Balvenie Tun 1509 & Single Cask Expressions

We have some fantastic whiskies coming into stock this week that we can’t help shouting about. Ranging from 18 to 25 years old, these single cask whiskies are very limited in number as no more than a few hundred bottles can be charged from one cask. In addition we have more stock arriving of the much sought-after Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3, so make sure you pre-order to avoid disappointment!

Free delivery available on all orders over £75 Next day delivery available

Balvenie Tun 1509 Batch 3

 
FIRST EDITIONS ALLT A’BHAINNE 1993

One of only 177 bottles produced from a single bourbon barrel, this Speyside Single Malt was distilled in 1993 at the Allt A’Bhainne distillery. Aged for 22 years, this expression has been bottled at a cask strength of 51.4% abv and is non chill-filtered.

Expect vanilla, stewed apples and spring flowers. A smooth, creamy mouthfeel with stewed rhubarb and liquorice, with oak making a late appearance.

£160 Buy Now

OLD MALT CASK ROYAL BRACKLA 18 YEAR OLD

A mere 127 bottles of this Highland Single Malt have been produced from a single refill barrel in the Royal Brackla distillery in Nairn. Distilled in May 1998, this 18 year old is presented at a preferred strength of 50% abv as part of the Old Malt Cask range.

Sweet vanilla fudge on the nose, with chocolate and toffee notes. The palate is creamy with vanilla, cinder toffee and sultanas, while the finish is long and sweet with fruity notes and a hint of oak.

£125 Buy Now

Japanese Gift Sets

Japanese Whisky has been growing in popularity for a number of years now, consistently ranking in Jim Murray’s Top 5 and Top 10 Whiskies of the Year and claiming the top spot in 2015. Start exploring the Land of the Rising Sun with our range of great gift sets.

Elijah Craig 12 Year Old Bourbon

The country with the most summer sporting medals of all time is home to a variety of styles of whiskey. Bourbon is the most famous, and our top offer this month is an aged example from Heaven Hill, the home of Elijah Craig. At £4 off, it’s even better value for money than usual. Tasting Notes by Rocky

Nose: Complex with toast, toffee, marmalade, lots of vanilla and an underlying sweetness.

Taste: Big and rich with a creamy texture and notes of orange, apricot, cinnamon and a hint of liquorice balls.

Finish: Long and toasty with the spicy notes prevalent.

JULY AUCTION NOW LIVE

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(ends Sunday 31st July)

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Paul’s Blog for the June whisky & golf tour with two American gentlemen.

Arrival day, met our two whisky loving golfers at Edinburgh airport. With a scenic route taken via St Andrews, we headed up to Broughty Ferry where they stay a couple of nights. After a long trans Atlantic flight, they rested up, dined for the first time on Scottish soil and shared a dram or two! Next day they took to playing around, in fact at Monifieth course; Monifieth is one of the courses that have been announced as the host venues for the Qualifying event to the 2016 Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex. 1639 is the earliest reference to golf at Monifieth found in the Kirk Session records. They played with Dennis (Liz’s husband and another local). Drinks all round at the 19^th hole. Sunday saw them take on the challenge that is Carnoustie Golf Course.

Leaving the Ferry (and a bevy of happy locals) behind we then set out north via Aberdeen to Speyside, first call Glenfiddich whisky distillery for a tour and lunch. Glen Grant distillery followed, after this – almost a stones throw away, to their hotel in Rothes. I must say the whisky bar here is superb! Tuesday and a wee trip to play another round of golf; Nairn Championship course. Gorse is a hazard here. The par 4 holes tease and confound and all four short holes are cunningly angled, with the 4th a little gem and the 14th simply spectacular. As three of the par 5 holes are over 530 yards long, it is a test for all.

Whilst our two golfers stayed in luxury at Rothes, I was a few miles doon the road near Dufftown – whisky capital of the world. Staying a stones throw from the Glenfiddich distillery and Balvenie castle, my “rest place and sanctuary” was built in 1892, the former property of James Watson & Company (wine & spirit merchants) to house their Customs and Excise Manager – to keep an eye on the activities of Parkmore Distillery opposite (quite apt don’t you think?). Sadly this closed since 1931, it is rumoured that that the water source became unsuitable for whisky distilling; along with hefty tax levy’s imposed – meaning that today the buildings, whilst well maintained, are only used for storage by the Edrington Group. I can live with that – I did!

Wednesday arrived and we set out for Cragganmore distillery, followed by some whisky scenic touring locally! Lunch at the Mash Tun Aberlour, with the Macallan discovered in the afternoon!

Thursday, the tour is near the end, but no before we headed into Glen Moray. Here our pal Iain took them on a great tour and filled them full of drams fae the warehouse, well done that man! Catching them again, we headed south into Perthshire where they stopped for lunch at Gleneagles Hotel. Final call of today – Edinburgh where they stay to relax after all their exertions.

