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The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!
The auction closes on Tuesday, 28th October 2025 from 9:00pm (BST)
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From Islay’s smoky shores to Speyside’s rich elegance, these rare Whiskies have been hand-selected from some of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries:
Bowmore Single Malt – a true Islay icon, full of maritime smoke and tropical fruit.
Macallan Single Malt – Speyside prestige with decadent Sherry character.
Islay Blended Malt – a marriage of peated Malts delivering waves of sea spray and bonfire smoke.
Speyside Blended Malt – luscious, cocoa sweetness and soft spice.
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 10 Year Old “Fool In The Rain” K&L Exclusive Private Barrel #7009466 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L)
$69.99
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
THE DISTILLERY AT COLEBURN LAUNCHES FIRST BATCH OF
LOCAL HEROS WHISKIES
In the heart of whisky country, where tradition meets innovation, a new wave of bottlings is set to celebrate the spirit of collaboration and community.
The Distillery at Coleburn has unveiled its first collection of whisky bottlings, marking a new chapter in the revival of one of Speyside’s historic sleeping distilleries. The “Local Heros” collection brings some of the world’s most exceptional whiskies under a single vision: celebrating the whisky community itself – the makers, the custodians, and the enthusiasts, past and present – whose passion and craft continue to connect local traditions with a global spirit of unity.
Every bottle captures a chapter in Scotch whisky’s evolving story, showcasing the character and craftsmanship of a different distillery or blend and each release will celebrate the people, distilleries, and landscapes that have shaped something truly extraordinary in the history of the industry. Through carefully curated small-batch expressions, Local Heros pays tribute to the whisky community’s rich heritage, where shared expertise and time-honoured methods come together to deliver a taste of place.
The inaugural launch introduces three blended malts designed as a gateway into the ongoing Local Heros collection, the Distillery at Coleburn and the long-term plan to create a Whisky Resort. Bottled at the distillery’s historic site in Speyside, the core trilogy comprises ‘Sweet Peat’, ‘Big Smoke’ and ‘Sherry Bomb’, each with its own distinct flavour profile.
Keith Cruickshank, Master Distiller at Coleburn, said:
“Local Heros is about more than whisky; it is about the people and the landscapes that have created something extraordinary. From the craftspeople who keep traditions alive, to the communities that have shaped Scotland’s whisky story, this collection is a celebration of collaboration, legacy and place. With Sweet Peat, Big Smoke and Sherry Bomb, we wanted to create whiskies that are approachable yet full of character, welcoming drinkers into Coleburn’s new chapter.”
Sherry Bomb is a rich whisky from Oloroso and refill casks, with aromas of spice, honey, red apple and cinnamon over toasted malt. The palate brings dried fruit, hazelnut and stewed plums, with a smooth, fruity and elegant finish.
Sweet Peat provides a gentle introduction to smoky whisky, combining caramel, vanilla and plum pudding on the nose with honey, pear drops and banana on the palate. Balanced by light smoke and tobacco, it finishes with long, sweet and smoky flavours.
Big Smoke is the boldest expression in the first phase of the Local Heros collection, opening with cherry, vanilla, lemon and coastal notes. Medicinal smoke, banana and sea salt define the palate, leading to a lingering, smoky finish.
The name Local Heros is inspired by the people who have helped shape Scotland’s whisky history – the individuals and communities who keep traditions alive. However, it also nods to a personal story from co-owners of the distillery site, Mark and Dale Winchester, who made a brief appearance in the hit 1983 film Local Hero, filmed in locations across Scotland.
Mark Winchester, co-owner of Coleburn added:
“The name Local Heros resonates with us personally. Back in 1983, Dale and I had the privilege of recording the soundtrack and appearing in the film Local Hero which was a profound personal moment for us as we experienced in a surreal way what Scotland and indeed whisky means to the world, a strong identity and community spirit, storytelling and togetherness and of course pride and celebration.
“These are the values that we want to convey in the spirit collection that now carries the Local Hero name celebrating the people and places that have and continue to shape every dram. We invite you to raise a glass to one community, forged and shaped by so many.”
The release of Local Heros Batch 1 follows the appointment of esteemed master distiller, Keith Cruickshank and specialists in sustainable distilleries, Organic Architects, to design and complete the build of the Distillery at Coleburn.
Local Heros Batch 1 is now available, with bottles retailing from £50 to £55. To purchase please visit www.thewhiskyresort.com, www.localheros.shop or Amazon.
