Archive for June, 2019

Take a look at 2 new Glendronach expressions at The Whisky Shop – Scotch Whisky News

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Order Two New Glendronch Expressions Today

What’s better than a new Glendronach bottle? TWO new Glendronach bottes!

Scroll down to learn more about GlenDronach 1992 Single Cask #64 and GlenDronach Port Wood 10 Year Old.

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GlenDronach 1992 Single Cask #64

This single malt from The GlenDronach was distilled on 13th May 1992 and matured for 26 years in a single sherry cask before bottling in 2018. Selected and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Shop and our customers, this expression is limited to just 493 bottles, each one individually numbered and presented at a cask strength of 57.1% abv.

70cl / 57.1% abv

£259.00

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GlenDronach Port Wood 10 Year Old

Distilled at GlenDronach in Speyside, this single malt has been aged for a period of ten years, including three years in port pipes sourced from Portugal’s Douro Valley, a region renowned for its exceptional quality port. Bottled at 46% abv, this expression is filled with the rich fruit flavours expected of The GlenDronach.

70cl / 46% abv

£60.00

New Arrivals and Back in Stock at K&L California – Whisky News

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Suntory “Hibiki Japanese Harmony” Japanese Whisky (3 bottle limit) (750ml) $74.99 View

Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Peated Single Malt Whisky (limit 1) (750ml) $109.99 View

Springbank 22 Year Old “Sovereign Wax Top” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) $399.99 View

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Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

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Whisky category set to grow to £2.44 billion by 2022, inaugural Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Whisky Yearbook forecasts – Scotch Whisky News

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Whisky category set to grow to £2.44 billion by 2022, inaugural
Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Whisky Yearbook forecasts

The whisky category will return to growth over the coming year and, by 2022, will be worth £2.44 billion (up from £2.31 billion in 2018) according to research in the inaugural Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Whisky Yearbook.

The report, designed to be a guide to the trends in the UK whisky market, has been launched by Edrington-Beam Suntory UK to create a comprehensive guide to the key shifts in the category, as well as forecast the underlying trends and their impact.

The research shows that whisky as a whole will grow by £138 million in value in the coming three years – 6% growth over the period – and by over 200,000 cases.

2018 (actual) 2022 (forecast) CAGR Total change Change
Volume 7.44m 7.65m 0.7% 2.7% 201k
Value £2.31b £2.44b 1.5% 6.0% £138.37m

Source: CGA & Nielsen sales data for 2018 and IWSR growth forecasts for 2019 and 2022. Volume of 8.4 litre cases and total whisky value

Mark Riley, Managing Director of Edrington-Beam Suntory UK said: “Whisky is one of the most diverse and dynamic of the spirits categories. Our forecast is that it is also one that will see growth over the next three years. Bartenders and retailers tell us that whisky is a key focus for them, with plans to invest in broadening their knowledge and range, ensuring they can accommodate the increasing appetite for the spirit from consumers in both on and off-trade. 

“We would like the Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Whisky Yearbook to become a vital resource to track the changes as they happen and to look at the underlying trends in the category – both as a way to understand the market today and to forecast what is to come – as well as to offer insight into how we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented to us.”

Growth in Scotch single malt and US whisky

The principle drivers of this growth are set to be the Scotch single malt category which Edrington-Beam Suntory UK expects to see grow in value from £394 million in 2018 to £439 million in 2022.

The growth will come as a result of new “accessibly priced” single malts in the market and a closing of the price gap between single malts and blends – encouraging more blends drinkers to “trade up”.

At the same time, existing single malt drinkers are showing strong signs of trading up within the category as they explore limited bottlings and premium releases from the biggest names such as The Macallan and Bowmore amongst others.

Meantime, The Whisky Yearbook research also forecasts that American whiskies will see growth to 2022 – up from £688 million in 2018 to £742 million in 2022.

While there is uncertainty over the current tariffs imposed on US whiskies, the report is optimistic that growth will come from the growing “American premium” brands such as Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Bulleit and Woodford Reserve, which are helping to add value to the category.

Mark Riley said: “Our forecast is that Scotch single malt and American whiskies will drive future growth, continuing to attract new consumers to the whisky category and successfully appealing to existing customers with new expressions. Both are seeing customers trade-up as they explore the categories, which is supporting the increase in the value and volume of sales.”

