Isle of Harris Display at Selfridges

Look out for our beautiful new display of Isle of Harris spirits in Selfridges London if you happen to be in the city. Alongside the recent single cask collaboration you’ll also find The Hearach single malt and Oloroso Cask whiskies,. There’s also some nice stories and photography alongside to help inspire shoppers to take a taste of our island home with them.  You’ll find us in the Wine Shop near Harry Gordon’s Bar on the lower ground floor…

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ralfy review 1100 – Hinch ‘cask 3885’ Irish Whiskey @54.1%vol:

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY CELEBRATES FILLING ITS 9 MILLIONTH BARREL OF BOURBON SINCE PROHIBITION

Milestone achieved in record time due in large part to completion of the Distillery’s $1.2 billion expansion project earlier this year

FRANKFORT, KY – In a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and growth, Buffalo Trace Distillery today announces the filling of its nine millionth barrel of bourbon since Prohibition. This historic accomplishment comes on the heels of Buffalo Trace completing its decade long, $1.2 billion expansion project earlier this year, which has allowed the Distillery to achieve this landmark moment on a greatly accelerated timeline vs. prior millionth barrel milestones.

“The filling of our nine millionth barrel represents a historic chapter in the Distillery’s story, which began more than two centuries ago and is still being written today,” said Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Distillery Master Distiller. “This milestone is exciting not just because we are producing more whiskey than ever before, but because every barrel filled ensures that generations to come will be able to enjoy the same quality and craftsmanship that has defined the Distillery since the 1850’s.”

Bourbon distilling at the site now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery dates back to the 1770s, with formal operations beginning in the 1850s. During Prohibition, the George T. Stagg Distillery (as it was then known) remained one of the few allowed to produce whiskey for medicinal purposes, but official barrel counting began in 1933. Since then, the Distillery has celebrated multiple millionth barrel milestones – the first in 1942, followed by 1953, 1961, 1971, 1981, 2008, 2018, 2022, and now 2025.

“Since official barrel counting began in 1933, each millionth barrel milestone has marked more than just a number: they stand as symbols of heritage, resilience and the timeless pursuit of excellence in bourbon,” said Wheatley. “The Distillery’s resilience was proven once again during the historic flood this past April which touched 90% of the campus. I’m proud of the team for their hard work to ensure Buffalo Trace recovered quickly – after just a few short months we’re 100% back open, operational and welcoming visitors.”

While each millionth barrel reflects centuries of dedication to quality and tradition, the nine millionth marks a particularly significant chapter in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s history. In 2015, Sazerac initiated a $1.2 billion expansion project that touched nearly every facet of operations – from a new distribution center, bottling operation, upgraded cistern room and new boiler, dry, mill and still houses to 20 new fermentation tanks, three steam boilers and 19 new aging warehouses. Completed in January 2025, the project has increased the Distillery’s production capacity by 150%.

Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman added, “We are proud to be the birthplace of bourbon, and celebrations like this one remind us that our signature industry is as strong as ever. Buffalo Trace Distillery not only preserves centuries of craftsmanship, but also drives jobs, tourism, and opportunity for families here in Franklin County and across the Commonwealth. Thank you to the leaders at Buffalo Trace for their continued commitment to the Commonwealth and our people.”

Keeping with tradition, the nine millionth barrel will be signed by team members and placed inside Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Warehouse V, the world’s only single barrel warehouse, where it will age until the filling of the ten millionth barrel. Distillery visitors are welcome to view the barrel inside Warehouse V during regular business hours and capture photos of this piece of bourbon history.

A ceremony celebrating this historic milestone was held on Monday, September 29 at 2:00pm ET. On hand to mark the occasion was Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Franklin County Judge Executive Michael Mueller, Frankfort Mayor Layne Wilkerson and Buffalo Trace Distillery officials, including third generation team member Freddie Johnson whose family has been involved in every millionth barrel since 1942. Photo and video from the ceremony can be found here.

The filling of the nine millionth barrel comes less than three years after the filling of the eight millionth barrel, which happened in December 2022. The Distillery’s seven millionth barrel was filled four years prior to that in 2018.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller and Stagg were named Best of Show at the 2024 Denver International Spirits Competition and its Traveller Whiskey is the Most Awarded Super Premium Whiskey Release of 2024. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Douglas Laing & Co. Celebrates Sell-Out Success of Big Peat Highball RTD in Japan

Independent Scotch Whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & Co., proudly celebrated the launch of the Big Peat Highball, the first ever ready-to-drink serve from its cult Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky brand, Big Peat.

