Archive for August, 2018

Sullivans Cove Double Cask DC098 – Tasmainian Whisky News

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Double Cask DC098

Our new Double Cask release is comprised of American and French oak casks, six in total, that range from 10 to 17 years old.

The rich fruit and tannin of the French oak really punch through on the nose with this release, sitting on a bed of beautiful American oak honey, vanilla and shortbread.

“This whisky has incredible length, balanced tannin, a very creamy mouthfeel, and an underlying nutty-autumn-vineyard character that make it perfect for the cool weather we’re having in Australia right now.”

Heather Tillott, Production Manager.

PURCHASE NOW

We now ship to Hong Kong, France, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK through our online store.

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K&L California “A Luxurious Sherried Whisky That Will Make You Swoon” – Taiwanese Whisky News

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A Luxurious Sherried Whisky That Will Make You Swoon
Kavalan Solist “Sherry Cask – Artisanal Group Exclusive” Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($209.99)
“Little in the world compares to this” – David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer

Back in November we received an exclusive Sherry Cask from the Taiwanese distillery Kavalan. As was expected, this rare “Solist” bottling sold out in a flash with requests for more still pouring in nine months later. As luck would have it, a second sister cask was produced and we were able to get our hands on a small parcel. While its profile is more traditionally Kavalan-esque than our exclusive cask, it is guaranteed to delight collectors of this coveted brand. Complex, highly evolved, and with the tropical notes that are a hallmark of Kavalan, it is a deep and powerful whisky that is well worth every penny. Kavalan became the next great thing for those in-the-know whisky fans when they notched the titles of World Whisky of the Year and World’s Best Single Malt Whisky. Of their many offerings, the most special are their single-barrel cask strength offerings (known in the rest of the world as Solist Casks). There are precious few bottles available, so this second offering is destined to sell out even more quickly than the first. This is a truly unique opportunity you don’t want to miss.

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Kavalan Solist “Sherry Cask – Artisanal Group Exclusive” Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($209.99)

California was allocated two casks of Kavalan Sherry in 2017. One was purchased by K&L Wine Merchants and sold out at record speed. The other was purchased and bottled exclusively for Kavalan’s distributor The Artisanal Group of Southern California, a division of Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits. They covet this special rare cask and only offer it in allocated quantities to their very best accounts, parceling the cask out bottle by bottle when a deserving recipient emerges. It’s extreme rarity and scarcity that give this product some real cache, but, in the end, they eventually need to sell what they’ve got. That’s where we come in. No one in California has sold more Kavalan than K&L, so when we asked the distributor what they planned to do with the rest of this cask, they didn’t hesitate to offer the rest to us. There’s absolutely no reason this should still be available. It arrived in CA last November, the sister cask to our exceptional offering. It was not easy choosing between the two and, in fact, this particular cask is slightly more in line with the more classic Kavalan Solist Sherry than the ultra-supple barrel we bought. That means you’re going to get all the same intensity and power as the cask we sold last November, but with more structure and complexity. It should be banned at blind tastings, as it’s a ringer every time. There’s no question that those who can afford it should be stocking up on this for the future.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 25, 2018

This is the sister cask to our wildly popular single-cask selection from last November. It wasn’t easy choosing between the two and ultimately I’m still not sure which cask is better. The one we got had a certain suppleness that is not typical with these powerful Kavalan, so while it was very intense it lacked some of the punch of this special cask. Here we’re right in line with the most classic Kavalans — namely an inky, dense core of wild sherry aromatics. Immediately showing bold cocoa, dense coffee, dried damson plum, black fruit syrup, and fresh-cut hardwood. Powerful jammy entry pointed by exotic spice, pepper, dark chocolate, overripe fruit, and cigar box. Deep and penetrating on the palate with a feeling of complexity that gets you worried that it might never let you go. This stunning interplay between savory and sweet flavors is the true calling card of the wonderful Kavalan Solist Sherry Cask. Another stupendous offering from that special distillery in Taiwan. Not totally clear how they do what they do, but very little in the world compares to this.

