BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DEBUTS NIGHT AT THE DISTILLERY – A NEW HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE AFTER DARK

Tickets are now available for an immersive nighttime tour of America’s oldest continuously operating distillery, plus the chance to win a private, overnight ghost-hunting experience on site

FRANKFORT, KY (October 15, 2025) – This October, Buffalo Trace Distillery invites guests to discover its all-new Halloween experience, “Night at the Distillery.” For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has crafted award-winning whiskey and inspired tales of spirits that linger beyond the barrel. Now, visitors can explore the Distillery’s storied past through the lens of legend and lore with two immersive after-hours experiences:

• Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour: Experience Buffalo Trace Distillery under the glow of moonlight on this self-guided walking trail that reveals the legends, folklore and untold stories woven into its two-century history. Along the way, each stop unveils a new chapter brought to life through ghostly tales, live entertainment, photo-worthy moments and expertly crafted cocktails that celebrate generations of bourbon-making tradition.
  • Tickets are $35 per person and include entry to the self-guided walking trail, three signature cocktail tastings, one neat pour and a curated snack box. Each guest will also take home a 1L bottle of Sazerac Rye 100 Proof and a collectible Night at the Distillery reusable tote as keepsakes.
  • The Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour will take place October 23-25 and October 30-November 1. To purchase tickets, please visit HERE
• Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: For those seeking a deeper thrill, Buffalo Trace is offering the opportunity to win a special Halloween giveaway inviting one winner and a guest (21+) to join professional paranormal investigators for a private ghost-hunting experience inside the Distillery’s most haunted buildings. On Halloween night, the duo will trace the Distillery’s ghostly lore alongside a Distillery tour guide and real-time paranormal investigators before retiring for the night inside Stony Point – Albert Blanton’s former home, reimagined for an unforgettable stay. The prize package also includes:
  • Dinner in historic Frankfort, KY on October 31
  • Complimentary admission to the Night at the Distillery Self-Guided Tour on October 31
  • A private, after-hours ghost hunt led by professional paranormal investigators and a Distillery tour guide
  • One-night stay in Stony Point, Albert Blanton’s former home, on October 31
  • A daytime Trace Tour and premium shopping experience in the Buffalo Trace Gift Shop on November 1
  • Round-trip coach airfare and ground transportation to and from the Distillery

“For more than 200 years, Buffalo Trace has been a place where history and legend intertwine,” said Tyler Adams, General Manager, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Night at the Distillery invites guests to step into those stories and experience that connection firsthand. We set out to create an experience unlike anything we’ve done before, one that lets guests walk in the footsteps of generations past and explore the Distillery’s lore in a whole new light.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s story begins in the late 1700s, when distilling first took root on this site in 1775 and the “Old Taylor House” was built in 1792. For more than two centuries, master distillers and craftsmen have shaped its story – and some say their spirits still linger. Tour guides and guests alike have reported sightings of an older gentleman resembling Albert B. Blanton, appearing in various locations around the Distillery. The lore surrounding these encounters describes them as “friendly,” and many believe that any lingering “spirits” remain to watch over the legacy they created.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Giveaway goes live on October 15 at 12:00pm noon ET and ends October 22 at 11:59am ET. To register and view the full official rules, please visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com.

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 New 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. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/media.

Night at the Distillery Private Ghost Hunting Experience: No purchase necessary to enter or win. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Must be legal resident of (50) U.S. or D.C., age 21 or older, and able to travel to the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY on 10/31/2025 to accept prize award. Registration begins at 12:00pm ET 10/15/2025 and ends at 11:59am ET 10/22/2025. To enter, and for complete official rules including eligibility, prize description and ARV, visit www.BuffaloTraceDistilleryHalloween.com. Odds of winning based upon number of eligible entries received. No alcoholic beverage is part of any prize award. Void wherever prohibited or restricted by law. SPONSOR: Sazerac Company, Inc., Louisville, KY

12 Year Old
Cask Strength

2025 · 70cl · 56.4% ABV

This 12-Year-Old Cask Strength Bunnahabhain is matured on the remote, north-east coastline of the Isle of Islay. the location impacts Bunnahabhain whisky in a big way, drawing on the abundance of clear spring water and ever-changing coastal climate to deliver a unique, unpeated Islay single malt whisky.

Bottled at cask strength, the rich flavours showcase the classic sherry influenced house style of Bunnahabhain. This annual release bottling can be enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to encourage the spicy bites of cinnamon, followed by cloves and chocolate on the palate.

The Bunnahabhain 12 year old cask strength makes a welcome return for 2025. This annual release captures the magic of tasting straight from the cask, showcasing the classic sherry-influenced house style of Bunnahabhain. Founded in 1881, Bunnahabhain is known for producing a distinctive style of Islay single malt that is notably lighter and less peated than most others from the region. Bunnahabhain whiskies often feature maritime influences, rich sherry cask aging, and a smooth, complex character.

