A dram for drinking, a cask for investing:

Stockton Hong Kong partners with rare whisky cask specialist ‘Rare Finds Worldwide’

HONG KONG – Whisky brokerage Rare Finds Worldwide has officially partnered with Stockton Hong Kong, one of the best whisky bars in Asia (Number 8), in bringing an all-new luxe experience for Scotch whisky drinkers, investors and collectors.

A fusion of 18^th century London luxe and rare Scotch, this collaboration sets a unique, elegant tone and ambience for ‘whisky talk.’ Whisky tastings, seminars and meetings highlighting whisky casks as one of the most lucrative luxury asset classes will be hosted by Rare Finds Worldwide in Stockton. The speakeasy’s interiors and vibe reminiscent of the halcyon days of 1890s London will complement the inherent sophistication and luxuriousness of whisky investment.

“Rare whisky is akin to a piece of history taken out of its era. Coupled with Stockton’s evocative atmosphere and esteemed clientele, it makes our partnership the perfect blend. Aged throughout the years, whisky is a tale of character, notes and passion all blended in a cask. We turn whisky investment into a personal journey – from cask selection and storage to bottling, our clients are highly involved in the process,” said Freeman Ho, Whisky Specialist at Rare Finds Worldwide.

Alongside the partnership, Rare Finds Worldwide and Stockton will also be offering lockers for collectors that wish to store their bottles for consumption. Locker holders will receive benefits and exclusive deals with partner global organisations including potential discounts on casks and bottles.

Rare Finds Worldwide remains at the forefront of whisky investment as rare whisky joins the list of most sought-after luxury assets among art, cars and fine wines. The Wealth Report 2020 shows the whisky asset class overtaking classic cars on the Luxury Investment Index with a growth of 564% over the past decade. With its expertise in ultra-premium cask procurement from top-tier distilleries, the brokerage offers exclusive access to some of the oldest and most prestigious single malts in the market. It provides investors and collectors the opportunity to diversify their portfolio or further grow their whisky collection.

“We have seen an increase in demand for asset-backed investments, and rare whisky is a strong-growth asset class that has the strength to weather market volatility. Stockton is the perfect venue for our cask investment seminars and our upcoming VIP whisky membership, perfectly reflecting the sophistication of this asset class which is fast becoming ‘Liquid Gold’,” said Murray Holdgate, Director of Rare Finds Worldwide.

“As a bar that has over 150 different whiskies on offer, having customers consider whisky as an investment in Stockton is a new and exciting experience. We see a flavourful journey ahead as our partnership with Rare Finds Worldwide comes into fruition,” said Suraj Gurung of Stockton Hong Kong.

Rare Finds Worldwide will also display ultra-rare Scotch whisky at Stockton, elevating the immersive experiences the bar is well-known for in terms of whisky. The selection of bottles will feature iconic distilleries such as Macallan, Dalmore and Bowmore collections available for purchase. For more information on rare whisky investment or for a consultation with Rare Finds’ alternative asset specialists, visit rarefindsworldwide.com or get in touch at stockton@rarefindsworldwide.com.

About Rare Finds Worldwide

www.rarefindsworldwide.com

Rare Finds Worldwide is a tailored whisky brokerage that offers collectors and investors the opportunity to increase wealth with rare Single Malt Scotch Whisky. We offer our private client’s exclusive access to some of the oldest and most prestigious single malts in the world as well as taking advantage of ultra – premium cask procurement from Tier 1 distilleries such as Macallan, Dalmore and Bowmore to name a select few. Our team comprises of experienced investment banking professionals and alternative investment specialists, whose passion for whisky has evolved into a consultancy that focuses on delivering only best in class product, with authentic provenance to our family of whisky investors and collectors.

About Stockton Hong Kong

https://www.stockton.com.hk

Stockton is a hidden cocktail bar and restaurant that pays tribute to a time of unspoiled indulgence. With only the best libations and a menu of decadent delights, Stockton is an immersive experience in the halcyon days of 1890s London. It has gained recognition as one of the best bars in Asia.

 Our June Auction is Now Live!

Please take the time to scroll through the highlights below, which have been hand-selected from this month’s offering for your attention.

Each one presents an exceptional opportunity to add to your whisky collection. 

