A Unique and Delicious Expression of a Special Islay Malt
Ardbeg “Drum” Limited Edition Islay
Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

Every year the whisky world waits with bated breath for the release of Islay’s Ultimate Whisky. This malt at the end of the road just a mile before the Cross of Kildalton has been reborn over the last two decades. What was once almost certainly destined to become a living relic of a different era in Scotch production has transformed into one of the most exciting, dynamic, and sought-after malts. Yet, we don’t see a huge amount of new releases or unique expressions from the famed distillery, instead they release just ONE experimental batch a year. The Limited Edition is Ardbeg’s chance to offer its loyal followers a new take on this peaty monster. Each year, its esteemed Whisky Creator Dr. Bill Lumsden and Head Distiller Mickey Head join forces to find a new way to present this magnificent malt. Each year we receive a small allocation of the unique collaboration, which sells out without questions and becomes a must have for collectors, but also represents some of the most interesting Islay Malt we sell.

This year’s release is no less intriguing than ever before. Finished in fresh rum casks, the resulting whisky has the heady brine and deep smoke you’d expect from Ardbeg, plus a bountiful treasure of dense tropical fruits and Islay spices. We love the confluence of two very distinct and disparate Islays coming together in this magical product. Once this dram of Drum is done, we’ll have another one.

Ardbeg “Drum” Limited Edition Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

The wonderful Limited Edition Ardbeg gives us a reason to celebrate the impending arrival of summer when the bottles are released on Ardbeg Day—June 1st. The Limited Edition bottling is one of the most-anticipated offerings every year and this year’s “Ardbeg Drum” has taken the line to a whole new level. Matured in ex-bourbon oak for presumably 10 years before being transferred entirely to ex-rum casks sourced from somewhere in the “Americas,” the Ardbeg Drum is a totally new expression of the unique flavors of Islay’s Ultimate Malt. Instead of the typical fresh lemon peel, we get ultra-ripe banana and zippy fresh pineapple. On the palate, Ardbeg’s rich briny smoke is pointed with spicy ginger, sweet vanilla bean, and deep baking spice. These extremely limited expressions always sell out, but we’re hoping these don’t end up sitting in the back of a collector’s cabinet because it’s such a unique and delicious expression of this special Islay malt.

Discover The Art Of The Glenrothes

Whisky As You’ve Never Seen It Before

Celebrate both the art and science of whisky making with a series of captivating art works created by The Glenrothes and Spanish Data Artist, Xavi Tribó. Tribó was given access to all technical data from our distillery analysis to create a unique algorithm generating colour and movement. The artist also mapped the entire Glenrothes Distillery in Speyside using a 3D laser scanner which allowed a frame of the distillery to be created to showcase the art within.

WATCH THE FILM

#SPIRITOFROTHES

Glenfarclas Family Casks Winter 2018

A new release of Family Cask vintages from the Speyside distillery.

Winter 2018 release features richly sherried single casks including a brace of vintages from the the 1980’s and 90’s.

Shop – Glenfarclas Family Casks W18

MASTER WHISKY MAKER HONOURED FOR SERVICES TO SCOTCH

Dr Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding service to the Scotch whisky industry.

In a career spanning almost four decades with the world’s leading distilling company Diageo, Dr Beveridge has established himself as one of the most highly respected figures in the industry, renowned for his skill and dedication to quality, as well as his considered and unassuming manner.

The accolade comes as Johnnie Walker, the world’s most popular Scotch whisky¹, prepares to celebrate its 200^th anniversary in 2020. Dr Beveridge is only the sixth person in two centuries of the company’s history to have held the position of Master Blender, the first being founder John Walker himself.

Based at Diageo’s blending rooms in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire, Dr Beveridge, leads a team of 12 blenders responsible for the quality and consistency of all the company’s Scotch whisky brands. He also works closely with distillers, coopers, coppersmiths and all the craftspeople involved in producing the finest Scotch whisky.

He has been the recipient of several industry accolades, including being inducted into the World Whisky Hall of Fame in 2015 and in 2016 he was named Master Blender of the Year by the International Whisky Competition for the second consecutive year, a first in the history of the competition.

Commenting on the award Dr Beveridge paid tribute to the people who make Scotch whisky and their passion and commitment to the craft. He said: “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of everyone who contributes to making Johnnie Walker. It is a team effort by all the women and men who work in our distilleries, coppersmiths, cooperage, warehouses and bottling halls across Scotland.

“We believe we are the custodians of our brands, standing on the shoulders of the giants who went before us. I really feel that today.  This is recognition of everyone, over the years, who has been involved in making Johnnie Walker the leading global brand that it is.”

