Listed below are just a few of the great gift packs that we have available for the Festive Season. (Click Here for the full selection). Our current pick of the bunch would be the Glenfarclas Tasting Pack with two free miniatures in a great presentation box, all for the same price as a regular bottle of the Glenfarclas 15 year old (£48.95). An excellent, well regarded sherried Speyside (not peaty!) single malt whisky, in an ideal gift presentation pack at amazing value.

BALLANTINE’S HARD FIRED UNVEILED

Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world, has launched Ballantine’s Hard Fired, an innovative expression that introduces a bespoke process in the production of Scotch whisky and provides a unique experience within the Ballantine’s family. Ballantine’s Hard Fired is set to appeal to whisky drinkers seeking authenticity and craftsmanship in new Scotch styles.

The taste profile of Ballantine’s Hard Fired whisky has been developed through the transformative power of fire. The signature hard firing of the barrels unlocks vanilla notes, hints of smoke and spice and provides a distinctive smoothness, resulting in a characterful and uniquely balanced whisky.

Ballantine’s Hard Fired’s bespoke process starts with the individual selection of American oak barrels by the wood management team. The barrels are then sent to highly skilled craftsmen at the cooperage to char them for a second time – a process known as ‘hard firing’ – while judging the char length and intensity by sight. Finally, Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop noses each barrel and selects those best to be filled with a unique Ballantine’s blend for resting.

Drawing on his expertise, Sandy Hyslop comments: “Ballantine’s Hard Fired showcases the natural and unique results that American oak and fire produce on Scotch whisky. When charred, casks form a natural layer of caramelised wood sugars that react with whisky and a double char understandably intensifies this effect. The result is a smooth, creamy and subtly smoky Scotch whisky with tasting notes of sweet honey, soft red apples and tangy liquorice. This balanced flavour profile results in a premium whisky that sits well within the Ballantine’s family style while offering something new.”

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, comments: “Ballantine’s Hard Fired is a natural progression for the brand as we continue to innovate within the Scotch whisky category. The double charring naturally unlocks flavour, creating a whisky that stays true to our philosophy of craftsmanship, authenticity and outstanding flavour. Ballantine’s Hard Fired is a modern, masculine expression that responds to current trends in the whisky market that demand new experiences while enjoying Scotch whisky.”
Ballantine’s Hard Fired has a 40% ABV and will be available from November onwards in Poland and France before rolling out globally in March 2016; price varies depending on the market. A global campaign capturing the influence of fire on the bespoke production process has been developed alongside new exciting signature serves to support the launch internationally.

NOTES

Ballantine’s Hard Fired tasting notes:
Nose: Sweet ripe fruits of pears and blackcurrants, vanilla, butterscotch toffee and a gentle wisp of bonfire smoke.
Taste: Sweet honey, soft red apples, a hint of tangy liquorice and gentle smoke.
Finish: Long vanilla finish that is both sweet and slightly tangy.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.
www.ballantines.com

@Ballantines

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
www.chivasspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

We’re ramping things up as we edge closer to the holiday season so we have EIGHT new releases to tempt your tastebuds this month.

With one from the distillery that started it all (distillery “No. 1”) to three peaty pleasures for sitting around the fire, you’re bound to find your perfect dram in our November Outturn!

Enjoy the brief bottle notes below and visit http://www.smws.ca/ for the full tasting notes.

CASK No. 5.42  BATHED IN A BAKER’S SHOP 

13 years old; refill hogshead;  59.5%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Bubble baths and freshly laundered towels. Lively spritz of green grape, lemonade lollies and soothing vanilla Jell-O pudding. Elderflower soap and brioche on waxed paper. Newly laundered crochet blanket and iced christening cake decorated with white lilies and lychee.

CASK No. 1.185  RUSSIAN, JAMAICAN, TURKISH, THAI

30 years old; refill hogshead; 54.5%; Old & dignified

The nose’s sweet fabric (butterscotch, manuka, Turkish Delight, peanut brittle) contains threads of tobacco leaf, sandalwood, After Eights and leather. The palate includes Russian caramels, Jamaican gingerbread, treacle toffee and polished oak; water creates a lemon and blackcurrant tingling élan vital.

