Dekanta

2-49-7 Minamiikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo

With Burns Night celebrations taking place throughout January, we’re looking forward to the next party. We’ve released five preview bottlings ahead of our first 2019 Outturn. Only a limited number of bottles are available now, the full Outturn will be released on Friday, 4 January at 9am, order now before they’re gone.

LOOk OUT FOR SPECIAL BURNS NIGHT BOTTLINGS

A lively and complex dram veering between beautifully textured, thick natural sweetness and lusher fruit, citrus and jammy qualities.

PREVIEW BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

A Sublime Craigellachie You Don’t Want to Miss

1995 Craigellachie 22 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($119.99)
“I pray every year for more casks just like this one, but they’re not easy to find. Profit while you can.”
—David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer

For those who crave rich and unctuous sherry-matured malts in the style of Macallan, Glenfarclas, and Glendronach, but for a fraction of the price, Craigellachie is the perfect pick. After their prized 31-year edition earned the title of “Best Single Malt in the World” from Whisky Magazine back in 2017, interest in the once little-known Speyside distillery exploded. While prices have crept up modestly since this high honor was bestowed, Craigellachie remains one of the greatest values in Scotch. Featured here is their stunning 22 Year Old “Old Particular” bottling—a Scotch that every bit lives up to the sterling reputation of this fine distillery. Multi-dimensional, engaging, and supremely satisfying, this 22 Year Old is as delicious as it is compelling. There is quite simply not another Scotch on the market that offers so much for such a modest price. A mere 243 bottles were made, so there isn’t a lot to go around, and based on how quickly last year’s 21 Year Old version sold, this Craigellachie won’t be around for long.

1995 Craigellachie 22 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($119.99)

We’ve been absolutely obsessed with Craigellachie this season. Few distillers offer as much value as this understated and underappreciated distillery. Situated just across the River Spey from the region’s most famous sherried single malt, Craigellachie has been dutifully chugging away without much fanfare for more than a century. If you pull off the A95 on the way to Dufftown, just moments before the turn off for the Highlander Inn, you’ll pass right by the big signs for John Dewar & Sons. The slightly modern stillhouse is deceiving, as Craigellachie is one of the Speyside’s most old-school malts in terms of flavor. The bold complex spirit is particularly well suited for a few decades-long journey in a quality sherry butt. The combination gives the savory spirit the perfect frame, allowing the alluring flavors that complement each other perfectly. This might be the most complex whisky in the shop in any category or price range. Expect a dense bouquet of old growth pine forests, leather bound library books, all situated around some deep complex nearly indescribable minerality. Waxy bold spiced fruit, warm dates and endless notes of mint and chocolate contrast the very savory nose. Undeniably one of the malts of the season and certain to be many aficionados’ favorite of the year. Gift this confidentially to even the most jaded or expert drinker and you can be certain that they’ll be enamored by its distinctive character, a style that’s nearly extinct in Scotland today.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 13, 2018

This one is just too obvious. It’s too dark, rich, and packed full of powerful sherry to warrant me hyping it up here. You know the drill. Insane price? Check. Unprecedented quality? Check. Nothing on the market like it at this price point ANYWHERE? Check and check. It’s so true it hurts. Craigellachie and sherry is a match made in heaven. Expect top-of-the-line quality here; only those specifically averse to sherry will turn their nose up. Big nutty, rich rancio, sweet freshly tanned hide, roasted coffee beans, and fudge all balanced by the intense minty spirit of Craigellachie. The competition would have no qualms about asking twice the price considering the quality and age, but that’s just not how we roll. I pray every year for more casks just like this one, but they’re not easy to find. Profit while you can.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 01, 2018

A wondrous malt. With time, the young and meaty quality of Craigellachie turns to richness and with the removal of this cloak of youth so too comes an incredibly fruity array of flavors. While the power of young Craigellachie is decidedly appealing in its own right, the more mature spirit is the adoration of whisky fans all over the world for easy richness. This 22 year old is a perfect example. From a refilled sherry butt the first thing that will strike you is just how dark this whisky is. The market square in Marrakesh comes to mind; laden with desert fruits, each stall a colorful, scent-filled, tasteful example of the hidden bounty to be found in a seemingly barren landscape if you have the patience to look for it. Dried dates and saddle leather mingle with nuts and coffee. A little water tames the darker nature in spirit and a more familiar array of fruits and florals appear. Jasmine and peaches linger on the finish in a rich and spiced chocolate sauce. At a mere 120 bucks, this has a serious claim to best value in the current lot of malts. Just compare it to the 23 year distillery bottling at $250!

