Saturday, February 17th, 2:30-5:30PM

Scotch Tasting: Highland Park 

Highland Park whisky is made with pride, integrity and fierce independence, passed down from the distillery’s Viking ancestors to today. The Orkney distillery is known for striking bottlings and hard-to-find releases and has received high honors at the World Whiskies Awards, Scotch Whisky Master Awards, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition among many others.

We’ll be pouring a variety of new releases and highly-rated favorites, with distillery representatives and our own in-store whisky experts present throughout.

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A Perfectly Balanced (Yet Potent) Exclusive Dickel Single Barrel

The Tennessee whiskies of George Dickel have developed a significant following of late, so we’ve lined up several single cask expressions to meet the demand. This most recent arrival is tailor made to charm bourbon drinkers, as it is loaded with toasty grain notes, baking spices, and a healthy dose of sweetness (but not too much!). At under $45, there’s significant value going on here.

George Dickel “K&L Exclusive” 9 Year Old Single Barrel #L7233K1007 Tennessee Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99) – When you talk to passionate bourbon drinkers today, most of them are looking for the rich, sweet, boldly flavored, high-proof editions that seem to have completely evaporated from today’s market. Part of the reason the Van Winkle expressions (and the Weller bourbons by default) became so beloved, besides the pull of pop culture, has to do with their sweeter profile due to the lack of rye grain in the mash bill as a balance. While not technically categorized as bourbon (Dickel goes by Tennessee whiskey even though it qualifies as such), the distillery’s high corn, low rye mash of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley results in a whiskey brimming with sweetness, with less of the peppery and herbaceous elements. The only thing that’s ever kept Dickel from becoming the next big thing in the American whiskey scene is the low proof, but that’s where the company’s single barrel program comes in: each K&L selected single cask of Dickel comes with a 9 year age statement and 51.5% ABV, dialing up the sweetness and sending serious bourbon fans into a frenzy. Barrel #1007 is the corniest of the bunch (in a good way) with lots of sweet grainy aromas and notes of buttered popcorn with baking spices on the palate. It’s never sweet or overtly rich, however, in spite of those characteristics. The finish is spicy and lively with hints of barrel char and rich oak that linger for minutes. It’s a whiskey for those looking for bourbon-like alternatives that still retain their favorite flavors.

FORTY CREEK TURNS TO FANS TO CHOOSE 2018 LIMITED EDITION BLEND IN FIRST-EVER SOCIAL RELEASE

CANADIAN WHISKY BRAND USES SOCIAL INTIATIVE TO SEARCH COAST-TO-COAST FOR FOUR CANADIANS TO CAST THEIR VOTE

TORONTO, ON – Award-winning whisky brand, Forty Creek, is once again putting flavour first as it seeks input from Canadian taste buds across the country to determine their next limited edition release. In a contest like no other, fans will have the chance to win an exclusive VIP tasting at Forty Creek’s distillery in Grimsby, Ontario where they’ll cast their vote for the first-ever limited edition social release.

Forty Creek is known for coming “from a good place”; a concept that was introduced last year through the brand’s foray into television advertising. While the TV spots shone a spotlight on Grimsby and the individuals who have been essential in making Forty Creek the success it is today, this new social media initiative aims to take that concept one step further by inviting fans to represent their good place and choose a whisky that is for all Canadians.

Starting February 9, 2018 Canadian whisky fans are encouraged to visit Forty Creek’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FortyCreekWhisky) and comment on why Forty Creek is their whisky of choice for the chance to make Forty Creek history. Four fans from across Canada (excluding Quebec) will be chosen at random and invited to the Forty Creek distillery to sample and vote on a selection of blends that have the potential to be the 2018 Limited Edition. The choice will be in their hands as the blend with the most votes will be crowned the winner. Contest closes March 4, 2018.