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Bruichladdich Black Art 6 at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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Bruichladdich Black Art 6

This 6th edition in the Black Art series is a marriage of casks distilled in 1990 and matured for at least 26 years. Only 18,000 individually numbered bottles have been produced at a cask strength of 46.9% abv.

This release is the second edition in the series to be created by Head Distiller Adam Hannett, who succeeded former Master Distiller Jim McEwan.

£280 Buy Now

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Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon Releases Newest Limited-Edition Expression, Basil Hayden’s® Two by Two Rye – American Whiskey News

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Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon Releases Newest Limited-Edition Expression, Basil Hayden’s® Two by Two Rye

Clermont, KY (July 12, 2018) – Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, one of the fastest growing super-premium bourbons on the market, proudly announces the limited time release of Basil Hayden’s® Two by Two Rye. An unprecedented blend of two Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskies and two Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskies, Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye breaks category norms to offer whiskey fans the best of both worlds: the full spiciness of rye, complemented by the sweet characteristics and finish of bourbon.

Two by Two Rye offers a premium blend of two ryes and two bourbons, which have been artfully combined to find the perfect complement in one another. With a balance of 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye, a 7-year-old “high-rye” Kentucky Straight Rye, a 13-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and a 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the result is a wholly unique whiskey that makes a name for itself in the category and remains approachable to discover at 80 proof.

“Basil Hayden’s has always been known for its distinctive spicy finish, so innovating in the rye category continues to be an exciting venture for the brand, especially as interest in the category grows exponentially,” said Rob Mason, Vice President Marketing, Whiskey at Beam Suntory. “While Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye upholds our trademark spice and approachability, this blend also challenges the status quo and encourages fans to discover the versatility of rye.”

Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye continues the brand’s pursuit of innovating within the rye whiskey category and launching unique liquids in the market. The launch of Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye builds on momentum set by two recent launches, including Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey and Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye. Both were met with impressive reception and acclaim, with Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey being awarded “Rye Whiskey of The Year” at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition.

Best enjoyed sipped neat or on the rocks, Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye features the following characteristics:

• Proof: 80
• Color: Golden Honey
• Aroma: Rich caramel and brown sugar with a sumptuous, woody rye flavor profile
• Body: Smooth, medium-bodied
• Taste: A balanced blend of sumptuous rye and brown sweets with an ample woody accent
• Finish: A pleasant, long lingering warmth
• Blend Overview: An intriguing blend of 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye, 7-year-old “high-rye” Kentucky Straight Rye, 13-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, 6-year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye is now available nationwide for a limited time with a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750mL bottle. Look for it packaged in a light tan and deep green, hand-applied parchment bib and wrapped with the copper belt iconic to Basil Hayden’s.

About Basil Hayden’s®
Basil Hayden’s is known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon was originally inspired by the legend of a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke ‘the rules’ by mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon. Today, Basil Hayden’s is crafting its own story by providing a welcoming, yet versatile sipping experience for whiskey drinkers of all taste levels to share with friends and family. Beyond its flagship Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, the brand has pushed the boundaries of innovation in recent years, specifically exploring the unique taste profile of rye. These intriguing offerings have included the 2017 limited-edition release of Basil Hayden’s® Rye Whiskey and the permanent addition of Basil Hayden’s® Dark Rye.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Mackmyra at The Whisky Lounge! – Whisky News

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Mackmyra have been exhibiting at our festivals very successfully over the last couple of years. In fact they have been quite dominant when it comes to positive feedback from you, our loyal customers!

We therefore thought it was high time that we had them come and do a guest turn at our lovely small-scale tastings.

For one evening only, you will sit down to try some amazing whiskies from Mackmyra’s small and single casks. This is not a tasting of their ‘core’ range (as good as it is), so expect to enjoy whiskies you have never tasted – and may never taste again. There will also be opportunities to buy bottles and even…casks!

