New in stock…

Ardbeg 1991 23 Year Old Directors Cut 53.1% | 70cl

Tasting Notes.

Nose: Opens sweet and vanilla’d – developing to liquorice – soft chewy tar & peated malt.

Palate: Still sweet – builds to rock pools & a warming smoked quality & chimney soot.

Finish: Long & lingering – still sooty & beach bonfire ashes & sweet cigar smoke.

Tasting notes by Douglas Laing.

Price: £408.33 ex VAT
£490.00 inc VAT

Glen Ord 1992 21 Year Old Directors Cut 52.1% | 70cl

Tasting Notes.
Nose: Interestingly herbal – spiced – sugar sweet & barley’d.

Palate: Juicy – still herbal & spiced – now with coconut & chocolate.

Finish: Long & intriguing – replicates the palate & muscovado sugar?.

Tasting notes by Douglas Laing.

Price: £95.83 ex VAT
£115.00 inc VAT

Littlemill 1988 25 Year Old Directors Cut 56.2% | 70cl

Tasting Notes.
Nose: Full of character. Opens with sweet barley, ripe bananas, burnt sugar & caramelized apples.

Palate: Lively with chewy vanilla & stewed rhubarb & freshly baked croissants with warm butter.

Finish: Lingering with hints of coconut cream, buttered toast & sweet, ripe summer fruits.

Tasting notes by Douglas Laing.

Price: £137.50 ex VAT
£165.00 inc VAT

• 1988 Balmenach 25 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($149.99)
  One point we’ve stressed over and over again to our single malt customers is the need to be open-minded when it comes to finding value. So many enthusiasts lament the end of any affordable value at the higher end of the market, when in reality it’s still there — it’s just hiding under an unassuming name. In this case, that name is Balmenach: a Speyside distillery known more for the Deerstalker label than for its own eponymous selections. We all oohed and ahhed in unison while tasting this whisky from cask at the Signatory warehouse. The aromas were full of ripe stonefruit and salty caramel and it smelled as if a rich palate might be soon to follow. Indeed. The flavors were actually quite woody, but never over done, as the oak melded with the fruit and became almost toffee-ish on the finish. There’s something special about that Signatory warehouse in Pitlochry; the way in which unpeated, light, and fruity whiskies have a way of transforming in to a seamless nectar. We’ve seen it with our previous Ladyburn and Glenlochy casks, and we’re witnessing it again with this hogshead of Balmenach. It’s not quite as evolved as those other two, but man is it tasty. This is fun, fruity, rich, mature, and pleasantly supple single malt whisky. It’s a 25 year old single cask of Speyside goodness for a very fair price. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• 1997 Dailuaine 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($79.99)
  Dailuaine is a lovely little whisky. I don’t love it any less now that I’ve been chased off the distillery grounds. In fact the whole complex is very unusual. When we were there this year it seemed as though an endless amount of construction was at a standstill. This is also where Diageo has their “D00ark0m Grains” processing facility, which turns the spent barley into pellets for animal feed. The dark industrial dreeriness of this distillery, hidden in a hollow not far from the hill of Rinnes, totally flies in the face of the wonderfully fresh and vibrant malt that they produce. We were actually considering bottling this at 46% because we really liked how it took water, but when we saw how reasonable the cask strength price was we decided to give you the option at home. This has a very classically Dailuaine nose of fresh malt, white pepper, and green apples. It’s very off the oak and on the malt. On the palate, the pomace nature continues, with a rich oily maltiness that gives it length. Slight hints of brown sugar, almond, and vanilla pop up with water. That big malty side is tamed perfectly with the addition of water and brings out more subtle aromas on the palate. Now we have some exotic barks, subtle herbal notes, and some baked apple qualities. All in all this is a really fun whisky at an absolutely unbeatable price. (David Othenin-Girard, Spirits Buyer)