“From the very beginning Forty Creek has been a whisky that puts its customers first,” says John Andersen, Senior Brand Manager, North American Whiskies. “While Forty Creek is incredibly proud of our Grimsby roots, we know that there are many other places in Canada worthy of celebration. Knowing that, we wanted to give Canadians from coast-to-coast a chance to represent the tastes of their respective regions and choose, what will ultimately be, a great whisky for Canadians, chosen by Canadians.”

The winning blend will be announced and available for reservation prior to Forty Creek’s annual Whisky Weekend in September.  Whisky Weekend is Forty Creek’s annual celebration all things Canadian and Forty Creek, with tours, tastings, seminars, and the official launch of the annual limited edition release.

About Campari Group:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Campari Group’), 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’s portfolio includes over 50 premium and super premium brands. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, Grand Marnier, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. In 2014, The Group acquired Forty Creek Distillery Ltd., a Canadian spirits company with a portfolio of brands including whisky, vodka, brandy, rum and liqueurs. Internationally-recognized for its superior taste and quality, the multi-award winning Forty Creek Whisky serves as both the fastest growing brand in its category across North America and Canada’s first successfully launched whisky brand in over 70 years. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 18 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 20 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: http://www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

TRIO OF DESIGNERS BRING SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION

TO JAMESON’S ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY BOTTLE 

Jameson Irish whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has kicked off St. Patrick’s Day 2018 with its seventh annual limited-edition bottle design. For the first time in its history, Jameson has collaborated with a group of artists, representing the bravery, unity and opportunities that are possible when friends come together.

Irish illustrator Claudine O’Sullivan led the design process, recruiting two close friends from different creative fields to form a collective to curate the label. British designer, Alex Mellon, and Irish photographer Leonn Ward joined O’Sullivan, with the result being a design that celebrates the openness and spirit of friendship that Ireland is renowned for.

The 2018 collectable bottle is inspired by the Fianna; Irish mythological warriors known for valuing loyalty and bravery – the foundation of every strong friendship. Claudine’s soaring eagle, drawn by hand, represents the unity felt by the silhouette of three friends on a night out – shot against Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge by Leonn. The three friends on the label are depicted rallying around banners and symbols representing Irish tribes of past and present, drawn by Alex, and are set to inspire whiskey drinkers around the world to come together and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Jameson.

A limited edition for March 2018, each bottle is equipped with a near field communication (NFC) chip which allows consumers to access content on www.jamesonwhiskey.com

where they can find out more about the artists and the story behind their design. The limited edition bottle will be available in 35 countries, including Ireland, Japan and Australia, from February 2018.

Lead designer in the project, Claudine O’Sullivan, commented: “Over the past 18 months, Leonn, Alex and I have come together from our different disciplines with the same vision – to create a clean, fresh and impactful design that brings the spirit of the Fianna and Ireland’s history of embellishment in storytelling to life. On a personal note, it has been a dream come true to work with Jameson.  My family lives on historic Jameson land both in Dublin and in Cork, so the whiskey has been in my life since before I can remember. Sláinte!”

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, added: “Dublin has long been a city of artists, adventurers and friends, so for Jameson’s 2018 limited edition bottle we collaborated with three artists with different creative backgrounds to celebrate true friendship. St. Patrick’s Day is Jameson’s second Christmas and is synonymous with great friends getting together, so we are confident that our new seasonal release will encourage modern day adventurers to enjoy Jameson together during their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.”

Notes 

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. www.pernod-ricard.com

Cupid draw back your bow, and let your arrow flow… February Outturn brings 7 rare and romantic drams that are sure to go straight to your heart.

CASK NO. 41.95  JOUSTING WITH FLOWERS

11 years old; refill barrel; 56.2%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

An epic battle with bouquets of flowers among conifer and eucalyptus trees with a sweet ending of vanilla ice cream and caramel wafers.

CASK NO. 70.20  SPICED SAINT-TROPEZ TART

10 years old; refill barrel; 57.6%; Spicy & sweet

Strawberry lemonade and vanilla cream-filled brioche followed by the sweet, tangy spiciness of tamarind date chutney – unusual but it worked!