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 10, 2018

This single malt bottling is a real value. Other single malts that offer this style of whiskey can easily cost much more. It is full bodied and rich with juicy and deep flavors. There is an influence from the sherry barrel aging but it does not dominate and helps give flavor and balance to this offering. There is a nice long finish and it opens up with a splash of water.

Joe Manekin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 05, 2018

Dried fruit aromas combine with gently roasted nuts, leading to a similarly classy Oloroso sherry-influenced profile on the palate. Subtle medicinal hints add to the authenticity of this elegant, sherry butt-aged single malt. Water brings out a touch more brine, and does not detract from the spirit, but certainly is not essential. Very good stuff.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 30, 2018

Wow. The juice in this bottle is so deep and dark that you do a double take at the label to make sure that yes, indeed, there is no color added to this Scotch. You can tell just by looking at it how much impact the sherry barrel is having on the resulting whisky. And yeah, that sherry influence fully comes through on the nose. Very dark fruits, candied orange, brandy cherries, and sultanas combine with notes of hazelnut, almonds, and toasted walnut. The palate keeps those fruit notes and makes them darker with blackberry, currant, and plum all sitting in molasses. As the flavors develop there’s dark chocolate, tobacco, charred oak, and a sudden powerful spice boom at the end. Scrumptious!

Our Remaining Exclusive Bottlings of 2018

We selected some truly great single malts and grains in 2018. From GlenDronach to Laphroaig; Dumbarton to Strathclyde

Here are a few of our excellent Exclusives which are running low on stock!

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY RETAINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD TO END YEAR ON A HIGH

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is finishing 2018 on a high as its most-awarded year to date.

In a year that has seen the Society celebrate its 35^th anniversary, with a number of celebratory events and special bottlings, they’ve received unprecedented recognition of their whiskies and venues.

The most recent award win was the accolade of Independent Bottler of the Year in Whisky Magazine’s Independent Bottlers’ Challenge competition – the sixth time they’ve won in the past nine years.

Alongside the top award, the Society also won the regional Whisky Magazine awards for Independent Bottler of the Year for Campbeltown, Lowland, Grain, Irish and Japanese whiskies as well as the overall award for Bar Group of the Year.

Their Edinburgh venue at 28 Queen Street was also highly commended in the Whisky Bar of the Year category.

These final accolades conclude the year of awards, which include wins in the Luxury Masters competition, 11 awards in the International Wine and Spirits Competition, 12 awards in the Scotch Whisky Masters, and an unprecedented seven double-gold medals out of our seven total whiskies submitted at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

As well as a haul of awards, 2018 has seen significant exciting developments including the opening of The Society’s newest venue, at 78 Northcote Road in London.

There was also a series of special events and tastings held throughout the year as part of their 35^th anniversary celebrations, including a live online tasting, broadcasting The Vaults across the world.

Commenting on the success of 2018, Kai Ivalo, Spirits Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “We’re delighted to end our 35^th year with this level of award recognition, but we’re also looking forward to an even more successful 2019 with an exciting events programme for our members.

“Alongside the quality of our single cask single malts and unique blends, we will be offering our members opportunities to share discoveries with their fellow like-minded community, and new ways to connect with each other.”

Only members of the SMWS can access its exclusive supply of award-winning single casks, drawn straight from the barrel and bottled at natural strength (undiluted) – producing a wide variety of intriguing flavours and characters. Being a member means becoming part of an open-minded, curious and adventurous group of whisky lovers who delight in discovery and exploration.

Annual membership starts at £65, with renewal at £61.50, but the SMWS offers a range of options for new members up to and including its Pioneer Welcome Pack at £130.

SMWS membership brings like-minded individuals from all around the world together, with access to an ever-changing collection of single cask whiskies, exclusive tastings, venues and partner bars as well as shared whisky wisdom through their knowledgeable staff and Unfiltered member magazine. 2019 also brings an exciting schedule of unique events for members to participate in. 

To buy membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, visit: https://bit.ly/2zofcP4

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 137 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2zofcP4
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2OiBSWs
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

 The Sazerac Company Completes Purchase of 19 Brands

from Diageo 

Louisville, Kentucky (Dec. 21, 2018) – The Sazerac Company, one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers, has completed the sale of 19 brands from Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across the spirits and beer categories.

