New Releases From Old Particular: Dynamite 20 and 33 Year Old Selections
Since we started working with the Old Particular brand back in 2015, we have unveiled one outstanding find after another. It has been a thrilling ride and one we hope to continue in perpetuity as these selections offer that often sought but rarely found combination of scarcity and quality, while at the same time remaining affordably priced. Those who have been following this program since its inception will already know the range and depth of whiskies offered is impressive. Our most recent finds from Arran and the now shuttered distillery of Carsebridge very much continue in this tradition of exceptionalism.
On the more nuanced side of the spectrum is the 20 Year Old Arran which offers delicate flavors on a frame that is never too brusque or overpowering. An ideal pick for those who enjoy a scotch that reveals its inner intensity through restraint. The 33 Year Old Carsebridge for its part reveals layer upon layer of complexity. Notable for its smooth approach this is one of those scotches that goes down almost too easily. Both can be had for under $100 which is almost an unthinkable price given their age and pedigree. Historically we have sold through our “Old Particular” releases in a flash and expect much the same from these.
1996 Arran 20 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)
Arran has been one of our favorite independent producers at K&L for some time with its versatile line-up of Island malts with a bit more Highland character. While the standard Arran editions can vary from sweet sherry to subtle peat, this 20 year single barrel from our Old Particular label is classic Scotch through and through. The key components in the flavor profile are vanilla, sweet barley, soft stone fruit, and just a little bit of salt. Fans of balanced, complex, and easy to drink mature malts are going to fall on their faces for this whisky. It’s round on the palate, but the 52.7% ABV adds an extra lift with hints of oak spice and a flurry of sweetness on the finish. It’s another classic Scotch for a fantastic price due to our relationship abroad and the current advantage in the dollar to pound ratio.
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017
Arran has captured the hearts of whisky fans everywhere who DON’T want intense, overproofed, or heavily-polarized expressions. For people who want their Scotch to taste like Scotch (just really, really good Scotch), Arran has become a ballast in a sea of saturation. The classic flavors of vanilla from the oak and sweet malt from the whisky itself are mellowed perfectly from two decades of maturity in cask. The extra proof adds a little zip at the back, but this is an utterly drinkable whisky. It begs you for more after each sip is finished.
Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 12, 2017
I love whiskey from Scotland all throughout the year, however on a warm day I find myself drifting toward lighter less peaty variations of the booze I love. Fortunately for me, and those like me, we have a new Old Particular here to help with these cravings. This 20 year old bottling of Arran smells like milk chocolate and summer hay, with a little vanilla thrown in for good measure. On the palate there is a wonderful mix of salty green apple, malts, and a touch of vanilla and spice. The salty note lingers on the finish with baking spice and some heat that definitely go the distance. Another killer cask from our friends at Old Particular.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 10, 2017
This is for those who want a rich and mouth-filling single malt. It is big, creamy and fruity with plenty of malt flavors. There are undertones of island influence with a kiss of salt. Even with all of the juicy richness there is a nice dry finish. This Arran does not have a smoky and peaty profile.
Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017
This has bright fruity aromas on the nose like green apple and orange zest, which slides into a richer profile on the palate: crème brulée, vanilla, and clove. I have never had an Arran I did not love, and this 20-year-old is hitting all the right notes. It makes for an utterly satisfying Scotch whisky drink!
1982 Carsebridge 33 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)
While it closed only a year after the whisky in this bottle was distilled, just because the former Carsebridge distillery is gone forever doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy its splendor still today! Luckily for us there are still a number of delicious and mature expressions available on the independent market and this is one of them. If there’s one thing we can help take credit for here at K&L, it’s been helping to remove the undeserved stigma associated with grain whisky in the Scotch industry. This 33 year old edition distilled in 1982 should please both fans of blended whisky and single malt alike. It’s a literal definition of the word smooth as this elixir absolute glides over the palate with a richness and concentration of oak from more than three decades in wood. While it’s bottled at 45.4% cask strength, that’s a very drinkable proof that offers up full concentration without the dilution. Fans of our previous grain whisky editions will want to snatch this one up fast. Not only is it old and rare, it’s also a serious crowdpleaser!
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017
I still get a reasonable amount of requests for old whiskies from “closed” distilleries, especially the ones that went down in the early eighties due to the whisky economy at the time: Port Ellen, Brora, Banff, and others. But while those whiskies will cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars per bottle at this point, there’s another little guy that went silent from that era called Carsebridge; albeit this facility made grain whisky, not single malt. It’s because of that fact that we’re able to offer a little rarity like this at full proof for $99.99 rather than some other astronomical price. The 33 year age statement should be enough to move most drinkers as is, but that little factoid definitely helps add a bit of romanticism. Carsebridge closed forever in 1983, but the story goes on in this bottle, smooth and round with supple, soft oak flavors and a finish that’s as smooth as silk.
Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 12, 2017
Rich creamy deliciousness, that is what we have here in a bottling of 33 year old Single Grain. Seriously, this has oak and vanilla spice with a lemon cake layer and supple palate resplendent with butterscotch and a long dry finish. Another reason to forget the stigma against grain whiskey and delight in an old bottle that tastes good and is $100.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 10, 2017
Particularly easy to drink and enjoy. This grain whiskey has an inviting, sweet caramel nose. In the mouth it is rich and soft and smooth with a creamy mouthfeel. Everything comes together to make this whiskey interesting and fun.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017
Ancient Grains. It sounds like a breakfast cereal and in some ways it is. This 33 year old grain beauty taste like a country breakfast; it’s full of molasses and oats, fresh buttermilk pancakes smothered in ripe peaches and maple syrup. There is an array of sweet spices – nutmeg and cinnamon dominate, but cloves also make an appearance. The proof, weight, and texture are nearly perfect. No ice, no water, just pure indulgence in a glass. Let it roll around and enjoy.
Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017
Only 233 bottles were made of this gem, from a distillery you probably havent heard of: Carsebridge closed down over thirty years ago! This is the most complex and interesting single grain Ive ever tasted: toffee, orange citrus, peaches, caramel and baking spices. And at just over 45% alcohol, its exceptionally drinkable without the need to water it down.
