KILCHOMAN ORIGINAL CASK STRENGTH 

Independent farm distillery, Kilchoman, released an Original Cask Strength expression to add to its impressive range of Islay single malts.  A total of 35 ex-bourbon barrels filled in 2009 were selected for bottling, gleaning 9,200 bottles.

Bottled at 59.2% ABV Kilchoman’s special edition is non chill filtered and bottled at natural cask strength, presenting the whisky in its purest form with un-paralleled intensity of flavour and texture.

Anthony Wills, managing director of Kilchoman, said: “it has always been my intention to release a cask strength expression once we had the stock available.   This is the way single malt should be drunk.   It allows everyone to experience Kilchoman with all the characteristics captured in the glass”.

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman is one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years. A working farm distillery, it is one of only a handful of distilleries still practising floor malting. Kilchoman also grows a portion of its barley at the distillery and completes all parts of the production process, from barley to bottling on the island.

Tasting Notes: Original Cask Strength

Colour: Honey gold.

Nose: Soft peaty aromas, citrus and pear drops.

Palate: Sweetness first, soft peat smoke and ripe fruity notes.

Finish: Long and clean with peat smoke and citrus later.

Imported by: ImpEx Beverages Inc.

www.impexbev.com

Welcome to our special Christmas release!

The wait is over and we are delighted to offer some truly fabulous whisky just in time for Christmas. The whisky has taken it’s time getting ready, but that’s the way it should be – we don’t want to rush a very good thing. Today, for your drinking pleasure we are excited to present the dark caramel and fruit cake flavours of French Oak Cask HH0422, the vanilla, butterscotch and spice of American Oak Casks HH484, HH0100 and HH0102 and finally the smooth toffee and fudge of Double Cask DC73. Based on past experience you are well advised to HURRY, because stocks won’t last! Finally – we are pretty heavily under the pump trying to make more whisky, so there may be a delay in postage. If we compound that with AusPost’s general performance over Christmas then it’s fair to say you might only get your bottle in January. We will do everything that we can to get your order into the Auspost system ASAP, but please don’t expect the bottle to be with you immediately.

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With round one of the Holiday season behind us, we thought now would be a good time to fill you in on some important dates, as well as make sure you’re aware of our updated holiday Spirits Library hours. Also, we recently received a plethora of Single Malt Scotches from Signatory as well as Gordon & Macphail, not to mention two new blends from Compass Box and a handful of distillery bottlings from the likes of Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glengoyne. So, if you’ve got a Scotch-lover to cross off your holiday shopping list be sure to stop by and see us for a recommendation. Cheers, -The Party Source Spirits Department

Please Note: The Jimmy Russell signing date has been changed to December 11th from 4-6 pm

12.10.14 – Wes Henderson from Angel’s Envy Bottle Signing, 5-7 pm

12.11.14 – Jimmy Russell of Wild Turkey Bottle Signing, 4-6 pm

12.12.14 – Chris Morris of Woodford Reserve/Old Forester Bottle Signing, 4-7 pm

12.12.14, 12-8 pm and 12.13.14, 9 am – 5 pm – a bottle engraver will be here to engrave Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Gentleman Jack, Woodford Reserve.

Monday and Tuesday – Closed Wednesday and Thursday – 12-8 pm* Friday and Saturday – 2-10 pm Sunday – 12-8 pm *Wednesday, December 24th – 10 am – 6 pm *Thursday, December 25th – Closed

AUCHENTOSHAN Single Malt Scotch Virgin Oak – $139.99

BOWMORE Single Malt Scotch Dorus Mor 10 Year Batch II – $99.99

BOWMORE Single Malt Scotch Signatory 2002 11 Year – $90.99

BLADNOCH Single Malt Scotch Gordon & Macphail 1993 18 Year – $97.99

CLYNELISH Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1998 15 Year – $64.99

COMPASS BOX Great King Street Glasgow Blend – $44.99

COMPASS BOX The Lost Blend Blended Malt Scotch Whisky – $104.99

FETTERCAIN Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1996 17 Year – $68.99

GLENBURGIE Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1995 19 Year – $72.99

GLENGOYNE Single Malt Scotch 15 Year – $72.99

GLENLIVET Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1997 16 Year – $82.99