The brands purchased by Sazerac are Seagram’s V.O., Seagram’s 83, Seagram’s Five Star, Myers’s, Romana Sambuca, Yukon Jack, Booth’s, Goldschlager, Popov, Relska, The Club, Black Haus, Peligroso, Grind, Piehole, Parrot Bay, Stirrings, Scoresby and John Begg brands.

            “We are excited to close on the sale of these 19 iconic brands from Diageo and we look forward to further developing these brands globally within the Sazerac portfolio,” said Jake Wenz, Sazerac’s chief operating officer.

About the Sazerac Company

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

Hailing from the islands of Mull and Jura, the single malts featured here are off-the-beaten-path finds that perfectly exemplify their own, unique style and approach. If you haven’t delved into the island malts, then you are in for a real treat. First up is the 12 year old from Isle of Jura. While its Jura profile is unmistakable, this bottling has something extra special going on. Delightfully rich and oily, it glides effortlessly from candied fruit flavors to more savory touches and then onto a mélange of exotic spice. At cask strength, there’s ample power, but at no point does this dram come across as overwhelming or unbalanced. Add a drop of water and be prepared for this 12 year old to absolutely sing. Distillers Whyte & Mackay produce precious little, so to find a single cask of such quality and character is an absolute thrill.

Also on deck is the superlative Tobermory 22 year old brought to us by “Old Malt Cask.” For those who love their single malt with just a wisp of smoke, this 22 year old is right on the money. Its time in a sherry cask has imparted an enticing spiciness with flavors of ginger, vanilla, and apricot. Behind the spice is a malt base that’s every bit as engaging. It’s a shame that Tobermory is the only distillery on Mull, as clearly there’s something very special about this island. Oh, and did we mention this 22 year old is under $90?! That’s a pretty amazing value for a single malt of this caliber.

2006 Isle of Jura 12 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)

The Isle of Jura is one of those incredible malts that we almost never see in the wild. Partly that’s because they just don’t make that much whisky. But it does seem that the owners, Whyte & Mackay, don’t let go of the stuff very often. Isle of Jura has its following, but the little distillery on the sparsely populated island to the north of Islay isn’t a household name by any means. The island’s 200 inhabitants are vastly outnumbered by a massive population of red deer, who keep the islands vegetation from growing beyond the lowest grasses. The infertile bog land that comprises most of the island give the place an otherworldly feel. The distilleries’ thick still necks create a rich, bold, oily spirit unlike any other in Scotland. They’ve been distilling there since 1810, but the current facility was built in 1963. The distillery bottlings tend to be slightly underwhelming due to the lower proofs, chill filtration and oily profile. But when we see it offered barrel we MUST taste. Sometimes we get lucky and find a true legend like this one. Cask strength, oily, rich, malty Jura in a second fill oloroso sherry butt. Everything about it works. Add the ridiculously reasonable price and you’ve got one of the most exciting whiskies of the year.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 18, 2018

Isle of Jura is a bit controversial these days. Several customers have already surprised me with their preconception of this odd little distillery. How did such a gorgeous distillery get a reputation across so many disparate drinkers? There is as well the odd customer saying, “Oh, I LOVE Jura,” but the general consensus is that this cask will be eyed with skepticism from some, thanks to some preconceived notion of this malt. Luckily for me, this is the type of cask that can change people’s entire outlook on life. The incredibly oily, rich malt of Jura is perfectly suited for a nice refill sherry butt and without the chill-filtration and low proof of the distillery bottlings, we’ve entered a whole different territory for this wild malt. There’s just so much going on here it’s hard to even begin to describe it. First, the nose is all candied apple, sea spray, roasted malt and hints of speedway. Like having a coffee near an F1 race. The malt is big and the sherry character is not obvious. But with air the complexity really explodes. This one demands a touch of water and some time to breathe because behind those odd flavors is a plethora of complex flavors. Salted fruit, ozone, fennel, oyster shell and camphor. The palate is surprisingly sweet with some nutty sherry starting to sneak in. With more water ocean spray, but not quite briny. Big black pepper, almond butter, Ruger wafers on the palate. With more air, hazelnut spread on rye. A weird wonderful combo, but strangely delicious. This is one of the most unusual and exciting casks we’ve ever bottled, but not at all difficult to love, just in need of some coaxing. And at this price, I’d hope every serious drinker would consider giving the odd little malt a chance and some time to tell its story.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 07, 2018