CASK No. 48.58  MEDIEVAL JOUSTING DRAM

11 years old; 1st fill barrel; 63%; Spicy & sweet

The many-faceted nose offers waxy flowers, tree bark, apples, raspberries and sweeter seductions (millionaires’ shortbread, coconut macaroons, cherry gateau). On the palate, Sir Sweet (honeycomb, iced caramels, chocolate, jammy custard) jousts a friendly tournament with Sir Heat (chili, pepper, ginger).

CASK No. 26.92  HARD-GLAZED PRETZEL STICKS

28 years old; refill butt; 58.2%; Spicy & sweet

Lemon aromas dominate the neat nose before a yeastiness of rye sourdough appears. The taste is of sweet wood smoke and pork scratchings and crystallized oranges. With water fresh like a sea breeze and the taste a mixture between bacon breakfast cake and Salzstangen.

CASK No. 42.15  OSCILLATIONS OF LIGHT AND SHADE

19 years old; refill hogshead; 58.6%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

The nose has pineapple, mango, golden syrup and washing in the sun; darker notes include dates, coffee dregs, marmalade and Christmas cake. The palate is wonderfully tasty – caramelized pineapple, dark cherries in syrup, toffee, exotic fruits and some ginger, chili heat.

CASK No. 3.237  CANDLE TAKINGS ITS LAST BREATH

17 years old; refill butt; 57.2%; Oily & coastal

A fairly robust nose; oily smoked mackerels, sherry soaked sultanas, sticky barbecue ribs and salty pork scratchings. Big on the palate – a real butcher’s barbecue! Water turns it into a sherry soaked crème brulee with a strong sweet espresso on the side.

CASK No. 53.222  THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

13 years old; refill hogshead; 58.4%; Peated

Once upon a time there were three little pigs. They were roasted with rosemary, barbecued with apricots and stewed with hoisin sauce. They tasted of crackling and maple cured bacon – smoky with a wonderful mouthfeel. And the big bad wolf lived happily ever after.

CASK No. 66.65  HOLY SMOKE!

10 years old; 1st fill white wine hogshead; 62.7%; Heavily peated

Aromas of smoky bacon crisps, peppered pork sausages, witch hazel gel and turmeric tea, while on the palate a ‘smoke explosion’ or ‘breathing diesel’. Water added a Thai green prawn curry and sweet and sour pork roast. Love it or hate it.

http://www.smws.ca/

KWM PRE CHRISTMAS STORE WIDE SALE!

The savings begin this Friday November 13 and continue until Sunday November 15. All in store wine will be discounted 15% and some even more! All select in store whisky will be discounted 10% with some special items offered at further discounts. All in store beer will be discounted 5%. You can order online or better yet, pay us a visit. No phone orders accepted or further discounts offered.

Due to our annual Wine Festival our store will close at 6:00pm on Friday November 13. Shop early! Regular hours apply for Saturday and Sunday.

KWM 2015 Whisky Advent Calendar

Kensington Wine Market’s Whisky Advent Calendar is back! Last year’s calendar was a huge hit. This year’s is even better.  It still includes 24 x 50ml whiskies and a custom Glencarin whisky glass. But, that is not all. We’re offering an even wider range of whiskies and we are also including an extra 25th bottle. As a special treat for Christmas morning, there will be a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask bottling. This is a rare treat indeed, and usually only available to Society members. All of this year’s whiskies are different from 2014 and we are really excited about the range. There are 23 single malts from Scotland, Ireland, India and Taiwan, as well as a boutique blend and a boutique blended malt. Whether it is for yourself or to give as a gift, we know it won’t disappoint. Don’t hesitate, it’s selling out fast! $399.99

Winter Whisky Sale at Mulberry Bank Auctions.

Next stop is Christmas so now is your chance to get hold of those Christmas presents for your loved ones, Secret Santas and yourself!

Viewing for this sale is by appointment only, so give us a call on 0141 225 8181 or e-mail: stewarts@mulberrybankauctions.com

We have some great whiskies for sale this time around, like a Macallan 1946 (Lot 3), Speymalt Macallan 1940 (Lot 189); Laphroaig 1960 (Lot 1); Loch Lomond 1966 in a copper still (Lot 61); The Kilkerran First Cask bottlings (Lot 306) and a great selection of Flora & Fauna bottlings three of which are 1^st Release (Lots 57; 118; & 259).  We also have some nice Port Ellen independent bottlings, including The Whisky Shop 10^th Anniversary 24 year old (Lot 250)and lots of interesting bottles from Bladnoch.