GLENROTHES Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1999 14 Year – $58.99

HIGHLAND PARK Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1988 25 Year – $261.99

INCHMURRIN Single Malt Scotch Signatory 1996 17 Year – $66.99

JOHNNIE WALKER Blended Scotch King George V – $599.99

LEDAIG Single Malt Scotch Gordon & Macphail 16 Year – $56.99

• 1990 Glenfarclas K&L Exclusive Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($169.99) We’ve always loved Glenfarclas. As you may or may not know, this distillery is one of the last independently owned in all of Scotland. It’s owned by the Grant family. It also happens to be on most knowledgeable people’s list of top distilleries and has consistently provided us with excellent sherried Speyside offerings at incredible prices. We’ve had success finding single casks in their vast warehouse system, but found that current market conditions have made purchasing a single cask from the Grants rather cost-prohibitive. Negotiating the price down on those casks is also out of the question as wholesalers worldwide are privy to the price structure and the Grants are very loyal and fair. With that option off the table we decided to get creative. Those single casks have a set price list, but picking multiple casks for one bottling afforded us some flexibility. We knew we were onto the next crazy value, but we never imagined how versatile a mu lti-cask bottling could be. So, into the warehouse we went. George bragged about the quality of the 1990 vintage, but we had no idea how special they were until we were standing in front of the barrels. These casks are from a sequential lot of first fill Oloroso sherry butts at 24 years old. Without a doubt, ‘Farclas fans will be pleased, but this bottling is approachable enough for even the most novice whisky lover to appreciate. ETA 12/1/14

• Glenfarclas “The Faultline Casks” K&L Exclusive First Fill Oloroso Sherry Casks Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($109.99) When George Grant offered us the opportunity to take multiple casks for a special exclusive bottling, we were over the moon. The creative juices began flowing. We talked about doing an ultra-aged expression, but we didn’t feel we could match the outrageous cask from the 1970 vintage, which we’d acquired a couple of years back. Instead, we decided to focus on a NAS (no age statement) mixture of casks from earlier vintages. The goal was to create a high proof, heavily sherried ‘Farclas that we could sell for around $100. After tasting multiple vintages from 8 to 15 years of age, we settled on three of our favorite casks in the 9-10 year range. At no other distillery is vintage so important and the importance of their vessel was clear when tasting these younger expressions. We’ve ended up with a mixture of young casks that surpass even our own high expectations. This is full fledged and powerful, yet tempered by the strong influence of that speci al wine of Andalucía. If you love sherry, if you love high proof single malt, if you love powerful flavors and massively textural whisky, then this bottling is for you. Even better, if you love not spending a ton for a bespoke offering from one of the world’s best distilleries, don’t wait to order. We’ll have more than the standard single barrel, but this bottling is still highly limited. Expect this to arrive in time for the holidays, hopefully by early December.

• Balvenie 30 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($999.99) 96-100 points Wine Enthusiast: “Bouquet offers hints of mead, almonds, pencil eraser, coffee grounds, pork and old leather. Palate entry is intensely resiny, smoldering warm and waxy; at midpalate, taste explosions of honey, oloroso sherry, dark caramel, hard cheese, malted milk, and Christmas pudding treat the taste buds to an extraordinary library of flavors. Ends deliciously sweet and honeyed. The best Balvenie I’ve ever reviewed.” (02/2005) 90 points Whisky Advocate: “This is a big and brooding dram. The aroma suggests it is aged in both bourbon and sherry oak. It’s complex and richly flavored (sweeter up front and increasingly dry towards its finish), with notes of honey, candied fruit, thick cut marmalade, vanilla, almonds, and prominent spicy oak notes. I’m picking up plenty of sherry in this new expression, which I like. It finishes firmly dry, with notes of spice and tannin. (Vol. 14, #2)”