Paying tribute to Dr Beveridge’s long and valued service to the company, Diageo Chief Executive Ivan Menezes, said: “This is a proud day for Jim but also for Johnnie Walker and Diageo. Jim epitomises everything that makes Johnnie Walker and Scotch whisky great. He is dedicated to his craft and passionate about the quality of his product.

“Most importantly he is a wonderful person and that is why he is so highly regarded not just in Diageo but throughout the Scotch whisky industry.”

Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director John Williams added his tribute: “Quality and consistency have been the hallmarks of Johnnie Walker since it was founded by John Walker almost two centuries ago. Jim is the guardian of that legacy today and everyone involved with Johnnie Walker and Diageo will be raising a toast to him and celebrating this terrific achievement.”

Johnnie Walker is the number one selling Scotch whisky in the world with an average of seven bottles being exported from Scotland every second, making it the country’s leading export product. The brand uses the best Scotch whiskies from Diageo’s unrivalled inventory of 28 malt distilleries and more than 10 million casks maturing in Scotland.

Johnnie Walker is at the heart of a £150 million investment programme in Scotch whisky tourism by Diageo, including creating a global flagship visitor attraction in Edinburgh and transforming the company’s 12 distillery visitor experiences around Scotland.

Notes  

About Johnnie Walker:

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand (IWSR), enjoyed by people in over 180 countries around the world. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who blend its whiskies have pursued flavour and quality above else.

Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years and Blue Label. Together they account for over 18 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2017), making Johnnie Walker the most popular Scotch Whisky brand in the world. 

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Diageo in Scotland:

• Diageo is Scotland’s largest exporter of Scotch whisky and other spirits, with around 85% of the company’s production in Scotland exported overseas to over 180 countries.
• Diageo is a major employer in Scotland with around 3,500 people.
• Diageo has 50 sites in Scotland including 28 malt distilleries and one grain distillery, as well as engineering, technical, warehousing, packaging operations and various management functions.
• Scotland is one of Diageo’s largest global spirit supply centres responsible for producing around 50 million cases of leading brands of Scotch whisky and white spirits annually.
• Diageo’s heritage in Scotland dates to 1627 when the Haig family first started distilling.

World’s most expensive whisky tasting at Upper House in November

The exclusive tasting seminar event will take place on 1-3 November at Upper House hotel in Gothenburg, Sweden. It will cover the complete “full deck” series of unopened Ichiro’s Malt Card collection from the Hanyu distillery in Japan. The event is hosted by Swedish whisky enthusiast Pye Palm, and the tasting will be led by Japanese whisky expert, Stefan Van Eycken. With only 48 seats available, the cost of a single ticket is approaching $21,000. 

The entire card series is rare, and the last time a complete collection of the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series came onto the market it was sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $455,000 in September 2017.

“The estimated value of the full deck series today would be around $775,000. I could sell it, of course, but I think sharing the experience with other whisky enthusiasts is much more fun,” says Palm, who has collected his series during several trips to Japan over the last 30 years.

Just like a full deck of playing cards, the collection features 52 single cask editions that each represent a card in a poker deck, plus two additional jokers. The bottles are signed by Ichiro Akuto, the distillery founder’s grandson, who saved 400 casks when the distillery shut down in 2000 and started the bottling of his playing card collection.

“The Ichiro’s Malt Card Series is one of the most iconic series in the world of whisky. This is only the second time a complete tasting of the series will be held, and the first time ever that all the bottles are opened specifically for one event,” says Belgian author and Japanese whisky expert Stefan Van Eycken, who is leading the tasting seminar in November.

The event will be held at the five-star Upper House hotel. It includes a dinner at the Michelin awarded Upper House Dining, a rooftop restaurant on the 25^th floor overlooking the city of Gothenburg.

The whisky seminar will be divided into four tastings, so called flights. Each will include 13 to 14 bottles with a 1 cl tasting of each. Each bottle has its own original card label and its own unique flavour.

“Hanyu has a very particular character. Referring to Ichiro himself, it’s unlike any other whisky you’ve tasted before. Prepare some shiny, fresh and ripe fruits, colourful root vegetables, both brown and white sugar, and some exotic spices. Then mix all this with sweet and sour fruit juice in a glass. That’s the best way I can describe it,” says Van Eycken.

As an additional treat, a limited edition special malt will be released to commemorate the occasion.

All guests participating in the tasting seminar in Gothenburg will become honorable members of the Monochrome Joker Club. The club is founded by Pye Palm as an extension of the whisky tasting seminar, and is exclusive to the select few worldwide who have tasted all 54 casks of Ichiro’s Malt Card Series.

“I thought it would be fun to create a space for like-minded, passionate enthusiasts with a true dedication for the flavours of whisky. The idea is to invite members to a number of worldwide tastings of different Hanyu whiskies,” says Palm.

