American single malt.

Officially recognized by the federal government as a new whiskey category in December 2024, American single malt is a wide-ranging style, including both whiskies that are very different from other world single malts and ones with distinctively traditional, classic single malt flavors with American nuances.

The Scotch Lovers’ Collection shines a light on these more traditional American single malts with flavor profiles that will immediately appeal to Scotch drinkers… even if they’ve never encountered or explored American single malt before.

“While the single malts and blended malts in this Collection are not and could never be Scotch, which can only be made in Scotland, these unique and exceptional whiskies will hold special appeal for Scotch lovers,” said Co-Founder Adam Polonski. “We worked closely with each of the distilleries in this collection to source truly first-of-their-kind whiskies for this Collection as a way to invite Scotch lovers into American single malt.”

Since launching in 2020 as an American independent bottler inspired by the traditional Scottish model, Lost Lantern has collaborated with more than 40 distilleries across 20 states, shining a light on America’s most distinctive whiskies through single casks and blends. The Scotch Lovers’ Collection continues that mission and is the company’s first collection entirely focused on single and blended malts.

“American single malt has rapidly become one of the most dynamic styles of whiskey in the world,” said Co-Founder and Head Blender Nora Ganley-Roper. “We are excited for Scotch lovers to join us in exploring the more traditional side of this fast-rising style.”

FALL 2025 COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS

The Scotch Lovers’ Collection features seven whiskies (two blends and five single casks) that celebrate the craftsmanship and character of single malt through an American lens.

• American Vatted Malt Remix ($100): A bold new edition of the whiskey that launched Lost Lantern, blending single malts from 11 distilleries across eight states.
• American Vatted Malt Reissue ($90): A limited return of Lost Lantern’s original 2020 release, honoring the whiskey that began the company’s journey.
• Warfield Idaho Single Malt ($100):  Lost Lantern’s first Idaho release, from a certified organic distillery known for using traditional Scottish pot stills. Ideal for Speyside and Lowland fans.
• Triple Eight Trio: This trio from Nantucket-based Triple Eight is the first time the distillery has ever released single casks or cask-strength bottlings.

o   Triple Eight Peated Massachusetts Single Malt ($120): The first peated whiskey from this storied distillery. Ideal for fans of the Scottish Islands region.

o   Triple Eight Massachusetts Single Malt 10 Years Old ($150): A decade-old single cask showcasing the distillery’s patient, maritime-influenced aging. Ideal for fans of Speyside and the nearby areas of the Highlands.

o   Triple Eight Sauternes Cask Aged Massachusetts Single Malt 11 Years Old ($180):  Lost Lantern’s oldest whiskey to date and its first fully matured in an ex-Sauternes cask. Ideal for Highland whisky fans.

• McCarthy’s Peated Oregon Single Malt 10 Years Old ($150):  The first 10-year-old release from America’s original single malt distillery, a defining milestone for the category. Ideal for Islay fans.

All releases are non-chill-filtered and have no added color.

The Fall 2025 Collection will be available Wednesday, November 12^th, via LostLanternWhiskey.com, Seelbachs.com, select retailers in CA, NY, MA, RI, and at the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

“We have been Scotch lovers since long before we started Lost Lantern,” added Nora Ganley-Roper. “Scotch independent bottlers heavily influenced our approach to American whiskey, so it’s only natural for us to shine a light on American single malts that particularly speak to Scotch drinkers… A group that includes ourselves!”

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, Vermont. Lost Lantern seeks out the most distinctive whiskies from across the U.S., releasing them as single casks and blends, always with a commitment to transparency.

Named Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Lost Lantern has also seen both founders honored as Drinks Innovators of the Year by SevenFifty Daily and named to Beverage Information Group’s 40 Under 40 for 2025.

For more information, to explore current and past releases, visit the tasting room, or sign up for the newsletter or Discovery Club, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

FALL 2025 COLLECTION DETAILS

American Vatted Malt Remix

11 Distillery Blend | 110.7 Proof | 800 Bottles | $100

A follow-up to the whiskey that launched Lost Lantern in 2020, this blend unites single malts from 11 distilleries across eight states: Andalusia Whiskey Co. (TX) Balcones Distilling (TX), Cedar Ridge (IA), Copperworks (WA), McCarthy’s (OR), Santa Fe Spirits (NM), Triple Eight Distillery (MA), Virginia Distilling Co, (VA), Westland Distillery (WA), Westward Whiskey (OR), and Whiskey Del Bac (AZ). Rich and dark with spice and fruit, it’s a deeper, smokier evolution of the original and a tribute to five years of discovery.

It is the widest-ranging blend of American single malts ever created, a symbolic bridge between Scotland’s vatted malt tradition and America’s emerging style.

American Vatted Malt Reissue

6 Distillery Blend | 105 Proof | 500 Bottles | $90

A limited re-release of Lost Lantern’s debut whiskey, created collaboratively with six pioneering distilleries: Balcones Distilling (TX), Copperworks (WA), Santa Fe Spirits (NM), Triple Eight Distillery (MA), Virginia Distilling Co, (VA), and Westward Whiskey (OR). Balanced and approachable, it captures the origins of American Single Malt’s modern movement.