• Macallan 18 year old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($209.99) 92 points Wine Enthusiast: “This Speyside single malt is matured in Sherry oak casks from Jerez, Spain, for a minimum of 18 years. The amber spirit has a big, warm caramel flavor, finishing with a touch of sweet honey, bitter chocolate and espresso on the lingering finish. Viscous, creamy mouthfeel.” (12/2011) 91 points Whisky Advocate: “Macallan’s 18 year old expression is, for me, the highlight of its regular sherried range. Deep amber in color. The nose is rich and heavily fruited: fruit cake, mulberry, a little moist gingerbread, the bloody depths of molasses. On the palate, dried fruits — more figgy than raisined — while the natural oiliness in the spirit balances the boisterous tannins from the European oak. A singed note on the finish (an extension of the molasses?) completes the picture. Balanced and complex. (Vol. 20, #3)” Wine Spectator: “An object lesson in what Sherry does to whisky. A telltale nuttiness appears right on the nose, before spice and fruit join in on the palate, with a sort of chewing gum quality. The nutty notes return in earnest on the meaty finish. ” (02/2011) K&L Notes: The Macallan’s benchmark excellence is nowhere more evident than in the 18 year old, which is matured for a minimum of 18 years in seasoned, Sherry casks. Classic Macallan, with aromas and flavors of dried apricots and figs, spice, chocolate and orange zest.

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

www.ralfy.com heads into the winter time with a winter-warmer called Whisky Review 505 – Old Smuggler scotch

After years of planning and anticipation, the Irish Whiskey Museum is welcoming guests to Dublin’s newest tourist attraction! Located across from Trinity College, the museum is one of the most centrally located tourist attractions in Dublin, and is the only Irish whiskey museum in the world. With a unique setting and gorgeous views overlooking Trinity College, it is an experience unlike any other.

Converting an idle building fallen into disrepair in the heart of the city centre, it’s an independent project conceived by director Keith McDonnell, owner of Extreme Ireland.  The project is autonomous from the drinks industry and provides a true reflection of Irish whiskey. Located on Failte Ireland’s Dubline, a new initiative to develop the region between Trinity College and Thomas Street to enhance the tourist experience, a small level of funding was provided by Failte Ireland to get the projected finalised.  Whiskey distillers such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew and Teeling have endorsed the project.

Delighted to be offering employment to 25 full time staff, Keith McDonnell states that “I see SMEs playing a critical role in bringing Ireland out of the recession.  It was such a shame to see a beautiful building at the heart of the city falling into disrepair.  Once the idea was born I was pleased to know that it would provide employment to the local community, offer something new to visitors and would assist somewhat in building our whiskey export reputation.”

What was once a vacant building in the heart of the city centre will now welcome domestic and international visitors as well as whiskey connoisseurs and those curious to learn more! The hope is to not only educate the public on Irish whiskey’s history, but to promote an understanding and appreciation for something that is, unmistakably, Irish.

www.irishwhiskeymuseum.ie

The 21st Annual Whisky Advocate Awards will be announced on the Whisky Advocate blog beginning this Friday, December 5th. As the awards are announced, they will automatically be published to the Whisky Advocate Facebook page and the Whisky Advocate Twitter feed (@whiskyadvocate).

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 21st year, the program is simply about the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them. As always, these awards are not simply assigned to the whiskies that get the highest ratings in our reviews. The winners might be the highest-rated, or they might instead be the most significant, or the most important, or represent a new direction for a category or niche. The awards process is not, in short, a mere numbers-based formula. It is recognition of a combination of excellence, innovation, tradition, and…simply great-tasting whisky. Our Buying Guide reviewers reach a consensus on the awards.

These awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year’s end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies…as we have done for over twenty years. We give you our word: that’s how it will continue to be.

Stop by each day to get the winner and read our commentary on the whisky and why it was chosen. Here’s how they’ll roll out, starting with the American whiskeys and progressing around the world to wind up in Scotland, followed by our Lifetime Achievement Awards and the big one: Distiller of the Year!

December 5
Craft Whiskey of the Year

December 6
American Whiskey of the Year

December 7
Canadian Whisky of the Year

December 8
Irish Whiskey of the Year

December 9
Japanese Whisky of the Year

December 10
World Whisky of the Year

December 11
Blended/Blended Malt Whisky of the Year

December 12
Speyside Single Malt of the Year

December 13
Islay Single Malt of the Year

December 14
Highland Single Malt of the Year

December 15
Lowlands/Campbeltown Single Malt of the Year

December 16
Lifetime Achievement Awards

December 17
Distiller of the Year

Be sure to check in every day, and join the lively conversation that these announcements always set off!

