Bunnahabhain 2003 Pedro Ximenez Finish

Distilled in 2003 at Islay’s Bunnahabhain distillery, this limited edition single malt spent the first 11 years of its life in 2nd fill sherry butts before being transferred to 1st fill Pedro Ximenez casks in 2014 for another 3 years’ finishing. Presented free from chill-filtration and artificial colouring at a cask strength of 54.8% abv.

£85 Order Now

Orders will be dispatched week beginning 4th December

KWM Whisky Advent Day 7 – Millstone Oloroso Sherry

It has been a little over a year now since Millstone hit the market in Alberta, and our customers are lapping up the many different whisky releases we have from the Dutch distiller, which also goes by the name Zuidams. Zuidams is a family owned distillery in Baarle Nassau, The Netherlands. The firm opened its doors in 1974, and for the first 14 years it produced vodka, liqueurs, gin and genever. The latter spirit, genever is the key to the firms progression to making whisky.

Genever, is a spirit with a very long history. In the early days of distillation in Europe, beer made from malted barley was crudely distilled into a spirit. The result was essentially a proto-whisky, but the spirit would have been almost unpalatable. To make it more drinkable herbs were added to alter the flavour. Juniper was also added as it was believed the berries had health benefits. The name Genever, or Jenever, is derived from the Dutch word “jeneverbes” or Juniper Berry.

The origins of Genever go back to at least the 13^th Century, and they are not exclusive to the Netherlands. There is reference to Genever coming from Bruges in the 1200s and Antwerp a couple of centuries later. But most scholars argree that Genever was likely first produced in Flanders, in the Netherlands. By 1606 the industry was sufficiently large for it to attract the attention of the Dutch authorities, who began levying taxes on genever and similar spirits in 1606.

There are two types of Genever, Old and Young. Young or “Jonge” genever is a style that came about around 1900. Modern distilling techniques allowed for the creation of lighter spirits. During the Great War (First World War) there was a shortage of grain and Genever was made from molasses and sugar beets. People started referring to the Old or “Oude” style genever. Some Old Genever is matured in oak barrels, like whisky. It is this style that Millstone is famous for.

In 1988 at the behest of the sons, especially Patrick van Zuidam, the firm started experimenting with whisky making. In 1996 they began laying down casks in earnest. The company produces not just single malt whisky (both peated and unpeated malt), made in the Scottish style, but also 100% rye whisky. We bottled our own cask of Millstone Rye Whisky this year and it has been a hit!

So first and foremost, we know, the whisky is not a 50ml… Apparently Millstone does 40mls instead. We aren’t really sure why. I chalk it up to the Dutch being Dutch. Good folk that they are, sometimes it is best not to ask… besides, we would not have otherwise had this whisky in our Calendar!

Millstone Oloroso Sherry – 46% – No Age Statement – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: thick with chocolate, Kahlua and caramel flavoured Baileys; big notes of liquorice Jujubes, polished new leather and brand new rubber boots. Palate: big, nutty, leathery and earthy; syrupy, juicy dates and more Kahlua; caramel sauce and more cream liqueur tones; the leather and spices build but also some waxy Strawberry Twizzlers; young but layered and rich. Finish: milk chocolate coats the palate along with caramel Baileys and liquorice Jujubes. Comment: this is a malt for those looking to get their sherry on… it is big, proud and unapologetic; very Dutch! – 50mls Available for $12 – 700mls are SOLD OUT in Alberta. Due back in 2018!

JAMESON CASKMATES IPA EDITION GOES ON SALE WORLDWIDE

Global launch follows success of Jameson Caskmates IPA trial in Ireland

Irish Distillers, producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, today announced a new, global extension to the innovative Jameson Caskmates range with Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition, following a successful trial run in Ireland in September 2017.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is a triple distilled Irish whiskey finished in craft IPA-seasoned barrels. The result is a whiskey that features the signature smoothness of Jameson alongside hints of light hops, fresh citrus and floral notes, and can be served neat, on the rocks, or paired with a beer.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is the next chapter of a story that began in 2013, when Brian Nation, Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery, and Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science in Midleton Distillery, met Franciscan Well Founder and Head Brewer, Shane Long, in a local Cork bar. The Midleton masters agreed to loan some Jameson casks to the brewery to discover their influence on Irish stout and when the stout-seasoned barrels were returned to Midleton Distillery, Dave Quinn re-filled them with Jameson Irish whiskey – a finishing process that created Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition. Having previously hit it off with stout, the team in Midleton were curious to try a new beer mate, and after much exploration discovered that a zesty IPA was the perfect partner.

