Mulberry Bank Auction

Summer arrived with a bang, and then seemed to deflate somewhat…but that is Scottish weather for you!

We are now safely ensconced in our new premises in sunny (yet windy) Hillington and are ready to get sales going again, so here is the first Whisky & Wine sale from the new premises.

As with our previous auctions, we have both the traditional 1 day affair and the timed online auction, so don’t forget to bid on both.  The traditional auction will take place on 9^th August from 10am, and viewing is by appointment on Friday 5^th & Monday 8^th August.

For the second auction in a row we have a cask of Whisky available for sale in this auction, details are included in the accompanying document to this catalogue.  It is a cask of Da Mhile Organic Springbank 1992, Cask no. 241, a sister to the cask sold in Hong Kong last year for £50000 and the last one maturing in Scotland.  (Lot 100)

Other great whiskies to watch out for are the Macallan 18 year old 1967 bottling in pristine condition (Lot 5); the Kilkerran First cask collection of malts – all matured in different casks, from Madeira to Bourbon to Rum (Lot 108).  There is also the lovely Signatory bottlings of Littlemill and Dunglas distilled in 1967 (Lot 24).  There are also a number of Flora & Fauna bottlings in the wooden cases so watch out for them.

www.mulberrybankauctions.com

Glenlivet 41 Year Old 1972 Signatory Rare Reserve

Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

JACK DANIEL’S CELEBRATES 150^TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LAUNCH OF

FIRST-EVER WORLDWIDE WHISKEY BARREL HUNT

South Africa joins global scavenger hunt to give Jack fans a chance to win a trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery

in Lynchburg and be a part of Jack Daniel’s history

 July 29, 2016 – In celebration of the 150^th anniversary of the Jack Daniel Distillery, the first registered distillery in the U.S., Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey recently announced a global Jack Daniel’s Barrel Hunt – a global scavenger hunt to find 150 handcrafted barrels located at historic and cultural sites that will unite friends of Jack across the world.

It has been confirmed that two of these 150 coveted barrels will be hidden in different locations in South Africa and Jack Daniel’s together with KFM and 947 will be providing clues to help fans find them and stand the chance to win the incredible prizes concealed inside. Both barrel’s contents are valued at over R150,000 each and include all-expenses paid trips to Lynchburg, Tennessee, to be part of the 150^th Distillery Anniversary celebration, and New York to learn more about the New York bar and American whiskey culture. This is the ultimate opportunity to be a part of Jack Daniel’s history.

“Jack Daniel’s has grown from a local name in Lynchburg to an iconic brand in more than 170 countries by remaining true to its legacy of authenticity, independence and integrity,” said Mark McCallum, President of Jack Daniel’s. “The 150^th anniversary is a major milestone for the distillery and is a perfect opportunity to invite everyone to join us in our celebration of Jack Daniel’s with our first-ever global Barrel Hunt.”

947’s Anele Mdoda and KFM’s Rob Vember could be your travel companions

To find the barrel hidden in the city of gold, Jozi fans will need to listen to Anele’s show on 947 on Friday, 5 August and follow the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Facebook page. After the final clue has been given the first 50 fans to crack the clue and reach the secret location – bringing with them the password and proof of passport* – will each receive a key to open the barrel. Meanwhile, in Cape Town, KFM DJ Rob Vember will keep fans in suspense with clues on Friday, 19 August before the final dash to find the second barrel. In both cities, only one key opens each barrel!

The Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey Facebook page will be integral to helping fans locate the barrels at the secret locations. Each hidden barrel in the scavenger hunt was handcrafted from the distillery and used to mature Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey before being specially fabricated for the Barrel Hunt to house prizes including a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the home of Jack Daniel’s and also NYC accompanied by DJs Anele and Rob Vember. Other prizes hidden inside each barrel include an original, one-of-a-kind bar kit made with white oak from the barrels to commemorate the historic milestone.

* Participants need to be over the age of 21 

“The barrel is key to crafting Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey as it accounts for 100 percent of its color and 70 to 80 percent of its flavor,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “It’s an important part of our process that’s remained unchanged for 150 years, and that tradition will continue to live on in every barrel we make and each drop of our whiskey. The Barrel Hunt celebrates the distillery’s history and gives fans a chance to own a barrel and be forever linked to Jack Daniel’s.” 

