…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

It’s been a hectic week around the spirits department as we continue to speed up delivery of more single cask Scotch whiskey selections and work tirelessly to keep bottles on the shelf. We’ve got a fantastic new shipment of K&L exclusive barrels working its way through label approval at the moment, but in the meantime let’s talk about what’s new from some of the more established names.

Macallan Releases a New 12 Year Old “Double Cask”

Macallan “Double Cask” 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $54.99 I was completely caught off guard by this whisky, both because of the exquisite flavor and the reasonable price. When Macallan releases something new these days I usually expect it to be very expensive, and/or have some sort of color code or name designation rather than an age statement. In the case of the Double Cask, we’ve got a “12” front and center and a sub-$60 price point. Fans of Balvenie, Glendronach, Aberlour, and Glenmorangie’s Lasanta might want to check this guy out. It’s all cocoa, dark chocolate, and sweet spices on the nose, followed by a rich and mellow palate that eases over the palate without ever going sweet or too supple. It’s exactly what I expect Macallan to be and it’s everything that a true Macallan fan wants: elegance, balance, and restraint. In this case, the Double Cask had me doing double takes. This is quite a nice surprise from the luxury-oriented distiller.

Macallan’s latest release is a twelve year old “double cask” malt, meaning the whisky spent time in both American and European oak (or as we know it, ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks. In a sense, it’s Macallan’s version of the Balvenie Doublewood or the Glenmorangie Lasanta: a rich and cocoa-laden malt that encompasses the sweeter and more decadent flavors of the sherry while still maintaining the malt’s inherent flavors at the core. The result is quite splendid. Macallan fans will revel in the Double Cask’s richness, it’s intensity and weight, and the creamy goodness of its palate. The flavors are dark and supple with plenty of cakebread, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. Fans of fine Scotch whisky will appreciate the price and the age statement, especially given the current trend of young whisky being sold at higher costs.

Laphroaig’s 2016 Cairdeas Arrives

In what’s become one of my favorite yearly releases, Laphroaig’s latest Cairdeas edition has arrived and this one’s been finished in Madeira casks. It’s bottled at 51.6% and it spent the first part of its life in ex-Bourbon barrels before being blended then finished in Madeira. As you many know, the combination of sweet and peat is often irresistible. I haven’t tasted this one yet, but if you wait for me to open a bottle and review it, you’ll likely miss out! These will go fast. ONE BOTTLE LIMIT PER PERSON HERE! Laphroaig 2016 “Cairdeas” Madeira Cask Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $79.99 One bottle allocation. If you miss out, however, there will likely be more in the subsequent weeks ahead so check back from time to time.

KILKERRAN 12 LAUNCHES IN THE U.S.

Kilkerran 12 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky $64.99 Last night we hosted Springbank’s first launch party for the newly released Kilkerran 12 year old single malt-the creation of the company’s second distillery, Glengyle. We had twenty-five lucky customers in attendance for snacks and Scotch, while Springbank’s manager Ranald Watson spoke about the journey of the project, one that originally began in the year 2000 when the SWA tried to strip Campbeltown of its regional designation. Springbank’s fiercely independent owner Hedley Wright decided to rebuild the extinct Glengyle in order to provide the Scotch Whisky Association with its minimum requirement of at least three distilleries for any given whisky region, and twelve years later we’ve got the first major full-term release: the Kilkerran 12 year.

As for what it tastes like, I purposely held off of tasting the new Kilkerran 12 year until last night because I wanted to be there with Ranald and the group to experience it for the first time together. I was not disappointed. The Kilkerran 12 tastes like an improved version of Oban 14: there’s just a bit more of a mouthfeel, a touch more sweetness, and a slightly peatier finish. It’s everything I’ve always liked about Oban, just more fine-tuned and focused. Ranald added: “It has a little bit of everything, doesn’t it?” Yes, it does. It’s got the fruit and vanilla of the Highlands, just enough roundness like to be a modern Speyside, the subtle brine of the islands, and a bit of peat like Islay. But it’s also light on its feet like a classic Lowlander. I think just about everyone there wanted to grab a bottle before the night was over because it’s definitely not just Springbank light; it’s an entirely different whisky with a different set of strengths. I bought my bottle this morning when I got to work. I’d recommend getting one to just about anyone who likes ANY kind of Scotch whisky because it truly delivers on all fronts.