• Cedar Ridge K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Iowa Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)
  Amid all the controversy in the craft whiskey market these days (e.g. sourced whiskey, label laws, ridiculous prices, and all too often poor quality) a choice few distillers have sat quietly back and focused on producing excellent quality product and trying to sell it for a relatively reasonable price. Cedar Ridge is heading for that select group. Founded in 2005 by Jeff & Laurie Quint, they distill all their products in an 80 gallon European pot still. Their bourbon was released in 2010, the FIRST Iowa Bourbon (wow) to be released since prohibition and they’ve been aging stocks for over 7 years now. The mashbill is 75% corn, 10% rye and 15% malted barley and Cedar Ridge fills 53 gallon new charred Missouri Oak barrels. This is, for me, is one of the few bourbons wholly produced by one of the new wave of craft distillers to rival the quality of the industry leaders in Kentucky. It is one of the first craft distilleries to offer us bourbon over 4 years old in single full size barrels at full strength. The nose is all sticky caramel and spice. Hints of cinnamon covered apples, dried underbrush, and sweet oak. Textural nuance at the full 57.9%, showing a medium to full body that turns up the spices and sweet grain notes on the tongue whiles balancing with a mild drying oak and a great rich cocoa finish. There is no question that the little distillery in Swisher, Iowa is one to watch.

• Cut Spike Nebraska Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($59.99)
  At first we couldn’t believe our mouths. We knew that Cut Spike single malt had just taken Double Gold honors at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits competition (the highest possible honor), so obviously other people thought it was good, too. But after tasting so many mediocre American attempts at single malt whisky, we had become accustomed to the idea that the Scottish style of distillation would never be recreated here at home. There would be spin-offs, and experimental gasps at greatness, but that supple, malty profile would simply be something we needed to import from abroad. Then the folks at Cut Spike sent us a sample of their two year old Nebraskan single malt whisky made from 100% malted barley on a pot still crafted in Rothes, Scotland. Fermented at the brewery next door to Cut Spike in La Vista, the malt was matured for two years in new American oak with varying levels of char. The result is an incredible hybrid: soft, barley and vanilla-laden whisk y that tastes somewhat like your standard Scottish single malt, but has its own unique character simultaneously. It’s the kind of whisky that you taste once and enjoy, but then the next day suddenly crave intensely. It impresses you instantly, yet doesn’t really reveal its full character until weeks later. The new oak blurs seamlessly into the malty mouthfeel, adding a richness on the finish normally not tasted in standard Scottish selections. Cut Spike is a major accomplishment for American distillation, pure and simple.

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

Come and see us at the Lonach Highland Gathering on Saturday the 23rd August…. 

…..for a wee dram and buy your exclusive bottle of Lonach 2014 Single Malt.

We are hosting the “Whiskies Of Scotland” whisky marquee where you can taste free samples from distilleries such as Benriach, Benromach, Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, Tomintoul & Glencadam. Also exhibiting their portfollio of whiskies are Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, Black Bull Blended Whisky & independant bottlers Dougas Laing.

And of course our own exclusive single malts label “Whiskies Of Scotland”.  

Slainte, Ronnie Routledge.

BENRIACH RELEASES BATCH 11 OF ITS SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS 

BenRiach has today, 14 August, released the latest batch, its eleventh, of single cask bottlings. 

It comprises fourteen superb casks that were bottled in July and all are available as of today, ideal for leisurely summer tasting. 

Ranging from 37 to 9 years old, the much-anticipated release demonstrates a hugely eclectic range of expressions for which Elgin’s award-winning BenRiach is renowned, with astonishing variety across the fourteen casks. These include whiskies in the traditional, classic Speyside style, peated expressions and wood finishes such as Dark Rum, Tawny Port, Madeira, Virgin Oak, Pedro Ximenez Sherry and a Marsala wood finish. 

All fourteen casks have been hand-selected by BenRiach’s Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker who described them as “absolutely special” and added: 

“Wood Management is one of the most important factors in ensuring excellence of quality during maturation. The most important factor is to use top-quality casks – Bourbon barrels, Hogsheads and ex-Wine Seasoned casks – and there is a role in the maturation process for all of these casks. Getting the wood right can be expensive but it’s one of the things I’m most proud of since we took over BenRiach.” 

And what an amazing range there is in Batch Eleven. 

The oldest, 1976 #529, at 44.2% vol, is Sherry Cask Matured and finished in a Bourbon barrel. Fresh crisp oak and cereal combine with sweet plum syrup, developing to an elegant, soft tropical fruit and toasted coconut finish. 

Meanwhile the youngest, 2005 # 3781, at 58.7% vol, a Virgin American Oak Hogshead, offers floods of sweet peat reek in rich caramelised apple and pear, softening gently to dried apricot and desiccated coconut. 