About The Ichiro Malt Card Collection

Ichiro’s Malt Card Series originates from the Hanyu Distillery, is one of the smallest and most renowned distilleries in Japan, which ended their production in 2000. The founder’s grandson, Ichiro Akuto saved 400 casks when the distillery shut down and the best ones, between 1985 to 2000 were used for the bottling of his playing-card collection.

For more information about the Ichiro’s Malt Card Series Seminar, visit the website http://mono-joker.club/

On sale now

FIRST MASTERCLASS ON SALE

Our first masterclass of this year’s Whisky Show is now on sale – it’s time to celebrate The Whisky Exchange’s 20th birthday.

 Two Decades of The Whisky Exchange

with co-founder Sukhinder Singh and Elixir Distillers whisky maker Oliver Chilton
Sunday 29 September, 5pm-6pm
£100

Leading spirits retailer The Whisky Exchange was founded 20 years ago by brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh. This class, hosted by co-founder Sukhinder Singh and Elixir Distillers whisky maker Oliver Chilton, will take you on a journey through some fantastic expressions bottled by and exclusively for The Whisky Exchange, including a Japanese whisky from a certain cult, closed distillery…

The Whiskies

Green Brackla 1975 27yo
Emerald Islay 1989 26yo
Karuizawa 1983 bot.2014
Clynelish 1972 35yo
Glenallachie 25yo
Elements of Islay Pe4

Book now

Please note: you must also have a Sunday ticket to Whisky Show to attend this class.

28-29 SEPTEMBER 2019
11.30AM – 6.30PM

Old Billingsgate
1 Old Billingsgate Walk, London EC3R 6DX

Book now

A Spectacular Bourbon at an Unbelievable Price
McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon ($44.99)
“The best wheated bourbon on our shelf. Full Stop.” —Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

If you are a fan of wheated Bourbons, then you simply must try the McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond. Arguably the finest bourbon in its category, this New York state stunner has all the personality and charm of a Weller or a Pappy, but for a mere fraction of the price. This is the real deal, serving up loads of rich caramel tones along with toffee, vanilla, grain, and nut—all of which work together in perfect harmony. At 100 proof, you might expect something of a powerhouse, but everything is so well balanced, its approach is smoothly seductive. Demand for wheated bourbons remains at an all-time high, so finding this one for just under $45 is a boon. McKenzie has developed something of a cult following here at K&L, and we expect that enthusiasm only to climb, especially based on this truly remarkable bottling. Locally sourced grain and an unwavering commitment to producing the finest spirit possible are elemental in McKenzie’s success. Try a bottle and see for yourself!

McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99)

One of New York state’s best craft distilleries delivers a masterpiece with a bottled-in-bond wheated bourbon. Situated on the east shore of Lake Seneca in the heart of the Finger Lakes wine country, McKenzie has always made their whiskies with locally sourced NY grain and dedicated themselves to environmental stewardship. They were a huge hit here at K&L many years ago when they were brand new with baby aged whiskey. Today they’re better than ever. By law the bottled-in-bond is at least 4 years old, but some of the whiskey here is substantially older than that. The rich and creamy texture is perfect at 100 proof. With the sky high demand for wheated bourbon, I don’t expect us to be able to keep this in stock, but it would be unfair to compare it with Weller or Pappy. The real story here is in the curation of exceptionally high quality grains grown in the bread basket of New York. The distillation ends at a slightly lower proof to preserve more of the inherent wheat and corn flavors in the final product. The quality of the whiskey is superb. It’s dense, rich, smooth as silk, and wildly flavorful.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2019

The best wheated bourbon on our shelf. Full Stop. A few things are done differently in the production of Mckenzie that contribute to its full and intense flavor. All of the grain is grown locally in New York state before being distilled to a lower-than-normal proof, thus retaining more flavor. The second distillation is carried out on a thumper, an old school technique given up for modern efficiency by most Kentucky producers. It is then barreled at a ridiculously low 100 proof in barrels made from 36-month, air-dried staves. The end result of these expensive choices is that you need to add almost no water when it comes time to bottle – yet again, the result is MORE flavor. Just ask Michter’s, who barrels at 103 proof! Each of these production choices sets Mckenzie apart, but the true test comes down to what’s in the bottle. Pour a slug of this into a glass and let it sit for a moment. You won’t even have to nose the glass before you smell the rich caramel, brown sugar, dried fruits, and mellow grain wafting up. Put the liquid to your lips and the first thing you notice is the texture. It’s full bodied and creamy. The flavors expand across the palate as a repeat of the nose with the added complexity of cinnamon, nutmeg, and very gentle wood tannin. The finish flourishes into an array of pepper, cocoa, caramel, sweet tea, and caramelized sugar. The 100 proof ties every aspect together in harmony. A complete bourbon and an incredible showing for the Burdett, NY distillery.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 05, 2019