Sherry casks part one: what was a sherry cask?

Once you start getting into whisky, one of the first things you notice is the various types of cask that the spirit is matured in. While they all have their own distinctive character, the most common question we get asked is ‘Was this matured in a sherry cask?’

Such a simple question; such a difficult answer. Normally, we go for a simple yes or no, but, as usual, things are much more complicated than that.

Some modern casks. Being more specific than that is difficult…

Firstly, there is no legal definition for ‘sherry cask’. The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (the rules governing what Scotch whisky is and how it can be presented) don’t contain the word ‘sherry’, and the only mention of casks is to ensure that they are made of oak and have a capacity of less than 750 litres (SWR2009 3.(1)(c))

So, what about sherry? There is a legal definition there, given that sherry is very strictly controlled by the Consejo Regulador (the regulatory board). Sherry wines have to come from within a region in southern Spain, an area known as The Sherry Triangle as the boundaries have traditionally been drawn between the three towns of Jerez de la Frontera, Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa María. While sherry is a tightly regulated term, with many wines outside of the area made in the same way unable to use the name, the addition of the word ‘cask’ makes it more generic and uncontrolled. The Consejo Regulador are looking to get more control over the term, but as yet, if a cask has held a sherry-style fortified wine, then most producers consider it to be a sherry cask.

So, strictly speaking, while it technically may not have been sherry that was previously in a sherry cask, we know it’s almost certainly something very similar. But that still doesn’t fully answer the question of what a sherry cask is.

Casks have been used in the sherry business for a variety of reasons over the years, but these days, the most common use is in the solera. Soleras are a key part of how sherry is aged, and while the term pops up in other parts of the drinks world (especially in whisky and rum in recent years), a sherry solera is usually quite different. Simply put, it’s a set of casks with an order. Each time you want to extract some sherry, you remove some (never all) from the final cask in the set, and then refill it with wine from the next in line. It in turn is filled from the next, and so on, working back through the casks until you hit the first one, which is refilled with new wine. This process blends old wines with newer ones repeatedly through the maturation process, meaning that changes in the finished wine, always drawn from the last cask in the solera, will be slow, allowing the wine’s character to be consistent over the years.

A solera. Watching. Waiting…

Unlike whisky, sherry maturation is not focused on extracting flavour from the casks, and as such solera casks are almost always old, with little flavour left to give. They’re not new when they are added, and if a cask is ever removed from a solera, it’s almost certainly due it being broken or leaky. While a whisky matured in a sherry cask is obviously influenced by the sherry infused into the wood, it also interacts with the wood of the cask, and while a solera cask might have lots of sherry flavour concentrated into its staves, the wood itself is not going to have a big effect. These sorts of casks might be useful for certain whiskies, but they are far from being common – the sort of sherry cask you usually see is modelled on the transport cask.

Before 1981, sherry was often shipped around the world in wood. The sherry would be filled into the cask and then would be emptied at its destination, only staying in the cask for the duration of its journey. Even as far back as the 16th century, that would only be a matter of month – the time taken to travel from Jerez to northern Europe and then be sold – but it was enough to get lots of sherry flavour into the wood. Once a cask was emptied of sherry it would then be reused, and one of the traditional secondary occupants was whisky. There were significantly more of these transport casks in the wild than old solera casks, and the traditional Scotch whisky sherry-matured character is almost certainly based on whiskies matured in them.

However, I mentioned 1981 above, the year that Spanish export regulations for sherry changed, and the use of transport casks was outlawed. Along with the downturn in popularity of sherry, this has severely impacted the supply of casks to distillers, leading to both a huge increase in price (they currently go for more than 10 times the price of an ex-bourbon cask) and a new business: the construction of sherry casks for the whisky industry.

More of which in our next post…

Handcrafted, small-production spirits don’t comelooking for you. We go to the source. In Scotland, we’ve worked hard over the years to cultivate relationships with several small producers and we’ve been fortunate to get some of their best stocks. And while buying from small distilleries in Scotland has been very rewarding for us and insanely well-received by customers, visiting with small farmers throughout the French countryside has been completely revolutionary for our spirits department. Read our latest newsletter to find out more! 