Among the earliest blends of American Single Malt, it helped introduce the idea of a truly transparent independent bottler of American whiskey, one defined by collaboration, transparency, and a sense of place.

Warfield Idaho Single Malt

135.4 Proof | 196 Bottles | 4 Years Old | $100

The first-ever cask strength release from this rising star Idaho distillery, one of the only certified organic distilleries in the country. This bright, elegant single malt, aged in ex-bourbon casks for four years, shows notes of heather honey, lemon zest, and light oak. Reminiscent of a Speyside or Lowlands style, yet with mountain power and freshness.

A young distillery on the rise, Warfield’s use of traditional Forsyths Scottish pot stills and high-elevation aging in the Sawtooth Mountains makes this a standout for Scotch lovers seeking authenticity and terroir-driven character.

Triple Eight Peated Massachusetts Single Malt

115.9 Proof | 196 Bottles | 6 Years 6 Months Old | $120

The first-ever peated whiskey from Nantucket’s Triple Eight Distillery, made with Scottish-sourced peat and aged for six years in ex-bourbon barrels in a maritime climate. Briny and smoky, with hints of dried fruit, marzipan, and golden raisins, it mirrors the maritime character of Scotland’s Islands region whiskies.

This release is part of a Lost Lantern trio of the first Triple Eight single casks ever released, and this selection highlights the influence of ocean air and peat in American single malt form.

Triple Eight 10-Year-Old Massachusetts Single Malt

124.2 Proof | 174 Bottles | 10 Years Old | $150

The distillery’s traditional methods, long aging times, and the maritime climate of Nantucket make for exquisitely balanced whiskies. This rare, decade-old single cask, aged in ex-bourbon barrels, shows layers of graham cracker, sea salt caramel, and vanilla, with distinct maritime spice. Reminiscent of long-aged Speyside and Highlands whiskies.

One of the oldest American single malts available, this whisky exemplifies the patience and precision that have made Triple Eight one of the finest single malt producers in the world.

Triple Eight Sauternes Cask 11-Year-Old Massachusetts Single Malt

120.9 Proof | 229 Bottles | 11 Years Old | $180

The oldest whiskey Lost Lantern has ever released, fully matured for 11 years in an ex-Sauternes cask. Lush notes of golden raisins, honey, and candied almond lead to a palate of dried figs, and chocolate sea salt caramel before a long, warming finish. Fans of Highland whisky will appreciate this powerful yet honeyed selection.

This rare dessert cask influence brings a distinctly European sensibility to American single malt, a luxurious counterpart to fine Scotch finished in wine casks.

McCarthy’s 10-Year-Old Peated Oregon Single Malt

118.6 Proof | 250 Bottles | 10 Years Old | $150

From Oregon’s pioneering Clear Creek Distillery, the makers of McCarthy’s,  America’s original single malt. Heavily peated and aged a decade in Oregon oak, it offers herbal smoke, dark berries, leather, and campfire depth.

This is the oldest and the first 10-year-old McCarthy’s ever released; it is a milestone for both the distillery and the American single malt category, crafted for fans of classic Islay Scotch.

ARDBEG APPOINTS ITS FIRST FEMALE DISTILLERY MANAGER IN MODERN ERA

 < Bryony McNiven follows in the footsteps of historic sisters who ran Ardbeg almost 200 years ago >

Ardbeg’s very own Bryony McNiven is to become the Islay malt whisky’s next Distillery Manager – the first woman in the modern age to take command of the stills. An Islay native and the daughter of an Ardbeg stillman, Bryony follows in the footsteps of two legendary sisters who led the Distillery nearly 200 years ago. Having dedicated her entire career to Ardbeg, Bryony has a unique skillset and an unrivalled knowledge of the world’s smokiest, peatiest Islay malt whisky. She is the perfect peathead to lead Ardbeg’s production from 1^st January 2026.

Established in 1815 on the remote Scottish island of Islay by John Macdougall, Ardbeg has always had a pioneering spirit. By 1853, the Distillery was being run by John’s relations, sisters Margaret and Flora Macdougall, widely believed to be Scotland’s first female distillers. Bryony’s appointment makes her the Distillery’s first in recent times. Meanwhile, in keeping with its trailblazing approach, this month the brand opened Ardbeg House – the first world-class whisky and hospitality experience on the island, dedicated to Ardbeg.

For Bryony, Ardbeg is not just a whisky, but a way of life. She grew up down the road from the Distillery, where her father Ruaraidh MacIntyre was a mainstay of the production team for 35 years before retiring. So before she began studying chemistry at Glasgow University, it seemed only natural that Bryony should take a summer job at Ardbeg. That evolved into a stint as an Ardbeg brand ambassador in Sweden, before six years in Ardbeg’s Whisky Creation Team in Edinburgh alongside Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden and Master Blender Gillian Macdonald.

