Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day comes a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Our buyers located the sister cask to one of the most highly-rated Irish whiskies in modern history—a Madeira-finished, cask strength delight that highlights all of the soft vanilla and easy-drinking character that makes Irish whisky such a wonderful spirit. 380 bottles were captured from this wonder of a barrel, all exclusively bottled for K&L. You could drink a glass of Jameson to celebrate the occasion, or you could show up to the party with this bespoke bottle from the Exclusive Malts – easily the most dynamic Irish whisky selection on our shelf.

2002 Irish Malt Whiskey 13 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Exclusive Malt” Single Madeira Cask #20024 Strength Irish Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

Here is a fun one from our friends at the Creative Whisky Company. They made waves last year by bottling a single barrel of Irish Malt at full strength and 13 years of age. While those details are unusual without a doubt, what shocked the whiskey world was that very humble cask (#20012) received a WHOPPING 96 points from the Whiskey Advocate. While we’ve become accustomed to seeing high scores in the wine world, this type of score is reserved at WA for the most special offerings and is never doled out lightly. The list of whiskies scoring above 95 points is short and reads like a list of legends. Needless to say we were sad to only acquire a few bottles of that spectacular whiskey. Luckily our good name and strong ties put us first in line when Mr. Stirk offered up a sister cask for sale in its entirety. This special cask #20024 is unique, yet very reminiscent of that special beauty. The third fill Madeira casks has still done wonders to the this already spectacular malt. This is bottled at full strength and only 380 bottles were made despite the large size of the cask.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 16, 2016

This is a massive score for K&L and our first cask strength Irish Single Cask Single Malt that we’ve ever bottled exclusively. This special whiskey was distilled at the exceptional Cooley distillery now owner by Jim Beam and is truly one of a kind. Last year, a bottling from this lot was named the top bottling in Whisky Advocates Fall issue. That whisky, garnering an astounding 96 points, disappeared almost instantly. This one will last a little long, but not by much. The subtle influence from the refill Madeira cask has added incredible depth and complexity, but also a wonderful liveliness not typical for Cooley. Expect vibrant green apples, salted oats, galangal sizzling in a hot wok, nutty richness, and the finest floral honey. Slightly deeper and more saline than its sister, the palate has a rush of sweetness before opening to a long, candied apple finish. Absolutely spectacular! This is top tier Irish malt is one of the best the Emerald Isle has ever sent our way.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 27, 2016

Wow, this is simply a stunning whiskey that David has procured for us. Clean, light, and bright, there is a wonderful core of apple, dried fruit, and lemongrass with hints of soft vanilla and spice. Super elegant, this whiskey still manages to show a good complexity and has medium heat on the finish. Everyone who I have spoken to who tried it has enjoyed it, as did I.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 29, 2016

This has beautiful, expressive aromas with seductive sweet floral and fruity notes. In the mouth it is soft and delicate, with the fruit flavors dominating. There is a nice long finish.

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