CASK NO. 7.176  SILKY SMOOTH SENSATION

23 years old; refill hogshead; 51.6%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

Eating ginger banana cake whilst watching cricket in the Caribbean. Diluted; gentle cooling trade winds with coconut macarons at sunset.

CASK NO. 9.119  TASTY AND REWARDING

24 years old; 1st fill charred ex-red wine hogshead; 48.9%; Light & delicate

The nose has toffee and brown sugar, cinnamon swirls, glazed apple cake and prawn cocktail crisps. The tasty, rewarding palate gives chocolate fudge, plum jam,vanilla and honeycomb, with understated spice to finish. This previously inhabited an ex-bourbon hogshead.

CASK NO. 55.46  COMPLEX LAYERS OF FRUIT AND WOOD

16 years old; 1st fill barrique; 58.1%; Deep, rich & dried fruits

A wood-print of oak, tree bark and woody spice has been pressed on a spirit character of perfumed fruits. This was previously in a bourbon cask.

CASK NO. 4.229  VOLCANIC JAM

15 years old; refill butt; 60.3%; Lightly peated

A volcanic eruption of sweet heat like raspberry jam bubbling on the stove and roasted pork with herb and honey-coated vegetables.

CASK NO. 42.30  CHIMNEY SWEEP’S ROMANTIC BBQ

9 years old; refill hogshead; 60.6%; Peated

A powerful nose; musket-fire up a chimney and shellfish barbecues. An intense palate has peat smoke, toffee apples, bacon with wasabi and pickled ginger.

SMWS Canada

Saturday, February 24th 2:30-5:30 PM:

Bourbon Tasting: Balcones

From humble beginnings an old welding shop under a bridge in Waco, Texas, Balcones distillery is now recognized worldwide for their bold and intense flavors. From blue corn grown in New Mexico to the first Texas-grown malted barley, they’ve taken pains to create a truly Texas spirit – which is then distilled in magnificent copper pot whisky stills designed by Forsyths of Scotland. The result is a decadent and densely flavorful whiskey.

Their Texas Single Malt was crowned “Best American Single Malt” at the 2016 whisky awards, plus numerous gold medals from Whiskies of the World and The San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

 Click Here to RSVP

Celebrating the passion, people & process behind world-class single malts

May 3rd 2018 marks the start of the 19th annual Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and The Macallan is pleased to be a part of it, welcoming guests from around the world to experience our story.

If you are planning a trip to Scotland or Speyside between 3rd and 7th May 2018, you can view the full list of festival events here. Tickets for all events go on sale at 12:00 UK time today.

The Macallan will be offering exclusive talks, masterclasses, tastings and tours – with a chance to meet some of the makers of The Macallan.

As we prepare for the opening of our new distillery and visitor experience this summer, we are offering visitors the opportunity to be one of the last to tour the existing distillery*.

VIEW THE SCHEDULE  ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

*Please note there will be no access to the new distillery and visitor centre experience during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Every now and again the whisky gods smile upon us here at K&L and allow us to help more than just a handful of our passionate spirits customers attain a rare bottle of something truly spectacular. They open up the heavens and turn what was once just a tiny parcel of bottles into a volume that allows us to satiate a much greater demand, enough loaves and fishes to feed a much larger populace than originally anticipated.

This is one of those moments.

This past fall we received a tiny allocation of one of 2017’s hottest Scotch whiskies: the Compass Box Limited Edition “No Name,” a not-so-secret blended expression of Ardbeg married with a bit of Caol Ila and Clynelish to round out the edges. Those bottles vanished in the blink of an eye, gobbled up by our ever-vigilant whisky customers who maintain a constant watch over our new product feed. We thought that was the end, but when the holiday dust settled and our buyers went back out on the hunt, they managed to lock down a hidden treasure trove of unused allocations, foraged from all over the country. Those bottles have arrived at K&L, and they’re now available without bottle limits while supplies last.