Bespoke +NESS designs reveal the clues for each city

Masters at their craft – depicting architectural projects that help define the skylines, culture, and history of South African cities – SA artists Max Melvill and Jamil Randera are the talented duo that make up +NESS. Selected to be a part of the 150^th Anniversary celebration thanks to the craftsmanship evidenced in their work, Jack Daniel’s has commissioned +NESS to create a special series of works that showcase the facades of different locations, which will form the clues that ultimately uncover the whereabouts of the two SA-based barrels. Fans can look out for digital versions of these on Facebook.com/Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and the limited edition series will be among the prizes inside the two barrels.

Stay tuned to KFM and 947 during July and August to hear more stories about what makes Jack Daniel’s so special and stand the chance of winning daily prizes.

To be in the running to win one of the two barrels in SA visit Facebook.com/Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey.

For more information on the global Jack Daniel’s Barrel Hunt, official rules and regulations, and details on locations and dates, visit www.jackdanielsbarrelhunt.com

To learn more about Jack Daniel’s and the Jack Daniel Distillery’s 150^th anniversary, visit www.jackdaniels.com. 

Notes to Editors 

About Jack Daniel’s:

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. © 2016 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Kilchoman Sanaig Wins a Trophy at International Wine and Spirits Competition 2016 in Single Malt Scotch Whisky Category (NAS)

The rumors are true!  Kilchoman Sanaig won a prestigious award at the well-respected IWSC. Kilchoman Sanaig has been on a winning streak, having won Gold Medal, scoring 92 points “Best of Category Award” at the LA Competition and Double Gold at the San Diego Wine and Spirits Challenge.  Kilchoman Sanaig is renowned for:

• Sanaig was matured in Bourbon Barrels from Buffalo Trace, Kentucky and finished in Oloroso Sherry casks, giving it a distinctive taste that critics love
• From malting floor to distillery, Kilchoman invests home-grown quality into their Single Malt Scotches
• Sanaig is a peated malt, achieving a well-balanced smokiness
• 90 Countries Participate in the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC)
• Almost 80% of all Scotch Whisky sold doesn’t have an age statement, making Sanaig’s success in this category even more significant

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder and Managing Director: ‘We are thrilled that Sanaig has been named the best Single Malt Scotch Whisky – No Age Statement in this year’s IWSC.The IWSC is the most prestigious awards in the industry and is reward for the dedication and hard work of Robin Bignal, Distillery Manager and his team here at the distillery.’

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Soft cooked fruits with caramel and vanilla.

Palate: Toffee, peat smoke and citrus with lingering sweetness.

Finish: A lovely balance of peat smoke, fruit and sweetness.

12 YEAR OLD GLASS PACK

70cl / 40%

£33.95
WAS £39.95

BUY NOW »

One of Diageo’s most popular single malts, Cardhu 12 Year Old is soft, sweet and fruity, and comes with two branded glasses. Perfect summer sipping.

JULY auction is now LIVE!

Our latest auction is now live and will end on Tuesday 9 August.

This time we have a stunning selection of Italian independent bottlings from Sestante, Samaroli, Silver Seal and Moon Import – look out for the Ardbeg 1973 ‘Islay’ from the Samaroli Fragments of Scotland series.

And don’t miss out on the Japanese whisky, as we have some very rare geisha label bottlings from Karuizawa as well as the Hanyu 1986 Ace of Diamonds. Good luck with your bids! 

• A H Hirsch 1974 – Lawrenceburg
• Ardbeg 10 & 12 Years Old – Bot.1960s
• Bowmore Sherriff 7 Years Old
• Laphroaig 1960 – 40 Years Old
• Macallan–Glenlivet 1937 Miniature
• Old Rip Van Winkle Old Time Rye – 12 Year Old
• Killyloch 1967 – 36 Years Old
• Karuizawa 1981 Noh Cask 4333 – 94 Bottles Only
• Springbank 1966 Local Barley Cask 507
• Talisker 1973 Bottle No 1 – Oddbins

You can bid in two ways: either increase the highest bid by a fixed amount, or place your maximum bid straightaway – ideal if you can’t be online on the last day of our auction. Be the first to bid!