Commenting on the announcement Jean-Christophe Coutures, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, said: “Irish Distillers has a long history of innovation within the Irish whiskey category and we are incredibly proud of the latest chapter in this story of creative experimentation. This new addition to the Jameson Caskmates family was trialed in the Irish market exclusively since September 2017 and the response has been fantastic. We have no doubt that Jameson Caskmates IPA will be as popular throughout the world as it has been in its homeland of Ireland.”

Dave Quinn, Master of Whiskey Science in Midleton Distillery, added: “Without the curiosity and collaboration that took place that night in Cork and the expertise, passion and dedication that followed, we may have missed out on what has become a staple innovation within the Jameson family. It’s great to see the range growing so that more craft beer and whiskey fans alike can experience Jameson Caskmates. I recommend that you try the new release on the rocks or paired with a craft IPA but always with good friends over great conversations.”

Since launching in 2015, Jameson Caskmates has satisfied the appetite for new, innovative and authentic tastes among whiskey enthusiasts, Jameson drinkers and craft beer fans in over 40 markets worldwide.

Bottled at 40% ABV, Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition is available from December 2017 in the USA and January 2018 in Ireland. RRP is €38.

Notes:

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Tasting Notes, by Brian Nation, Master Distiller in Midleton Distillery

Nose: Floral, herbal hops, grapefruit citrus notes with subtle orchard fruits, complimented by wood shavings and a little nuttiness.

Taste: Hops and light citrus with sweet herbal notes and delicate spicy tones.

Finish: The lingering fresh fruit and hops give way to grains of barley and a signature smooth finish. 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. 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, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “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. http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

Springbank Distillery is delighted to announce that our new Local Barley 10yo is available in the UK today.

The Local Barley 10yo 57.3% ABV is available in the UK now – other markets/countries will vary throughout the weeks ahead. To help you find where you could buy a bottle of the new Local Barley 10yo please visit the “Where to Buy” section of the Springbank website: http://www.springbankwhisky.com/distributors/

Tasting Notes

Nose: The nose on this dram is constantly changing and always exquisite. Pick your favourite dessert: vanilla ice-cream with butterscotch sauce, pecan pie or creme caramel. Custard cream biscuit and chocolate honeycomb are also present. The tasting panel has a sweet tooth.

Palate: The whisky has a lovely delicate floral quality of lemongrass and citrus tea. There’s also the sweetness of almonds and marzipan which is balanced with a hint of peat and ends on a note of luxury, pure smooth velvet.

Finish: You can tell this was matured in a dunnage warehouse, with the soft earthy finish. At the end you can taste salted caramel and the spiciness of freshly baked cinnamon buns drizzled with honey.

Matured in 70% Bourbon and 30% Sherry with approximately 9000 bottles available worldwide.

The Campbeltown Cadenhead shop is selling each bottle for £86.00.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you all that the new Kilkerran 8yo cask strength from our sister distillery Mitchell’s Glengyle is available in the UK from today.

It will be available in the Campbeltown Cadenhead shop for £48.00.

For more information please visit the Kilkerran Facebook page.

FESTIVE WHISKY TASTINGS

Fancy making your own blended whisky ? Well, it’s all available at our lovely Whiski shop on the Mound, beside Whiski Rooms. With our own dedicated tasting room, we have a full schedule of fun and exciting whisky tastings – whisky & chocolate anyone?

The BLEND – A Masterclass by Chivas Regal

Wednesday’s  

6th,13th & 20th Dec ’17

Delve into the fascinating world of Scotch whisky and learn about the highly skilled process of making Chivas Regal blended Scotch whisky. Make and take your own blended whisky home to enjoy Two sessions run on Wednesdays:-  3-4PM and 6-7PM. £19.95 pp, Book Now on 0131-225-1532 or online here

Introduction to Whisky & Tasting
Daily Tastings

For newcomers and enthusiasts alike, this is a fun introduction to whisky, highlighting the regional styles and variances available from Scotland. See our schedule here and book online or call us. £25pp Book your tasting with our shop now on 0131-225-1532

WHISKY & CHOCOLATE TASTING

What a delicious combination – 4 delighful whiskies paired with 4 artisan chocolates sourced from our local chocolatier. £30 pp. See our schedule here and book online or call us on 0131-225-1532.