Bryony returned to Islay in 2018 as Ardbeg’s Visitor Centre Planner, where she has been responsible for organising tours and sharing drams with guests – as well as sitting on the Distillery’s all-important sensory panel which shapes future Ardbeg whiskies. Steeped in the world of Ardbeg, Bryony was the obvious choice to become co-chair of the brand’s loyal following, the Committee, alongside Gillian earlier this year. And, when applications for the role of Distillery Manager came flooding in, Bryony was the standout choice.

Ardbeg President and CEO Caspar MacRae said: “I can’t think of anyone better than Bryony to take on the role of Ardbeg Distillery Manager – surely the peatiest position in single malt. Not only is Bryony an extraordinarily talented whisky expert and a passionate Ardbeggian, but she knows our brand better than almost anyone on the planet. I look forward to working closely with Bryony as we forge a fabulously smoky future for Ardbeg!”

Bryony, who takes over from outgoing Distillery Manager Colin Gordon in the new year, said: “Ardbeg has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m thrilled to be taking the reins at a Distillery which means so much to me and my family. Not only have I got some incredible female role models behind me in Flora and Margaret Macdougall, but I also have a fabulous team to work with. We are already hatching smoky schemes to bring even more exceptional Ardbegs to our fans. Watch this space…”

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Instagram: @ardbeg @ardbeghouseofficial

Ardbeg

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies. 

The Ardbeg Committee

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 200,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 140 countries.  Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Bryony McNiven and Gillian Macdonald, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Ardbeg House

Ardbeg House is a world-class whisky and hospitality experience on Islay, which offers the island’s visitors an extraordinary opportunity to eat, sleep and drink Ardbeg. Situated in the bustling town of Port Ellen, this 12-bedroom boutique hotel blends the ultimate in Scottish hospitality with the flavours and legends of Ardbeg’s island world. Visitors and locals are welcomed to enjoy the best of Scottish food and drink at the House’s Signature restaurant and the Islay Bar, including exclusive Ardbeg drams.

To book, go to www.ardbeg.com

Awards

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg Ten Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 25 Years Old was named the World’s Best Scotch Whisky at the 2023 New York Wine Spirits Competition, and received a Platinum medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

The Joker: The Crown of Ichiro’s Famous Playing Cards Series

Only at Iron Gate Auctions in Canada.  November 3-10, 2025.

The Joker whisky, crafted by the now silent Hanyu Distillery, is celebrated as the pinnacle of the legendary Ichiro’s Malt Playing Cards Series. This limited collection, conceived by Ichiro Akuto—the grandson of the distillery’s founder—has become a cult favourite among whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Hanyu Distillery, located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, was established in the 1940s, blending traditional Scottish whisky-making techniques with Japanese innovation. Though the distillery closed its doors in 2000, Ichiro Akuto salvaged remaining casks, ensuring Hanyu’s legacy would endure through exceptional bottlings like those found in the Playing Cards Series.

Ichiro’s Playing Cards Series is a collector’s dream.  Beginning in 2005, Ichiro Akuto released a series of single malt whiskies, each representing a playing card in a standard deck. The playing card theme chosen for its universal visual appeal and ease to order a dram at the bar.  Bottled from rare Hanyu casks, the series features various ages, cask types, and flavour profiles from the Ace to King in four suits, plus two Jokers.

The Joker: The Final Card

The Joker whisky, released in 2014, marks the grand finale of the series. Two versions were produced: a coloured label and a monochrome label. The coloured Joker is a vatting of multiple casks, offering a complex nose of dark fruits, spice, and oak, while the monochrome Joker is a single cask bottling, noted for its intensity and depth.

Iron Gate’s November Spirits auction will feature the coloured label of the Joker release.  Bottle #2947 or 3690.  57.7% ABV. Distillations between the 1985 and 2000, the last year the distillery operated.

Own the history of Japanese whisky: Innovative, artisanal, and deeply connected to heritage—a final flourish in Ichiro Akuto’s remarkable playing cards legacy.

Auction starts November 3, 2025.

Register here 

Contact for more Information:

Ajay Bhardwaj, Director Spirits, Iron Gate Auctions
www.irongateauctions.com
Email: ajay@irongate.wine

Happy Samhain From Lady of the Glen!

Our Quarter 3 releases, The Samhain Series, are now available in shops. The series celebrates Scotland’s rich folklore and eerie mythology, coinciding with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, the precursor to modern-day Halloween.

There’s a great event involving our latest releases at The Bow Bar in Edinburgh on Halloween night. More details below 👇

Steven Shand, the artist behind the labels, has created a 2026 calendar around these special illustrations. It is available to buy on our website here.

Recently Paul and Gregor were invited onto a spooky version of the Whisky Sisters Podcast to show off The Samhain Series and all things LOTG. You can find it here on Spotify or wherever you get your Pods.

Please note that in order to better support our retail partners this outrun and future outruns are not being sold through our website. Links to stockists can be found via the tab on our homepage. All releases were bottled at our site in Dalgety Bay by hand.