SPRINGBANK

Then, as promised, I broke out two bottles of cask strength 19 year old Springbank from the distillery’s recent American single cask allocation: one aged in refill sherry, the other in a “recharred” sherry butt. Both whiskies were incredible, albeit in totally different ways. It was also my first time tasting either one. The recharred sherry is exactly what it sounds like. “Nineteen years ago we took ten sherry butts and had them sent to our cooperage to be blowtorched,” Ranald explained. I’d never heard of such a thing! Wouldn’t that caramelize the sherry? The result is a whisky that’s as black as black can be. It looks more like a dark Demerara rum than a single malt and it tastes like something in between El Dorado and Springbank, yet entirely natural. The refill sherry was simply perfect. If I were a whisky customer looking to spend $300 on a bottle, this is what I would spend it on. It delivers on all fronts. It has the rich fruit and oiliness of a classic Springbank whisky, but with balance, length, and finesse. My co-worker Andrew and I were spellbound.

We got a few more six packs of these casks this morning. If you’re looking for a high bottle of Scotch whisky for yourself or for a gift, it would be hard to do much better than one of these:

1997 Springbank 19 Year Old Single Rechar Sherry #603 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $259.99

Bottled at 55.6%, this whisky is the color of a dark rum, yet it comes from the charring and not from a heavy sherry component in the flavor. This is not a sherry bomb in any way despite its incredibly black hue. It’s more savory and herbaceous with some sweeter notes from the caramelization of the Oloroso sherry. It’s fascinating in every way and it’s a whisky I kept going back to over and over again after first tasting it. I’ve never had anything like it.

1996 Springbank 19 Year Old Single Refill Sherry #507 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $259.99 Perfect Springbank, in my opinion, and a true specimen that showcases everything I love about this distillery. It has 19 years of fruit, subtle sweetness, an oily character, and just a hint of smoke on the finish. Totally balanced and satisfying. If I were a whisky customer looking to spend $300 on a bottle, this is what I would spend it on. It delivers on all fronts.

We’ll have a lot more to talk about later in the week, so MAKE SURE you check in with the spirits blog as sometimes we sell out of things that way before we even have the chance to email them!

David Driscoll K&L Spirits Buyer daviddriscoll@klwines.com 650-556-2736 http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com

New Limited Edition High Rye Bourbon

Released by 1792 Distillery   

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Oct. 6, 2016) – Barton 1792 Distillery releases another expression in its line-up of 1792 whiskeys, 1792 High Rye Bourbon. The flagship product of the collection, 1792 Small Batch, is well known for using a higher percentage of rye than most bourbons, but this special edition High Rye Bourbon brings an even more intense amount of rye to the mash bill. Although very limited, expect to see annual releases of this robust bourbon after its initial release this fall.

1792 High Rye Bourbon was distilled in May of 2008, and aged for a little more than eight years on the second floor of Warehouse K at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery before it was bottled at 94.3 proof.

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as “starting off with a lightly noticeable but balanced indication of smooth butterscotch, light vanilla, and orange peel.  The pallet introduces hints of anise and black pepper but centers around the explosive spiciness of rye that increases, yet balances out on the surprisingly smooth finish.”

This is the fifth limited edition release of 1792 Bourbon expressions, the High Rye joins previous releases of Sweet Wheat, Port Finish, Single Barrel and Full Proof Bourbons. The 1792 High Rye Bourbon will be available at retail starting in late October. Suggested retail pricing is $35.99 for a 750 mL.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, LA. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com/

Wyoming Whiskey Releases a Straight American Whiskey

Kirby, WY (Oct. 4, 2016) – Wyoming Whiskey has created Outryder, a Straight American Whiskey, for this fall. Outryder, represents their first use of rye, along with corn and malted barley, to craft a straight whiskey from two distinct mash bills. These two whiskies were laid down in November of 2011 at the behest of co-founder David DeFazio. The first mash bill contains 48% winter rye, 40% corn, and 12% malted barley and the second reflects a traditional bourbon mash bill of 68% corn, 20% winter rye, and 12% malted barley. All grains are non-GMO and grown in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. 

