Give your true love a gift that’ll see them through to January 5th with this fantastic luxury whisky box set! Fresh from the elves’ workshop at the North Pole, this wonderful gift contains twelve 3cl bottles of some fantastic whiskies, one for each day of the festive season.
KILBEGGAN DISTILLING COMPANY INTRODUCES A NEW STYLE OF IRISH WHISKEY DATING NEARLY 100 YEARS IN KILBEGGAN® SMALL BATCH RYE
Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is an innovation that pays tribute to the golden age of Irish whiskey
Chicago, IL (October 18, 2018) – Today, the Kilbeggan Distilling Company celebrates the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye, the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash. It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010. Each bottle is a testament to the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, whose unwavering dedication and perseverance have kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.
“Following the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, our team was inspired to create this remarkable whiskey rooted in Irish distilling heritage,” says John Cashman, Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador, Irish Whiskey. “It is a truly unique spirit, featuring a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”
Featuring a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye, this whiskey hearkens back to the late-1800s, when many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence.
Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills – one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today – Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market. Due to the nature of its mash, the flavor profile of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is notably softer than familiar American rye whiskies. The combination of rye, malt and barley produces an oily, viscous, creamy whiskey, bristling with rye and barley spice. As both Irish whiskey and rye whiskey enjoy a resurgence, Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is a true innovation within both categories, with a smooth, spicy flavor profile sure to excite whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Due to its mellow and spicy character, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is best enjoyed neat. If using this whiskey in a cocktail, we recommend an Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
This limited-edition Irish whiskey will be available in the United States in mid-November 2018 with a suggested retail price of $34.99 (750ml). It joins the U.S. portfolio alongside permanent expressions Kilbeggan® Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV) and Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% ABV).
KILBEGGAN® SMALL BATCH RYE | 43% ABV
AROMA Soft green fruits combine with a rich creamy aroma and give way to white pepper, citrus, and soft ginger spices
TASTE Beautiful warming mouthfeel of textured vanilla cream, floral spice, clove, and forest sorrel, building to a crescendo of warm spice and biscuit dryness
FINISH Immensely long and nuanced, thick buttery coating with a return to the vanilla and a spicy, oily coating that remains long after the finish
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.
Israel, October 28th, 2018
Israeli Whisky Club and Indepenent bottler ‘Holy Dram’ have announced today (October 28th) their first EVER single cask bottling for the Israeli Market. The whisky they have bottled is a Loch Lomond Inchmoan (the peaty line of single malt distilled at Loch Lomond distillery) aged 14 year from Cask #68.
The whisky was hand-picked by Holy Dram admins and managers from a wide selection of Loch Lomond casks.
Cask #68 (ex-bourbon hogshead) yielded 220 bottles of cask strength whisky. The whisky was distilled March 2004 and bottled August 2018, at 52.4% abv (Cask strength) and is presented in its natural form (no color added, or filtration).
Gal Granov of Holy Dram IL commented: “we’re really thrilled to have bottled the first single cask for the Israeli marker aimed at our group of 4,100 whisky lovers. We liked this cask from first sniff, as it was perfectly balanced with smoke and tropical fruit” There has been quite a lot of interest from friends and whisky fans worldwide.”
Official tasting notes:
Nose: This is quite a nice nose, there’s quite some smoke , and chili peppers, ash and soot, but it’ not as ‘Ardbeg’ sort of ashy. A very nice wood influence as well, and it look like this has been an active cask. Cinnamon flavored bubble gum, a bit waxy, and a hint of mint.
Palate: now this is where the whisky shines! on the first wave of sensations , there’s quite a lot of peat, the ash and the warm smoke, the vanilla and the pepper which give way to an avalanche of grilled tropical fruit (thing pineapple, mango, banana), with the sweet smoke holding it all together, a nice touch of chilly and burnt caramel.
Finish: Hints of Caramelized tropical fruit, sweet chili peppers, and a nice bitterness with the ash going a long way.
Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel Select – exclusive to The Whisky Exchange
American whiskey is on the up. While Irish whiskey may be the fastest growing in the world, the USA is gaining ground as the connoisseurs choice. Whiskeys like the Van Winkle range are snapped up in seconds and appear at auction for thousands of pounds, but there are still loads of great-value special releases, many of which are now making their way to the UK. We’re very please to have grabbed one for ourselves – a single-barrel release of Eagle Rare 10 Year Old.
Eagle Rare is one of the many whiskeys produced by the folks at Buffalo Trace, a 10-year-old bourbon that’s picked up loads of awards since its first appearance back in the 1970s. It’s changed a bit over the past 40 years, with the name moving between a number of different whiskey producers, but the current incarnation has been in the hands of Buffalo Trace since the end of the 1980s.