Marks Yamazaki’s third consecutive year earning the competition’s highest honor
NEW YORK– September 26, 2025 –Suntory Global Spirits is proud to announce that The House of Suntory’s Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 18 Years Old has been named Supreme Champion Spirit at the prestigious International Spirits Challenge 2025, held in London on Thursday, September 25th. Following the recognition of Yamazaki 25 Years Old in 2023 and Yamazaki 12 Years Old in 2024, this achievement marks the third consecutive year Yamazaki has earned the competition’s highest honor across all spirit categories, making it the first time in International Spirits Challenge history that the same brand has been awarded the Supreme Champion Spirit title three years in a row.
Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo (left), and President of The House of Suntory, Masaki “Mory” Morimoto (right), accepting the Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2025 on the evening of September 25th in London
With a pioneering spirit that redefines single malt whisky, this achievement reinforces Yamazaki’s place among the world’s premier spirits and highlights Suntory Global Spirits’ leadership in exceptional whisky. Suntory also earned recognition as Producer of the Year in the Japanese Whisky category for the sixth consecutive year. This recognition further affirms The House of Suntory’s dedication to the Japanese Whisky standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association.
“Winning the Supreme Champion Spirit title for the third year in a row is a tremendous honor and it embodies our commitment to kaizen—continuous improvement and dedication to craftsmanship,” said Masaki “Mory” Morimoto, President of The House of Suntory. “This recognition is a testament to the pioneering spirit and exceptional craftsmanship of Yamazaki. We are proud to share our authentic Japanese Whisky with the world and are deeply grateful for this recognition on the international stage. Our journey does not end here; we remain committed to educating and inspiring consumers about what truly defines Japanese Whisky.”
The International Spirits Challenge is one of the industry’s most prestigious competitions, judged by a panel of world-renowned experts who assess spirits for quality, balance, and character. Last year, Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, was named Master Blender of the Year for the first time, a testament to the craftsmanship behind each Suntory Whisky.
The International Spirits Challenge 2025 judging panel praised Yamazaki 18 Years Old as “an absolutely superb whisky within its category,” highlighting its exceptional smoothness paired with remarkable intensity of flavor. Judges noted it as “wonderfully well-aged, perfectly rounded, and just a lovely thing to drink, a really lovely whisky.” They added, “We taste over 1,000 whiskies, so it’s a big job to find our category winners and our Supreme Champion. They’re all judged blind, of course, but Yamazaki 18 Years Old stood out.”
Suntory received the following awards at the International Spirits Challenge 2025:
Trophy
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 18 Years Old
● Suntory Blended Japanese Whisky 2025 Collaboration with Imaemon XIV
Double Gold
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki 30 Years Old
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky 25 Years Old
Gold
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki Japanese Harmony
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select
● Suntory Whisky Hibiki Suntory Whisky 100 Years Anniversary Blend
● Suntory Whisky Kakubin
● Suntory Whisky Royal
● Suntory Whisky Special Reserve
● Suntory World Whisky AO
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky 12 Years Old
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky 18 Years Old
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Japanese Forest Bittersweet Edition
● The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt Spanish Oak 18 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky Mizunara Japanese Oak Cask 18 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky Mizunara Japanese Oak Cask 25 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 12 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 25 Years Old
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Japan Edition
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Peated Malt Spanish Oak
● The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Story of the Distillery 2025
● Suntory Plum Liqueur Barrel-aged plum liqueur from Yamazaki Distillery EXTRA BLEND 2025 Osaka Origin Edition
These awards underscore Suntory’s continued excellence across its portfolio and its leadership in elevating Japanese Whisky on the global stage.
For more information on Yamazaki and Suntory’s award-winning brands, please visit www.house.suntory.com.
About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.
A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.
About The House of Suntory
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the founding house of Japanese Whisky. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery.
As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory is proud to confirm that all exported Suntory Japanese Whisky products are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan and compliant with the new production and labelling standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). The House of Suntory has been named Distiller of the Year four times at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), with Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo being named Master Blender of the Year for the first time ever and Yamazaki 12 Year Old being recognized as the Supreme Champion Spirit in 2024. Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined, and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Chita®, Kakubin®, Hibiki®, Suntory Whisky Toki™ and Ao®. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku™ Japanese Gin and Haku™ Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku™ Gin and Haku™ Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. In 2023, Suntory Whisky celebrated one hundred years of whisky innovation—a major milestone not only for the brand’s history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.
Our exclusive annual Christmas whisky has landed! Specially selected to evoke all the classic flavours of the season, it’s packed with dark fruit and spice as well as layers of sweet cherries, chocolate and nuts. Distilled at a secret, undisclosed Highland distillery and matured in a pair of first-fill oloroso sherry casks, it’s all you could want from a Christmas dram. The perfect accompaniment to festive celebrations, or excellent just sipped with friends.