Get bidding, and good luck! The Whisky Auction team.

Tomatin 36 Year Old Batch #2

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The BenRiach Distillery Company wins 16 medals in the 2016 International Wine and Spirits Competition

THE BenRiach Distillery Company has won 16 medals, including 3 Gold medals, across its three brands at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition. 

Founded in 1969, the International Wine and Spirit Competition is one of the most prestigious in the world. It was set up to highlight excellence amongst the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its forty-seventh year, it receives entries from over 90 countries, giving it global reach and reputation.

Judging for the Competition is unique in that it has two stages; first, the products are tasted blind by expert panels, selected from over 300 fully experienced and qualified industry judges. Then, products which receive the top medals are subject to technical analysis before results are released. This crucial stage ensures winners receive complete validation.

The company took three Gold, six Silver Outstanding, five Silver and two Bronze awards.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are delighted to win these sixteen awards, especially as they are spread across all three of our brands.

“For three years running, our Glenglassaugh 30 Years Old has taken Gold so it’s clearly a magnificent dram. It was our first release from the Portsoy distillery after we took over in 2013 so it’s very special to us. It has matured in coastal warehouses for over 30 years and has an elegant sherry-cask background.

“It’s very pleasing that GlenDronach Original Aged 12 Years took Gold for a second year. This is testament to the quality of the whisky, which has matured in the finest Spanish Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks.

“And we’re also delighted to see the GlenDronach Hielan’ Aged 8 Years move up from last year’s Silver to take Gold this year. For such a young whisky, it has consistently won critical acclaim worldwide, and it’s great to see it up there taking Gold and being compared with some venerable aged whiskies.”

The full list of awards is:

GOLD

GlenDronach 8YO The Hielan’

GlenDronach 12YO Original  

Glenglassaugh 30YO

SILVER OUTSTANDING

BenRiach 10YO

BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1

BenRiach 10YO Curiositas

GlenDronach 18YO Allardice

Glenglassaugh Octaves Peated

Glenglassaugh Revival

SILVER

BenRiach Heart of Speyside

BenRiach 25YO

BenRiach Peated Quarter Casks

GlenDronach Peated

Glenglassaugh Octaves Classic 

BRONZE

BenRiach 16YO

GlenDronach 21YO Parliament

Welcome to new and improved Whisk(e)y News, fresh with a new banner, a better server, and a more professional look! Since we’re now reaching a bigger audience than ever before, we figured it was time to up our game. We’ve already had an eventful month with the arrival (and quick departure) of the Compass Box “5th & Harrison,” as well as the new Michel Couvreur whiskies, but July isn’t over yet and we’ve got a few more surprises before we launch into August and the arrival of our Scottish single casks.

Lagavulin Celebrates its 200th Anniversary!

We know you’ve been reading about the limited release of Lagavulin 8 year for months now, but California always seems to get its allocations last when it comes to major market releases. We’re happy to report we’ve finally got our allocation, albeit not much! Sink your teeth into this lovely Islay expression: Lagavulin 8 Year Old Limited Edition Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky $59.99 The 200th anniversary bottling of Lagavulin is finally here! A limited edition eight year old single malt whisky that packs all the peat, smoke, salt, and classic Islay flavor of the beloved distillery into a younger, brighter, more assertive expression. Sure to sell fast and sure to be one of the more popular whiskies we sell this year! The special edition celebrates a visit to the distillery be Alfred Banard (author of the classic “The Whisky Distilleries of Scotland”), where he recollected tasting a delicious eight year expression. There’s a lot to love with this whisky-the fruitiness on the palate, the malty mouthfeel, and the price! It’s nice to see a coveted whisky release for well under a hundred bucks.

The Return of the Orphan Barrel!

