Four Roses 8 Year, 11 Month Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel OESO Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($64.99)

The first selection from our 2016 trip to Four Roses has arrived and it’s absolutely as charming as we remember it. Aged just a hair short of nine years, this OESO selection has a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley and uses the O yeast strain known for imparting a rich, full-bodied, and vanilla-laden character onto the whiskey. Bottled at 53.25% ABV, the bourbon is full of sweet oak and baking spices galore on the nose. The palate follows suit with vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves balanced by the sweetness from the charred barrel notes. Simply put, it’s the type of whiskey you look forward to coming home to. It’s full of flavor, never overpowering despite the cask strength power, and balanced on all fronts. It’s not difficult to understand, nor is it hiding many deeper secrets. It shows you everything it has right off the bat: creamy vanilla, lots of sweet spice, and a healthy dollop of oak for good measure. Another winner purchased directly from the Four Roses cellar.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2017

This barrel of Four Roses is pretty and delicious. It is soft and round with a rich body and vanilla aromas. There is a bright fruity sweetness that makes this single barrel so nice because it is balanced and supple.

Mahon McGrath | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 13, 2017

The OESO is sweet and spicy. There’s plenty of fruit character juxtaposing cedar-y spice and a caramel coated, toasted cereal sweetness. The finish shows good length, but what distinguishes this one for me is the way it manages to have both density and intensity, and yet maintain a brightness and vibrancy despite it. While fully mature and rich, this isn’t one of those foghorn, basso-profondo, cask strength offerings.

The Classic Cask Macallan 21 Year Old

Embracing the defining elements of sophistication and exceptional quality. It is the ultimate expression of handcrafted excellence. Discover the delicate flavours and remarkable smoothness offered from The Macallan 21 year old.

$339.99

GLEN GRANT WHISKY TOASTs BURNS NIGHT WITH a HAGGIS COCKTAIL 

Speyside whisky teams up with Edinburgh bar to create The Chieftain, an ‘offally braw’ haggis-inspired cocktail  

Edinburgh, 13 January 2016 – For Burns Night, multi award-winning Scotch Whisky, Glen Grant, has partnered with The Bon Vivant bar in Edinburgh to create the ‘The Chieftain’, a haggis-infused cocktail named after Robert Burns’ famous description of Scotland’s national dish, the “great chieftain o’ the pudding race”.

Created by Will Cox of The Bon Vivant, The Chieftain’s recipe is inspired by a traditional Burns Supper menu and includes the ingredients found in the occasion’s centerpiece.

Haggis is traditionally made from sheep’s offal (heart, liver and lungs) minced with onion, oatmeal, salt and spices. The Chieftain comprises of an oat-washed Glen Grant 10 Year Old combined with an offal stock syrup to replicate the unique meaty haggis flavour.  It is served with a pickled red onion, representing the ‘heart’, a salt and pepper air, representing the ‘lungs’, a turnip cordial, a nod to the famous ‘neeps’ accompaniment, and a haggis rim.

Will Cox said: “The opportunity to team up with one of Scotland’s most iconic whiskies, Glen Grant, to make a Burns Night cocktail was too good to miss.  It was very challenging, but we had a lot of fun coming up with The Chieftain and are looking forward to serving it to customers with a haggis bon bon or two on Burns nicht.”

Nick Williamson, Marketing Director Campari UK, said: “With the bard’s birthday being such a well-loved celebration, we want to mark the occasion with the same creativity the man himself approached his work.  The bar team at the Bon Vivant has done a remarkable job with The Chieftain and we look forward to raising a glass or two in celebration come the 25^th January.”

Glen Grant’s new range of aged single malt Scotch whiskies has continued to turn heads as it secured some of the whisky industry’s most prestigious awards in 2016, including the Glen Grant 10 Year Old winning Best Single Malt Scotch (10 Years and Younger) for the fifth year in a row in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

THE CHIEFTAIN RECIPE:

Glen Grant 10 year old, oat washed

Offal stock glaze

Salt and pepper air

Pickled red onion

Turnip cordial

Haggis butter crumb

The Chieftain will be available to buy in The Bon Vivant Bar, 55 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DY for one night only on 25^th January 2016 priced at £9. 