Wyoming Whiskey Distiller, Sam Mead, with the tasting input of industry specialist and connoisseur, Nancy Fraley, fine-tuned the new creation. 

Fraley gave Outryder excellent marks, “I’m absolutely loving this ‘rye!’ I have to say that it is my favorite Wyoming Whiskey product.” According to Fraley, Outryder has an initial nose of creamy browned butter with cinnamon, clove and allspice, along with freshly baked, dark-rye bread. Hints of orange blossom honey are on the palate. A long, spicy rye finish is coupled with hints of buttery toffee.

“While bourbon continues to be our focus, it is important to show that a variety of great whiskies can be made in Wyoming,” commented Co-Founder, David DeFazio. “Outryder is the spicier brother of our Small Batch Bourbon and has quickly become a favorite among our distilling team.”

Outryder will join the award-winning Small Batch Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, and Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey offerings in the Wyoming Whiskey portfolio. A total of 2,640 cases of Outryder will be available for purchase throughout the U.S. at the suggested price of $54.99 beginning in mid-October.

Wyoming Whiskey is holding fast to their western heritage, producing whiskey the right way, not the easy way: from the ground up. Using water sourced from a mile-deep limestone aquifer and all regionally sourced, non-GMO ingredients, Wyoming Whiskey respects the maxims of great bourbon, yet also reflects the feel and taste of the place it was made.

Keep up with Wyoming Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter (@wyowhiskey) and Instagram.

About Wyoming Whiskey Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. Based in Kirby, Wyoming, the company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey.  They use the finest corn, wheat, rye, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources.  Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit wyomingwhiskey.com.

October 2016 Whisky Auction – Live Now!

This month’s Just Whisky Auction has just kicked off in fine style. The quality and broad range of bottles this month is just outstanding! There are a little over 1,400 Lots, and in amongst them are some real crackers. Let’s take a look …

From Left to Right: Brora 24 Years Old – Rare Malts, Balvenie Vintage Cask 1966, Ardbeg Guaranteed 30 Years Old , Killyloch 1967, Bowmore 30 Years Old Kranna Dubh, Glen Grant 60 Years Old 1952, Ardbeg 21 Years Old, Dalmore 50 Years Old, Glen Keith-Glenlivet Cadenheads 22 Years Old, Laphroaig 30 Years Old. Ardbeg 24 Years Old Sestante, Cardhu 12 Years Old, Talisker 1959 G&M Flower Bottle, Balvenie 16 Years Old Rose 1st Release. 

GBP £ Crashes

Asides from the whisky, the big news this month here in the UK is that the Great British Pound (£) has taken an absolute hammering and against the US Dollar it is the weakest it’s been in 29 years (since 1987). While it’s far from ideal for Brits travelling abroad, for whisky enthusiasts outside the U.K. it’s absolutely incredible news and a fantastic time to buy products (Whisky!) from the U.K. In real terms, a £1,000 bottle this time last year would have cost $1,547 USD or €1,360 EUR. Today the same bottle stands at $1,220 USD or €1,100. Similar situations exist with other World currencies including the Taiwanese Dollar (TWD). Why not take advantage of the situation and use it to secure some whisky at the best ever price.

Macallan 30 Years Old – Masters of Photography Full Colour (1 of 189 Worldwide!) 

See the full auction at www.just-whisky.co.uk

Bidding ends from 8PM on Sunday 24^th October

The Macallan Edition No.2

Showcasing The Macallan’s mastery of wood, this Speyside Single Malt is the result of a creative partnership between Bob Dalgarno of The Macallan and the Roca Brothers of El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Catalonia. Combining casks from a number of cooperages and bodegas, this second annual limited release has a unique flavour profile while retaining the classic flavours and aromas of The Macallan.