And a third which suggests it will be much sought-after is the 1998 cask # 5171, at 57.9% vol, a triple-distilled Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish in which vibrant oak spice, orange bitters and dark chocolate give exceptional depth, with stewed barley and orchard fruits softly rolling though the long, ever-changing palate. 

Other expressions in the range boast the taste of “Demerara and boiled sweets”, “luxurious chocolate and roasted coffee beans”, “rich Tarte Tatin” and even “fairground candy apple”. 

The cask details are as follows:

1976 cask # 529 /  37 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Sherry Cask Matured, Bourbon Finish / 44.2% vol. 

1976 cask # 5463 /  37 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Peated, Sherry Cask Matured, Bourbon Finish / 51.9% vol.

1977 cask # 7114 / 37 years old / Hogshead / 48.3%vol. 

1977 cask # 1891 / 37 years old / Dark Rum Barrel / Dark Rum Finish / 43.2% vol.

1978 cask # 5469 / 36 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Sherry Cask Matured, Bourbon Finish / 41.7% vol. 

1984 cask # 488 / 29 years old / Hogshead / Peated / 51.1% vol. 

1984 cask # 4051 / 29 years old / Tawny Port Hogshead / Peated, Tawny Port Finish / 50.3% vol. 

1994 cask # 1703 / 20 years old / Tawny Port Hogshead / Tawny Port Finish / 55.6% vol. 

1994 cask # 5626 / 20 years old / Madeira Hogshead / Peated, Madeira Finish / 53.2% vol. 

1996 cask # 7176 / 18 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish / 52.4% vol. 

1997 cask # 4435 / 16 years old / Marsala Hogshead / Marsala finish / 56.1% vol. 

1998 cask # 5171 / 16 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / Triple Distilled, Pedro Ximenez Sherry finish / 57.9% vol. 

2000 cask # 38131 / 14 years old / Bourbon Barrel / 59.3% vol. 

2005 cask # 3781 / 9 years old / Virgin American Oak Hogshead / Peated, Virgin American Oak finish / 58.7% vol. 

Keep an eye on our website, www.benriachdistillery.co.uk, and Facebook page over the coming weeks for more information on these new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

Springbank 21 year old single cask “Renegade” is now available to order at Loch Fyne Whiskies!

Specially selected and bottled by Mark Reynier, the former owner of Bruichladdich Distillery.

Springbank aficionados will know that a 21 year old Springbank of any form is rare enough at the moment, but this incredibly unique bottling goes a step further and offers an opportunity to taste the influence of different maturation environments.  This single cask of Springbank was matured for 13 years at Springbank and then moved to the warehouses at Bruichladdich for the remaining 8 years of maturation.  With Bruichladdich being much more exposed to prevailing Atlantic winds and foreshore influences than at Springbank’s warehouses in Campbeltown, some additional “maritime” influences have been imparted to this already exceptional whisky.  To add to its wonderfully complex style the whisky has been matured in a glorious sherry hogshead, resulting in a richly flavoured rare gem.

Springbank whisky is widely classed as one of the most collectable single malts in the world and this limited edition offers collectors an exciting opportunity to add to their collection.

One of only 219 bottles ever produced.
Drawn from sherry hogshead number 118.
Bottled at 46% volume, non-chillfiltered and with no added colouring. 

Click here to buy – £250

* = £3 discount for first timers and members. Membership costs £10 for 13 months.

Walking Tour of Edinburgh Sunday 24th August meet at 3pm outside Thomson’s bar, Morrison St, Haymarket £28/25*

We’ll visit a few sites of past distilleries starting at Caledonian then continuing down the Water of Leith. The story of whisky in Edinburgh will accompany the walk and drams. An updated written history will be available.

Caledonian 30yo refill Bourbon barrel cask strength SMWS

Glenkinchie 24yo 49.2% Bourbon hogshead Cadenheads

EH10 blend 40%

Queen Anne blend bottled in the 1970s

North British 24yo 46% 1989 -2014 Bourbon barrel 192 bottles Cadenheads

+ an optional mystery dram for a donation towards Marie Curie

**********

P/O/U/R/S 28th August 7.30pm Kilderkin, Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh £to be confirmed

Spirit of Freedom 30yo 46% blend bottled to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn

Glenfarclas 105 60%

Something peaty

Springbank 14yo refill sherry butt local barley bottled for the 10th anniversary of The Springbank Society

Auchentoshan 24yo single cask cask strength Cadenheads

**********

Future themed tastings: a vertical Glendronach tasting, Bottled at the Distillery No.3, sherry casks and Canadian whiskies.