About Glen Grant

Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, Glen Grant is currently the world’s number 5 selling single malt Scotch whisky and holds a range of prestigious industry awards, including being awarded Jim Murray’s Best Single Malt Scotch: 10 Years and Under for four years in a row and Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks) for 2016.

The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which Glen Grant is renowned, is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Still used to this day, this lasting legacy continues to distinguish the brand.

Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multi-award winning Glen Grant Master Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of Glen Grant in 1946, he has worked for Glen Grant for over five decades, with an uncommon passion and unrivalled knowledge of the industry. Dennis’ unmatched Scotch whisky experience ensures that every expression in the Glen Grant range makes the absolute best of the complex alchemy of spirit, wood and time.

The complete Glen Grant range includes the refined The Major’s Reserve, 5 Year Old, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered, 18 Year Old and a selection of limited edition bottles; each with their own distinct flavour and aroma that perfectly captures the spirit of Glen Grant’s heartland.

Glen Grant became part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The ABV of each Glen Grant single malt Scotch whisky differs between each expression and consumers are encouraged to always drink responsibly.

ABOUT Campari UK:

Gruppo Campari’s UK subsidiary, headquartered in London. A multicultural and dynamic team composed of 40 Camparistas from 10 different nationalities. Established on March 1st 2015, it took over from J. Wray & Nephew UK, a well-established brand builder and distributor of premium Jamaican rums. At the heart of Campari UK there are two main portfolio offerings: the Italian portfolio with heritage brands such as Campari and Aperol and the white & dark spirits portfolio, led by the Jamaican rum brands Appleton Estate Rum and Wray & Nephew Overproof, as well as Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon. The company spans an unrivalled premium spirits and specialty offer in its quality, innovation and style and is also the exclusive UK distributor for Bulldog Gin. www.campariuk.com/

ABOUT GRUPPO CAMPARI:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 16 plants and 2 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 19 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com/ . Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

A new brand of tasting event is coming to Manchester

With the popularity of whisky on the rise, and the number of whisky related events increasing each year, there is a new venture set to introduce even more people to the taste of whisky. One For The Road Tasting Events have set up at Rain Bar in Manchester and are offering one tasting each month, each with a different theme. The events are set to be a little bit different, with some events dedicated entirely to countries outside of Scotland. English, Welsh and European whiskies all feature on the calendar as well as events dedicated to award winning whiskies and there’s even a gin tasting offered too. The Director of One For The Road Tasting Events commented ‘whisky is about much more than Scotland, whisky drinkers already know this, but does everyone else? One For The Road Tasting Events are helping avid tasters to expand their portfolios as well as introduce new whisky drinkers to spirits they may never have known existed.’ Events last for 45 minutes, and prices vary depending on what’s on offer.

All tickets are available from https://www.eventbrite.com/

Hello everyone!

We’ve got some exciting things to talk about today, including our first co-sponsored event with the Alamo Drafthouse on Mission St. in San Francisco where we’ll be bringing you…

A K&L “Drink & Watch” Movie Special Featuring Director Steven Soderbergh Live in Person!

On Monday night, January 23rd, starting at 7 PM, we’ll be teaming up with the gang at the Alamo Drafthouse to bring you a screening of Steven Soderbergh’s Academy Award-winning film Erin Brockovich, featuring a live Q&A session with the director himself (hosted by yours truly) and a meet-and-greet cocktail party after the show. As some of you know, I’ve written a column on the K&L spirits blog for years called “Drink & Watch,” where I pair alcohol with movies rather than food. Mr. Soderbergh, who for some reason gets a kick out of those articles, thought it might be fun to take this idea and turn it into a party. As many of you also may know, the Alamo Drafthouse allows you to order food and alcoholic beverages while you’re watching a film, so we’re planning a special cocktail list with Steven’s drink of choice: Singani 63, the grape-based Bolivian spirit he discovered while filming Che on location. We’re big supporters of the brand here at K&L, but we also understand that the spirit needs a bit of an introduction. That’s why we’re inviting you out to the movies on Monday the 23rd to watch a great film, drink some great Singani cocktails, listen to Steven talk about the film, then have a drink with the man at our private after-party. It’s the most exciting event we’ve ever hosted, in my opinion!