WHISKI SHOP

4 NORTH BANK STREET EDINBURGH. EH1 2LP  T: 0131-225-1532 W: www.whiskishop.com

WHISKI ROOMS 4-7

NORTH BANK STREET EDINBURGH,EH1 2LP T: 0131-225-7224 W: www.whiskirooms.co.uk

WHISKI BAR & Restaurant

119 HIGH STREET EDINBURGH, EH1 1SG T: 0131-556-3095 W: www.whiskibar.co.uk

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare

A limited edition blend of the iconic Johnnie Walker Blue Label using single malt from the now silent Brora distillery, presented at the higher strength of 46% abv. Created by Master Blender Jim Beveridge and released in limited quantities worldwide, this blended Scotch is the first in the Ghost & Rare series from Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

£209.99 Order Now

Price Drop – Save £10 Orders will be dispatched week beginning 4th December

KWM Whisky Advent 2017 – Hyde 1938 No. 6 President’s Reserve

For the second straight year we have an offering from up and coming Irish Whiskey producer Hyde. Hyde is among the wave of new Irish distilleries that have opened up in the last few years. Most of them do not yet have stocks of mature whisky, so they are releasing whiskies produced under license. Last year we featured the Hyde Sherry Finish Single Malt on Day 9. This year we have the Hyde 1938 No.6 President’s Reserve Irish Whiskey, named for Ireland’s first Prime Minister Douglas Ross Hyde. Bottled at 46% the whiskey is composed of 8 year old single grain and much older single malt. The whisky has been married and finished in Oloroso sherry. Blended whiskey is composed of both malt and grain whiskey.

Single grain whiskey is a style of whiskey with roots in both Ireland and Scotland. Irishmen Sir Anthony Perrier introduced the first continuous still at Spring Lane Distillery, Cork in 1822. Just a few years later Scotsman Robert Stein, inspired by the “continuous still”, improved on the design by the addition of partitions in the column. His “patent still” was installed at Cameronbridge Distillery in Fife, but it failed to take hold. It didn’t go unnoticed however, an Irish Exciseman, Aeneas Coffey took the design and added a couple of pipes allowing the spirit to recirculate. The result was a lighter, cleaner distillate, that didn’t require multiple distillations.

The Coffey Still was a hit and embraced all over the world. The still was adopted by distilleries all over Europe and America. It was especially well received in Scotland and England for whisky and gin respectively. Curiously, the only country that didn’t adopt it with open arms was Ireland. Irish distillers felt the still produced bland, tasteless, inferior whiskey. Ironically the failure of the Irish to adopt the Coffey Still and other similar still types is one of the reasons cited for the decline of the Irish whiskey industry by the early 1900s.

About the Hyde Family: (In their own words) “The Hyde family have a long tradition of being involved in the Irish drinks business. From 1640 until 1962 the family ran a tavern located just outside the picturesque town of Bandon in West Cork. The Hydes sold traditional Irish Whiskey and draught stout straight from wooden casks, tapped by hand with a mallet and brass tap. The drink business runs through twelve generations of the Hyde family tree. At one stage in 1916, their grandfather, granduncle and grandaunt were all publicans in Bandon. Today, Alan and Conor Hyde are the first generation not to own a tavern, but they continue the family tradition by producing some of Ireland’s finest whiskey.”

About Hyde 1938 Whiskey: (In Their Own Words) “The Triple Distilled Irish Whiskey is a premium blend between 18 year old single malt whiskey and 8 year single grain whiskey, matured in Bourbon Barrels and finished for 9 months in Oloroso Sherry Casks and limited to just 5,000 bottles. The label commemorates the inauguration of Ireland’s first President ‘ Douglas Hyde ‘ in 1938.”

