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

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 257: Kavalan Vinho Barrique 2013 ‘Vina’ for Taiwan

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, enjoys another Kavalan. This is a limited edition that was released by Kavalan especially for the Taiwanese WhiskyClub.co, presided by Mark’s good friend Joseph Wang. He has Joseph to thank for the bottle. It got a very special label and is dubbed ‘Vina’, which is the goddess of vineyards. Must have been one sexy lady, judging by the back label.

https://youtu.be/ncw_N1T-DBI

INTRODUCING THE TYRCONNELL® 16 YEAR OLD OLOROSO & MOSCATEL CASK FINISH LIMITED-EDITION IRISH WHISKEY 

The Tyrconnell releases its oldest and most unique cask-finished expression to date

and the only Irish Whiskey of its kind on the market

Chicago, IL (June 5, 2019) – The Tyrconnell® emerges victorious once again with the debut of its oldest and most unique cask-finished expression to date, The Tyrconnell® 16 Year Old Oloroso & Moscatel Cask Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Available globally in six countries, it will be released to select U.S. markets in June with a suggested retail price of $100.00 (750ml). Only a limited quantity has been produced due to its age and unique finish.

“We are thrilled to release The Tyrconnell 16 Year Old Oloroso & Moscatel Cask Finish, as the elegant expression demonstrates our commitment to innovation and quality,” said John Cashman, Global Irish Whiskey Ambassador for the Kilbeggan Distilling Company. “Building on the success of our award-winning 2017 and 2018 Tyrconnell limited releases, we continued to experiment with different aging techniques and we’re intrigued by these distinctively seasoned Spanish casks. The result is a completely unique – and delicious – Irish whiskey unlike any other.”

The only Irish whiskey of its kind on the market, this expression was aged for 16 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels before an additional maturation in wine casks from the Andalucia region of Southern Spain, which were initially seasoned with Oloroso sherry before a second seasoning with Moscatel wine. The result has a distinctive sweetness and roundness – honeysuckle, champagne and jasmine notes, with a nutty and caramelized taste that precedes a warm and dry finish with hints of grapefruit.

The Tyrconnell is made of just three ingredients – the finest Irish barley, yeast and pure Irish spring water. Produced in traditional pot stills, it is one of a rare few Irish whiskeys that utilizes double distillation, allowing more of the rich and natural flavors to remain. This creates a whiskey that carries a delicate flavor atop a creamier, more viscous presence.

The Tyrconnell distilling team began experimenting with different finishing techniques after discovering how amenable their light, soft and fruity whiskey was to a cask finish. In 2007, they released its first trio of cask-finished expressions: The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Port Cask Finish and The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish, all permanent expressions in the brand’s portfolio (as well as The Tyrconnell Original which is aged in ex-bourbon casks only). In March 2018, The Tyrconnell 15 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish debuted as a special limited-edition.   

TASTING NOTES: THE TYRCONNELL 16 YEAR OLD OLOROSO & MOSCATEL CASK FINISH

PROOF                 46% ABV

AROMA               An effervescent combination of honeysuckle, jasmine and brazil nut envelop the malty peach and ripe red apple skin aromas, with minerality reminiscent of Champagne

TASTE                  Minerality continues with a medley of nuts and gooey dark chocolate – caramelized sugars and honeycomb combine with the malt spice for added complexity

FINISH                  Dry and tannic as the oak becomes more prevalent but not before citrus and grapefruit leave a distinctive zest at the back of the mouth

The best way to enjoy this whiskey is on the rocks or neat to showcase the fruity aromas on the nose, its sweet, nutty flavor and spicy finish.

The legend of The Tyrconnell was born in 1876, when R. M. Delamere entered his beautiful chestnut colt, Tyrconnell, in the 10^th running of the prestigious National Produce Stakes Horse Race at The Curragh, considered Ireland’s most important thoroughbred racecourse. A short thoroughbred with the odds stacked against him – he was far from the ‘jolly,’ or favorite to win on this fateful day –  but fortune found favor that afternoon as Tyrconnell crossed the finish line in first place, besting horses and oddsmakers alike on his march to victory.

The against-all-odds victory captured the imagination of the assembled crowd, which included the Watts, an Irish race horse loving family who had built a thriving whiskey distillery. They chose to commemorate Tyrconnell’s win by creating a limited edition, small batch whiskey that bore the name of their local champion. Although the Watts family intended to make The Tyrconnell just once, it ended up becoming their most popular whiskey, even claimed to have been the best-selling Irish whiskey in America before Prohibition. 

About The Tyrconnell® Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Tyrconnell is produced at the Cooley Distillery, nestled in the foothills of the Cooley Mountains in County Louth. The Cooley Distillery, part of the Kilbeggan Distilling Company, has been the driving force behind the Irish Single Malt evolution. Most Irish malt whiskey has traditionally found its way into blended whiskeys, thus it is rare to find Irish malt whiskey bottled in its single malt form. The award-winning Tyrconnell portfolio includes The Tyrconnell, The Tyrconnell 16 Year Old Limited Edition, The Tyrconnell 15 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish Limited Edition and a trio of 10 Year Old cask finished expressions: Madeira Cask, Sherry Cask and Port Cask. The Cooley Distillery also produces the award-winning Kilbeggan Blended Irish whiskey, Kilbeggan Single Grain and Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish whiskey. For more information on The Tyrconnell, please visit www.thetyrconnellwhiskey.com

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku 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 vision of 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.

