An Exceptionally Rare Find for Whisky Collectors
1974 Garnheath 44 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($299.99)
“A superlative example of the merits of old grain whisky and worth every single penny.”
—David Othenin-Girard

This is one of those rare bottlings that we simply can’t believe we got our hands on. Coming from the long-shuttered Garnheath distillery, this 44-year-old single grain is not only a slice of history, but also a shockingly delicious of bottle of Scotch. Garnheath, for a brief twenty-two-year stint, produced the grain component for Scotch Inver House Rare Blended Whisky. Unfortunately, the cost of the operation became too much and the distillery was closed in 1986. The remaining casks like this one knocked around Lowland warehouses for years, slowly being picked off by independent bottlers. When our spirits team tasted this cask, they knew immediately it belonged on our shelves. Smooth, sophisticated, and refined, it serves up sweet caramel, berries, chantilly cream, wood spice, and so much more. When it comes to old single grains, this is easily among the best we’ve encountered. Its smooth and supple approach is the icing on the cake. Only 139 bottles were produced, so it will be a lucky few who get to enjoy this treasure. The moral of the story, don’t delay on this divine single barrel.

1974 Garnheath 44 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($299.99)

Garnheath was the grain side of a short-lived but very large malt and grain whisky production complex in Airdrie that only operated for 22 years. Opened in 1964, Garnheath was one of the most efficient and promising distilleries in the Lowlands. It was situated in the old Moffat paper mill and produced the grain for Scotch Inver House Rare Blended Whisky. Unfortunately for lovers of fine grain whisky, Garnheath closed its doors to production in 1986 deep in a hole of debt. Today, just the blending and office facilities remain and with every bottle of Garnheath consumed there is one less drop in the world. Perhaps the most robust of this year’s single grain lineup, this 44 year old whisky sports a particularly full custard and cream driven profile. It’s very fresh given its age and carries a surprisingly spicy backbone.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 17, 2019

The special spirit that came off the column still at the Moffat distillery 44 years ago should have never managed to make its way to the shelves of a little shop in California. It was certainly supposed to be dumped for some mild blend or traded off stiffen up some Drambuie. But instead this weird little bird was shuffled around and eventually forgotten in the back of some Lowland warehouse. Perhaps it was acquired by our friend Fred Laing along with the great Scotch liquidation of the mid ’90s that saw the transfer of countless casks of rare closed distilleries to this small family owner—Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Cambus, Garnheath. We’ll never really know the journey this barrel took, but only what it brought here with it. A nose of pure powdered candy, vanilla extract, quince peels and ripe steamed hominy. The somewhat restrained elegant nose is nothing like the mossy funky style we saw on her sister casks last year and doesn’t prepare you for the rich, almost syrupy texture that invades the palate on entry. As the fabulous JP Robinson would say, “it’s baby’s bottom.” The definition of smooth, but it’s not some slight little thing. The absolute lack of burn lets it completely envelop the palate and draws out a host of odd fruits—jelly melon, loquat, dragon fruit, white raspberry. The finish moves slightly more savory, showing turbinado syrup, cake frosting, meringue, and white chocolate. It’s astonishing that this is just oak, spirit and time rather than some mysterious concoction of fruit and sugars. Dangerously easy considering the nearly 100 proof. A superlative example of the merits of old grain whisky and worth every single penny.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 25, 2019

This cask has aged beautifully and has the soft concentration of age but is still alive and fresh. It is sweet and easy with a nice soft fruitiness. There is a long mouth coating finish that is delicate and delicious.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 22, 2019

It’s not every day that I get to try a 44-year-old Scotch and I definitely appreciated and took my time with this in the glass. After spending that much time in a barrel, the normal alcohol note took a backseat and allowed more of the esters to come through. The nose was warm and inviting, giving off notes of candied dried plum, pencil shavings, baking chocolate and an underlying note of iodine. The taste was exceptional and dessert-esque; a soft texture yet with enough heat to liven up the palate. Notes of chocolate covered sweet cherries and strawberry angel food cake with whipped cream dominated my taste buds. The finish was ridiculously long and just as smooth. Soft notes of candy corn and ripe apricots ran to the finish line together while a sweet spearmint peaked towards the very end. If you haven’t had a Scotch with this kind of age on it, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