Diageo’s Orphan Barrel program is back, to the delight of many of us who like to drink old Bourbon. We’ve pleasantly surprised by the drinkability of these bottlings and the reasonable prices considering the market right now. There are plenty of 10-15 year old Bourbons selling for far more than this. Enjoy it while it lasts (which won’t be long). Orphan Barrel “Rhetoric” 22 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey $119.99 Maxim called the Rhetoric 22-Year-Old a “top-shelf triumph,” saying, “The mash bill for Rhetoric Whiskey is 86% corn, 8% barley and 6% rye. Beginning with hints of toasted grains, cherries and oak wood, Rhetoric 22-Year-Old tastes of toasted oak and dark chocolate with ripe banana and baking spices of clove and anise, while the finish is long and woody ending with dark chocolate notes. In other words, you’ll want to sip this one slowly….” (JPS, 05/2016)

Another K&L Exclusive Barrel of Russell’s Reserve…

Our time spent with Jimmy and Eddy Russell in Kentucky a while back continues to have been well spent. We just got in another one of our single cask Wild Turkey selections and it’s a breath of fresh air-a Bourbon full of spice and life! Russell’s Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #175 Kentucky Bourbon $59.99 Everything we love about Wild Turkey Bourbon is alive and well in this 2016 release of K&L exclusive single barrel Bourbon. The sweet baking spices and bright vanilla tones on the nose carry over to the palate that pops at 55% and lifts the richness beyond just the standard toasted oak profile. There’s a flurry of cinnamon, creme brulee, and vanilla bean on the initial sip and that harmony carries through to the finish. It’s always easy to tell a bottle of Russell’s Reserve from the other Bourbons we feature for that reason. There’s a freshness to them, a certain joyfulness, and it’s alive and well in this whiskey: K&L Exclusive single barrel #175. 55% ABV

Loch Lomond Revamp

Let’s talk about Loch Lomond distillery for a minute, one of the weirdest and most mysterious distilleries in all of Scotland. David and I have driven by the facility a number of times. We’ve even pulled over and tried to peek through the gates. Loch Lomond is like the creepy haunted house on the hill on your way to Springbank. They don’t allow visitors and much of what they sell goes into weird blends. As a group, the company also owns Glen Scotia and Littlemill, although the latter is no longer in existence, and lately has decided to invest a bit more money into their operation. I have to be honest here: anyone not utilizing mature stocks of single malt whisky right now has to be crazy. Imagine my surprise when I saw that Loch Lomond was back in the states, with all new packaging, and a new line of whiskies.

Changes at Loch Lomond first started in 2014 when a new management group bought into the company and began the restructuring. Since then, they’ve released a single grain, a blended reserve, and a new single malt expression, while also revamping the Glen Scotia offerings. Loch Lomond is also a bit of an anomaly in Scotland because it’s an entirely self-sufficient distillery. They have two traditional copper pot stills, along with an additional six that have rectifying columns like what you see at distilleries like St. George. Then they have a Coffey still where they make grain whisky (like the Nikka Coffey still releases) , then they also have Lomond stills on which they make the single malt Inchmurrin. They’re like the DDL of Scotland, utilizing a number of different production methods to make a variety of different whiskies with which they can blend. Personally, I’ve always been interested in the distillery, but the quality was never there for me until recently. After having tasted through the new expressions, I was practically jumping at the chance to bring them in; namely, because they offer something we don’t see too often these days in the Scotch whisky world: VALUE!

Loch Lomond Lomond Reserve Blended Whisky $16.99 – A soft and gentle blended Scotch whisky made entirely in house with creamy barley notes and classic vanilla. This isn’t some nameless blend in a bottle, it’s a whisky made entirely at one distillery for a hot, hot price!

Loch Lomond Single Grain Whisky $27.99 – Imagine all the sweet character of the Nikka Coffey Still for less than half the price! This is loaded with caramel and candy corn, round on the palate, and soft on the finish. It’s nothing to revel in; it’s for enjoyable drinking, plain and simple.

Loch Lomond Original Single Malt Whisky $32.99 – Rich and round on the palate with classic malted barley and sweet vanilla tones. Think of this as an upgrade to Glenlivet 12. Technically a Highland, but located just outside Glasgow north of Dumbarton. Rather than continuing to build new micro-distilleries that sell more young whisky for boutique prices, it’s nice to see an older operation get refurbished and use that size and scale to bring some value back to the market. I’m very happy with what’s happened so far to Loch Lomond and I hope to see more good stuff from them down the line.

That’s it for today everyone! Until next time,

David Driscoll

K&L Spirits Buyer daviddriscoll@klwines.com

650.556.2736 http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com/

Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1988 Signatory

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky