Our latest crop of whiskies includes the limited-edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label London from its Cities of the Future 2200 series, a 2007 Deanston single malt packed with orchard fruit flavours from a finish in Calvados casks, and Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries 2021, a blend of Japanese single malts from the Chichibu and Komagatake distilleries.

One of our all-time favourite single malts is back, the award-winning Talisker 18 Year Old, and we’ve released more of Balvenie 21 Year Old, finished in Australian Shiraz casks to create an explosion of summer berries and earthy spice.

SHOP NEW WHISKY

ralfy review 940 Extras – Nailing down good malts.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and James Hutton Institute have worked with The Glenlivet distillery to introduce environmentally sustainable solutions at Chivas Brothers’ Speyside distillery to address water scarcity and protect whisky production.

Among the nature-based measures are small dams in the landscape supplying the distillery, designed to capture water during wet periods and to make this available when water is scarce.

Led by PhD student Jessica Fennell, who has had a special ‘Fennell Reserve’ whisky created by The Glenlivet in her honour, the project is intended to help prevent the closure of the distillery during dry periods.

Last month’s heatwave saw temperatures soar across Scotland, and such periods are predicted to become more frequent due to climate change. Many distilleries have had to temporarily stop distilling in recent summers because of water shortages, costing the industry millions. During the dry summer of 2018 groundwater supplies to The Glenlivet distillery in Speyside decreased and did not replenish until the following spring.

After initially surveying the landscape to determine where dams would best protect groundwater supplies, the study team used a combination of field data collection and modelling tools to provide insights into how they operated once installed.

Jessica said: “Our results found that the features we installed will have a small but positive impact that could help increase water availability during periods of water scarcity and reduce flood peaks during high rainfall. Crucially, this could prevent the distillery closing during dry periods which has a significant cost impact.

“Because these measures enhance groundwater recharge, and groundwater contribution to streams, our research has also raised the possibility of positive implications for water temperature. This is important because distilleries require cool water and groundwater is typically colder than surface water during summer.

“As water temperature is expected to increase with climate change, more water will be needed to achieve the same cooling effects, and increased groundwater flow could help stabilise stream temperatures as well as increase flows through dry summer periods.”

Dr Josie Geris, from the University’s School of Geosciences, supervised Jessica and is a co-author of the study, which was funded by NERC and Chivas Brothers, owners of The Glenlivet. Other co-authors include Dr Mark Wilkinson from the James Hutton Institute and Dr Ronald Daalmans, Environmental Sustainability Manager at Chivas Brothers. Their findings have been published in the International Journal for River Basin Management.

Dr Geris commented: “Water scarcity may become a significant issue in Scotland in the future, and here we have shown that these nature-based solutions offer a cost effective, environmentally beneficial approach to water resource management that can be applied to this economically vital sector – there may also be a benefit in terms of securing groundwater supplies.

“The lessons learned can also potentially be applied to other areas of the economy that rely on private water supply and bring other potential benefits, for example in flood management, improvements to biodiversity and water quality, the restoration of upland habitats, and carbon storage.”

Dr Daalmans added: “Our aim is to ensure all our distilleries operate within the local capacity of their catchment to provide water, particularly during low flows.  This research has indicated that the land within the catchment could be used to help mitigate the impacts of climate change on water availability.

“This is important for the long-term viability of the distillery, but could also benefit the entire Scotch Whisky industry, especially in upland areas.  We intend to continue monitoring the effect of the measures on water availability at this site over the long term.”

SMWS 29.63 (LAPHROAIG) 1989 18 YEAR OLD

SMWS 29.63 (LAPHROAIG) 1989 18 YEAR OLD DESCRIPTION

Our August auction is now LIVE!

Place your bids from Friday 19^th August until Sunday 28^th August.

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!

Karuizawa – 1983 (Single Cask)

Rosebank – 20 Year Old

Highland Park – 50 Year Old (Reserve 1902)

Old Rip Van Winkle – 15 Year Old (1991) Woodside

Springbank – 1996

Mortlach – 12 Year Old

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.co.uk.