William Beare | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 29, 2019

This feels like a significant cut above some of the other overaged single grain offerings that we have had of late. From the first passing waft, the nose carries loads of fleshy fruit, caramel, and ultra-creamy custard. I spent so long picking out different elements of the nose that I almost forgot to actually drink it. Well…OK…not really. Sweet toasted challah bread hit the palate with incredible delicacy and smoothness. It drinks like a dream from start to finish, and could go toe-to-toe with single malts for twice the price. There is a bit of wood on the finish, not overwhelming, but rather a pleasant old cigar box spice (clove and cedar).

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 29, 2019

This single grain Scotch is so luscious and layered. On first smell, it seems like this Scotch is leaning toward armagnac territory. There are a lot of brandy qualities on display: from the woody notes that remind me of polished Limousin oak to the fruit-forward aspects. The glass bursts with fresh orchard fruits, especially apricot, cherry, and peach. The polished oak morphs into sandalwood, then gets herbaceous and a little medicinal. The palate is also quite fruit-focused adding flavors of a berry medley. Further sips reveal creamy vanilla and bready flavors. As it progresses, the whisky gets quite salty and spicy on through the finish. Is this a grain whisky or a fruit brandy? It’s jazz-fusion, and it’s as odd and magical as a Zappa record.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 23, 2019

Almost rum-like in its nose. It’s sweet and caramelly and smells like a bowl of fresh, ripe strawberries covered in heavy whipped cream. On the palate it’s got amazing spice and persistence. There is tons of fruit, but a peppery drive of wood spice as well. The finish is complex and lengthy jumping back and forth between cream, brioche, stone fruit in syrup, and allspice. This should sell out quickly as more and more people are understanding the pleasures and value of old single grain.

Macallan 1937 32 Year Old Fine & Rare

Part of the revered Fine & Rare series from The Macallan, this 32-year-old expression was distilled in 1937 and was originally bottled in 1969 before being re-bottled in 2002. Presented at a strength of 43% abv, this release had a total outturn of just 174 bottles.

The nose has fresh apples and lemon citrus with light ginger and floral aspects, alongside mature wood, dried fruits and peat smoke. The palate brings apple and lemon with hints of drying wood and warming peat. The finish is a balance of fruits and wood notes with drying peat smoke.

£47,500.00 – Buy Now

Learn more here

Glenrothes 43 Year old

1973 vintage single cask bottled by Signatory Vintage. 149 bottles. Glenrothes 43 Year Old 1973 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask hogshead #11099 bottled February 2017 by by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Rare Reserve Collection. 149 numbered bottles.

Glenrothes Distillery was established in the narrow valley of the Rothes Burn on the west side of Rothes in the Speyside whisky region by James Stuart & Co. in 1878. This is a large malt whisky distillery owned by Berry Bros & Rudd of London, with eighteen washbacks, ten copper stills singing in their own mighty cathedral and has retained its traditional pagoda roof. Popular distillery releases include Glenrothes 1995, 1998 and Glenrothes Peated.

Shop £698.48

Trip to Taiwan – part 3/3

By Mark Dermul, Belgium

Apart from being a whisky blogger and vlogger, Mark Dermul from Belgium also works part time as whisky expert for the auction platform Catawiki. In that capacity he was recently sent – together with two colleagues – to Taiwan on a whisky business trip.

This is his report.

Part 3 of 3.

Whisky Bars

Doing business in Taiwan is mired in cultural do’s and don’ts. Luckily, the Taiwanese people are very open, honest, welcoming and forgiving, so we did not worry too much. But a lot of business starts with a meal, continues in a bar and is concluded with some karaoke, it seems. We had lots of fun. Allow me to point out a few bars of interest that we visited.