You will be joined by like-minded folk who also enjoy their whisky in what will be an informal but very tasty and informative tasting…”

September 13

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mackmyra Single Casks – London

£20pp

Marlborough Arms

36 Torrington Pl, Bloomsbury

London, WC1E7LY

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/mackmyra-single-casks-london-2018/

 

September 14

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mackmyra Single Casks – Newcastle

£20pp

Blackfriars

Friar St

Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4XN

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/mackmyra-single-casks-newcastle-2018/

 

September 14

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mackmyra Single Casks – York

£20pp

Brigantes

114 Micklegate

York, YO1 6JX

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/mackmyra-single-casks-york-2018/

 

September 14

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mackmyra Single Casks – Manchester

£20pp

The Britons Protection

50 Great Bridgewater St.

Manchester, M1 5LE

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/mackmyra-single-casks-manchester-2018/

 

September 25

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mackmyra Single Casks – Leeds

£20pp

Northern Monk Brew Co

Marshall St, Saw Mill St

Leeds, LS11 9YJ

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/mackmyra-single-casks-leeds-2018/

 

September 25

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mackmyra Single Casks – Sheffield

£20pp

The Sheffield Tap

Platform 1B, Sheffield Station

Sheffield, S1 2BP

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/mackmyra-single-casks-sheffield-2018/

 

September 26

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Mackmyra Single Casks – Liverpool

£20pp

Fly in The Loaf

13 Hardman Street

Liverpool, L19AS

https://thewhiskylounge.com/event/mackmyra-single-casks-liverpool-2018-2/

Whisky Lounge II

 

The W Club Membership – Whisky News

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The W Club Membership

Love whisky? Join the club! Whether you’re a novice or knowledgeable about our favourite tipple, we’ve created a whisky club to help you continue unlocking the mystery of whisky…

For just £20 per year you’ll receive quarterly issues of Whiskeria magazine, free members-only tastings at your local branch of The Whisky Shop, huge savings in Whisky Wednesday flash sales, exclusive whisky auctions, in-store and online discounts all month long and priority notice on rare and limited releases.

Choose the Luxury Gift Box to receive all the benefits of membership plus the latest copy of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, the famous Glencairn whisky glass and a tasty whisky miniature to get you started!

Luxury Gift Box – £39.99
Membership Only – £20

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WhiskyFest SF and NY: Early Bird Prices Available! – Whisky News

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Ralfy Publishes Ralfy Review #737 – Scotch Whisky News

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ralfy.com tackles a challenging malt with  ralfy review 737 – Balblair 2005 Vintage 11yo @ 46%vol

https://youtu.be/x6XWADpxKY8

OLD PULTENEY TO SET SAIL WITH NEW FLEET OF INSPIRED WHISKIES – Scotch Whisky News

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OLD PULTENEY TO SET SAIL WITH NEW FLEET OF INSPIRED WHISKIES

On the north east shores of Scotland, where the invigorating North Sea winds meet the stunning Caithness coast, there is a town; home to a vibrant single malt whisky which captures the very essence of its location. This is Wick and we are Old Pulteney.

Never one to rest on our laurels; we are always evolving. Inspired by the spirit of our forefathers, and in celebration of our home town and its lively maritime history; we have crafted a brand new fleet. A collection of whiskies grounded in the passion and vigour shown by those who have truly shaped our spirit.

Our new collection of single malt Scotch whiskies remains true to the renowned, classic style of Old Pulteney celebrating our lively history, yet bringing some different flavours to the fore. Created from the unique combination of brisk salty sea air and meticulous cask selection, we continue to truly be the maritime malt.

Distilled and matured by the sea, this new fleet will take you on a journey of flavour, combining a consistent reminder of our coastal home with the influence of oak casks, from which our spirit is nurtured and shaped. Ahead of the official unveiling of the new collection of whiskies, we are giving  our fans the chance to be one of the first to hold one of our new fleet in their hands. We are giving away only 100 bottles to 100 lucky fans.