Scotch and US Whiskies Volume Growth to 2022

2018 2019 Change 2018-2019 Change 2018-2019 2022
Scotch Blend 4.78m 4.77m -0.3% -14.3k 4.57m
US Whiskey 1.72m 1.72m 0.1% 1.7k 1.81m
Scotch Malt 0.81m 0.85m 3.7% 30.1k 0.90m

Source: CGA & Nielsen sales data for 2018 and IWSR growth forecasts for 2019 and 2022. Volume of 8.4 litre cases and total whisky value

Scotch and US Whiskies Value Growth to 2022

2018 2019 Change 2018-2019 Change 2018-2019 2022
Scotch Blend £1.05b £1.05b £1.01b
US Whiskey £687.89m £694.77m 1.0% £6.88m £742.23m
Scotch Malt £393.86m £408.43m 3.7% £14.57m £438.76m

Source: CGA & Nielsen sales data for 2018 and IWSR growth forecasts for 2019 and 2022. Volume of 8.4 litre cases and total whisky value 

Emergent categories in whisky

Further supporting the overall growth of whisky in the coming years will be the smaller sub-categories where growth will be substantial to 2022, according to Edrington-Beam Suntory UK forecasts.

Irish whiskey will grow by £28.5 million from its sales in 2018 to 2022 and is forecast to be worth £163.9 million. This has been largely driven by the category-leading brand, Jamesons, but the wider easing of supply of Irish whiskey into the UK market will support this growth yet further.

The growth of single grain whisky, meanwhile, has been one of the success stories of the last five years and growth will continue as the value of sales will almost double to £42.1 million in 2022 (from £21.5 million in 2018). As with Irish whiskey, a clear market leader – Haig Club – has led the increase, but there are now further brands joining the category which will increase the pace of growth.

Growth in sales of Japanese whisky will accelerate over the coming three years as there is greater volume available for export, as supply has been the only major barrier to its growth hitherto. The total value of sales will rise to £11.7 million by 2022 marking 44.4% growth. Canadian whisky also will grow to become a £9.0 million category over the next three years.

Mark Riley said: “Irish and single grain whiskies have been real success stories over the past twelve months – sharing rapid growth on an already strong base of both volume and value in the market. We expect both to play a greater role in shaping the wider market in the coming years. 

“The supply challenges that have arguably held back growth in Japanese and Canadian whiskies have eased. While there remains a challenge securing enough liquid from leading brands from both nations to satisfy UK demand, there is far greater supply forecast and we predict we will see growth as a result.”

Irish, single grain, Japanese and Canadian Whiskies Volume Growth to 2022 

2018 2019 Change 2018-2019 Change 2018-2019 2022
Irish Whiskey 304.33 330.20 8.5% 25.87 366.41
Single Grain Whisky 89.18 109.24 22.5% 20.07 179.78
Japanese Whisky 7.19 8.27 15.0% 1.08 10.70
Canadian Whisky 10.52 12.42 18.1% 1.90 14.20

Source: CGA & Nielsen sales data for 2018 and IWSR growth forecasts for 2019 and 2022. Volume of 8.4 litre cases and total whisky value

Irish, Single Grain, Japanese and Canadian Whiskies Value Growth to 2022

2018 2019 Change 2018-2019 Change 2018-2019 2022
Irish Whiskey £135.42m £147.21m 8.7% £11.78m £163.86m
Single Grain Whisky £21.51m £26.03m 21.0% £4.51m £42.15m
Japanese Whisky £8.10m £9.20m 13.6% £1.10m £11.69m
Canadian Whisky £6.62m £7.86m 18.8% £1.24m £9.02m

Source: CGA & Nielsen sales data for 2018 and IWSR growth forecasts for 2019 and 2022. Volume of 8.4 litre cases and total whisky value 

The Edrington-Beam Suntory UK Whisky Yearbook will be published annually and can be accessed digitally at: www.thewhiskyyearbook.co.uk

Notes 

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK

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

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

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

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

George T. Stagg Named Best Bourbon Whiskey in the World – American Whiskey News

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GEORGE T. STAGG NAMED BEST BOURBON WHISKEY IN THE WORLD

20 Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits recognized at Ultimate Spirits Challenge 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (JUNE 11, 2019) The 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge honored 20 spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery with awards, including a Chairman’s Trophy. George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon received this prestigious award and the acclaim of best bourbon whiskey in the world. Additionally, seven of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s whiskies were named finalists for the Chairman’s Trophy, nine spirits were named a “Great Value” and six received the “Tried and True” award.