Benrinnes 1978, Private Collection Cask #1636

Encapsulating the very essence of their philosophy, Private Collection comprises a truly exceptional and unique collection of greatly-aged single malts from little-known, and closed distilleries in Scotland.

This release comes from Benrinnes Distillery

Distilled: 27th March 1978
Bottled: 30th December 2021
Cask Type: Refill American Hogshead
Cask No: 1636
Outturn: 158 bottles

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Bright salted lemon flavours are followed by honeysuckle and pineapple. Dried apricots come to the fore alongside brown sugar.

Taste: Sweet citrus fruits and watermelon are balanced by spicy peppercorns. Marzipan and subtle charred oak develops alongside a hint of dried tobacco.

Finish: A medium to long finish with roasted nuts.

£2,100.00

When it comes to the colours of whisky-making there’s nothing quite like the warmth and glow of copper. We have two whisky stills in our Spirit Hall, one 5000 litre spirit still called ‘Eva’, and her neighbouring 7000 litre wash still.

Together, these “dancing stills” intertwine to create the spirit we commit to oaks casks and send to our warehouse in Ardhasaig to undergo maturation. Tonight, they lie silent but rest assured they’ll soon come to life once more…

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Springbank 26 Year Old

1995 vintage Samaroli Magnifico

Springbank 26 Year Old 1995

An exceptionally rare single cask (#53) Springbank from the legendary Samaroli. Bottled in 2022 yielding just 267 numbered bottles this is a stunning premium whisky. Originally bottled for the Whisky Library Private Collection in Seoul, South Korea.

Buy – Springbank 26 Years >>

A Jaw-Dropping Exclusive Cask from a Speyside Luminary
1995 Glenallachie 26 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

“This gorgeous malt from the excellent Glenallachie Distillery represents some of the finest on the market…” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

The concerted effort that our spirits team has put into building and maintaining our relationships with the whisky world’s finest independent bottlers continues to pay off with exceptional offers like today’s. Hart Brothers has been a go-to source for many, if not most, of our rarest and most distinctive single-cask Scotch bottlings, and Glenallachie’s 1995 Speyside 26 Year Old Ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt is one more in a long line of inimitable drams that have emerged from their vast warehouse stocks in recent years. “An absolutely dreamy, creamy little whisky that proves ‘Allachie need not be sherried to be world-class,” as David Othenin-Girard puts it, this wonderfully unique dram wears its ex-bourbon aging on its sleeve, right next to its undeniable Speyside roots. While many of its contemporaries in the high-end space have skyrocketed in price over the past couple of years, this sublime 26 Year Old remains a relative steal in an environment where going market rates can make even the most seasoned collectors wince. We’re once again thrilled at the superlative quality for price on offer here, and we know our most fanatical Scotch enthusiasts will find the same measure of compelling value and character in this one-of-a-kind single-cask beauty, once they get their hands on it.

1995 Glenallachie 26 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) ($379.99)

K&L Notes: The excellent distillery that’s garnering so much hype these days was unheard-of just a few years ago. While the distillery is focused mainly on the heavy sherry offerings, this exciting, first-fill, ex-bourbon cask is a window into the unique character of this special distillery. Opened relatively late in 1967 just outside of the town of Aberlour, it’s in very good company geographically. Directly to the north is the wonderful Aberlour distillery, and to the west is Dailuaine. Due south, you’ll find Benrinnes and a bit further, GlenFarclas. Finding an expression of this age and caliber from any of these distilleries is rare, but until recently Glenallachie at this age and quality was nearly unheard-of. That’s because all the stocks went to the blends. Now, with the change in ownership, some things have shaken loose a bit. Expect a quintessentially Speyside ex-bourbon style here with tons of fruit, honey, and whiffs of blooming heather. A truly special barrel from an equally special distiller. Bottled at a cask strength of 111 proof and without chillfiltration or coloring.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 01, 2022