Nose: Golden raisins and apricots are balanced with toasted nuts and a light floral note.

Palate: Malty sweetness, soft oak and dried fruit intertwined with sultanas, hazelnuts and gentle spice.

Finish: Oak spice and light tobacco, with a gentle touch of sea salt and cocoa powder

£79.95

ADD TO BASKET

(BUNNA-hah-ven) Built in 1881, Bunnahabhain is situated on the north east coast of Islay, overlooking the Sound of Islay near Caol Ila. Bunnahabhain’s initial aim was to produce Whisky for blending only. While it was used across the industry, it performed a central role in three famous blends: Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Black Bottle. Following a short period of closure in the early 1980s, Bunnahabhain re-emerged as a Single Malt.

For a limited time only, there is a 10% discount on the Rothes Glen Ultimate weekends in November, December & January.

6-9 November 2025 – Enter promo code at checkout: NOVEMBER10 – Offer ends 12/10/25

5-7 December 2025 – Enter promo code at checkout: DECEMBER10 – Offer ends 31/10/25

23-25 January 2025 – Enter promo code at checkout: JANUARY10 – Offer ends 30/11/25

Do not miss out on this exclusive luxury whisky experience.

VIEW ALL ULTIMATE WEEKENDS

The Good Dram Show Episode 610 ‘Lochlea’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the new core releases from Lochlea. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum. Episode 610 – At The End Of The Day, That’s Great Whisky..! Filmed in The Study Nottingham.

Featuring

Lochlea ‘Our Barley’ 46%
Lochlea ‘Orchard & Oak’ 46%
Lochlea ‘Dark Briar’ 46%
Lochlea ‘Smoke Without Fire’ 46%
Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 3 59%

www.lochleadistillery.com

Tomatin unveils exclusive 2005 bourbon matured single cask for specialist whisky retailers

Highland distiller Tomatin has released an exceptional new bourbon matured single cask whisky created specifically for the UK specialist whisky retail channel.

Unlike most Tomatin single malt whiskies which have matured in sherry, port or wine casks, this distinctive 2005 single cask edition is exclusively matured in a first-fill ex-bourbon cask, creating a whisky with a sweet, fruity and malty flavour profile which allows the classic tropical notes of Tomatin’s spirit to shine through.

This Tomatin 2005 single cask expression is the result of decades of experience with bourbon barrels – a craft the distillery has been perfecting since the 1930s. Carefully curated for specialist retailers, the release offers whisky aficionados the chance to discover a different side of Tomatin’s character.

Bottled at 54.3% ABV and restricted to only 240 bottles, the limited release Tomatin single cask expression will be available to consumers from today (14 October 2025) in specialist whisky retailers throughout the UK.

Imparting aromas of crunchy green apples and lemon zest on the nose, the whisky becomes sweeter with notes of Victoria sponge, buttercream and white chocolate with an underlying floral aroma throughout. On the palate, these fruity notes edge towards tropical, with malty, oak-driven flavours of brown sugar and light spice leading into a long, warming finish.

Presented in a premium 70cl bottle, the Tomatin 2005 single cask whisky is encased in sleek dark green-hued outer packaging finished with subtle elegant detailing, symbolising the rolling hills of the distillery’s Highland landscape.

Scott Adamson, blender and global brand ambassador at Tomatin, said: “As a bourbon barrel-only release, this expression presents whisky lovers with an opportunity to enjoy a single malt that is truly unique, and a style not found elsewhere in our core range. Most of our single casks are sherry, port or wine, showcasing our first-class maturation policy, but this ex-bourbon barrel whisky shines a spotlight on the tropical notes that develop in Tomatin over time.”

Gordon Hynd, UK sales director at Tomatin, said: “The release of this extraordinary expression for specialist whisky retailers allows them to share a distinctive limited Tomatin whisky which is markedly different with their customers.

“For years people have turned to specialist wine and spirit merchants to discover something different. These stores are an institution, often spanning multiple generations of the same family and upholding a reputation for product quality born out of expertise and careful selection. It’s only in these places you can find special gems like this Tomatin 2005 single cask and we’re pleased to continue our long-standing relationships through this limited release.”

With a proud heritage dating back to the 15th century, Tomatin has been a home for the whisky making team’s dedicated craftsmen and their families since the distillery was established in 1897.

Tomatin 2005 single cask release is priced at £170 RRP for a 70cl bottle. For more information, visit https://tomatin.com.

Tomatin 2005 single cask tasting notes

Nose: Crunchy green apples and lemon zest are to the fore. Becomes sweeter in time with notes of Victoria sponge, buttercream and white chocolate. There’s an underlying floral aroma throughout.

