New Arrivals at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News
Glenmorangie 18 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($83.99)
Malt Advocate: “43% abv. When compared to the 10 year old, this one’s richer, with darker fruit and more caramelized sweet notes, paired with accentuated dried wood spice, while the 10 year old is more vibrant and floral. Like the 10 year old, there’s good balance here. (Vol. 17, #2) “
Old Pulteney 17 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($85.99)
Malt Advocate: “In one word: exotic. In some respects, it is reminiscent of a very old column-distilled Jamaican rum, and a lot of the wood spices really express themselves. Like the Compass Box whisky above, this whisky again proves that grain whiskies should not be ignored. They taste completely different than other whiskies-particularly the older ones-and they can be a lot of fun to drink. The two reviewed in this buyer’s guide are very fine examples of the style. (Vol. 16, #1)” K&L Notes: I recently re-tasted the entire Pulteney line and found myself wondering why I never paid these whiskies more attention. I sometimes feel as if the single barrel, cask strength, un-chill-filtered movement has been interpreted to mean that standard bottlings are no longer worthwhile. Whatever happened to just good, drinkable, 46% proof single malt with no cask enhancement and no frills? If you’re a true Scotch fan, then you’ll appreciate the brilliance of the Old Pulteney 17 Year because it’s a dying breed these days. A creamy mouthfeel with flavors of vanilla, dried apricots, vanilla, and sweet cereal grains is what enticed to me go back for a second sip. This is vintage Highland whisky and I love everything about it. The stonefruit still lingers on the tongue more than five minutes after tasting it and the caramel becomes more stated. I can’t believe I’m writing this, but in this case it’s appropriate: they don’t make ’em like Pulteney anymore. I wish they did. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)
1994 Laphroaig 18 Year Old K&L Exclusive Chieftain’s Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($125.99)
One of the great visits from our 2012 visit to Scotland was Laphroaig distillery, where we learned many new stories concerning its fascinating history. The whisky’s special combination of sea, smoke, and brine has had a magical effect on people over the years. In 1908, manager Ian Hunter decided to make Laphroaig one of the first distilleries to market itself as a single malt, rather than sell it off for blends. What an idea! Shortly after that, a failed attempt to purchase Laphroaig (as well as a childish attempt to block their water supply with large rocks) led Peter Mackie to build the now-defunct Malt Mill with Laphroaig’s exact specifcations, hoping to recreate that unique flavor (he couldn’t). Laphroaig was one of the first distilleries to have a female manager (Bessie Williamson) and they’re one of the few today that still malts their own barley. Despite their repuation for forward-thinking, they continue to operate very traditionally, making only one type of spirit and filling into only one kind of barrel – first-fill Bourbon casks. While Laphroaig does not sell casks directly, we were able to broker one via Chieftain’s exclusively for K&L. This 18 year beauty has everything we love about mature Laphroaig – medicinal notes, brine, and campfire smoke in a more subdued state, mixing brilliantly with soft vanilla and wood spice. It’s classic in every way and at full proof – no water added. A fantastic whisky from an iconic distillery’s older stock. (David Driscoll)
Johnnie Walker Blue Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml (Previously $180) ($149.99)
Caol Ila Distillers Edition Moscatel Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($79.99)
Glenmorangie Finealta Peated Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($79.99)
1996 Oban Distillers Edition Montilla Fino Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99)
K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com/
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
