Mulberry Bank Auctions
26A St Vincent Crescent
Glasgow
G3 8LH

Laphroaig 32 Year Old

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Ole Smoky Harley Davidson Charred Moonshine – Here’s the perfect drink after a long fall ride, or perfect gift for the Harley enthusiast in your life. Its 103 proof is a nod of respect to the Harley-Davidson twin-cam 103 engine. It’s the moonshine that celebrates the ride.

Stronachie 18 Year – It’s great to have a bottle with the Stronachie label back on our shelves. This is actually from Benrinnes, and is bottled in small batches and uses both Bourbon hogshead and Sherry butts. It’s quite nice, to say the least.

Ghosted Reserve 26 Year – This is a William Grant & Sons Rare Cask Reserve release. It’s a blend of two long defunct distilleries, Ladyburn and Inverleven. Master blender Brian Kinsman describes the palate as deep and intense with a creamy mouthfeel, followed by almonds and spice. Only 2,000 bottles made it stateside!

Cadenhead’s Glendullan-Glenlivet 17 Year – Just check out these tasting notes, “Nose: Syrup, vanilla, shortbread, sugar coated almonds and honeycomb. Palate: Creamy, peppery, spicy, chewy and chocolate raisins. Finish: Very long lingering finish with hints of sweet treacle and winter fruits. ” Only 294 bottles!

Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch no.2 – Tun is a project in which master distiller David Stewart gets to bring together the best of what he has to offer, and elevate the individual components to a collective greatness. Comprised of 35 American Oak and 7 European Sherry Butt barrels, here’s what David has to say about his latest creation, “This particular whisky has exceptional character: deep and rich on the nose, with floral notes, sweet vanilla and orange peel. Then it’s velvety smooth to taste with tangy citrus, mellow cinnamon spice and blossom honey.”

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Private Barrels #1633 and #1634 – Bottled Exclusively for The Bourbon Guys feat. Tiernan Hogan for The Dragonfly Foundation. These are the newest private barrels to hit the store. They’re sister (numerically sequential) barrels of low-rye bourbon from Smooth Ambler and $5 of each bottle sold will be donated to The Dragonfly Foundation. The bourbon is excellent and the cause is better. Get ’em while they last!

The Party Source, 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073.

Demand for SPEY delights in the lead up to Whisky Live Holland

A Speyside malt singled out as the signature drink of Holland’s premier whisky event is going down a storm with discerning dram lovers.

Whilst organisers are counting down the days to this year’s Whisky Live Holland, more than 80 per cent of this limited edition SPEY expression from Speyside Distillery, has already been snapped up.

Demand for the last remaining bottles is expected to be high, and all are expected to be sold before the Netherlands’ oldest and biggest whisky event gets underway on 13 November.

Some whisky lovers have been buying two bottles each, one to savour and enjoy and the other to keep, explains festival organiser Wouter Wapenaar, a Keeper of the Quaich.

Wouter was part of the judging panel that selected this limited edition SPEY expression as the exclusive bottling, after the tasters were won over by the SPEY expression’s aroma, flavour, cask finish and characteristics.

Wouter says: “Whisky Live Holland is about great whisky, and we search high and low for the very best whiskies to celebrate the show.

“We only have around 100 bottles still available and with such interest and demand it’s likely that our SPEY limited edition bottling will be sold out before the festival even starts.”

Each bottle was filled at cask strength from a 2007 single sherry cask before being hand finished with specially designed 2015 festival packaging, stating the cask and limited bottle number. With only 600 available, the rare bottles are expected to become highly collectable.

The single malt Scotch whisky is produced at the boutique Speyside Distillery near Kingussie in the Highlands, management and staff are delighted that SPEY has been specially selected as the festival bottle for the 2015 Dutch show.

Speyside Distillers Co Ltd Managing Director, Patricia Dillon says, “We are delighted to bottle this limited edition for what is a very special festival and to be exhibiting other SPEY expressions at the event with our Dutch distributor Whisky Import Netherlands and to be mingling with whisky lovers from all over the world. The exposure that will be achieved through being the festival’s bottling of the year will develop further awareness of SPEY in Europe.

“In addition, our Distillery Manager, Sandy Jamieson shall be present at the festival to share some of our SPEY secrets.”

Whisky Live Holland launched the limited edition SPEY for sale through its website just a few weeks ago.

While all bottles are likely to be sold before the event, the 6,000-plus festival visitors won’t be left disappointed as they will be able to sample a taste of SPEY from its distributor’s exhibition stand.