£85 Buy Now

Orders will be delivered week beginning 17th October

Whistle Pig Rye TPS Private Barrel – The first TPS Private Barrel of Whistle Pig 10yr Rye was one of legendary quality. We then turned down the next two rounds of samples because, between the quality the first barrel, and a near $80 price point, the juice had better live up to all expectations. So take it as a sign of the utmost quality that we chose this, our second ever Whistle Pig 10yr Rye! It’s open to taste on our Spirits Library and is going quick!

Jefferson Groth TPS Private Barrel – What a spectacular barrel! It’s Jefferson’s the best expression of the most excellent bourbon finished in Groth Napa Cabernet Sauvignon barrels! The bourbon is smooth and has a great depth of complimentary characteristics of caramel and red berries, vanilla and chocolate, smooth bourbon and a kiss of wine tannin. It’s so good.

Bird Dog Devil DogCoco Cayenne Whisky – It’s everything you love about Bird Dog whiskey, but with a little cocoa and spice! Layers of baking spice, chocolate, and a nip of heat at the end will make this a great campfire companion this fall.

www.thepartysource.com

95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue,

KY 41073  (859) 291-4007

Stunning new 1985 Macallan from Carn Mor!

Macallan. 31 Years old. 1985 Vintage. Sherry Puncheon #1388. 52.8%.

I could simply and happily leave this blog piece with the above text alone; it says it all. A brand new September 2016 bottling scotch release from our chums at Morrison & MacKay is this utterly incredible Black Gold Celebration of the Cask; the pinnacle of Carn Mor bottlings. Macallan 31 year old, 1985, Sherry Puncheon #1388 bottled at cask strength 52.8%. But this 31 year old Macallan whiskey represents something even more significant for the lovely folks at M&M, as this is the oldest ever bottled scotch for their Black Gold range. And this is why Single malt Scotch Whisky is adored around the world.

Please click on this link 1985 Macallan to read more….

A ‘Dram Fine Wedding’ for Pulteney Pair

Old Pulteney has added the perfect ‘blend’ to its award-winning range of single malts – after a love match between two Pulteney staff led to a very special wedding at the Distillery in Wick.

Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Tanya Fraser and Assistant Distillery Manager Russell Angus first locked eyes over a barrel of single malt back in 2003, so when the couple tied the knot in late summer this year, there was only one place they wanted to be.

Since Old Pulteney is such a big part of their lives, and to reflect their love of the ‘Maritime Malt’, Tanya and Russell chose to hold their big day at the Distillery in Wick amongst their closest colleagues and friends.

In keeping with their positions at the Distillery, which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland, the full day had a distinctively ‘Old Pulteney’ flavour. Their romantic wedding ceremony took place in the Distillery courtyard, with photographs taken against a backdrop of casks in the warehouse.

At the reception, guests were treated to a delicious wedding cake in the shape of Pulteney’s distinctive ‘smuggler’s kettle’ stills – complete with a miniature model of the bride and groom on top. There were even table decorations held in empty Old Pulteney bottles….with the whisky inside served up as drams a plenty for guests at the end of the meal.

Bride Tanya, who has worked at the Distillery for 16 years years commented: ‘We wanted our wedding day to truly reflect us as a couple, and to represent our lives together. It’s working at Pulteney Distillery that brought Russell and I together, so it seemed very natural to us that we should make it such a big part of our wedding day.’