Tickets (21 and over) are available here via the Alamo Drafthouse website where you can choose your own seat and reserve your spot:

ERIN BROCKOVICH & SINGANI 63 SCREENING PARTY – $15

Drinks are not included with admission, but there will be a specialty menu for you to order from while in attendance.

I’ll be there with Mr. Soderbergh in tow. We’re looking forward to hosting you!

A NEW BARREL OF KENTUCKY DELICIOUSNESS!

As the market for unique and interesting Bourbon continues to be crowded, competitive, and catty, you’ve got to rely on your strengths as a retailer. As a buyer, I think my biggest strength (and maybe my only redeeming quality, to be honest) is my palate; the ability to know what tastes good and what doesn’t. You might think quality is an obvious characteristic to everyone, but believe me it isn’t. Anyone can pick the oldest cask in the line-up, or the one with the highest proof. You don’t need to be a whiskey master to do that. But when the stocks start dwindling and everything is less than nine years old (as is the case right now at Four Roses), you’re going to figure out real fast who can assess the winners and who can’t.

I offer as proof of our fine palates this delicious new Four Roses selection that we picked out this past Fall. It’s a hair under nine years old and it’s nothing short of scrumptious. I think just about everyone in the Redwood City store went in for a bottle after tasting it this week. It’s just a charming bottle of booze!

Four Roses 8 Year, 11 Month Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel OESO Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey $64.99 – The first selection from our 2016 trip to Four Roses has arrived and it’s absolutely as charming as we remember it. Aged just a hair short of nine years, this OESO selection has a mash bill of 75% corn, 20% rye, and 5% malted barley and uses the O yeast strain known for imparting a rich, full-bodied, and vanilla-laden character onto the whiskey. Bottled at 53.25% ABV, the Bourbon is full of sweet oak and baking spices galore on the nose. The palate follows suit with vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves balanced by the sweetness from the charred barrel notes. Simply put, it’s the type of whiskey you look forward to coming home to. It’s full of flavor, never overpowering despite the cask strength power, and balanced on all fronts. It’s not difficult to understand, nor is it hiding many deeper secrets. It shows you everything it has right off the bat: creamy vanilla, lots of sweet spice, and a healthy dollop of oak for good measure. Another winner purchased directly from the Four Roses cellar.

MORE COMPASS BOX RARETIES!

After the madness of the holiday rush ended, I went back to some of our favorite suppliers to see if there were any trophies left unclaimed. It turns out that Compass Box had a few gems still available, so I snagged the last few bottles of each. The “Three Year Deluxe” was one of my favorite whiskies of the year, so don’t sleep on these:

Compass Box “Three Year Old Deluxe” Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky $279.99 – Composed of less than 1% three year-old malt whisky produced near the village of Brora, 90% malt whisky of an unstated age from the same distillery and around 9% peaty malt whisky distilled on the Isle of Skye, regulations only permit us only to share details of the age of the youngest component! No matter. For it is this three year-old that is most important to this whisky. Aged from new-make spirit in first-fill American oak casks, the rich vanilla notes, waxy mouthfeel and decadent baked orchard fruit notes from the larger parcel of Highland malt whisky provide a beautiful platform on top of which the brooding qualities of the peaty malt whisky and the clean, bright character of the three year-old parcel are able to shine.

Compass Box “The Circus” Limited Edition Scotch Whisky $249.99 – Limited Edition release of 2,490 bottles worldwide. Bottled March 2016. Producer Taste Notes: A lithe frame and opulent mouthfeel showcasing the supple softness of mature grain and the complexity of aged Blended Scotch Whisky. Brimming with dried fruit character, a luscious maltiness and nuances of almond and hazelnut.

Compass Box “Spice Tree – Extravaganza” Limited Edition Malt Whisky $139.99 – This is a blend of 60% aged malt whisky from the Clynelish distillery, 20% aged malt whisky from the Dailuaine distillers, and 20% aged malt whisky from the Teaninich distillery. This blend is then matured for another four and a half years in 49.8% first filled Sherry butt, 2.6% American oak, 27.7% light/medium toast hybrid cask, 4.3% refill hybrid cask, and 15.6% heavy toast hybrid cask. The hybrid casks are specially created by Compass Box with toasted cask heads that impart more oak flavor to the spirit, resulting a very rich whisky.