In my mind the Isle of Jura is one of the dark horses of Scotch. It’s the only distillery on the small island off the west coast of Scotland and in my experience, often gets overlooked. Their distillery offerings have always been a go to for me when recommending a bottle at a lower price point and I often felt they weren’t getting the attention they deserved. Now that we’re able to offer a private barreling of their juice, the word will spread and us Scotch drinkers will be giving the town of 200 a lot more work. More on the savory side of the spectrum, with a nose of brown butter, nutmeg, salted toffee and lemon pith, but I felt like it was constantly changing and daring me to take another whiff. The first sip was a wondrous moment; full bodied and chewy with a sweet caramel note to start, while star anise and Chinese five spice were trailing close behind. The finish was long and tingled the tongue as sweet oak notes slowly faded away.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2018

This has to be one of the most interesting single malts that I have tasted in a while. There is a lot going on and it is absolutely delicious. In the nose there are hints of salt, malt and a kiss of savory. This mixture continues in the mouth with the salt, malt and subtle savory flavors working well in harmony and balance.

Joe Manekin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 05, 2018

I have fond memories of Isla of Jura’s distillery bottled 12 year old single malt, from about 5 or so years ago now. I remember the nicely burnished color, the intense but not over the top sweetness balanced by a subtly savory chewy quality. Our Old Particular bottling delivered on my expectations for this distillery, and then some. Showing a honeyed quality with more persistence and depth of flavor than many other 10-12 year old single malts, there is also an appealing saline quality towards the finish that sets Isle of Jura apart. Tasty and likely to become a go to for many folks. Anticipate what you need now, it won’t likely stick around our inventory much longer.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 02, 2018

Bright and fruity! Medium caramel scents mix with syrupy peaches and pears and some orange-y citrus qualities. Further nosing reveals a white pepper spice, cinnamon, and a luscious butteriness. The palate is fruitier initially with peaches and additional citrus. Quickly, though, dusty leather arrives to dry everything out. This fades to an austere yet tingly finish with just the faded memory of those fruits lingering, ending gently with the light leather and some saltiness too.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 01, 2018

I absolutely fell in love with Jura on my last trip to Scotland in May. I didn’t travel to the island, although there is a spectacular view of the famous Paps of Jura from the new Ardnahoe distillery on Islay, which we did visit. I did however find myself ordering and drinking Jura in damn near every bar in Glasgow. At first it was just because it was on a happy hour special at a couple of places. Then it quickly grew into a love affair, seeking out odd one off casks in champion whisky bars like The Pot Still. While I found the 10yo, 18yo, and a few NAS to be lovely drams, the lightning really struck me upon my first cask strength taste. When later in the trip we were offered the chance at this cask, after a quick nose, we had to take it. It’s sweet and salty at first blush, like a sliced apple sprinkled with a pinch of finely ground sea salt. Candied oranges and brandied pears find themselves paired perfectly with the dried fruit sweetness of the refilled sherry butt. The palate confirms what the nose knows. It also adds more baking spices, dates, and a dusting of powdered sugar. The final wave of sea salt laps against your palate, a gentle tide splashing your legs on a late summer day at the beach. Such is the beauty of unadulterated, full proof Jura.

1996 Tobermory 22 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

There is only one distillery on the Isle of Mull and while it has a history dating back to the late 1700s, for much of that history, the distillery has been closed. Fortunately for us, in the 1990s the distillery was opened again after its most recent 11 year closure, and has gone back to producing classic island malts. With its small production of less than 1 million liters per year the distillery makes two very different malts today. Tobermory is the namesake malt of the distillery and is generally, although confusingly, not always unpeated. Ledaig is the distillery’s opposite number and is generally, but not always, peated. Here we have a splendid Tobermory with just the faintest hint of smoke wafting through. With the whisky boom today as strong as it has ever been, it seems the Isle of Mull’s distillery has a bright future ahead. If you’re not familiar with Tobermory already, this is the perfect bottle to explore. For 90 bucks you can dive into a 22 year old cask strength bottling, which is an absolute steal compared to the $240 it takes to sample the distillery’s 21 year old official release!