Paul McLean, www.mcleanscotland.com/ www.whiskytours.scot/

Liz and Paul in Craigellachie Hotel Bar Speyside Scotland

What We Do – a group golf & whisky tour, or a relaxed escorted whisky tour exploring Scottish distilleries, our guests tell us that it’s an experience to remember, not just a holiday! We’ve twenty years of designing whisky tours and have extensive knowledge and contacts. Why not come and enjoy the best of Scottish hospitality from the moment you arrive, until your final dram – you drink, we drive!

Who We Are, Paul has a background in advertising and marketing, owning advertising agencies before tourism. Having discerning taste buds and a wealth of information on not only the best places to visit but also the secret and hidden ones too.   His passion for Scotland and extensive knowledge in the whisky world make him an ideal driver/guide. (He even make’s history interesting, says Liz!)

Liz, the organiser and brains, however it was only a few years ago she stopped making hot toddies and realised whisky’s true value. She now appreciates the perfect dram and if it pass Liz’s “whoo hoo” test, it’s a winner!

A dynamic duo best friends who together are perfect hosts and you’ll soon feel like family, as they share the secrets of Scotland, home to some of the finest whiskies in the world. Scots are well known for their warmth and enthusiasm and you’ll find that both of them ensure you share their love for the country and their passion for delicious drams. Arrive a guest, go home a friend

KARUIZAWA GEISHA SERIES OFFERED FOR FIRST TIME AT AUCTION
LEADS BONHAMS HONG KONG WHISKY AUCTION

The complete set of Karuizawa Geisha

Est: HK$1,000,000- 1,300,000

A complete set of Karuizawa Geisha Series whisky, never before seen at auction and estimated at HK$1,000,000-1,300,000, leads Bonhams Hong Kong Whisky sale on 19 August. The sale, which features more than 260 lots of rare Japanese and Scotch whiskies, takes place at Bonhams Hong Kong saleroom (2001, One Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong).

Karuizawa is a silent distillery in Japan which closed in 2000. The finest expressions of its whisky were carefully selected and bottled as the Geisha Series. The 27 bottles which make up the Geisha Series contain whiskies aged for 29, 30, 31 and 50 years and bottled in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Bonhams whisky specialist, Daniel Lam commented “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a legendary whisky. The Geisha Series has never been offered at auction before and I am expecting great interest from collectors around the world.”

Other highlights of the auction include a selection of the coveted Hanyu Ichiro’s Card Series. A set of Clubs flush of malts 3,7,8,9 and 10 is estimated at HK$120,000-150,000 as is a set of Hearts flush of malts 3,4,8,10 and J. A collection of vintage bottles of Yamazaki sherry wood whisky from 1982 to 1986 is estimated at HK$140,000-180,000.  

From Scottish distilleries comes a vertical selection of The Macallan. Offered as one lot and estimated at HK$420,000-460,000, the 29 bottles cover the years 1958-1986. The sale also includes a highly sought-after Macallan 50 year old bottled in a Lalique decanter, estimated at HK$280,000-340,000, and a bottle of Royal Salute 50 year old specially bottled in 2003 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 50 years on the throne. It is estimated at HK$120,000-150,000

Auction Highlights

1.

The complete set of Karuizawa Geisha

Est: HK$1,000,000- 1,300,000

2.

Macallan Lalique 50 year old

Est: HK$280,000 – 340,000

Royal Salute 50 Years Old

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

4.

Macallan vintage collection 1958 – 1986

Est: HK$420,000-460,000

5.

Macallan 1961

Est: HK$110,000 –140,000

6.

Macallan Millennium Decanter-1949-50 year old

Est: HK$100,000 –140,000

7.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Six Full House

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

8.

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Hearts flush of 3,4,8,10,J

Est: HK$120,000 – 150,000

9.

Yamazaki Sherry Wood Vintage Collection 1982 – 1986

Est: HK$140,000 – 180,000

10.

Very Olde St. Nick Bourbon Collection 22 -25 year old

Est: HK$22,000 – 26,000

NOTES

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

Price Drops & Free GiftsWhether you’re on the lookout for money off or something extra to sweeten the deal, this week we have exactly what you’re after! From savings of almost £30 on Johnnie Walker Blue Label to a stylish journal and designer pen from Glenfiddich, these offers likely won’t be around for long so now’s your chance to get your hands on a bargain!

Kininvie 23 Year Old Batch 3

Created using a combination of American hogsheads and sherry casks, this third batch from Speyside’s Kininvie distillery contains whisky from the distillery’s very first batch in 1990.

The nose is fresh and clean with light and delicate grassy notes, malted barley with hints of honey, lemon and vanilla. The palate is light, vibrant and zesty, with vanilla, honey and white chocolate developing into warming wood spices. The finish is short, fresh and citrusy with the sweeter elements giving way to malty cereal and woodspice.

£99 Buy Now Was £120 – Save £21

Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva

Drawn from casks that once held premium Craibbean rum, the whisky in this Single Malt from the iconic Glenfiddich distillery in Speyside is matured for 21 years and settled for 4 months in Gran Reserva barrels before being carefully selected for inclusion in this expression.