Our new container of Old Particular single malt docks in Oakland next week! I’m looking forward to sharing some of those casks with you shortly. Watch the spirits blog as well for news about our new Italian amaro finds, and check out our upcoming Armagnac adventures tomorrow at On the Trail.

Have a great weekend!

David Driscoll Assistant Head Buyer

daviddriscoll@klwines.com

650-556-2736

http://spiritsjournal.klwines.com

CELEBRATE:BURNS NIGHT AT THE SOCIETY

BURNS NIGHT – A GLASS O’ WHISKY PUNCH WI’ HONEST MEN!

Location: The Vaults, Leith

Date: Wednesday 25 January, 6.30-10pm

Macallan Edition No.2

So, Macallan, a distillery that has been celebrated for generations, as well as decades. This new release from them (2016) really does show case why this celebration is warranted. A collaboration of some of the finest palates and noses on the planet have united in order to combine some of the finest selection of sherry casks on the planet. Bob Delgano and the Roca brothers have come together to create and influence a style of Macallan that I have truly missed and am now more than happy to help celebrate this wonderful, heavy oak and dry style of classic Macallan. Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/jaE6R9RDR5g

KERB and Monkey Shoulder present

BURNS HOOTENANNY!

(There’s nae tastier night in toon)

Street food specialists, KERB, are joining forces with whisky mavericks, Monkey Shoulder, to bring Londoners a next level Burns Night that makes January 2017 something to get excited about 

For two magical nights, KERB and Monkey Shoulder will be transforming The Biscuit Factory into a humdinger of a Clubhoos to celebrate the great Rabbie Burns. 

WHAT: One-off Scottish street food creations from 5 star KERBanists, huge live electric Ceilidh, whisky den + cocktails galore, the addressing of the haggis, highland themed games and a poetry slam corner, all set in a secret Bermondsey warehouse. 

WHEN: 27 and 28 January, 6.00pm-12pm 

WHERE: The Biscuit Factory, 100 Clements Road, London, SE16 4DG (nearest tube: Bermondsey) 

FOOD: One-off Scottish street food creations from five star KERB traders.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS  (other and vegetarian options available):

• The Wild Game Co – Haggis Scotch eggs; Haggis Mac n Cheese
• Deeney’s – Slow cooked venison tacos (with spicy salsa and whisky crème fraiche); the famed Macbeth Toastie (Haggis, cheddar, caramelised onion, rocket & mustard)

• Ghetto Grillz – Chicken schnitzel stuffed with haggis served on celeriac & candied beets slaw

• Oyster Boy – Fresh Cumbrae Rock and Loch ryan native oysters with Tabasco or whisky dressing

• Nonna’s Gelato –  ‘Build your own’ whisky sundae:

• Raspberry sorbet
• Honey cream gelato
• Fior di latte gelato
• Pear and whisky caramel

Topped with whisky Oatmeal crumble/shortbread wafer/whisky sauce

DRINKS: Ticket holders can taste Old Fashioneds from Monkey Shoulder, the 100% malt whisky made for mixing, plus four Scottish KERB cocktail creations, great wine + local craft beers.

LIVE MUSIC: “Monster Ceilidh” (Teesside fiddler and accordion maestro meet dub-heavy electric bass) as well as live DJs before and after.

HIGHLAND THEMED GAMES: ft. Corn-hole,  “sheep shearing” and Donald Trump’s crazy golf course.

TICKETS:

• TIER 1 – £20 + booking fee (Includes entry, a complimentary Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned cocktail and entry)
• TIER 2 – £42 + booking fee (Includes entry, a dish from every trader, a Monkey Shoulder Lazy Old Fashioned)

Tickets available from www.kerbfood.com/kerbdoesburns

LOOSEN YER KILT BUCKLE AND GET DOON TO THE HOOS!