New Gift Packs from The English Whisky Co.

The English Whisky Co. has unveiled four beautiful new gift packs just in time for Father’s Day.

Bringing together a range of its most popular whiskies and giftware, the new gift sets promise to be the perfect present for ardent whisky fans wanting to sample the very best whisky from England’s oldest whisky producer.

Perfect for father’s day, birthdays or as Christmas gifts, there are four new gift sets to choose from:

The Gift Pack Original & 2 Glasses Gift Set contains one 200ml bottle of The English Original in a gift box with two nosing glasses. RRP £29.99.

The Gift Pack Original, Smokey & 2 Glasses Gift Set contains a 200ml bottle of each of The English Original & the English Smokey whiskies presented in a gift box with two nosing glasses. RRP £39.99.

The Gift Pack Original & Hip Flask set contains a 200ml bottle of The English Original beautifully presented with a blue English Whisky Company hip flask. RRP £24.99.

Finally, the Gift Pack Smokey & Beer Set contains a 200ml bottle of The English Smokey and a The Saints Whisky Beer. RRP £19.99.

“We are very excited to launch these new gift packs,” explains Katy Nelstrop, from The English Whisky Co. “Each of the four packs is carefully designed to appeal to a range of whisky lovers, from ardent fans to weekend dabblers. There’s a range of options to choose from that should suit all tastes and budgets. Perfect for retailers and gift shops, we expect them to be very popular for Father’s Day and beyond,” she adds.

A family business, The English Whisky Company was the first English whisky distillery for over 100 years when it opened its doors 12 years ago. It now produces the finest English single malt whisky at its distillery in Norfolk.

Batch made by hand using the purest, cleanest water from the Breckland aquifer deep beneath its distillery and using Norfolk’s finest barley, the expert team creates a beautiful range of whisky aged in the finest oak casks.

For more information on The English Whisky Co. visit www.englishwhisky.co.uk

Just Whisky June Auction Is Live!

Ends Sunday June 16^th

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There’s over 1,200 bottles to choose from this month!

With plenty of new releases from Clynelish, Redbreast, Chichibu! Oh and the little matter of the latest bottles from Feis Ile 2019!

On top of all that, this month you have the opportunity to buy your very own cask of Macallan! That’s right, Just Whisky have a 29-year-old Macallan bourbon cask up for grabs this auction.

But if you’re not quite ready to take on an entire cask, perhaps a 52-year-old Macallan will suffice? Here’s just a few more of the cracking bottles to choose from.

MACALLAN 1990 REFILL HOGSHEAD CASK NO.11164 – HELD IN BOND (WHISKYBROKER)

The cask was re-gauged on 23rd May 2019 and found to contain 181.5976 bulk litres (77.9299 ltr alc) at a strength of 42.9%, yielding around 259 x 70cl bottles at full cask strength (more, if diluted down). The cask is currently stored in bond with Whisky Broker Ltd. The successful winner of this lot will receive a certificate of ownership from the current UK Duty Representative. They will also have the option to change the UK Duty Representative.

MACALLAN 52 YEAR OLD – 2018 RELEASE (One of 250 bottles)

The Macallan 52 Years Old is an extraordinary spirit that delivers a sublime brilliance, achieved as a result of time and dedication to allow maturation for over five decades.

ARDBEG 2003 – 2019 FEIS ILE SINGLE CASK NO.2455 (One of 231 bottles)

Ardbeg Single Cask released for Feis Ile 2019. Distilled 10th September 2003, bottled 10th April 2019. Matured in a Chenic Blanc Barrel (cask no. 2455).

MACALLAN 1988 – 2018 EXCEPTIONAL SINGLE CASK NO.8 (One of 508 bottles)

Speyside single malt giant, Macallan launched its Exceptional Single Cask range in 2017, the name has carried on from their original single cask bottlings which were released during the ’90s.

Cask No.8 was recently released via emails from Macallan to the lucky few customers on their database. Contained in cask No.8 was exceptional Macallan malt which had been distilled in April 1988. The whisky was matured in a single European Oak Sherry Butt until being hand selected by Sarah Burgees on the 10th of July 2018 and being bottled at cask strength in October 2018, one of only 508 bottles.

View and bid on over 1,200 lots at
WWW.JUST-WHISKY.CO.UK

We know our exceptional single cask whiskies can be enjoyed on their own, but have you stimulated your senses by pairing them with food? This month, we have specially selected 18 new casks to create some beautifully balanced food and whisky matches. Embrace the bold flavours and discover your perfect pairing.

  READ ONLINE NOW             OUTTURN 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