Palate: Much heavier than the nose suggests, with fruity notes edging towards tropical. It’s malty with oak-driven notes of brown sugar and light spice.

Finish: Long and warming.

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

This year, Tomatin has been awarded Gold designation for its Tomatin Sherry Collection Ximénez Edition and Silver for both its Sherry Collection Manzanilla Edition and Sherry Collection Palo Cortado Edition in the inaugural 2025 Whiskey Wash Awards.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Evan Williams Launches “Where Bourbon Begins” Campaign Celebrating Authentic American Whiskey

New National Campaign Honors Kentucky’s First Distiller and Showcases Bourbon Nation as Game Day’s #1 Pour

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (Oct. 8,  2025) — Evan Williams Bourbon, the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, today unveiled its new “Where Bourbon Begins” campaign, reaffirming its place as a standard bearer of authentic American Whiskey. Rooted in Evan Williams’ legacy as Kentucky’s First Distiller, the platform highlights the brand’s uncompromising commitment to quality and consistency with every glass.

“For us, Evan Williams Bourbon isn’t just history. It’s about making sure every glass we pour today is as good as the last one,” said Max Stefka, Associate Vice President of Global Whiskey Brands, Heaven Hill. “That’s what Where Bourbon Begins is all about, keeping it real, keeping it consistent, and giving people a Bourbon they can trust.”

The new :30 spot can be viewed here.

It brings the story of Evan Williams to life through the people who make it, following team members as they work together in the rickhouse rolling barrels before shifting to a scene where they gather afterward to share a glass at home. The creative highlights the craft and camaraderie of bourbon-making, capturing the people who build it together and then share in the moments it creates. Dramatic textures of steam, sunlight, and patina bring to life the arenas of Bourbon, whether inside the rickhouse, around a backyard fire pit, or in the stands on game day.

A Campaign Grounded in Authenticity

“Where Bourbon Begins” invites whiskey fans to discover the roots of America’s native spirit through a Bourbon trusted for generations. The campaign underscores Evan Williams’ belief that a brand is only as good as its last glass, and that true authenticity lies in consistency, craftsmanship, and real connections.

The campaign and commercial spot were developed in partnership with independent creative agency Method1. The new :30 spot will run nationally across broadcast, streaming, digital, and social platforms beginning in October, aligning with the 2025 collegiate football season and continuing into basketball season.

Bourbon Nation: Where Game Day Meets Tradition

As part of the campaign, Evan Williams will continue to grow Bourbon Nation, its multi-year partnership with Learfield, a leader in collegiate athletics. Bourbon Nation taps into the traditions and celebrations that define college sports and unites fans nationwide as Game Day’s number one pour. Current sponsorships include:

• Alabama Crimson Tide® – Proud Partner of the Crimson Tide®
• Florida Gators® – Proud Partner of the Florida Gators®
• TCU Horned Frogs® – Official Bourbon Sponsor of The Horned Frogs®
• Syracuse Orange – Official Bourbon of Syracuse Athletics
• Ohio State Buckeyes – Official Bourbon Sponsor of Ohio State Athletics
• Oklahoma Sooners – Official Bourbon Sponsor of Oklahoma Athletics
• Oregon Ducks™ – Official Bourbon Sponsor of Oregon Athletics™
• South Carolina Gamecocks® – Official Bourbon Sponsor of the South Carolina Gamecocks®

From branded Bourbon Nation Bars in stadiums to tailgate activations and in-store programs, Evan Williams is committed to elevating the fan experience through responsible enjoyment and memorable game day moments.

About Evan Williams Bourbon

The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past nine years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

About Heaven Hill Distillery

Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Henry McKenna, Parker’s Heritage Collection along with its extensive and diverse collection of unique and innovative products. In the past five years alone, Heaven Hill Distillery has been named Distiller of the Year eight times, including 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. Other recent honors include 2024 and 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Most Awarded Distillery and the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

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It’s the time of year when the shorter days and darker evenings go by in a blur. This is whisky season, and if you’re tempted to hunker down by the fire, then these are the whiskies to have in your glass.

October Outturn is now live. 

WRITING DESK TRANSPOSITION

CASK NO. 11.57

AGE:  9 years

CASK:  New oak HTMC hogshead

IF I WERE A LADY AND YOU WERE A CARPENTER

CASK NO. 5.125

AGE:  20 years

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

COMPOTE IN THE CARIBBEAN

CASK NO. 60.43

AGE:  10 years

CASK:  2nd fill hybrid hogshead

OOZES DECADENCE

CASK NO. 41.167

AGE:  15 years

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

SOFT, WAXY OILINESS

CASK NO. 112.132

AGE:  9 years

CASK:  1st fill ex-bourbon barrel

AN ISLAND SWEETIE SHOP

CASK NO. 162.2

AGE:  4 years

CASK:  New chinkapin oak barrel

WARM-REEKIN’, SAUSAGES…!