Backyard Jr is a lovely little whisky bar (little to be taken with a grain of salt for their range is eye-watering) in the famous Breeze Center near the famous Taipei 101 shopping center.

I unfortunately did not note the name of the karaoke bar, but we were treated to Balvenie 21 Year Old and the Taiwan exclusive Macallan Aera. Very nice.

The aforementioned whisky bar in the Hotel Kuva Chateau is a must-visit if you are in Taoyuan. Their whisky list of over 2.000 open bottles is very well organized. Every bottle has a code, to help the bartender locate it in the bar that comprises some four walls.

In Taichung, you have a grand view of the city from the Lounge One bar on the 29^th floor of one of the modern skyscrapers that dot the city skyline. A life band of jazz musicians entertains while you sip your favorite malt or bourbon. I had a Glen Ord 18 and Bunna XXV.

Apart from these whisky bars, where we enjoyed a few great sips, the best drams were had while visiting some collectors (who by now have become friends). While they will not be named for privacy reasons, I can say I’ve had some of my most amazing whisky’s in their den. A shortlist, if you’ll allow me:

• Macallan 25yo (b 1980s)
• Springbank 1966 (b 1997)
• Macallan 14yo Moon Import (b 1980s)
• Rosebank 1967 Signatory (b 1998)
• JJ&S Liqueur Dublin Whisky (b 1960s)
• Glen Scotia 8 Year Old (b 1950s)
• Port Ellen 14 Year Old 1979 Wilson & Morgan (b 1993)
• Caol Ila 15 Year Old The Manager’s Dram (b 1990)
• Lagavulin 13 Year Old 1979 Wilson & Morgan (b 1993)
• Laphroaig 10 Year Old Bonfantimport (b 1970s)
• Talisker 1955 Gordon & Macphail (b 1992)

Nuff said…

Sightseeing

All this beautiful liquid would almost make you forget that Taiwan is also a beautiful country in its own right with many sights to see.

People who know me, know that I am not one to be dumbfounded easily. But when visiting the monuments and temples in Taiwan, I have to admit, I was truly humbled. Not just by the buildings, but also by what they signify, the people who pray in them and were very inviting, the fantastic gardens and parks.

I was impressed with the Shing Tien Kong Temple (Five Saviours), the Dalongdong Baoan Temple and mostly with the Confucius Temple. The Square of Democracy with the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is just stunning. Goosebumps, anyone?

Tapei is a bustling city that captivates, especially at night (it is a city that never sleeps), while Taichung was more open, less busy and thus actually – to me – more enjoyable. But one thing is for sure… I am definitely in love with Taiwan and its people and hope to one day return here.

After a week – that truly seemed much shorter – in Tawain, I can honestly say that we did good business, made plenty of new friends, had the best food ever, drank liquid history and to top it all off, I was able to pick up two new bottles of Auchentoshan at the airport. Ha! This trip was perfect.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr Wang and his staff, Mr Hsien, Mr Lin, Ms Lin, Mr C and all the staff at both the Landis, Tempus and Kuva hotels for their gracious generosity and hospitality. You have made this trip one that will be long remembered. Xièxiè!

I also wish to thank my colleagues at Catawiki for the opportunity to travel to Taiwan.

Last but not least I would like to thank my better half Sofie, who continues to support me in all my crazy whisky and other adventures. Thank you, sweetheart.

May the Malt be with you!

The 1st part was published on February 17th and the 2nd and February 24th.

Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick’s Day ~ Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye

What makes Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye noteworthy? 

• RYE!! Paying tribute to the golden age of Irish whiskey in the late-1800s, this is the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash: a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye*.

• Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills – one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today – Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market.

• It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010.