Hyde 1938 No. 6 President’s Reserve – 46% – 8 Year – Married 9 Months in Oloroso Sherry – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: hard toffee, caramilk, toasted marshmallow and lightly salted Marcona almonds; Weetabix, All Bran with milk and berries and a side of fresh squeezed oranges. Palate: creamy, floral and grainy: notes of dusty winter wheat and caramel corn; warming and spicy; more fresh squeezed orange juice with honeydew and cantaloupes; at first it is a little warming, evolving into assorted Jujubes. Finish: the finish is light, clean and short; the floral notes and Jujubes fade away quickly leaving vanilla and warming oak tones. Comment: this is a light, silky and pleasant dram.” – $90 for 700ml and $12 for 50ml

https://youtu.be/NCmB-B4xbAc 

Different location this week, but the different and new whiskies are still coming! Jack Daniels Rye! For the first time in 76 years, JD have switched up their recipe to now include a rye whisky. Having a very potent 70% Rye content, it dwarfs its cousin, Woodford Rye, which is only running at 53% rye content, but what works for Woodford won’t work for Jack and vice versa. It’s a genuinely wonderful value for money bottle, which is very important for this time of year. £25-£30 a bottle and bottle at 45%ABV – fair play JD, this is a new easy drinker that i’ll be adding to my shelf. Cheers

Norfolk distillery to make history with launch of first English whisky in century

Award-winning Norfolk business The English Whisky Co. is offering customers a chance to own a little bit of history this Christmas by releasing the first 10-year-old English whisky for over a century.

A very limited number of bottles of the single malt, taken from one of the first batch of casks laid down at St George’s Distillery in Roudham, are now being made available by England’s oldest registered whisky distiller.

It’s the result of the vision and determination of the late James Nelstrop, the founder of the business who opened the distillery in 2006. He, working alongside St George’s Distillery’s original Master Distiller Iain Henderson, went on to create the business’s first barrels of English whisky.

James’ son Andrew, owner and managing director of The English Whisky Co., said: “After a seemingly endless wait – we finally have a 10-year-old single malt whisky to share with you all.

“This is one of the ultra-rare casks from the Founder’s Private Cellar range and was chosen because it represents the quality of whiskies we expect in the future. The cask used for the 10-year-old is one of the earliest casks laid down at the distillery and is a wonderful example of the pioneering work my father and the distillery’s team have undertaken here.

“The whole team are immensely proud to see this whisky finally bottled and ready to be sent to our customers.

“The 10-year-old is presented in a beautiful piano finished box and each bottle is numbered and comes with a numbered certificate.”

The release of the historic single malt comes at the end of a tremendously successful year for The English Whisky Co. It has won numerous awards, including Gold and Silver in the San Francisco Spirits Competition, and three Liquid Golds in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – which also named the Norfolk distiller’s single-grain whisky Parched as the Best European Single Cask Whisky.

There were also celebrations in November with the launch of the distillery’s new £400,000 restaurant and coffee house The Kitchen.

“Releasing the 10-year-old certainly is a wonderful end to an exciting 2017,” added Andrew. “We have been overwhelmed by the reaction to our products – the awards are an extraordinary achievement for a non-mainstream whisky distillery.”

The English Whisky Co. have also taken this opportunity to join forces with Amathus PLC, who will look after the UK distribution of all The English products going forward.

Phil Duffy, Head of Spirits for Amathus, said: “The English Whisky Co. is an incredible addition to the Amathus portfolio and we feel honoured to have them on board. With the increasing popularity of whisky, it is inevitable the collection will be equally well received by on-trade and off-trade customers.

“The release of The English Whisky Co.’s 10-year-old English Single Malt is an important landmark in the development of modern distillation in England, and having tasted the range of whiskies they are producing we’re looking forward to exciting times ahead.”

For further information about The English Whisky Co. and its products, call St George’s Distillery on 01953 717939 or visit www.englishwhisky.co.uk

NOTES: 

The Founder’s Private Cellar is a collection of casks that belong to the founding family. These casks are made up of one-off’s and extraordinary examples of current products. There are very few of these casks, which is why the Distillery only release two or three a year.

Impressive, Can’t Miss 20 Year Scotches Aficionados Will Adore

With the gift giving season just around the corner, we’re rolling out a pair of 20 Year Islay bottlings that are sure to impress the Scotch lover in your life. Bowmore and Caol Ila are two of the more recognizable names in the world of Scotch, each known for their own distinctive style and approach. These single barrel bottlings were hand-selected by our spirits team and are priced at a fraction of what you’ll find elsewhere. But the remarkable price is only part of the story here, as this pair count among the best we’ve had from these illustrious distillers.