Crafted in collaboration with Japan Import System (JIS), the limited release rolled out nationwide in mid-August across 15,000 stores in Japan. It sold out exceptionally quickly, a clear reflection of the demand for innovative RTD formats in one of the world’s most dynamic Whisky markets.

Big Peat, renowned globally as the “ultimate taste of Islay”, is a marriage of Single Malts distilled only on the island, including those from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and even the long-lost Port Ellen. Bottled always without colouring or chill-filtration, Big Peat is celebrated for “his” unmistakably maritime and smoky style.

That same flavour DNA was brought to life in the Big Peat Highball RTD: a perfectly balanced serve combining smoky sweetness, warming peat smoke, and a briny coastal tang with a refreshing effervescence. Enjoyed straight from the can, it delivered Big Peat’s bold Islay character in a convenient, easy-drinking format that quickly won over Japanese consumers.

Feedback has been hugely positive, not only from direct client reviews but also via social media posts and short video content which helped fuel nationwide awareness. Consumers in Japan have been particularly struck by the bold, impactful design that stood out on shelves, as well as the unique taste profile: the intense smokiness immediately evident on opening the can, paired with a surprisingly refined quality at 7%ABV.

Cara Laing, Managing Director at Douglas Laing & Co., commented:

“Big Peat has built his reputation as a seriously smoky Islay Malt, adored by Whisky fans around the world. To see “him” take this bold new step into RTD, in a market as important and pioneering as Japan, is incredibly exciting. The collaboration with JIS has allowed us to stay true to the DNA of Big Peat while making him more accessible than ever before.”

Laphroaig 38 Year Old “Archive” Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $3,900.00 View

Laphroaig’s Archive Collection continues with this extraordinary 38 year old Islay single malt, distilled in 1985 and bottled in 2023, with just 400 bottles released globally. Matured first in ex bourbon American oak and finished in second fill Oloroso seasoned European oak, this expression reveals a new dimension of the distillery’s signature style.

The nose opens with vibrant citrus oil and dried apricot, backed by gentle sea spray and warm oak spice.

On the palate, sultana, salted caramel, and crystallized ginger develop across a silky texture, with fruit and wood in perfect harmony. Time has mellowed the classic iodine driven peat, allowing the deep complexity of long oak aging and fruit to take center stage.

The finish brings it all home with roasted nuts, dried fruit, and a soft echo of maritime smoke.

This is Laphroaig at its most elegant and composed, a quiet masterclass in balance, patience, and layered flavor. Overseen by seven distillery managers over nearly four decades, this bottling reflects a rare continuity of vision and craft. A true collector’s gem and a connoisseur’s dream pour, this is one of the oldest official distillery releases ever offered and a unique glimpse into the evolution of one of Islay’s most iconic producers.

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

Introducing: The Diageo Special Releases 2025

We are delighted to introduce the 2025 Diageo Special Release Collection.  Building on last year’s effort, this year’s Horizons Unbound invites whisky lovers to discover bold new takes on some of our most iconic single malts.  Enjoy, as Diageo challenges the concept of what whisky can be.

With Talisker, Lagavulin, Clyneleish, Oban, Singleton of Glen Ord, Dailuaine, Teaninich and Roseisle, this is a stunning collection for you to feast upon.

BUY NOW❯

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

view from the street

Distillery profiles: Pittyvaich-Glenlivet

Pittyvaich: Pit a bhathaich- “farm with a byre” (byre is a cattle shed btw). The distillery was built on the site of the farm adjoining Dufftown distillery. Pittyvaich House, built around 1850, was demolished to make way for construction. According to Misako Udo Dufftown distillery was originally to be given the name “Pittyvaich”. It was the eighth distillery to be built in Dufftown, Kininvie followed in the 1990s.

Dufftown distillery was established in 1896, Arthur Bell and Sons bought the facility in 1933. With rising demand for Scotch whisky the number of stills at Dufftown were doubled to four in 1967 then another pair were added in 1979. Bells became the best selling brand in the home market accounting for an impressive one quarter of blends sold. It was decided a new distillery was required to keep up with demand for the successful brand.