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke said that she and the Old Pulteney team were honoured to have hosted such a special day for the couple. She added: ‘What a wonderful and memorable occasion for everyone at Pulteney Distillery. Tanya and Russell now have their place in Pulteney history after staging such a unique wedding and a day that we’re sure guests will be talking about for a long time to come. Cheers to them and our very best wishes for the future.’ 

www.oldpulteney.com / @OldPulteneyMalt  

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as the ‘Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney Distillery team continues to craft whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney’s 21 Year Old Single Malt holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. Earlier this year Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage was crowned the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at Whisky Magazine’s prestigious World Whiskies Awards. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Lagavulin™ marks 200th anniversary with Limited Edition Eight-Year-Old Bottling 

Celebrated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery releases an Eight Year Old bottling in honour of original whisky scribe Alfred Barnard

TORONTO, Ontario, October 4, 2016 – 2016 is a year of celebration for Lagavulin, treasured around the world as one of the most special of all Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Famous for its majestic nose of Hebridean peat smoke, richly textured and complex flavours and its long, sweet and power-driven finish, it encapsulates the passion, heritage and skills that lie behind its crafting. The bi-centennial features the launch of a special limited edition bottling of Lagavulin 8 Year Old in honour of Britain’s most famous Victorian whisky writer, Alfred Barnard.

In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an 8 Year Old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay, describing it as “exceptionally fine” and “held in high repute.” He went on to declare Lagavulin to be “one of the most prominent” of the few Scotch distillers that can turn our spirit for use as Single [Malt] Whiskies.

“This is a special year for a much loved Single Malt Scotch Whisky revered around the world as the definitive Islay whisky,” said Alistair Kidd, Marketing Director for Whisky, Diageo Canada. “We are thrilled to celebrate such a historic occasion here in Canada with the launch of a limited edition Eight Year Old bottling.”

Lagavulin has delighted generations of whisky drinkers and this limited edition 8 Year Old bottling acknowledges the 200-year legacy of the distillery. Cramped and chaotic by nature, the sea front distillery cannot expand, and as a result, demand often exceeds supply. In the words of Alfred Barnard, “no prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery.”

Available in 750 mL bottles (48% ABV); this bicentenary limited edition whisky is a one-time only bottling that is magnificently full on in flavour and calls for special attention. Make time to enjoy it neat in a whisky nosing glass, or with just a drop of water.

For more information on Lagavulin, please visit www.malts.com/.

As consumers across the country join Lagavulin in celebrating 200 years of crafting extraordinary whisky, the brand reminds them to please drink responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across the spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource,www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The LAGAVULIN word and associated logos are trademarks. © 2016

FACT SHEET: 

Lagavulin Eight Year Old (Limited Edition) Product Description: To celebrate an incredible 200 years of making Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky, its timeless quality and the wonderful whiskies still being made today, we have gone back to our roots: finding inspiration from the distillery’s rich history.

In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an Eight Year Old Lagavulin: describing it as “exceptionally fine.” He went on to declare Lagavulin as “one of the rare distilleries that could produce a single malt of quality” at that time. In honour of this, and to mark the 200th year since the formation of Lagavulin, we have decided to release an equally exceptional Eight Year Old bottling. It will provide a special experience as this is a one-time only bottling to celebrate the occasion.

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Immediately quite soft with clean, fresh notes, faint hints of milk chocolate, lemon and then developing fragrant tea-scented smoke alongside nose-drying, maritime aromas, with subtle cereal. A prickliness seen earlier now develops, while the trademark Lagavulin dryness emerges as fresh newsprint. Softly sooty. Softer, fuller and more rounded with water: it is not hugely fruity but there is just a trace of red berry preserve, perhaps, beneath the smokiness, which comes sharply into focus.

Body: Light, growing pleasantly oily.

Palate: A soothing light texture, with a magnificently full on Lagavulin taste that’s somehow even bigger than you expect; sweet, smoky and warming, with a growing, smoky pungency, then dry, with more smoke. Charred, with minty, dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced midpalate then salty, oven-charred baked potato skins and smoke. Water rounds things, the taste still mighty yet more succulent, sweeter, spicier and now tongue tingling, mint-fresh and warming.

Finish: Lovely, clean, very long and smoky. Smoothly, subtle minted smoke surrounds chocolate tannins, leaving a late drying note to emerge in time. It is warming, soft and still smoky with water, not as long or intense now, yet still leaving the palate dry as sweet smoke lingers on the breath.

Size:                                                   750 mL

Alcohol by Volume:                       48% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

For more information on Lagavulin, please visit www.malts.com.