The Bowmore leaves you awestruck with its potency, richness, and depth. The Caol Ila for its part offers a magical infusion of smoke, maritime notes, sweet vanilla, and orchard fruit. Both deliver impeccable balance and charm from the very first sip to the last. Perfect for gift giving (or as a special treat to yourself), these limited production bottlings are welcome additions to any collection.

1997 Bowmore 20 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

There are two things that are consistent about Bowmore: the whisky is almost always awe-inspiring and rare editions will most often cost you a pretty penny. The stalwart of Islay is the spiritual home of smoky whisky, known equally for its grace under a peat fire. The Bowmore 25, one of the distillery’s most magical expressions, routinely hovers between the $400 -$500 price point on the open market, but for this holiday season we set out to find a more affordable version for our customers who want something special, but not quite that expensive. This cask strength 55.7% 20 year old single barrel edition, while lacking any sherry influence, still manages to offer an incredible amount of sweetness from the refill oak hogshead, coupling with the clean flavors of malted barley and vanilla. The richness overtakes the palate initially, which is rare in an Islay whisky with this much smoke, dominating the flavor profile right off the bat. The peat and campfire notes don’t begin until almost halfway through the process, combining sea salt and maritime elements with caramel and ash on the finish. There’s plenty of Islay influence here, but it’s beautifully balanced by the whisky’s inherent maltiness. In a nutshell, it’s textbook Bowmore with maturity and power for a fantastic price. It tastes exactly the way the distillery itself smells when you enter it, haunting the senses with equal parts malt and smoke. Our cask is a chance at true single malt royalty for a reasonable entry fee.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2017

I’ve tasted old Bowmore whiskies with heavy peat, heavy sherry, heavy smoke, and heavy funk, but I’ve never tasted one with this much sweet malt and vanilla. That’s not to say this edition goes easy on the smoke, however, because there’s definitely plenty of phenolic goodness to light the way home on the finish. This 20 year cask is maritime whisky at its finest. It reminds me of walking the streets in Bowmore near the distillery for the first time years ago, grabbing a plate of fresh oysters at the Harbour Inn across the street, then ducking into Duffie’s for a quick dram. In a sense, it’s a nostalgic whisky. It reminds me of what got me into whisky in the first place, a sense of wonder and complexity at how a golden liquid like this could taste so damn good. If you’re in search of that feeling, that sense of excitement that may have been lacking from your single malt consumption as of late, I invite you to find that feeling again in this bottle.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2017

What I like about the Bowmore offerings is that they are balanced and nuanced. This single cask is no exception. It begins with nice smoke and sea aromas that are not heavy or over-powering. In the mouth this Bowmore is concentrated and complex, with rich and round flavors and hints of smoke coming through. There is a nice long finish. I tasted this with a splash of water.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 02, 2017

Getting single casks from major distilleries like Bowmore just makes me so happy. It’s a unique way to look at the components of a particular distillery and dive into what makes them so special. This 20 year old Bowmore is no exception. The nose is exquisite. It’s loaded with sea spray, sweet fruits, and extinguished campfire. I feel like I can reach out and touch the wet malt on the floor just as the dry smoky air starts to fill the room. It’s clean and pure, powerful whisky. The barley song is loud and clear. All of the pieces are there to be examined, yet harmoniously balanced into a whole single experience. This whisky perfectly shows why single malts are so compelling. They are a fascinating way to watch the whole movie, frame by frame, as they age.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 02, 2017

This fantastic refill hogshead of Bowmore has all the complexity that one would expect from a 20 year old Islay, balanced by fresh sea air. This is not a heavy dram, but rather an expansive one, and has the rare peacock’s tail finish that I prize in the finest of drinks. It seems to expand after each sip, with the flavor coming on stronger after each sip. I like this best diluted down to about 40%, so I’ll get almost a liter of pleasure out of my bottle!

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 02, 2017

I’m a huge fan of the Bowmore whiskeys, mostly because they display their Islay characteristics with subtlety and grace. The peat is always a soft undertone to the malty complexity. This single cask from Old Particular is faithful to that mission. Flavors of toasted cereals, orange citrus oil, vanilla and briny smoke are robust and sweet on the palate, with incredible integration. Normally sensitive to higher alcohol levels, at 55.7% abv this was very enjoyable neat for me. If you enjoy these Old Particular single cask offerings, this is definitely a winner.