1994 Benriach 19 Year Old K&L Exclusive PEATED Single Bourbon Barrel #7187 Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($149.99)
When we originally picked out this cask back in the Spring of 2013, we were incredibly excited about the wonderful balance of sweet, round, fruity Highland flavor, balanced by a moderate level of peat (think Talisker level smoke, not Islay). The result was something in between Talisker 18 and peated Glen Garioch: lovely layers of grains, a soft, supple mouthfeel, and a finish of campfire smoke with butterscotch on the backend. We couldn’t wait to get this baby delivered. Then it showed up and there wasn’t a smidge of peat to be found. It turns out Benriach had sent us the wrong cask (a delicious, light-bodied 19 year old that we kept nonetheless). We were fine with the one they sent as it was indeed tasty, but we still wanted that magical peated barrel, so we put in the order again; this time for Cask #7187. Over one year later, that whisky has finally shown up and it’s still as fantastic as we remember. At 53%, the extra proof is enough to brighten all of the edges, but low enough as not to interrupt the amber waves of grain. It’s a seamless whisky; one that floats over the palate in layers of stonefruit, sweet barley, and smoke, as each element undulates in and out of focus. There’s a reason we keep going back to Benriach for their direct barrel program. Imagine if you could get cask strength Talisker 19, or Caol Ila 19, or unsherried Highland Park 19 year old whisky for $150. That’s what this cask of Benriach 19 year old is offering you. (David Driscoll, Spirits Buyer)

1997 Glen Ord 17 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($79.99)
We went crazy for a few casks from 1997 this year and this Glen Ord is top of the top. Classic oily Ord, with tons of wonderful unusual malt flavors. It’s a goofy little whisky that shows all kinds of wild flavors. Tart white fruit on the nose, white cherries (do those exist?), linseed, wild flowers, waxed apples -not wax apples- the finest plum eau-de-vie. That aromatic fruit continues on the palate but is pointed by a spice that’s not altogether oaky. This one is for the real “malt nuts.” You know who you are.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 18, 2014
Glen Ord is a funny little distillery and this whisky is no different. Here we 100% on the waxy pear and apple fruit. Also some green grapes and fresh herbs. With air it throws aromas of some very unusual exotic tincture. This is idiosyncratic whisky to say the least. The real scotch lovers will be able to coax a lot out of this special cask, but they must be patient and listen.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 11, 2014
We wanted this as comparison to the other 1997 barrels we bought so folks could do a horizontal. Glen Ord is a distillery that we don’t see much of and we usually like it (partially because of the exotic nature of drinking Glen Ord). This is more subtle and less-pronounced than the other casks on this list. There’s a lot of straight-forward sweetness and soft fruit, but it will take a discerning drinker to appreciate the nuance. But I know there are easily 272 guys who will really enjoy this bottle. 58.3% makes this a great rocks whisky.

Mike Barber | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2014
An obscure distillery and a crazy good bottle for the money! This is a classic Highland, with caramel malt flavors with aromas of fresh flowers and tobacco. I can’t believe this malt was aged all in hogshead–the flavor is long and satisfying, with oaky and pronounced notes of coffee and vanilla.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2014
Delicious and enjoyable single malt. Beautiful nice sweet aromas are very inviting. There are nice and malty flavors that are balanced out with a hint of savory goodness. A pretty and long finish continues for quite some time. A lot of whisky from a distillery that is off the beaten path.