Each year we search high and low across Scotland’s treasure-filled warehouses to find the perfect casks of whisky for A Good Old-Fashioned Christmas Whisky. This year we uncovered a parcel of 16-year-old Highland malt whisky aged in first-fill oloroso sherry casks, filled to the brim with all the tasting notes we associate with the festive season. It’s an absolute cracker.Chris Bolton, Own Label Product Manager
Christmas is all about sharing and what’s better to share than a dram of something delicious. This whisky is all about the flavours of the season and, even better, we are now in more sustainable packaging! What’s not to love?Dawn Davies, Buying Director
Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon (700ml)(European Import)
$209.99
While we’re committed to offering rare bourbon at standard mark up, we’re also not blind to the fact that the market is on fire for these special products. While our competitors charge north of $150 for the standard expression of Blanton’s, we’re still only asking $55. That’s while it can feel so hard to get some of these rare bourbons at K&L. So when the opportunity came up to purchase these re-imported stocks, I insisted that we do so in a fair an equitable way. Of course we could charge $400 a bottle for this special bourbon and likely still sell most of it, but it just goes against my ethos of what a great wine and spirits store should be for their customers. So while these stocks are above standard price for this US version of this product, they’re being offered at our standard mark up, well below market price. It’s a small price to pay for access to these special stocks, especially when considering what the market seems to be comfortable charging for the standard release. In any case, this is dang good bourbon and never disappoints.
Like all Blanton’s it’s aged in the famous warehouse H and is the high rye mashbill. This bottle is drawn from barrel No. 397, which was dumped on February 7th of 2022 and bottled at 63.05%. Your bottle will almost certainly be different, so please be aware of the unique character of each barrel. The nose is absolutely explosive with rich aromas of caramel sauce, orange peel, Tahitian vanilla, cherry compote and vibrant woody spice. The palate starts extremely sweet and creamy before the rye and barrel spice begin to wallop the mid-palate. The intense spice and old school woody character balances the heavy woody sugars perfectly and while exhibiting plenty of the Kentucky Hug that bourbon lovers enjoy, it doesn’t feel burn-y or ethanol like at all. The long chewy palate gives way to a rich oxidative finish full of nutty sweet chocolate and dried red fruits. A few drops of water add more fruit and tame the spice a bit, but I like this best right out of the bottle. There’s no question that the price of entry on this one is high, but if you’re prepared to spend this kind of dough on any other modern bourbon this should be a contender for top dog!
From Buffalo Trace Distillery,
Blanton’s holds the distinction of being the world’s first regularly released single-barrel bourbon. This exceptional brand was launched in 1984 and named for the legendary leaders of that historic distillery outside of Frankfurt, Albert B. Blanton. The brand, which is produced and distributed by Sazerac at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is owned by the previous owners of the distillery, a Japanese company called Age International. Over the last several years, Blanton’s has become one of the most sought-after and inaccessible whiskies on the market. This, their rarest and most elusive expression, is previously completely unobtainable. For instance, in 2021 K&L was allocated a measly 3 bottles company wide. Now that new regulations allow 700ml bottles to be sold, another channel is open for us to obtain this special whiskey. Each barrel is different, bottled at full cask strength without chill filtration of any kind. Proofs range from 115-135 proof and cask numbers cannot be checked in advance of purchase. This rare expression is truly one of Kentucky’s finest.
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
Our new flavour profiles represent an evolution of the twelve profiles that have guided members since 2012. And as of today, you can be the first to try all eight. Our Infinite Flavour bundle includes eight whiskies, one from each flavour profile.
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information
This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
Meikle Toir Turbo 2025, 50%
One of the dirtiest tasting whiskies I’ve ever come across. A single malt that is heavy with miso, soy, salt, maple, pecan, apricots and all of the Christmas spices that we expect to pop through at this time of year.
Not only does it have massive complexity, intrigue, and a unique approach to capturing this special style of distillate, it’s also extremely sought after. Making the demand for this whisky up there with Springbank and other small batch release products. Does that make this years release feel a little flat compared to last years, or even the previous one?
I do feel a little underwhelmed by this years release, it’s not that it’s bad, far from it – but it’s the pedestal we can put hard to find whiskies on the first time we try them.
There’s no doubt that this is an excellent single malt with a score that I’ll always stand by, but I think we’re all getting tired of the ‘hard to find’ factor now. Even if this one is genuinely small, genuinely deserving of its praise and is genuinely tasty – I think we’re all just a little tired.
(Link to Whisky Wednesday Meikle Toir Turbo 2024 video)
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