1996 Caol Ila 20 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($129.99)

Caol Ila’s whisky can be as transitive and unpredictable as the Islay weather itself; sometimes it’s light and breezy, while other times powerful and thunderous in its character. At cask strength, the salt, smoke, and peat aromas often leap out of the glass, but when tempered the creaminess and fruitiness of the spirit itself is allowed to shine, fat and unctuous in its texture. With this cask of 20 year old Caol Ila, we have the best of both worlds: a full proof, no-water-added single barrel whisky that has naturally proofed itself down to 46% after two decades in wood. The nose is an absolute dream: sweetly-tinged smoke, burning embers, with faint aromas of peach and apricot in the background. The palate is simply perfect: sweet vanilla intermixed with peat, salt, and ash, but always with a roundness of texture that’s a product of the distillery’s wide-necked pot stills. It’s a perfect Caol Ila specimen, highlighting the strengths of the Islay distillery’s personality, each with equal concentration and intensity, all in harmony and balance.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2017

One of my all time favorite whiskies was the old distillery edition of the Caol Ila 18 – a beautiful rendition of the Islay single malt that packed equal weight and richness of texture with all that peaty goodness. It wasn’t a cask strength edition, which is what really made the difference for me. If a distillery can manage to find the sweet spot with water, I’m all for reduced spirits in bottle. The beauty of this 20 year old Caol Ila is that it’s at cask strength, but has naturally reduced itself to the perfect 46% ABV (exactly where many distilleries will reduce to). The result is the closest thing I’ve ever tasted to that legendary 18 year bottle that is now just a memory. The nose is simply haunting; an enticing combination of vanilla, creme brulee, and campfire embers. The whisky rolls over your tongue with creaminess and texture, but it leaves a trail of peat smoke in its wake. If you want the perfect Islay whisky, this is it. It doesn’t get much better than this. Buy three if you can afford it.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2017

If you are a fan of Islay whisky just buy this, seriously this is just absolutely beautiful Islay at a wonderful age. I have said on more than one occasion that Caol Ila may be my favorite Scotch once it has had a chance to age because it just always seems that somewhere right around the 20 year mark this whisky just all comes together and sings. This bottling is no exception and the price is fantastic for what you are getting. Light fruit, honey, ash and smoke on the nose lead to an incredibly balanced palate. Here an immediate strong core of just doused campfire smoke carried the young sweet fruit, honey, and seaside notes effortlessly. The balance is amazing and the finish is surprisingly soft and mild. Just delightful!

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2017

This cask of Caol Ila was a lucky find because it has so much to offer. There are pleasant smoke aromas that should please any fan of single malts from Islay. My first thought when I tasted it was that this cask is really something special. There is such a nice mixture of smoke, sea-like flavors and malt, and it is concentrated and intense. I tasted this with no additional water because it was 46% ABV when bottled which probably helps explain the lovely concentrated flavor.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2017

It’s my favorite time of year here at K&L. Not only are we hitting our stride in the busy season for wine, but it’s finally whisky season. I wait all year to see what David has hidden up his sleeve. As the market for fine malts gets tighter and tighter we still manage to procure things like this. 20 glorious years in barrel has brought the full proof down, integrated the smoke and salt, and let the barley shine through. The end result is one of the most approachable and lovely Islay whiskys I’ve tasted this year. The big brash smoke of Caol Ila’s youth has been tempered with age into an assertive and confident dram, and the salt air of Islay permeates the glass. Fresh fruits of a distant land waft in and out. The palate is smooth and lingering. There is a touch of sweetness on the back end and a little piquant spice. This is a no brainer for the whisky lover in your life during the holidays…even if that whisky lover happens to be yourself.

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 16, 2017

This might be the deal of the holiday season in Scotch whiskeys. After tasting it, I’m almost tempted to use the word perfect to describe it. It showcases the beautiful Islay brininess and smoke as a subtle undertone to the rich, sweet malt profile. The flavor punch from the full strength, single cask is incredible, balanced, and fully integrated. Definitely my top pick for holiday Scotch.