The regular Eagle Rare 10 Year Old was, until a few years ago, a single barrel bourbon, with every bottle from just one barrel. These days it’s a small-batch release, giving us the chance to fill the single-barrel gap with our exclusive whiskey.
The thing which stood our for us in this single cask was the fruitiness. Eagle Rare is an intense whiskey, with layers of oaky spice and rich sweetness, but this also had the kind of fruity character that we love in whisk(e)ys from all over the world. Once we tried it, we had to have it:
Nose: Toffee, raisins and marzipan. Caramelised brown sugar follows, along with fruity bread pudding. Under the layers of sweetness are touches of spice and fresh fruit: toffee apples and overripe pears.
Palate: Creamy in texture with bittersweet burnt sugar up front. Apple sauce and raisin sweetness follows, with cinnamon sugar and malt loaf richness. Some apple-skin sharpness floats around the edges along with balancing barrel-char bitterness. A hint of Ribena blackcurrant builds through the middle.
Finish: Hints of mint and menthol fade. Sugar sandwiches appear: brown bread, butter, golden Demerara.
Comment: Well balanced and easy drinking, with spice, fruit and classic bourbon sweetness all coming together perfectly.
The Whisky Exchange exclusive Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel is now available online and in our London shops – Covent Garden and Fitzrovia. You can find more exclusives on our Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange page.
Saturday, November 3rd, 12-3 PM:
Westland Distillery
Whiskey Ambassador Trent Simpson presents a variety of Westland’s award-winning releases!
Made from natural and local ingredients, each Westland expression honors the traditions of distilling and adds something new and distinctly American. Every whiskey is underscored by Westland Distillery’s signature house style – a sweetness and ease on the palate accompanied by a fruity and complex but ultimately grain-focused finish worthy of distinction among single malt whiskey.
ralfy.com considers a less-eventful malt-moment with . ralfy review 750 – Balvenie 21yo Portwood @ 40%vol:
CRAIGELLACHIE LAUNCHES WORLD’S MOST UNCOLLECTABLE WHISKY
Hamilton, Bermuda, 26th October 2018 – CRAIGELLACHIE’s latest whisky has waited 51 years to be enjoyed by people all over the world.
But, CRAIGELLACHIE 51 is not bottled in a fancy crystal decanter and it doesn’t have a silly price tag.
This whisky has been resting in oak for 51 years. It doesn’t need to sit on a shelf for another 51 years collecting dust.
Over the next 12 months CRAIGELLACHIE 51, will be made available for whisky lovers at special tastings around the world, in four key markets.
Global Ambassador Georgie Bell comments: “We wanted to do the unthinkable. We wanted to make a typically collectable Scotch more accessible.”
Adding “We want to give as many people as we can, the chance to try this incredible whisky, because how often does a whisky of this age and calibre actually get tasted?”
Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod says of the liquid “51 years encased in oak is an extraordinary length of time. Starting life in 1962 as an aggressive beast, the whisky over five decades has developed a softer side yet still retains the distinct umami, muscular note that CRAIGELLACHIE is known for.”
From November 26th – November 28th, CRAIGELLACHIE will host a tiny pop-up called Bar 51, a bar within a bar. Over three consecutive nights, this mini bar will be located in London’s oldest whisky shop, Milroy’s of Soho. Bar 51 will debut in London before travelling to Australia, South Africa and the U.S throughout the next year.
Reservations for Bar 51 go live at 9am on Monday 29th October, 150 tickets will be given away for free*, chosen at random. For a chance to drink Craigellachie 51 go to www.craigellachie.com/bar51
Notes
*all guests must be of legal drinking age.
About CRAIGELLACHIE Single Malt Scotch Whisky
CRAIGELLACHIE distillery sits firm in the heart of Speyside, flat bang in the middle of Scotch territory. It obstinately stands alone on a rock overlooking the confluence of the rivers Fiddich and Spey. Speyside whiskies are known to be fruity and floral but CRAIGELLACHIE defies this with its rich and robust character.
Constructed by two whisky icons: Peter Mackie and Alexander Edward, it began production in 1891, when its whisky was first described as “old-fashioned”.
Stubbornly sticking to tradition is a hallmark of the distillery, hence the continued use of old-fashioned worm tubs to cool its spirit and its own oil-fired malt. These help to bestow extra flavour and create a muscular character to rival whiskies of far greater age. Famously challenging in style, this is a dram for daring palates.
The core portfolio comprises four CRAIGELLACHIE® single malts: the 13 Years Old, 17 Years Old, 23 Years Old and 33 Years Old.
The CRAIGELLACHIE brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies including Bacardi International Limited.