For your chance to be one of the first to own a bottle from our new collection, simply visit www.old-pulteney.com/competition*

#MARITIME MALT

MAKER’S MARK ANNOUNCES CRAFT-INSPIRED BARTENDER WORKSHOPS – American Whiskey News

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MAKER’S MARK ANNOUNCES CRAFT-INSPIRED BARTENDER WORKSHOPS

‘The Makers’ 2018 will educate bartenders on the handcrafted credentials of Maker’s Mark

The series of intimate, hands-on workshops are set to launch in the UK this August

LONDON – 26th JULY, 2018 – Maker’s Mark, the premium handcrafted American whisky, has announced its UK bartender engagement programme for 2018, The Makers – launching nationwide this August.

Kicking off on the 6th of August in London, The Makers 2018 will roll out across London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol.

Following the success of last year’s workshops, The Makers will once again offer UK bartenders an immersive and educational experience into the world of premium bourbon through a series of intimate, hands-on workshops aimed at providing practical crafts and skills which they can take back to use in their bars. This comes in light of an exponential boom in popularity of American whisky among UK drinkers as the Premium American whiskey category continues to grow in both volume +30% and value +22% respectively [1] – the second fastest growing spirits category behind gin.

Each uniquely designed to showcase the handcrafted credentials of Maker’s Mark, the experience will explore the fundamental elements that go into the creation of the liquid by delving into experiences based around wheat, wax, paper and wood. Bartenders interested in building on their knowledge of the bourbon category can sign up, here: www.jointhemakers.com

Starting in London, The Makers wheat workshop features artisan doughnut making at Bread Ahead lead by renowned baker, Manuel Monade, using the same Red Winter Wheat that gives Maker’s Mark its smooth characteristics and sweet flavour.

The wax workshops will encourage bartenders to personalise wax candles, representing how every single bottle of Maker’s Mark is still hand-dipped in Maker’s signature red wax – an iconic design feature in which every drip is distinctively different.

Partnering with London Print Club, bartenders will create bespoke cocktail mats as part of the paper session, signifying how every Maker’s Mark label continues to be printed and hand-pressed at the distillery.

And finally, each bartender will be given training in how to expertly engrave bar tools as part of the wood workshop. Carving inspired by Maker’s Mark innovative wood stave finishing process to achieve premium taste and consistency.

Amanda Humphrey, Maker’s Mark Brand Diplomat said: “We have a rich history and heritage of doing things differently, so we wanted to move away from traditional bartender training and offer immersive hands on opportunities to understand and experience craftsmanship. These bespoke experiences aim to offer bartenders an insight into the unique process that goes into making each and every bottle of Maker’s Mark.”

Inspired by the distilling process Maker’s Mark has used since its first bottling in 1958, the series of workshops will explore the fundamentals of American whiskey and the four elements that make Maker’s Mark the leading bourbon in its category, welcoming bartenders to #jointhemakers and live by the ‘heart-made, head-made, hand-made’ mantra.

The Maker’s Workshops are running from 6th August in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Bristol.

For more information on dates for the workshops and how to sign up please visit: www.jointhemakers.com

  • August – London – Wheat
  • August – Manchester – Wax
  • September – Manchester – Wheat
  • September – Edinburgh – Wax
  • September – London – Paper
  • October – London – Wax 

Notes:

[1] Source: Off Trade – Nielsen 19.05.18, On Trade – CGA 21.04.18

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon:

In 1954, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream of creating a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches, using soft red winter wheat, with a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon exactly the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s 46®.

In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

 About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK:

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest spirits sales, marketing and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading whiskies brands in categories including:

  • Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)
  • Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Ardmore)
  • Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu)
  • Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek)
  • Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Snow Leopard vodka, Roku gin, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).


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