The nose offers an intense sweetness, with vanilla, banana, figs, rich toffee and oakiness on the palate, beofre a long and dry finish with spiced fruit coming through.

£120 Buy Now Free Glenfiddich branded Cross pen & journal

Glenfarclas 21 Year Old

The Glenfarclas distillery is renowned for being one of the oldest family-run distilleries in Scotland, being purchased for the sum of £511.19s.0d in 1865 by John Grant and is still run by his descendants today.

The 21 year old is a full-bodied and incredibly rounded whisky that will leave you refreshed and contented. The nose is rich in sherry tones and tropical fruit, with nutmeg, almonds, vanilla and very subtly sweet smoke. The palate is fruity and spicy with a pale wisp of smoke, before a long finish that brings chocolate notes.

£69 Buy Now Free “101 World Whiskies to Try Before You Die” book by Ian Buxton

Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Famed for being one of the whiskies that made drinking peaty whisky popular the world over, this expression from Islay-based Lagavulin distillery is aged in oak casks for at least 16 years.

The nose brings peat burning on the fire, with sweet spices emerging from the smoke. The palate is dry with oak and peat smoke, ground coffee and a fruity sweetness becoming apparent. The finish is long and peaty with spiced fruit and notes of sea spray.

£46.50 Buy Now Was £53 – Save £6.50

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Edinburgh Edition

Limited to only 1,500 individually numbered bottles, this edition of Johnnie Walker’s famous Blue Label Blended Scotch is etched with landmarks from the Scottish capital including Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and the Duke of Wellington Statue.

The nose offers big dried fruit aroma, some woody notes and polished mahogany with mixed berries and dry woodsmoke. The palate brings honey and rosewater, fruitcake with spice and molasses. The finish is long with rich fruit and a wave of smoke.

£171.60 Buy Now Was £199.99 – Save £28.39

NEW TO THE PARTY

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 10yr – It’s back, and with a refreshed label. Smooth Ambler is one of our house favorites. Check out this excellent 10yr Bourbon neat, on the rocks, or in a top-shelf cocktail.

OCD Bourbon Cask Strength – Here’s a new Bourbon with ties to an old distillery. These guys bought the former Old Crow distillery and found some of the original Old Crow yeast! Finding it in a closed-top fermenter, and working diligently, or maybe obsessively, to nurture the yeast back to life, the folks at Glenns Creek Distillery found both their method and the name of their first bourbon OCD #5.

Cooper’s Craft Bourbon – This is the first new bourbon from Brown-Forman in over 20 years! From the folks who bring us Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, here’s a new treat that falls somewhere in the middle. It’s smooth, delicious, and awesomely priced. Try it over ice or in any of your favorite bourbon cocktails.

Evan Williams Honey with 50ml and glasses – If you need some smooth, sweet, honey-bourbon, you might as well pick up this gift set with a free shot glass and a 50ml sampler each of Evan Williams Fire and an Evan Williams Cherry.

Laphroaig Lore – Here’s the newest offering from one of the top single malt producers in Islay. Lore is information passed from person to person by word of mouth. This bottle is named for all the info and history passed down about how to distill and aged great scotch. This is a rich bottle of Islay Scotch and will be excellent for any Laphroaig or Islay lover.

Sipping into summer

Whisky and cheese Tasting

On Monday the 25th of July we will be journeying into the world of whisky and cheese. From the shores of Scotland to the fields of Ile-de-France. Our expert staff will take you from the oak trees that become the casks through to the flavour profiles that pair harmoniously with our fine selection of cheeses. Tickets can  be found on our website.

This week we’ve got in a very exciting bourbon from EH Taylor, if you haven’t had their Single Barrel Bourbon it’s well worth a try.  An oaky and spicy bourbon from Buffalo Trace, the Single Barrel release is made with barrels from the infamous Warehouse C. The buttery smoky finish seems to go on forever.

Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 in Bardstown, Kentucky. The oldest distillery in the area. This port finish is their most recent release. The amalgamation of an excellent Bourbon and Port wine casks pairs beautifully to create something really exciting. A surprisingly light and subtle bourbon with light apple flavours on the palate. An oaky and walnut finish sets this up to be a very popular release from 1792.

This week we have had in the newest limited release from Glenlivet, the Cipher. With almost no information about it released you are left to your own devices to work out what you think has gone contributed to the final product. A green apple note at the beginning, immediately followed by a smattering of peach that transforms during its long complex finish, developping into chocolate and coffee note with a hint of tobacco. A very enjoyable dram.

This 35 year old 1979 Caol Ila is something special. A delightfully soft spirit that retains its peaty majesty. The classic Caol Ila notes interplay with lighter fruits and spices on the finish. Independently bottled by Douglas Laing as part of their XOP range (Xtra Old Particular). Douglas Laing is a proud family business in its third generation, it  is one of our favourite Independent bottlers.

United States – Kentucky

792 Sweet Wheat Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $34.99 View

Orphan Barrel “Rhetoric” 22 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml – ships like 1.5L due to bottle shape) 119.99View

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
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