“It is a tremendous honor and a testament to the passion of our hard-working team to receive the Chairman’s Trophy for George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “The Ultimate Spirits Challenge is a universally recognized indicator of exceptional quality and craftsmanship, and we are thrilled that so many of our spirits were recognized this year.”

Those awarded the distinction of “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” were:

  • George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
  • Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
  • Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
    • Named a “Great Value”
    • “Tried & True” Award

“Excellent, Highly Recommended” honors went to:

  • Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Named a “Great Value”
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
    • Named a “Great Value”
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • Colonel E.H. Taylor Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
    • “Tried & True” Award
  • Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Elmer T. Lee Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
    • Named a “Great Value”
  • W. L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Finalist for Chairman’s Trophy
    • Named a “Great Value”
  • W.L. Weller CYPB Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Awarded “Very Good, Strong Recommendation” were:

  • Sazerac Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
    • Named a “Great Value”
  • W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Named a “Great Value”
  • Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
    • Named a “Great Value”

“Good, Recommended” distinction was given to:

  • Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream

The ninth annual competition is decided by a judging panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned experts including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at https://www.ultimate-beverage.com/ultimate-spirits-challenge-USC/2019-spirits-results/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Old Particular at K&L California – Scotch Whisky News

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Old Particular

The Old Particular brand is a keystone of our spirits department. By working directly with the Douglas Laing Company, we’ve been able to offer some of the finest single malts and single grains at prices you simply won’t find anywhere else. Over the course of ten years, it has become the go-to brand for countless Scotch collectors. Here is a sampling of favorites from this remarkable portfolio.

Vintage Item Name Retail Link
2010 Glen Garioch 8 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $49.99 View
2007 Benrinnes 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $54.99 View
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 View
2010 Caol Ila 8 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $69.99 View
1987 Strathclyde 30 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $120) Price: Hidden View

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Ralfy Publishes Ralfy Review 781 – Gooderham & Worts 17yo – Canadian Whisky News

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ralfy.com visits Canada with

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Diageo brands earn top honours at 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – Scotch Whisky News

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Diageo brands earn top honours at 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Recognised for quality, craftsmanship and overall excellence, our brands were awarded a total of 101 medals including 2 Best in Class, 10 Double Gold and 29 Gold. Now in it’s 19th year, the prestigious annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition featured almost 3,000 entries from around the world. The 40-strong judging panel, consisting of some of the most respected and experienced experts in the spirits industry, awarded our brands 101 medals including:

Best in Class

  • Johnnie Walker 18-Year-Old – Best Blended Scotch
  • Lagavulin 9-Year-Old, Game of Thrones House Lannister – Best Distillers’ Malt Scotch, Up to 12 Years
Double Gold
  • Buchanan’s 18-Year-Old Special Reserve
  • Bundaberg Master Distillers’ Collection Solera Rum
  • Game of Thrones Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection (packaging)
  • Johnnie Walker 18-Year-Old
  • Johnnie Walker Double Black Label
  • Lagavulin 12-Year-Old
  • Lagavulin 9-Year-Old, Game of Thrones House Lannister
  • Mortlach 16-Year-Old
  • Singleton 12-Year-Old
  • Talisker 10-Year-Old
  • Talisker Distiller’s Edition

Scotch brands performed particularly well, winning 43 of the total 101 medals. Several medals were awarded to our American Whiskey brands, with Bulleit, George Dickel, and Orphan Barrel all securing Gold and above. In the Tequila, Rum, Vodka and Gin categories, 32 medals were awarded to our brands with Smirnoff and Zacapa each earning two Gold medals.

Find the full list of our winning brands from the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition here

NEW AND BACK IN STOCK ISLAY SINGLE CASK SCOTCH WHISKY – Scotch Whisky News

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AN ANTIQUE ARMCHAIR – CASK CLUB RELEASE 2

BUNNAHABHAIN I 1987 I 451 BOTTLES I 70CL | 46% abv.

The second exclusive release for the Wemyss Malts Cask Club; An Antique Armchair is an astonishing single cask single malt from Bunnahabhain distillery. Known as the ‘Gentle Giant‘ of the Islay distilleries it can often be found in one of Wemyss Malts releases but in many different styles, from light and malty through to heavily peated. This particular, unpeated spirit has spent just over three decades in a single sherry Butt developing sumptuous rich and leathery notes to complement the maritime character of the distillery.