Could this be the best wheated Bourbon in the store? You need to try it to find out, but everyone at K&L is on board with that statement. With some of the big names in wheated Bourbon, like Pappy and Weller, now impossible to come by, it’s really reassuring to know we can still find something of this incredible quality and taste available. It’s great to be able to support the craft distillers in this era of giant conglomerates, and McKenzie’s attention to detail and dedication to this spirit is evident in this bottling. Not too shabby at all.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 04, 2019

A wheated Bourbon for all seasons! I normally gravitate toward high-rye American whiskeys, but I like this wheater because it’s no pushover. The nose begins with some of the more gentle scents one might expect from wheated Bourbon: breadiness, breakfast brioche, butter toffees, and baked fruits. However, this is not any old wheated Bourbon, because it happens to be bottled in bond, which ensures a decent level of maturity and 100 proof. Sandalwood pops out of the oak char notes and then the booze turns spicy (not into Rye territory, but enough to liven the glass). Clove begets allspice begets savory anise that reminds me of European black licorice candies. As the Bourbon ebbs to its long finish, the fruit flavors bob in and out between those spicy notes and polished wood tannins.

Cameron Hoppas | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 04, 2019

A delicious bourbon. I love the rich texture and sweet cereal aromas that the wheat offers. Dried apricot and citrus come through the butterscotch and vanilla notes. Mild soft baking spices, and caramelized wood round out the finish. This whiskey tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end. Either sipping straight or in a classic Old Fashioned, this whiskey is a pleasure unto itself.

Robert Cash | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 11, 2019

Hailing from my home state, the McKenzie Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon is a fantastically smooth sipper. Made from a mashbill consisting of local corn (70%), red winter wheat (20%), and malted barley (10%), this is a solid effort rivaling what the best names in Kentucky are producing. I thought the nose was beautiful, with notes of vanilla, honey, and subtle spices. On the palate, it’s round, soft, and creamy with hints of caramel, a great mouthfeel, and a long finish. I really enjoyed this neat, but you could certainly add a few drops of spring water if you choose. This is a must have for any whiskey aficionado.

Will Blakely | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 29, 2018

From Larceny to Weller, David Nicholson to Pappy, wheated bourbon has always put a smile on my face. McKenzie’s bottled-in-bond offering makes an impressive addition to the list. Alluring aromas of nuts, bananas, and roasted corn make a pleasant enough first impression, but tasting this reveals a plethora of tropical fruits and soft spice. The sweet cereal grain is contrasted nicely by citrus peels and bright acid. With a good body and relatively long finish, this should fit nicely into any whisky collection.

INTRODUCING THE BALVENIE STORIES

A brand new series of single malts from the Balvenie distillery, inspired by the stories of a maltman, mashman and apprentice malt master.

“The Balvenie Distillery is built on the stories that are told from each generation of craftsmen to the next. They’re our lifeblood.”

BALVENIE 12 YEAR OLD – THE SWEET TOAST OF AMERICAN OAK
70cl
The first release in the Stories series is inspired by apprentice malt master, Kesley McKechnie, and her very idea of sourcing virgin oak… Read more

£44.95

BALVENIE 14 YEAR OLD – THE WEEK OF PEAT
70cl
The Week of Peat pays homage to the short period each year where they produce peated whisky… Read more

£64.95

BALVENIE 26 YEAR OLD – A DAY OF DARK BARLEY
70cl
The oldest in the trilogy, references the work of Brian Webster and Robbie Gormley, a mashman and maltman who once experimented… Read more

£599.95

THE BALVENIE STORIES TASTING
With UK Ambassador Alwynne Gwilt
24 October 2019

Join us to discover the tails behind the new Balvenie Stories range with UK ambassador, Alwynne Gwilt. We’ll also be tasting some other special whiskies from the distillery.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

Glengoyne 30 Year Old

2018 release matured in the finest sherry casks from the Highland distillery. Glengoyne 30 Year Old Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Matured in the finest sherry casks, limited release of 5,200 bottles. Black cherry, marmalade, rum & raisin, plum compote, cinnamon and cloves.

Glengoyne Distillery was established as Burnfoot of Drumgoyne Distillery in 1833 by George Connel in the Highland whisky region although its warehouses rest across the road in the Lowland region. Re-named Glengoyne in 1905, its stills were increased from two to three in mid 1960s and since all the malt used is dried by hot air so all Glengoyne malt whisky is unpeated. With maturation in sherry and bourbon casks in addition to some Japanese and Scottish oak casks Glengoyne offers a range of distillery releases including Glengoyne 10 Year Old, Glengoyne 21 Year Old and Glengoyne 25 Year Old.

Shop £699.95