1998 Mortlach 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Sherry Butt Finish Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99)
Can we keep the Mortlach momentum rolling? It seems that ever since we released that amazing sherry butt of Mortlach from Chieftain’s all those years ago, we’ve been riding a wave of Mortlach enthusiasm for the sherry-aged Speyside beast. Diageo even released their own single malt version (maybe we had something to do with that, eh?) We’re always on the lookout for more Mortlach, especially sherry-aged barrels, and it turns out that Signatory had a sherry-finished butt sitting in their Pitlochry location just there for the taking. The first sip is all you need to get excited: lots of gingerbread, cinnamon, holiday cookie goodness just explodes on the palate, with cakey, sherry flavor rounding out the back end. At full proof, it’s as much of a beast as ever. But the fact that this cask was simply finished in sherry, rather than aged in the sweet wine from day one, is a big benefit. The maltiness of the whisky is still there at the core and the finish still sings of whisky. It’s going to be a big hit; especially for $99.99.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 18, 2014
This Mortlach is going to make so many people happy. We were shocked earlier this year when the owners released and 18 year in the UK at £200 for the half bottle. We were equally surprised when Signatory pointed out the ten casks of Mortlach that had been undergoing a second maturation for over 2 years in Fresh Sherry Casks. We were allowed to taste one. We bought it immediately. The rugged Mortlach spirit is in perfect balance with the lovely sherry influence. While the whisky isn’t as dark as I remember it being, there’s still all that rich oloroso influence. The spirit is flamboyant and still showing the great youthful savoriness that Mortlach is known for. So much going on hear, a true display of why Mortlach is a true blue chip distillery.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 11, 2014
So this guy started as a couple of hogsheads and was then finished in a sherry butt. You can tell because there’s a lot of oak action on the nose, almost Bourbon-like with pencil lead, but then morphing into stonefruit. The sherry turns on however in the mid-palate, but as we saw with the Bruichladdich it only highlights the fruit. Holy cow, this is tasty. Lots of sweet apricot and pear notes, but like they were dipped in a bit of cocoa. I’m going back in again and there’s another wave of sweet baking spices that washes over the finish. Wow, this is good.

Mike Barber | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2014
The legendary, elusive Mortlach distillery is with us yet again! You will never see a distillery bottling of this malt–most of the production goes straight to Johnnie Walker Blue. A big, sweet vanilla nose leads into a whisky packed with cedar and Indian spice notes. The sherry cask influence is noticeable–it tastes like dried apricot and leather dipped in chocolate.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2014
Very drinkable. This bottle has the nice roundness that one expects from Mortlach. The sherry barrel finish did not fatten it up but added layers of flavors to enjoy. For fans of Mortlach, or for those looking for a single malt that is not smokey and is easy to drink, this Signatory has a lot to offer.

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

Arran Single Cask #893 2014 Autumn Release

Single cask #893 is the 2014 Autumn release from Arran distillery. Distilled in 1998 and aged for just over 16 years in a single sherry cask, 296 bottles have been filled at 54.3% vol.

£65.95  (£54.96 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Single Cask 893

Macallan 1981 Speymalt

Tremendous colour on this Macallan Speymalt from 1981, which has been slumbering in cask until 2013, making approximately 32 years old. Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Speymalt series.

£295.00  (£245.83 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Macallan Speymalt 1981

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt

A non-age statement Taketsuru bottling released in 2014. A Japanese blend with an average age of around 10 years, with a high percentage of Miyagikyo malt used to create this new release from Nikka.

£44.40  (£37.00 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt

Spirit of Freedom 45

Spirit of Freedom 45 is a blend of 45 different whiskies from across Scotland. A special release following on from the Scottish Independence Referendum of September 18th 2014, bottled at 45% vol.

£24.98  (£20.82 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Spirit of Freedom 45

Arran Orkney Bere Barley
Cask Strength Edition

Arran Orkney Bere Barley, cask strength edition, is a unique collaboration between Isle of Arran Distillers Ltd and the Agronomy Institute of Orkney College. Distilled in 2004 exclusively from Bere, Scotland’s oldest cultivated barley, which was specially grown on Orkney for this project. Matured for over 10 years in ex-bourbon casks at the Arran distillery before being bottled 2014 at cask strength, 56.2% vol.

£55.20  (£46.00 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Arran Orkney Bere Barley

Springbank 12 Year Old Green Bourbon Cask

Springbank Green, a 12 year old bourbon cask matured Campbeltown single malt whisky. A limited edition release, created from organic barley (hence the green label) – bottled at 46% vol.

£58.94  (£49.12 ex vat)

Click here to purchase Springbank 12 Year Old Green

GlenDronach 1994 / Single Cask #3400  AW Exclusive

Following on from the resounding success of GlenDronach single cask #33 selecting a new release from a series of cask samples in search of something equally special was no mean feat, believe us (although we had a great time in doing so…!) Comparisons will inevitably be made, however this exceptional dram is deserved of equal praise thanks to its sophisticated flavours and we’re excited to present it to you as the latest Abbey Whisky exclusive…

£97.95  (£81.63 ex vat)

Click here to purchase GlenDronach AW Exclusive