This week Joe Ellis reviews the Darkness Benrinnes 15yo PX Finish Master of Malt bottling. 

http://youtu.be/8f6FqLQJFic 

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Belle Meade Sour Mash Bourbon 750ml – 0 available ($39.99)

• Stranahan’s Colorado Small Batch Whiskey 750ml – 4 available ($54.99)

• Slow Hand White Whiskey 750ml – 5 available ($29.99)

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

The Scottish Government Becomes Official Title Sponsor for the inaugural Whisky L! Beijing Whilst Stephen Notman Brings the Newly Rebranded Show back to Shanghai! 

After five years of successfully running Whisky Live Shanghai, Show Directors’ Winnie Wu & Stephen Notman return to the China whisky festival scene under a new brand and city launch in the nation’s capital of Beijing! On the 22 & 23 August, the Scottish Government title sponsored Whisky L! Beijing will be the first whisky festival held in Beijing. The following week the show directors’ will be executing their sixth whisky festival in Shanghai held at Le Royal Meridien on the 29 & 30 August. 

Stephen Notman explains: ‘having successfully founded and ran Whisky Live Shanghai & Taipei for five years, my contract with Whisky Magazine was complete. Notman continues ‘The decision to go independent has allowed us to use the franchise fee which we would pay to the magazine to attract world class whisky commentators and establish Whisky L! Beijing.’ 

This year, both shows have attracted some of the leading commentators in the industry which include Dave Broom, Steven Lin & Charles Maclean along with receiving resounding support from the whisky industry. All of which will be heading up master classes. 

To commemorate the inaugural WhiskyL! Beijing and rebranding, seven of China’s leading Whisky Masters joined the Show Directors’ to select this year’s single cask release. Selected on a blind tasting basis Berry Brothers & Rudd Auchentoshan 2000 Vintage was selected as the show bottling. The first taste of the cask strength release will be tasted from the Stephen Notman tasting glass designed for cask strength whisky and locally produced spirit Baijiu. 

Combined with brand launches, the largest showcasing of whisky ever in China and the creation of the first Whisky L! Whisky Chocolate in association with Austria’s established chocolatier Zotter, the show promises to be a fun, festive but yet educational experience.

Whisky L! stands for Love, Luxury & Lifestyle 

Whisky L!

威士忌时尚生活国际热情展

*EVENT DETAILS

Whisky L! Beijing

22 -23 August 2014, 14:00 – 20:00pm

The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

7 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: +86 10 5922 8888 

Whisky L! 北京

2014年8月23日, 14:00 – 20:00pm

金茂威斯汀大饭店1楼

朝阳区东三环北路7号

电话：+86 10 5922 8888

Whisky L! Shanghai

29-30 August 2014, 14:00 – 20:00pm

Le Royal Meridien Shanghai

789 Nanjing Lu (near Xizang Zhong Lu), Huangpu District

Tel: +86 21 3318 9999 

Whisky L! 上海

2014年8月29-30日, 14:00 – 20:00pm

上海世茂皇家艾美酒店

黄埔区南京路789号（靠近西藏中路）

电话: +86 21 3318 9999

Standard ticket: 200元

VIP ticket: 1,500元

Further information

Web: http://www.whiskyl.com/

WeChat: chinawhiskyguide

Congratulations to OLD PULTENEY, Gordon Hynd and team of Inverhouse Distillers, winners of this year’s The SPIRIT of WHISKY FRINGE Award. Over the three days of Whisky Fringe, all 1300 visitors had the chance to vote for their favourite whisky, from those sampled. Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage, a lightly peated, limited edition, was clearly voted the outright winner.

As always, commiserations to the runners up. Both the Glenglassaugh and the Ben Nevis are superb and highly recommended, while the new Highland Park Dark Origins was extremely well received. Thanks to all the exhibitors for participating and thanks to all the customers who voted.

1st PLACE

~ OLD PULTENEY 1990 Vintage ~
The Spirit of Whisky Fringe 2014