£234.95

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NEW AND BACK IN STOCK ISLAY SINGLE CASK SCOTCH WHISKY

A smattering of new and previously stocked single cask Scotch whisky is now available in our online store. All are a selection of exceptionally well aged casks from Islay and includes the Wemyss Malts Cask Club 2nd exclusive bottling; An Antique Armchair, a 31 year old sherry cask Bunnahabhain. Only members of the Cask Club can purchase this bottling. As with all single casks, stocks are extremely limited due to the fact these unique whiskies are the result of a maturation in just one oak cask. This means they take on the unique flavours, aromas and colour from the natural cask, never to be repeated again. So grab these bottling’s while you can and savour the unique subtleties of these exceptional Islay drams.

Wemyss 1

EARTH, WIND AND FIRE!

BOWMORE | 1990 | 200 BOTTLES | 70CL | 46% abv.

SINGLE CASK SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Nose: Notes of honey roasted beetroots, sculpting clay and limestone introduce the initial earthy aromas. A bracing coastal aroma appears within a few seconds whilst other panellists noted the mineralic notes of fresh tuna steak.

Palate: Chewy candies and foam sweets start the show off but then coriander seed and green chilli spice build on the tongue. Mild ashy notes evoke a smoked and spicy green salsa.

Finish: Spicy Jalapeño, charred meaty fish and light smoke linger in the finish.

£229.95

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LUXURY DAMSON JAM

BUNNAHABHAIN | 1988 | 612 BOTTLES | 46% abv. | 70CL

SINGLE CASK SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Nose: The nose is rich and affluent like grand antique old furniture, and rich Nicaraguan cigars. Sweeter notes of maraschino cherries and stewed damsons mingle with dark chocolate. Palate: Like an orange marmalade or perhaps a damson jam spiced with ginger. Drying complex wood spices intensify after a few seconds to evoke allspice and clove studded orange. Finish: Slightly maritime with the addition of a mild bitterness like caraway seeds or perhaps even liquorice root.

£232.95

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Wemyss 3

MARITIME MEMORIES

BUNNAHABHAIN | 1987 | 615 BOTTLES | 70CL | 48.1% abv.

SINGLE CASK SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Nose: As brisk and awakening as a gust of sea salted wind or opening a packet of Fisherman’s Friends. Leathery and meaty notes build with hints of clove and salted caramel sweetness. Salted liquorice or Daim bars were also noted. Palate: The opening flavours are soft and gentle like traditional salted porridge garnished with mixed nuts and a dollop of clotted Cornish cream. The creamy notes develop a not unpleasant savoury edge like quark or cream cheese. Finish: Mild bitter notes of caraway and menthol finish this unusual coastal dram. 

£239.95

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Gordon & MacPhail Caperdonich 36 Year Old at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

Gordon MacPhail 1982 from Caperdonich Distillery (Private Collection) - bottle pack shot (002)

Caperdonich 36 Year Old 1982 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask refill bourbon barrel #15179 bottled January 2019 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Private Collection series. 114 bottles. Caperdonich Distillery was founded in 1897 and its two stills were fired up a year later. Established beside the North of Scotland Railway in the north west corner of Rothes. But Caperdonich opened just as demand for whiskey crashed and it closed in 1902 it remained mothballed until 1965 but closed permanently in 2002. And was demolished in 2011. Caperdonich whiskey went primarily into blended scotch but a small volume continues to be released by independent bottlers, featuring in the Old & Rare single cask releases of Hunter Laing. A lost Scottish Speyside malt whisky distillery.

Shop $1,310.64

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Bourbon at K&L California – American Whiskey News

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Bourbon

Bourbon has never been more in demand. With bottles in the secondary market selling well into the $100s and some cases $1000s, good values are increasingly becoming a thing of the past. However, thanks to an increase in production and our close relationship with many of the country’s best distillers, we’ve managed to zero in on more than a few spectacular buys. You don’t have to pay a king’s ransom for a truly special bottle of bourbon.

Item Name Retail Link
Legent Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $44.99 View
Basil Hayden’s 10 Year Old Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $54.99 View
Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon (750ml) $54.99 View
Booker’s “Teresa’s Batch 2019-1” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View
Woodinville K&L Exclusive Single Cask #1320 Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

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