• Although Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye was conceived as a pot still Irish whiskey, it breaks the technical definition of “pot still,” which is: a mashbill that is at least 30% malted barley, at least 30% unmalted barley, and no more than 5% of any other cereal. Since this whiskey is comprised of 30% rye and exceeds the 5% limit, even though it is distilled in copper pot stills, it cannot technically be called a pot still Irish whiskey. However, it displays many of the same characteristics of traditional pot still Irish whiskey, such as its spicy flavor and creamy texture, which are accentuated even further by the rye.

*History lesson – back in the late-1800s, many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence.

As we celebrate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, we also celebrate the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, who unwavering dedication and perseverance has kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.

While we like to enjoy Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye neat due to its mellow and spicy character, this March 17^th, we’ll be toasting St. Patrick and the Kilbeggan community with the Kilbeggan Rye Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Double distilled and matured in Ireland’s oldest continually licensed distillery, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is an innovation that pays tribute to the golden age of Irish whiskey. Kilbeggan Distilling Company celebrates the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan®Small Batch Rye, the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash.It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010.Each bottle is a testament to the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, whose unwavering dedication and perseverance have kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.“Following the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, our team was inspired to create this remarkable whiskey rooted in Irish distilling heritage,” says John Cashman, Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador, Irish Whiskey. “It is a truly unique spirit, featuring a rare mash that has produced aflavor unlike anything available today.” Featuring a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye, this whiskey hearkens back to the late-1800s, when many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence. Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills–one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today–Kilbeggan®Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market. Due to the nature of its mash, the flavor profile of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is notably softer than familiar American rye whiskies. The combination of rye, malt and barley produces an oily, viscous, creamy whiskey, bristling with rye and barley spice. As both Irish whiskey and rye whiskey enjoy a resurgence, Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is a true innovation within both categories, with a smooth, spicy flavor profile sure to excite whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.Due to its mellow and spicy character, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is best enjoyed neat. If using this whiskey in a cocktail, we recommend an Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye, 43% alc./Vol. It joins the U.S. portfolio along side permanent expressions Kilbeggan®Blended Irish Whiskey (40%ABV) and Kilbeggan®Single Grain Irish Whiskey(43% ABV). KILBEGGAN®SMALL BATCH RYE| 43% ABV AROMA Soft green fruits combine with a rich creamy aroma and give way to white pepper, citrus,and soft ginger spices TASTE Beautiful warming mouthfeel of textured vanilla cream, floral spice, clove,and forest sorrel, building to a crescendo of warm spice and biscuit dryness FINISH Immensely long and nuanced, thick buttery coating with a return to the vanilla and a spicy, oily coating that remains long after the finish

About Beam Suntory Inc. As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company witha deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.comand

Benromach 39 Year Old

1977 vintage single sherry cask of the Speyside single malt. Limited release of 225 bottles. Benromach 39 Year Old 1977 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask Refill American hogshead #1268 released 2017. 225 bottles. Presented in a bespoke wooden box, made in oak, and designed to reflect the colour of the wooden washbacks at Benromach Distillery. AROMAS WITHOUT WATER… enjoy the vibrant notes of sweet honey, apricot conserve, orange zest and butterscotch, mingling with developing hints of toasted oak and a delicate menthol edge. Now take a sip. Savour the sweetness leading to a touch of pepper on the tongue followed by notes of ripe banana and luscious passion fruit. Citrus undertones and dried tobacco mingle with toasted oak leading to a fresh menthol finish. Add A FEW DROPS OF WATER and take time to enjoy the nose as it develops… sweet, subtle coconut and exotic fruits combine with ginger and lime aromas. Now lift it to your lips and enjoy a slow sip… a smooth sweetness emerges with warm bursts of white pepper and overtones of pear, kiwi and lime. Finally, dried tobacco and a trace of toasted oak on the finish. Exquisite.

Benromach Distillery was designed by Charles C. Diog and constructed at Forres in the Speyside whiskey region for D. McCallum and F.W. Burickman in 1898. Following numerous periods of closure, it was purchased in 1993 by < b>Gordon & MacPhail who charged up its single pair of stills in 1998 and have nurtured Benromach ever since. Striking new labeling combined with an increasing range of single malts is forging a very popular brand of single malt whiskies which includes Benromach Organic, Benromach Peatsmoke and Benromach 10 Year Old.