Awards
Since its launch in 2014 CRAIGELLACHIE has racked up a number of highly notable accolades. Most notably, in 2015, Craigellachie 23 Years Old won ‘Best in Show’ at the San Francisco Spirits Competition and in 2017 Craigellachie 31 Years Old surpassed other industry greats by receiving “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” at the World Whiskies Awards.
Most recent awards:
Craigellachie 13 Years Old
Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2016
Craigellachie 17 Years Old
Gold Medal, Scotch Whisky Masters 2017
Craigellachie 23 Years Old
Gold Medal, International Wine & Spirits Challenge 2017
Craigellachie 33 Years Old
Master, The Travel Retail Masters UK 2017
Bar 51
CRAIGELLACHIE will host a tiny pop up, called Bar 51, as a ‘bar within a bar’ in Milroy’s of Soho’s. The space will be transformed in to the world of CRAIGELLACHIE where Global Brand Ambassador, Georgie Bell will introduce CRAIGELLACHIE 51 to a small number of people*. The opening night is on 26th November, CRAIGELLACHIES’s co-founder, Peter Mackie’s birthday. Bar 51 will run for three consecutive nights until 28th November 2018.
*To be in with a chance of winning free entry to Bar 51, register at www.craigellachie.com/bar51 from 9am on 29th October. 150 places will then be chosen at random and the winners will be notified one week prior to the event.
Milroy’s of Soho, London
Established in 1964, Milroy’s of Soho, London is an iconic whisky bar that specialises in rare and hard to find whiskies – both available by the dram and to buy. It completely goes against the grain of usual ‘exclusive’ whisky shops with a down to earth and team and approachable vibe.
![1 SherryBomb_PackShot_BottleServe[6]](https://www.whiskyintelligence.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/1-SherryBomb_PackShot_BottleServe6.jpg)
EXPLOSIVE NEW SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB
Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks. It follows hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, which was unveiled in April.
Priced at £64.99, Smokehead fans will enjoy a full-bodied, 48% abv peaty whisky that’s heavily influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks to create a smoky, spicy and rich flavour.
Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, commented: “We’re proud of our Smokehead Sherry Bomb expression. The whisky is more explosive than an Armada cannonball. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re after a bold, peaty whisky that’s been blasted by rich sherry casks, then this is the delicious taste explosion you’ve been waiting for.”
Building on the launch of the new Smokehead brand design, Sherry Bomb’s packaging displays the brand’s iconic skull – this time in fiery red – bold typography and smoked, textured backgrounds, with each Limited-Edition black bottle presented in a Sherry Bomb tin. Smokehead Sherry Bomb is available now in the UK and will roll out globally in November.
TASTING NOTES: SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB (48% ABV)
The First Impression: Thick peat lets you know you’ve got a serious Islay single malt on your hands. Then a fruitier, creamier feel – soft rich oak, soothing custard and vanilla. But don’t get comfortable – this is only the beginning.
The Full-on Flavour: Tie yourself down and wait for the hit of oily black smoke, with a rich heavy mouthcoating peaty feel. Then along comes a sweet sticky flavour of barbecued banana, (yes, really) tangy sultanas and dried fruits. Told you it was different.
The Finale: The peat returns, just as you hoped/feared it would. This time it’s brought some authentic Spanish sherry oakiness with it, pleasingly and disturbingly sweet. And one last sharp salty reminder that you’re not dealing with the ordinary here.
Please drink responsibly.
f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky
i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky
#smokehead
NOTES
About Smokehead:
About Ian Macleod Distillers:
A Pair of Can’t-Miss K&L Exclusive Barrels from Old Potrero
“Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era.”
-David Othenin-Girard
In case the news hasn’t found its way to you yet, sadly, Anchor Distilling Company and its Old Potrero brand are going away. For all the ins and outs and what’s on the horizon, check out our recent blog post. But for those short on time, the long and the short of it is that because of a change in ownership, this iconic brand will no longer be produced. However, there are still casks of these remarkable spirits to be had—at least for the time being. As longtime fans of Old Potrero, we’ve always picked up their limited production whiskeys whenever the occasion arose. Hence, we when were given a chance to select a pair of Old Potrero barrels exclusively for K&L, we knew we had to act. Never before had we been offered such an opportunity, so this, coupled with the imminent retirement of the brand, made this a proposition too good to miss. Featured here are casks No. 3 and No. 9. Both are a beautiful swan song as you’ll ever find and stunning examples of the groundbreaking work at this historic distillery. Both are unique expressions that beautifully illustrate why so many collectors have a special place in their hearts for Old Potrero. This truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and a chance to own part of history. Scroll below for our tasting notes and learn what makes this pair so captivating. Allocations are limited and demand is already high, so don’t miss out. We can’t think of a better way to bid adieu to this legendary brand.
Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #3” Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)
Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 3 is lights out. At 61.96% alcohol it is full throttle, no holds barred, 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on August 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 3 is punchy, intense, and spicy, like a Red Hot wrapped in a Christmas cookie. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018
Well this is it. Kind of the end of an era. And we scored two of the most special barrels I’ve ever tried yet from these guys. Both casks come a lot closer to the insane and unavailable Hotalings offerings that are sold at 10-16 years old rather than the younger offerings, which are regularly available. The power rye malt and six years in a new charred oak barrel are a heady combination. I found cask No. 3 to be the drier of the two showing tons of baking spice, minty woodsy tones, and a rich malty character that sets the Old Potrero apart from other modern ryes. Bold, spicy and dry, there’s almost nothing on the market quiet like these and they easily rank as some of the finest craft whiskies we’ve ever sold. A truly special offer that will never be available again under this label.
Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018
This rye smells high-octane because it is, coming in at a rather robust 123.92 proof. The nose is woody and intense with the smell of Red Hots candy. There’s a big cinnamon kick with other spice notes of clove, cardamom, pepper, and a cedar wood quality. The taste mostly follows the spicy nose but with the addition of gentle vanilla, menthol, and a hint of salt.
Sean Fernandez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 18, 2018
Scrumdiddlyumptions. A marriage of the power of a George T Stagg and the grace and complexity of a Sazerac 18. Weighty and viscous in the mouth with deep rich caramel and cinnamon. Never as hot as the proof suggests and with a warming spicy finish inviting you back for more. Wonderful item to have on hand when the Antique collection is out of reach.
Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #9” Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)
Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 9 is a sophisticated, well-balanced number. At 61.57% alcohol it shows the more nuanced side of 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on Aug. 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 9 is more of a baked bread character and exceptional balance. It’s warm, inviting, and you hope the glass never empties. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018
The Old Potrero brand is venerated particularly among California spirits geeks. For years the stocks were so small that we couldn’t even get the standard releases consistently. When I saw it out at bars, I ordered it. When the supplier had it, we bought everything. Over the last several years a lot has changed at Mr. Maytag’s old distillery, but they’ve always made this idiosyncratic single malt rye that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Now they’re starting to have enough stock to sell barrels outright, usually cask experiments, but we knew we had to jump on the new charred oak barrels as soon as they came up. With the recent sale of the Anchor Beer brand to the Japanese, the distilling component is moving away from the old branding, so these will be the very last Old Potrero barrels we’ll ever see. And what a way to go out. Barrel No. 9 is showing less minty rye and more deep dark malt, cacao and savory spice. Textured and full bodied, this stuff is truly palate coating. Not for the faint of heart but an impressive example of why the Old Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era. A new chapter begins.
Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018
This is another intense, full-throttled rye, but it’s not as spicy as the No. 3 barrel we also have here at K&L. The spice is still bold, but it’s tempered by luscious caramel and cream. With a touch of water, additional notes of buttered toffee, cocoa, and leather emerge. This dram has a nice, long, and woody finish.
Port Ellen 1981 Casks of Distinction 37 Year Old #1297 / Bottle No. 5
This incredible expression, numbering 174 bottles in total, is one of the oldest Port Ellen ever released. The whisky, bottled at 48.9% ABV, has been drawn from single cask #1297, which is part of Diageo’s ‘Casks of Distinction’ series, a range of unique individual casks each of extraordinary quality and character.
Glendronach Finest Highland Malt 1930s
A stunning example of pre-WW2 Glenrdronach. Likely aged around 12 years it is one of the earliest officially bottled single malts or “perfect self whisky” as the label reads. A rare opportunity to try an older style of whisky, made distinctive by the traditional methods and ingredients that went into its production.
Karuizawa 1964 Single Cask 48 Year Old #3603 / Wealth Solutions
An exclusive bottling for Wealth Solutions of Poland, this extremely rare 1964 single cask is arguably one of the most sought after Karuizawa whiskies. This is bottle number 143 of only 143 released on 24th December 2012, contained within a stunning Polish black fossibl oak case.
We never tire of featuring examples from this legendary Italian independent bottler, they are without doubt some of the finest, rarest and most interesting bottles that we see. This month is no exception with a wide range of Samaroli on offer including the outstanding Scapa 1958, considered to be one of the best Scapa ever bottled.
The oldest publicly available Bowmore, distilled in December 1961 and matured for a half century in two ex-bourbon hogsheads. One of only 200 bottles released, a combination of glass artists, a woodsmith and a silversmith were all commissioned to create the exquisite packaging that accompanies this exceptional whisky.