Another incredible barrel from Hart Brothers. This gorgeous malt from the excellent Glenallachie Distillery represents some of the finest on the market and stands up with the very highest quality distillery offerings from this period. We’re very lucky to have taken full advantage of Hart Brothers’ excellent connections, in particular it seems with the wonderful Billy Walker. This old barrel was distilled on the 17th of March 1995 and filled into a fresh ex-bourbon barrel where it matured for more than two and a half decades before being bottled on November 20th of 2021 at cask strength. Let’s taste. The color is old gold. The nose is pungent and pointed offering dried mango, Seville orange peel, nougat, white chocolate and a few very subtle fresh herbs. The first taste is very decadent and ripe, creamy and supple. Plenty of fruit, very bright pithy exotic citrus, darker dried tropicals, and some poached pear character moving toward a more chocolatey core in the mid-palate. A gorgeous spice note keeps it dry and lingers long, long after the swallow. With a drop of water everything is turned up to 11! Pure orange peel aromas with nutty candies and wild honey. An absolutely dreamy, creamy little whisky that proves ‘Allachie need not be sherried to be world-class.

Austin Jenkins | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 25, 2022

Cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate anyone? Everything you’re looking for in a Speyside is right here in this bottle, twenty-six years of supreme age in ex-bourbon casks contribute to a nice, oaky profile without compromising any of the Speyside characteristics. Big stone fruit on this—peaches and pears dance with some clove and cardamom on the palate. A touch of water really lets the cask influence on this whisky shine. Pick one up before it’s gone. You’ll definitely regret it if you miss out on this one.

A 16-Year Bardstown Stunner at a Remarkable Price
Calumet Farm 16 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)
“Tasting this is such a pleasure. It’s lively and full-bodied with a perfect amount of kick, but very easy going.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

In the world of collectible bourbon, finds like this are becoming vanishingly rare. Typically, a 16-year-old, age-stated whiskey from one of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries would command an exorbitant price thanks to collectors willing to pay it, but it would also come in such small quantities as to make it almost irrelevant in the broader market. Not so with the Calumet 16 Year Old “Single Rack Black.” Distilled in 2006 at the iconic Barton distillery in Bardstown, this 19-barrel batch enjoyed a place of honor in the rickhouse. That is to say, these barrels sat in the dead center of the building, where the aging process often yields the most compelling results. This incredible dram is the oldest aged release from the Calumet Farm brand so far, and it offers up everything bourbon fans love in old Kentucky whiskey at a price that makes it accessible to pretty much anyone. It’s also in stock at quantities that permit purchases of multiples, so savvy aficionados looking to stock their bars with a legit, age-stated masterpiece should not pass up this singular opportunity.

Calumet Farm 16 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

K&L Notes: Calumet Farm has an incredible history and pedigree in the world of horse racing, and now too in the Bourbon world. Their 14- and 15-year expressions have become instant classics and are wonderful examples of well-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. No funny business with finishes or any effort to re-write the Bourbon landscape—just classic, well-crafted Bourbon blended in small batches to perfection. The 16-year is their oldest release to date and the highest proof to boot. At 106, it’s a perfect sipper, robust enough to carry all of the intensity and mellow enough for a perfect neat pour. Blended from 19 barrels to honor one of Calumet’s (and horse racing’s) greatest horses—Citation. Barrelled in March of 2006. Distilled and aged in Bardstown, KY. Mashbill: 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley. Non-chill filtered.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: August 16, 2022