The “No Name” project came to be when Compass Box blender John Glaser came upon similar good fortune, acquiring a parcel of bourbon-aged whisky from Pier Road, Islay (aka Ardbeg), unexpectedly. Those barrels turned into a highly acclaimed and limited 15,000-bottle release, a number of which have now made their way into our warehouse. If you’re a fan of peated Islay whisky, this is a bottle you won’t want to miss.

Compass Box “No Name” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $170) ($139.99)

In late 2017, Compass Box released this outstanding limited-edition whisky called “No Name,” a blend of 75.5% Ardbeg, 10.6% Caol Ila, and 13.4% Clynelish with an additional 0.5% French oak-aged Highland malt for extra flavor. We sold through our allocation in a flash, even with the “one bottle limit per customer” dictate slowing things down in the sales queue. Now that the fervor of the Christmas shopping season is over, we managed to consolidate a large chunk of what was left in the States and get it all delivered to K&L. That means no bottle limits, no restrictions, and no risk of running out anytime soon. If you were a fan of the “Flaming Heart” or the “Peat Monster,” this is sort of like a combination of the two. You get the clean, focused, highly peated intensity of Ardbeg, tempered ever so slightly by the roundness of Caol Ila and the oiliness of Clynelish.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 31, 2018

If you’re an Ardbeg fan, you’re going to want a bottle of this. Same goes for any fan of John Glaser’s outstanding Compass Box expressions. However, if, like me, you’re a super fan of both Ardbeg and Compass Box, then this is the type of whisky you go ga-ga for. In essence, it’s a malt that exudes the bold, peated character of Islay’s most famous whisky distillery, tempered by the finesse and the keen palate of Mr. Glaser. You get loads of smoke, brine, salt, and sweet barley flavors right off the bat, but the finish rounds out with more oak and weight than you usually find in any of the official Ardbeg editions. In short, the “No Name” is a perfect example of how an already fantastic single malt like Ardbeg can be heightened and improved with the addition of other whiskies, a feat unachievable in an official brand capacity. It’s a beautiful expression of Islay, presented in an entirely different way than we’re used to. It’s the definitely the iron fist in a velvet glove. You’re gonna want one..

Jeff Garneau | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 31, 2018

Subtly smoky on the nose with hints of iodine and earth. There’s a slightly honeyed top note that is quite intriguing. Sweet and fruity with notes of honey and stone fruits. A mélange of gingerbread spice. There’s a rush of smoke on the finish that builds and builds. Damn fine Islay whiskey, and a pretty good argument for blended Scotch… so long as someone as talented as John Glaser is behind the mix.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 31, 2018

John Glaser, the Alchemist, has done it again. He takes one thing, adds a little of this and a little of that, and he makes that one thing better and more valuable than anyone thought possible. Ardbeg and Port Askaig come together in the perfect marriage with a drop or two of Highland goodness to make one seriously peaty, but eminently drinkable Scotch. Campfire, both fresh-cut and smoldering dry peat are all bound together by maritime air and the magic that is Islay. There is a medicinal quality that will make you contract a serious case of Munchausen Syndrome. For a limited bottling we’ve managed to lock down a pretty serious allocation (thank you, David!) but it will be gone before you know it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZDJHvaYMjE

The mighty Isle of Skye, a formidable place that is aged and structured by the brutal nature of the North Atlantic. However, hidden within the midst of the gusts and sea breeze lies a distillery, Talisker. Now, normally, Talisker is a salty, slightly peated whisky with robust elements of iodine and sea spray. But, once it starts to gather its age a little bit, it gets mellow. Really mellow! This whisky has DNA of classic Talisker’s, like the 10YO – but in it’s own perfect way, it sets itself apart. Chocolate, orange, maple syrup – a whisky that you wouldn’t expect to have such soft and sweet character but nonetheless, its a little beauty that’s been carved by the ocean. Cheers