TOP PICKS

• Lot 40 2012 Release Canadian Rye Whiskey 750ml ($59.99)
  Voted Canadian Whiskey of the Year by the Whisky Advocate, Lot 40 is considered by many to be the quintessential Canadian rye whiskey, garnering heaps of praise and a cult-like following. Distilled by Hiram Walker, now run by Pernod Ricard, it was briefly discontinued in the early 2000s, which set off a Pappy-esque manhunt by consumers who knew of its excellence (not in CA, however, where we were deprived of its presence). Now that it’s been relaunched by Pernod, we’re lucky enough to start getting a healthy supply in the U.S. It’s clear after tasting it why the Lot 40 has the reputation it has. The flavors of rye are unbelievably pure, while the palate remains soft and creamy underneath. It moves from rye bread into a peppery note so intense that it almost transcends into sweet citrus before finishing rich and floral. It’s the most exciting rye we’ve seen hit the shelves in more than year. We think it’s going to be a HUGE hit. Esteeme d Canadian Whisky writer Davin de Kergommeaux calls it “a contemporary masterpiece, seven generations in the making. This is one powerfully flavorful whisky that boldly mingles the galvanizing piquancy of distilled rye grain with the soaring floral fragrance of malted rye, and a fruitiness that comes with age” We call it the best rye whiskey we’ve tasted since stalwarts like Sazerac 18 and older Willett bottles became dreams rather than reality. This is can’t-miss stuff. This is the kind of whiskey where you buy three bottles rather than one.

NEW ARRIVALS

Canada – Rye

• JP Wiser’s Blended Canadian Rye Whiskey 750ml – 12 available ($22.99)
• Pike Creek Port Finished Canadian Rye Whiskey 750ml ($32.99)
  Like the Lot 40, Pike Creek is made at the Hiram Walker disitllery in Canada, which is now run by Pernod Ricard. It’s rye whiskey finished in port barrels (we think around seven years of age), which adds a sweeter red fruited note to the classic peppery flavors of the whiskey. Colby (the PR subsidiary) has been legendary in Canada for decades. We’re now only getting a taste of what our northern neighbors have long known: Canadian rye whiskey is pretty dang delicious.

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Glendronach Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($89.99)
  Finally here! The long awaited full-proof edition of Glendronach’s special marriage has arrived. A combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks without age statement has been bottled at 55.2% alcohol for those sherry fans in search of more power in their whisky. The nose offers such a savory and spicy sherry character that it almost smells like rye whiskey, but it slowly cascades into a chocolate note. The palate offers the classic dried fruits and toasted almond character. A splash of water brings out the raisins and a hint of orange zest. A fabulously complex malt that is shocking less sweet than the standard 12 year. Completely in balance and absolutely not a sherry bomb or a new version of A’Bunadh. This whisky has its own unique profile entirely.

United States – Single Malt Scotch

• Charbay III Whiskey 750 – 5 available ($399.99)
  The magnificent Charbay Whiskey is back for round three. This legendary distillate is without a doubt one of the best American Whiskeys ever produced. It’s designated Hop-Flavored Whiskey because it was distilled with hoppy beer and for some reason hops are added after distillation as well. No one knows why, but all I can say is it’s the work of a mad genius. Anyone who dismisses this product because of this funny classification will loose my sympathy along with one of the best drinking experiences available. Totally unlike anything else on the market, the legend started with a tanker full of pilsner from the closed Sonoma Mountain Brewery, a beautiful alembic still, and a skilled distiller. 6 years in new, charred Missouri Oak and 8 further years in stainless steel and supernatural concoction was born. I mean this stuff was magnificent at 2 years old and to experience the progression of this whiskey throughout the years is mind blowing. A truly speci al and uniquely Californian whisky.

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