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 13, 2018

This awesome cask of Tobermory seems to have gotten lost in the sea of exceptional single casks we’ve just acquired. The new owners of this odd little distillery on the gorgeous Isle of Mull have recently closed the distillery for renovations and won’t likely reopen until sometime in 2020. That means the already expensive whisky could become even more rare. The thing about Tobermory is that it can be a bit inconsistent. When it’s good, it’s an absolute dream. At its worst it’s overly feinty with tons of funky, mashy, fermenty flavors. We were unsure if this whisky aged in a refill sherry butt could possibly be from the right side of Tobermory at this ridiculous price, but we needed to risk it considering the potential opportunity. Turns out this is one of the best Tobermory I’ve ever tasted. Much cleaner than we usually see, perhaps thanks to decades in this old butt and retaining its distinct “islands” quality that I see in all the best Tobermory. When the porridge flavors aren’t there, this stuff can be truly exceptional. The nose starts a bit closed with hints of roasted nuts and sweet malt. On the palate, there’s the tiniest hint of sweet spent mash, but it’s restrained and has none of the lactic quality that makes some of these feel “off.” But when you add water the whole thing explodes into a symphony of salted nuts, roasted stone fruit, vibrant fresh forest and freshly cut grass. On the palate the malt takes a back seat now with a basket of nuts and dried apricots delivered right to your olfactory gates. This might be the best Tobermory I’ve ever had and considering the special distillery release 21 year is $240, it’s worth the risk for even the most jaded hater of Mull’s historic distiller.

Miles Philippe | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 12, 2018

One of the most saline Scotches I’ve ever come across, this bottle is fascinating and will keep you enthralled long after your last sip! Fresh golden fruits, ginger, and a touch of oak spices are only some of the notes you will find in the nose and palate. Above all, you will always find yourself sensing a gentle memory of the ocean; a reverie that shades this world while enjoying this dram. The finish is incredibly long and will leave you listening more intently to your senses. The color must also be noted. Extremely pretty and lighter than expected, the pale straw and fair golden hues hint at the elegance and poise within; a youthful soul in a mature spirit.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 11, 2018

Salty like ramen noodles. Malty like a vanilla shake. Spicy like a ginger snap. This is a very special whisky from a refill butt that combines freshness and maturity. It is beautiful golden straw in color like a fine Manzanilla sherry and has the zip to match. But on the palate it’s a super rich compilation of citrus, ginger, vanilla, caramelized sugar, and just a touch of fresh cut hay. Long and lingering, the finish reminds me of standing on a foggy beach wrapped in a warm jacket watching a storm roll in. You can smell the salt, the seaweed, the cold wind carrying the notes of some far off island. It’s beautiful.

Joe Manekin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 05, 2018

This is a phenomenal value in aged single malt. It has an original, nearly tropical fruit profile on the nose, with a supple and very easy to drink quality on the palate. 22 year old single malt for well under $100? Yes, and good single malt at that. Recommended.

Tormore 30 Year Old 1988 TWB Exclusive

Single cask hogshead selected exclusively for The Whisky Barrel for the First Editions series. Flavours of toffee ice-cream, apple pie and spices. Just 144 bottles from the Speyside distillery founded in 1958. Tormore 30 Year Old 1988 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask refill hogshead #15453 bottled December 2018 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the First Editions series. Selected and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. 144 bottles. A nose of caramel, citrus fruits, and vanilla. The palate is light and sweet with toffee ice-cram, lemons and apple pie. The finish is long, with a subtle kick of spice.

Buy – £129.95

New Year’s Greeting from the SWA Brand Ambassador, Kate Johnston. 

‘It’s been a real joy to meet so many of you this year. My first six months in the job have been non-stop, but the welcome I’ve received has been nothing short of warm. Seeing the auction grow to just short of 10,000 bottles in November was quite astounding. A particular highlight of mine from 2018 was hosting our food and whisky provenance evening at Cafe Strange Brew, in Glasgow. Amazing food and amazing whisky!!

One really lovely part of my job is getting to meet so many of our lovely clients from across the country. We’re so grateful for all of you and from both Tam and the whole team we want to thankyou.’

So what’s new for next 2019?

‘Well we will have plenty to keep us busy with a few new schemes up our sleeves, as we creatively strive to make your experience better. I’ve quickly learnt we don’t like staying still at SWA, stagnation being somewhat of a forbidden word – that just makes it all that more exciting doesn’t it! Happy New Year One all!!’

Have you enjoyed using SWA this year? Why not tell the world and leave a wee comment on our Facebook Page (the link is at the bottom of this email). Alternatively, if you’ve got constructive comments we would love to hear them too. Drop us an email with the subject ‘2019 improvements’ to mail@scotchwhiskyauctions.com.