Details of the SPEY limited edition bottling features on the festival website, http://www.whiskyfestival.nl/

Whisky Live Holland takes place from 13 -15 November 2015 at The Hague. The oldest and biggest whisky event in the Netherlands, it is supported by importers and distributors of whisky, representing hundreds of whisky brands.

The programme features whisky trams, masterclasses, cocktails, trails, books and the opportunity to meet whisky distillers, writers and other celebrities.

Demand for tickets is so high that the festival has been a complete sell out for the past five years in a row.

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie is home of the SPEY brand of malt whisky. It has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. In 2012 the SPEY brand and packaging with its specially designed unique bottle was introduced.

For further information about Speyside Distillery, visit http://www.speysidedistillery.co.uk/. Follow Speyside Distillery on Twitter @SpeySingleMalt and on Facebook at facebook.com/speysidedistillery

On Thursday, November 12th, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. EST, The Party Source will be releasing our allocation of Rip Van Winkle and Pappy Van Winkle whiskies. The rules are as follows:

ONE BOTTLE TOTAL PER CUSTOMER, on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

There are no reservations, no holds, no paying in advance, no paying over the phone, no online orders, no bartering or begging.

We take no responsibility for any line that forms while waiting for this release!

We do not take names, hold places, pass out tickets, etc. for those in line.

Selections and pricing are as follows:

Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year Old 107 Proof – $41.99

Van Winkle Family Reserve 12 Year Old Lot B – $49.99

Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old 107 Proof – $67.95

Pappy Van Winkle 20 Year Old – $125.99 Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old – $221.99

Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Rye – $83.99

Please understand that these whiskies are extremely desirable. If you are unfamiliar with the release, expect long lines to form early and demand to far exceed our supply.

While you’re here, be sure to check out our great selection of excellent TPS Private Barrel Bourbons and Whiskies! Cheers, -The Party Source Staff

The Party Source, 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073.

It’s becoming an annual tradition at this point. We head over to Scotland each Spring in search of unique and interesting casks for our whisky-loving customers, and every November we seem to come back with a decadent, rich, and heady barrel of sherry-aged Glenlivet. We always tell the guys at the Signatory warehouse: “As long as you have these 1996 vintage casks around, we’ll keep buying them.” That’s because every year when we send out this email, the whisky sells out in the blink of an eye! This November’s barrel is now 19 years of age, up from the 16 year old we started with a few years back. Those extra three years have made quite a difference. There’s more cocoa, more spice, more richness, and more texture. Don’t know what to get your whisky-loving loved one this year? We’ve got you covered, just like last year and the year before.

1996 Glenlivet 19 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Single Sherry Butt Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($89.99)

The next round is finally here for one of the most-beloved Fall whisky editions in K&L history. We’ve been picking off these first-fill sherry butts of Glenlivet from Signatory ever since we first started visiting the Scottish bottler more than five years ago. While the vintage always stays the same (1996) the whisky gets older each time around! The most recent iteration has spent 19 years in cask, giving the whisky a dark amber hue and plenty of richness. The fudge and cocoa flavors from the sherry have sunken deep into the liquid, permeating it with spice cake, dried figs, and bits of ginger dipped in dark chocolate. Soft on the palate and smooth as silk, this whisky continues to get better as time goes by. Don’t wait around, however, because the annual Glenlivet Signatory release is also one of the fastest selling whiskies in K&L history, as well as one of the most popular. For your holiday parties or gift-giving needs, you won’t find a better whisky at a better price.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 09, 2015

This is always one of the biggest no-brainer deals we bring in every holiday season. Mature, smooth, full-boded, sherry-aged Glenlivet from a single barrel so concentrated and complex that even casual whisky fans stop and take notice. Part of the reason it’s such a success each year is because the whisky is from a name people know. Yes–this whisky was distilled at Glenlivet! But it was bottled for us by an independent warehouse because in the branded world of Glenlivet there is no such thing as a 19 year old single sherry barrel release. That’s why these single casks of whisky are so exciting for our customers. It gives fans of these distilleries the chance to try something rare and unique, outside of the standard editions. This is a sure-fire success for holiday gifts, holiday parties, or for a nice simple dram on a cold winter’s evening. It’s full of baking spice, fudge, Christmas cake, all that sherry goodness. There’s a reason this is the fastest-selling whisky each year: great distillery, great whisky, great barrel, great price. Pretty straightforward.

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