Calumet has managed to source some of the most compelling, well-aged Kentucky Bourbon at very fair prices. Their previous release, the 15-year, was extremely well received by drinkers and critics alike. The 16 is even better. The oldest and highest-proof release from Calumet to date, it’s so easy to drink at 106 proof. The nose is quite woody but with bright red Bing cherry fruit notes riding high as well. Whiffs of sweet grass and dried hay make you feel like you’re walking across the Calumet Farm itself. A bit of burnt orange peel gives both citrus notes and a very gentle smokiness, almost sultry in nature. Chocolate nibs, roast nuts, and the balanced sweet and sour notes of fermented molasses round out the nose. Tasting it is a pleasure. It’s lively and full-bodied with a perfect amount of kick, but very easy going. The 53% ABV carries a ton of flavor, but never overpowers. It’s just the right level of sweet and savory for my taste buds. Lots of mellow sweet corn, like you’re taking a bite of plump raw kernels right off the cob, a green kick of rye spice, and a background of sweet Madagascar vanilla lacing the two together. Luscious American oak tannins give it structure and depth. With time it opens in to more cola notes, nutty and sweet, and shows more of that red cherry on the palate. The finish is zippy thanks to the ABV and imprints more vanilla and cinnamon on your mind until you take another sip and start over again. All around a wonderful pour in a handsome yet no-frills bottle. A perfect treat for a bourbon lover, whether it is you or a friend you’re gifting it to.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: August 17, 2022

Ok, ok! Here we go with the new narrative in Kentucky—if you know where to look you can get good old bourbon without dispensing a mortgage payment. Some people might point to the old days when 15-year-old whiskey was $60, but there hasn’t been a period in the last decade where we could readily get 15+-year-old whiskey from anyone in Kentucky at less than $150. And to be honest, I think this price point is super for the quality you’re getting here. We must assume this product was distilled at Old Barton as it was the only working plant in 2006 in the area. Aging occurred entirely in Bardstown as well. This is a great, old distillery that has many people clamoring for their higher end marks, so unless you’re one of the unlucky few who specifically doesn’t like the Barton profile, there’s a good chance that you’re going to dig this. Non-chillfiltred and high proof, like all the single-rack series, and only 19 barrels in the batch. Let’s taste it. The color is a gorgeous russet. The nose starts immediately with exotic dark woods, fresh charred oak, sweet dried plum, subtle floral and dark tea aromas. With some air, there’s a strong vanilla note, caramel candies, red cherry, and French roast. On the palate, it’s medium bodied and rather dry with a lovely dusty note. Darker and woody with a strong oaky flavor down the middle. This is definitely on the drier side of Barton and very woody. It loves air, and I’d reckon the middle of the bottle will be exceptional. Right now, I like to give this 30 minutes of nosing before I dive in deep. A fun old bourbon whiskey at a totally reasonable price.

Neal Fischer | K&L Beer Buyer | Review Date: August 16, 2022

Dang, that’s good! Coming on the heels of the 14 and 15, there’s now a 16-year-old Calumet Farm added to the lineup and it stands up alongside the others as the new torch-bearer. I really enjoy the interplay between the big fruit in the profile and the ebbing-and-flowing spices. Up front on the nose I get luscious cherry syrup that’s matched by wood varnish and cardamom. Next there’s a wave of dried peaches, balsa wood, slight menthol, then a deep caramel followed by medicinal herbs. The palate offers darker flavors; first salted caramel and mocha, but then the richness is matched by bold spice, bright cherry, and red apple. This bourbon has a very round and supple mouthfeel, and then it finishes in a drying and spicy finish with the menthol peeking back through. I was impressed with the 14- and 15-year-old Calumets because it seemed like every time I came back for a nose and a sip there was some other flavor component to find—this new 16-year-old edition offers that same level of complexity with something more for me to enjoy each time I go back to it.

Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 16, 2022

I was pleasantly surprised by how fruit-forward this bourbon was—after 16 years in oak it still came off a bit spritely, with ripe and caramel apples alongside stewed pears, orange oil, and then touches of burnt sugar toward the end. The palate was savory and spicy in the best of ways, with a vanilla custard and pie spice competition happening in the back palate, while somewhere in the finish there’s this whisper of herby licorice that kept me searching in my glass. I always like it when a beverage evokes curiosity. The finish manages to be dry and oaky without being overly tannic, just urging you onto the next welcome sip. A couple drops of water in what was left in my glass made the floral notes pop on the nose and left the palate a touch sweeter. Definitely highly recommended and a beautiful sipper however you choose. I didn’t think it needed water or a rock in it, but I wouldn’t have objected either.