Shop $1,342.42

Saturday, March 16th 12-4PM

St Patrick’s Weekend

 Irish Whiskey Tasting 

Friends don’t let friends drink green beer! The Whisky Shop continues our St Patrick’s Day weekend tradition in 2019 with an Irish Single Malt tasting, featuring the historically inspired Knappogue Castle single malt. Made with pure Irish spring water and malted barley, Knappogue Castle Single Malt is famously smooth and flavorful, with some of the rarest and oldest commercially available Irish whiskies to date in their highly sought after portfolio.

More Details & RSVP

Glendronach Grandeur Batch 10 27 Year Old

This limited edition is the 10th release the GlenDronach Grandeur series. Consisting of hand-selected Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks from some of the distillery’s rarest stocks, this 27-year-old expression has been bottled at a strength of 50.1% abv. Only 2,293 bottles have been produced, each one individually numbered.

Described by Master Blender Rachel Barrie as ‘a symphony of depth and mellow maturity, reminiscent of times gone by. With layers of damson plum, black walnut and truffle on a bed of antique leather and old-fashioned treacle gingerbread, Batch 10 celebrates the robust, full-bodied style of The GlenDronach Distillery.’

£499.00 – Buy Now

Learn more here

ralfy.com talks An Cnoc

https://youtu.be/go-p7Igwc5I

EXCEPTIONAL, RARE SCOTCH WHISKY BLEND BELIEVED TO CONTAIN LEGENDARY MALT MILL SINGLE MALT UP FOR AUCTION

PERTH, SCOTLAND – An exceptionally rare bottle of blended Scotch whisky that is likely to contain the near mythical Malt Mill single malt is set to go under the hammer in an online auction being held by Perth-based Whisky Auctioneer (www.whiskyauctioneer.com) and is expected to fetch over £5,000.

Mackie’s Ancient Brand Scotch Whisky takes its name from the infamous Sir Peter Mackie, once proprietor of Lagavulin distillery, and agent for neighbours, Laphroaig. After losing the contract for the latter, he built an exact replica on the grounds of Lagavulin, designed to precisely replicate the output of Laphroaig. This distillery was Malt Mill.

Dating from the 1940s, before the distillery closed in 1962, this bottle was imported to the US market by Browne Vintners Company, NY. Just how much Malt Mill could appear in the blend is impossible to say, but the bottle offers a singularly unique opportunity to potentially own whisky from a legendary lost Islay distillery.

The legend of Malt Mill was bolstered further by the 2012 Ken Loach film, The Angels’ Share, where a single fictitious cask of Malt Mill played a starring role.

Joe Wilson, whisky content expert at Whisky Auctioneer, said: “We are excited to feature this incredibly special bottle in our current auction. Almost all the whisky produced at Malt Mill went into blends, namely White Horse and Mackie’s, with examples exceptionally rare and highly prized. We expect to see a huge amount of interest in this vintage gem from whisky collectors across the world.”

The auction goes live on Friday 22 February and will close on Monday 4 March.

Listing (live from lunchtime 22 February): https://whiskylink.co/mackies

For more information on auctions or to register to participate in the next auction please visit: www.whiskyauctioneer.com

NOTES

Available for interview: Iain McClune, Managing Director, Whisky Auctioneer

Additional Information

1. Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning whisky, whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable.
2. Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, Whisky Auctioneer aims to be the most comprehensive website available for the buying and selling of whisky.
3. Whisky Auctioneer holds regular monthly online auctions as well as specialist auctions for collectible whiskies and exclusive releases.
4. To buy or sell on the Whisky Auctioneer website, an account must be first set up here: https://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/register
5. Social Media Handles:
   1. twitter: @whisky_auction
   2. facebook: @WhiskyAuctioneer
   3. web: whiskyauctioneer.com