CASK NO. 112.72

AGE:  8 years

CASK:  2nd fill moscatel hogshead

BROWSE OCTOBER OUTTURN HERE

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The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

OCTOBER 2025 AUCTION IN FULL SWING!

Our October Auction is well and truly in full swing but there is still time to bid on your favourite lots! We have some interesting bottles for you including this Aberfeldy Manager’s Dram, aged for 19 years then bottled at Cask strength in 1991.

Another hugely popular whisky range is Flora and Fauna.  Distilled at Aultmore Distillery in 1983 then bottled at Cask strength in 1997, this no-age-statement release was limited in numbers, this is bottle 1276.

This stunning edition was released in 2012 to mark the 60th anniversary of the reign of HRH Queen Elizabeth II by Macallan Distillery. A limited release of 2012 bottles bottled at 52% abv, signifying the year of the Coronation. The whisky itself was drawn on the 8th of February which marked the exact date of the Coronation.

Distilled at Glen Elgin Distillery, aged for 19 years then bottled at Cask strength in 1993, this bottle is another fine example of the Manager’s Dram series.

These are only a few of the old, limited and collectable bottles featured in our October 2025 Auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 19^th October from 8pm BST.

In Stock: K&L Liquors’ Every Drop 16 Year Old “Dawning Era”

“Our second batch of K&L Liquors is here and WOW it’s so special I can’t even believe it. I will always refer to this label as the “Every Drop,” but this batch is called “Dawning Era,” in reference to the new phase in our relationship with Kentucky bourbon – buying, blending, and bottling our own juice.

This batch was much more nerve-wracking and complex than the previous batch. It consists of 3 different lots of this famous liquid distilled contractually in Frankfort, Kentucky, and aged near Lawrenceburg for over 16 years. While the tendency in the industry is to not want to waste any of this wildly rare juice, I insisted on tasting every barrel in advance of blending. Having an idea of the volumes – which were, incidentally, ridiculously low – I made a proportional blend of the various casks to mimic the final blend using barrel samples.

But one sample stuck out like a sore thumb, changing the sweet & spicy red fruit-forward old bourbon into a wood-driven monolith. When we removed that barrel – its total volume fewer than 14 liters, so just a few drops in my desk blend – the package came together perfectly. Another barrel, which was so unique and delicious and yielded only 19 liters, seemed to add none of its unique exotic character, so that was held back as well.

The resulting bourbon is delicious beyond my wildest expectations. Now that the final blend is here, let’s evaluate this incredible bourbon.” The color is mahogany (1.6). There’s so much going on here, but you cannot tease it out instantly. This one needs and deserves time to brood and boast in the glass. Once you’ve let it rest, though, we’ve got a huge nose of cherry jam, dark chocolate, coconut, sweet stewed peaches, clove honey, sandalwood, and oiled cedar. The palate is ultra-rich and oily, with the red fruit and chocolate sticking up front and a rich vanilla, dense dark wood, powerful baking spices covering the mid-palate. The finish is long and round, giving this a very open and inviting feel, but it’s so powerful and unctuous. It really is the total package in my opinion. As contrasted by the 15 year version we have more savory complexity on the nose and less dusty tannin on the palate. The red fruit, powerful spice and lack of funky earthy tannin makes this one feel more on the Frankfort side of things compared to the last one which felt more obviously comparable to Lawrenceburg distillate. By any measure this is a stupendously delicious rare find that likely deserves the incredibly high prices our competitors are asking for similar bourbon from the same lots, but K&L Liquors is ALL about creating value for our customers and this whisky does that without a doubt..

–David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

 K&L Liquors’ Every Drop 16 Year Old “Dawning Era” Batch No. KY-02-25 Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

$275.00

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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

Glen Scotia Icons of Campbeltown #3, 51.7%

THE REVIEW

They always say that the third release of anything is the trickiest. Well, it seems that Glen Scotia have taken that phrase and thrown it out of the window. Icons of Campbeltown Release 3 is a 12-year-old single malt, mostly matured in ex-bourbon casks, finished in Tawny Port barrels for a maximum of 9 months. What has this resulted in? A single malt whisky that is dense with chocolate, hazelnuts, jammy Vimto fruits and all of the coastal Campbeltown saltiness that you could ever want.

I’ve sadly never tried the previous releases, but they’ve always had an incredible reputation behind them, so this tricky third release has very much quashed that saying with ease. Glen Scotia are not shy to experiment with their cask finishing prowess, and this is a massive indication of that. Big shoutout to The Whiskey Wash for sending this bottle over to me to review. Their website is also linked here thewhiskeywash.com

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