Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

Kilchoman K&L Exclusive 100% Islay Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($109.99)
Our single sherry cask of standard Kilchoman was an easy choice. The malt was simply brilliant, so good that any Islay fan could easily fall in love with its power and complexity. It was the other barrel, however, sitting in the corner of the warehouse that brought out the whisky geeks in David and me. We had heard rumors that Kilchoman was sitting on a small batch of sherry-aged 100% Islay single malt, their ultra-delicious and incredibly-limited whisky made from a small crop of barley grown and malted entirely at the distillery. It’s no secret that the rest of Islay buys their barley from Diageo’s Port Ellen malting facility, but circumventing that route is difficult, not to mention costly. Is it worth it however? The answer to that question is a resounding “YES!” The spice on Kilchoman’s all-Islay whisky is totally different from the standard make – think blanco tequila meets smoky mezcal, with lots of citrus. When you add a sherry barrel to that equation the spice turns to cinnamon red hots, the fruit tropical and hedonistic, the peat to a sweet and vibrant tang. At cask strength, the malt overwhelms the palate, almost like a giant party in your mouth. We had to push hard for this cask, but when you see two young buyers jumping up and down and hugging each other in your warehouse after tasting it, it’s probably hard to say “no.” (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

Faultline 10 Year Old North Highland Single Barrel 100 Proof Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($49.99)
In a single malt market where “value” is becoming a loosely defined word, we at K&L are working harder than ever to find new and interesting whiskies that everyone can enjoy. While many of our exclusive Scotland casks can be quite pricy due to the scarcity, age, and the high alcohol percentage, David and I really wanted to find a few great options that came in well under $75. Part of the problem, however, is that even young whiskies from single barrels are expensive, which is why we often opt for the older ones. It was David OG’s intuition, however, that took us outside of Glasgow to a small producer’s warehouse full of great whiskies at remarkable prices. Inside this tiny storage unit was a refill-sherry butt full of classically-flavored malt from one of the Highland’s most distinguished distilleries – one from which we practically never see independent offerings. After tasting the whisky, we were very impressed, but we felt that, at cask strength, the alcohol simply overpowered the flavor. A few drops of water really mellowed out the heat, bringing forward the fruit and highlighting the grain. The whisky is perfect at 100 proof. The nose offers fresh stonefruit and light vanilla, the palate is deceptively rich with a faint oiliness and incredibly subtle sherry tones that masterfully tame its youthful vigor. What we have here is good old-fashioned Scotch for people who like great whisky at a great price – exactly what the Faultline label is all about. (David Driscoll)

Kilchoman K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)
Getting to taste fresh Kilchoman, right of the still, was one of the highlights of the trip this year for David and me. Something magical is going on inside this tiny farm distillery. Their formula is so delicious, even as a white dog, that it hardly needs much aging at all. However, we were very curious to see what five years in a first-fill sherry cask would do to soften up some of the spice. Sitting in the warehouse with manager John MacLellan, we tapped into one of the fresh butts and poured ourselves a sample. This malt is loaded with fresh earth, chewy oils, petrol and peat smoke, mossy, dried grass, and a maritime sea air note that really hangs on the finish. It’s a beast of a whisky, showcasing everything we love about both Kilchoman and sherry-aged Islay whisky. Of all the Kilchoman whiskies we’ve tasted, this one by far had the most maturity and was precocious beyond its years. It was only a matter of seconds before David and I looked at each other, nodded, and added another distillery-direct cask to the list. Years from now, when Kilchoman is one of the most sought-after malts in the world, no longer bottling private casks, we’ll look back and say, “We used to buy them right out the warehouse.” These are heady days for Islay fans. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer).

1974 Glencraig, distilled at Glenburgie 30 year old, Duncan Taylor Rarest of the Rare Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 2 available ($199.99)

1992 Isle of Jura 18 Year Duncan Taylor Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($99.99)

2006 Kilchoman 5 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 10 available ($75.99)

Johnnie Walker Black Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml – 8 available ($29.99)

Glenlivet 18 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($79.99)

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