DETAILS IN BRIEF:

WHAT: two nights of Scottish themed KERBanist creations, music + drinks

WHEN: 27 and 28 January

WHERE: The Biscuit Factory, 100 Clements Road, London, SE16 4DG (nearest tube: Bermondsey)

WHO: KERB and Monkey Shoulder

TIMES: 6.00pm-12pm 

NOTES

KERB and Monkey Shoulder present Burns Hootenanny

The Biscuit Factory, 100 Clements Road, London, SE16 4DG (nearest tube: Bermondsey) 

SOCIAL:

Website: www.kerbfood.com

Twitter: @KERB / @MnkyShldrUK

Instagram: kerbfood / monkeyshoulderuk

#KERBdoesburns #monkeyshoulder 

ABOUT KERB

Since launch in 2012, KERB has firmly established themselves as the trailblazers of London’s vibrant street food scene. With five successful street food markets at Kings Cross, West India Quay, The Gherkin, Paddington and most recently KERB Camden Market; an incredible milestone, partnering with Camden Market for their biggest ever market, opening 364 days a year and with 35 of the capitals most innovative and best loved traders involved. KERB is passionate about supporting new and up and coming traders bringing spirited food and conversation to London’s most loved squares, markets and foodie destinations. 

ABOUT MONKEY SHOULDER

Monkey Shoulder is the world’s first 100% malt whisky made for mixing.

Using batches from just 27 casks, Monkey Shoulder is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Known for breaking conventional whisky rules and traditions, Monkey Shoulder puts the fun back into whisky drinking. Famed for its versatility, the smooth and rich taste has hints of mellow vanilla – a flavour which works well with mixers and when included in cocktails.

The term ‘monkey shoulder’ harks back to whisky making heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand. It had a tendency to cause their arm to hang down a bit like a monkey’s, hence the nickname ‘Monkey Shoulder’. Thankfully practices have changed and the condition no longer exists!

Monkey Shoulder retails for an RRP of £28 per 70cl bottle with 40% ABV. For further information visit: www.monkeyshoulder.com/

On Wednesday 25th January 2017 Scots will celebrate their national poet, Robbie Burns with a wee dram of fine scotch whisky. Please see below some information on two of the best places to celebrate the bard this January: 

London’s oldest whisky shop Milroy’s will play host to a lively Burns Night shindig on Wednesday 25th January with haggis cocktails and free whisky drams. Burns Night may be all about tradition but Milroy’s expert bartenders have created a special cocktail for the night using a relative newcomer on the whisky block, R&B Distillers’ Raasay While We Wait. The cocktail will be a peppery play on the classic ‘Bobby Burns’ and has been inspired by the spicing used in haggis. For the inquisitive reveller, there will also be a chance to preview a free sample of the second batch of this lightly peaty single malt to toast to the haggis!  

Meanwhile, in West Hampstead, The Gallery present’s Whisky 101: Siren of the Glen on Tuesday 24th January for an early Burns Night celebration. The Gallery have invited the seductively dangerous, Siren Carft Beer Co., and The Glenlivet, an iconic distillery from the Scottish Highlands, for a night of beer and whisky exploration. This ‘Whisky 101’ event will feature a menu showcasing the effect of barrel aging has on beer and whisky.

Tickets are £20 and include four flights of whisky, four samples of beer and four food pairing canapes curated by The Gallery Head Chef. The Gallery has also devised a selection of cocktails especially for the night based on the whiskies highlighted. 

Ticket link: https://billetto.co.uk/en/events/whisky-101-siren-of-the-glen

Burns Suppers can range from an informal gathering to a huge formal event, but no matter the size, a few basic tenets are observed: the Selkirk Grace, a traditional Scottish meal, recitation of some of Burns’ works, and a good dram of whisky. Whether you have haggis, neeps and tatties or steak pie, you’ll find a great dram to go with your supper in our list of Burns Night whiskies to toast the Bard in style!

Next day UK delivery available Free delivery on UK orders over £100

GLENKEIR TREASURES SECRECT ISLAY

This mysterious single malt is a limited release that is exclusively available at The Whisky Shop. Part of the Glenkeir Treasures range, every whisky that bears the label is unique, different and special. We guarantee its quality and we confidently expect that it will bring great pleasure to all who enjoy it.

Aromas of smoke from a beach bonfire and a refreshing fruitiness. The peat smoke characteristics continue on the palate where they are joined by a slight saltiness and fresh citrus notes. The finish is complex with a combination of warming spices and green fruits.

£55 Buy Now