Production began at Pittyvaich in June 1974 on a site close to the Dufftown distillery at the town boundary on a hilltop. Compared to Dufftown Pittyvaich was modern and spacious offering up to date practices in a building constructed sympathetically to the operator’s working environment. Unlike many older buildings in the industry that had been gradually expanded it was relatively easy to keep clean and was well laid out.

There was a cast iron mash tun and 6 stainless steel washbacks. Fermentation, at least for a period, took between 40 and 48 hours. The two pairs of stills were replicas of those at Dufftown, each with a capacity of 30KL. They took about a 15kl charge. Waste heat was used to pre-heat the wash before entering the wash still. Heating was by steam whilst shell and tube condensers were fitted. Distillery output was about 4.5MLPA.
A dark grains plant was also commissioned to process the draff from both distilleries as well as from sister distillery Inchgower at Buckie.

In 1985 Bells were acquired by Guinness then in the following year DCL were also taken over. The following year, 1987, United Distillers was formed when the Bells and DCL distilleries were combined under one administration.

In May 1993 United Distillers reduced the number of operating distilleries from 31 to 27 when Rosebank, Bladnoch, Pittyvaich and Balmenach were closed. 20 jobs were lost at the time but the distillery was back in production in November 1994 although it was used to make gin for Gordon’s. It was also employed as a test bed for spirit production around 1997. The asbestos roof was replaced sometime during this decade. A final halt to production was called in 2001, some equipment was used at Clynelish. Pittyvaich was demolished in 2002.

Apart from being used in blends, particularly Bells, Pittyvaich was from 1991 a feature in the Flora and Fauna range where it was bottled at 12yo and 43%. There has also been a number of aged bottlings from Diageo’s Special Release series.

Jim Murray compared one sample he had to Semtex.

Mark Davidson, aka The Jolly Toper Profile

Our October auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from 7pm (GMT) Friday 17^th October until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 26^th October 2025.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Laphroaig – 12 Year Old (Pure Islay Malt) 1960s (75cl)

Caol Ila – 15 Year Old (The Manager’s Dram) 75cl

Springbank – 18 Year Old (1973)

Talisker – 1957 (Gordon & Macphail) 75cl

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

St. Ola Orkney 21 Years
(Highland Park)

The Whisky Barrel Unveils Exclusive “Orkney 21 Year Old 2004 Unicorn” — A Rare Highland Park Single Cask at Natural Strength

Award-winning Scotch whisky specialist The Whisky Barrel is proud to announce the release of the Orkney 21 Year Old 2004 Unicorn, an exclusive single cask bottling distilled at the legendary Highland Park distillery on Orkney.

Matured for 21 years in a first fill Pedro Ximénez sherry hogshead (#TWB1037) and bottled at a natural cask strength of 62.0% ABV, this limited edition captures the essence of Highland Park’s sherried island character in a powerful, luxurious expression. Only 316 bottles have been produced, each available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel.

Priced at £89 GBP (inc. VAT), this remarkable release offers exceptional value for collectors and connoisseurs seeking a cask-strength Highland Park of genuine rarity and provenance.

“Unicorns have wandered Scotland for centuries, symbolising purity, strength and power,” said Alastair Brown, Managing Director of The Whisky Barrel. “This rare single cask celebrates that spirit — a whisky as elusive and majestic as the mythical creature that inspires it.”

The Okrney 21 Year Old forms part of The Whisky Barrel’s acclaimed Unicorn series, which honours Scotland’s national symbol through exceptional, hand-selected single casks. Bottled without chill-filtration or added colour, the whisky showcases natural sherry richness, island smoke, and classic Highland Park depth.

Tasting Highlights

• Nose: Dark fruits, heather honey, polished oak, and gentle peat smoke.
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with layers of sherry-soaked fruitcake, malted barley, spice, and sweet peat.
• Finish: Long, warming, and indulgently sherried with lingering oak and smoke.

The Orkney 21 Year Old 2004 Unicorn is available exclusively from: 🔗

The Whisky Barrel – Highland Park 21 Year Old Unicorn

Distillery: Secret Kirkwall Distillery (Highland Park) | Age: 21 Years (Distilled 2004, Bottled 2025) | Cask Type: 1st Fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry Hogshead (#TWB1037) | ABV: 62.0% (Natural Cask Strength) | Bottles: 316 Individually Numbered | Price: £89 GBP (inc. VAT) | Exclusive to: The Whisky Barrel, Fife, Scotland