BROWSE AUCTION

THE BALVENIE VINTAGE CASKS

If you’re looking for a Speyside collectible, there is nothing more classic than The Balvenie Vintage Cask Series. Included in our June Auction is the desirable 1951 Vintage Cask 1236, one of the very first casks to be bottled for the series, producing only 90 bottles of this collector’s item.

DOUBLE EAGLE VERY RARE

Our June Auction welcomes two of these beautiful bourbons for the first time at Whisky Auctioneer! A luxurious bottling from bourbon favourites, Eagle Rare, this has been bottled at 20 years of age into just 299 bespoke crystal decanters. Read more about this bottle in one of our latest news articles.

LIMITED EDITION YAMAZAKI

Yamazaki were one of the first Japanese distilleries to win an international award for their whisky – a much deserved accolade. Today they are one of the largest producers of Japanese whisky,  and their limited editions such as the ones below are growing increasingly rare.

THE MACALLAN SELECT RESERVES

Due to the post-Second World War rationing of coal, The Macallan was forced to malt with a higher amount of peat than normal, imparting an unusual but reputed smoky flavour to the 1948 Select Reserve. Each bottle was marked with an individual date, this one the 4th July, which could be a fitting tribute with Independence Day on the horizon.

DUTHIE BOTTLINGS

R.W. Duthie of Aberdeen provided casks to a number of international distributors, including the Corti Brothers in the US, and early Samaroli releases.  This month, we have two stunning vintage examples bottled by the company itself, a 1978 Lagavulin and 1979 Macallan-Glenlivet.

OVER £240,000 RAISED FOR THE SPEYSIDE COMMUNITY

To raise funds for those in the Speyside community and in tribute to the cancelled festival, Glenfiddich will release an exclusive limited edition ‘Spirit of Speyside 2020’ bottling in an exclusive charity auction from 17 – 22 June 2020 on WhiskyAuctioneer.com.

Read more about the results and the deserving Speyside charities here.

YOUR WHISKY IS IN GOOD HANDS

Interested in selling whisky? As the leading online rare whisky auction, we offer a personal and expert approach to selling your cherished bottles by giving them the international exposure they deserve.

Next auction: 24 July – 3 August
Bottle deadline: 13 July

For free expert valuation for your bottle(s) or to discuss the best ways to get your bottles to us contact us at info@whiskyauctioneer.com

Our team are standing by to assist you through the process, get in touch today to discuss options on how we can help you.

EARLY BIRD TICKETS END JUNE 30

Yet to purchase your ticket for Whisky Show 2020? Well make sure not to miss out on our fantastic early bird rates – ending 30 June at 5pm BST

With more than 800 whiskies to try, food-pairings and cocktails, a Dream Dram token, demonstrations and talks, and a two-course meal for Saturday and Sunday attendees all included in your ticket, our early bird prices are great value for money.

Don’t miss out!

Book now 

COVID-19 UPDATE

In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, our team at Whisky Show will be following government guidelines to ensure a safe environment for all attendees of the 2020 show.

see full update here 

2020 SHOW THEME

This year’s theme is ‘Whisky: An Ever-Changing World’, focusing on the continuing evolution of our favourite spirit. Prepare for an exciting exploration of everything from the distillers that have made whisky what it is today to the innovators paving the way for the future.

Learn more 

ON SALE NOW: SHOW BUNDLES

The perfect gift for the whisky fan in your life, Whisky Show 2020 bundles are now available! Each pack includes a bottle of your chosen whisk(e)y, tasting glasses, extra goodies and, of course, tickets to Whisky Show 2020. The perfect way to share a dram both now and in October.

BUY NOW 

Show Details
2-4 October 2020
11.30am-6.30pm

Old Billingsgate
1 Old Billingsgate Walk
London EC3R 6DX

BOOK NOW 

The last few months have undoubtedly been strange for everyone, so we’re looking to start July with a bang and find reasons to celebrate. Whether it’s joining our friends in the US to toast the 4th of July or simply raising a glass to the small things at home, we have a sparkling cask to get the celebrations going.

If you’re ready to get the party started, we’re releasing five preview bottlings at 2pm this afternoon before the full Outturn lands on Friday, 3 July at 9am. Head to the website now before they all disappear!

PREVIEW BOTTLES           SEE ALL 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

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 320: Port Dundas 20 Year Old 1990 Diageo Special Edition

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky vlogger, found an older release of grain. Port Dundas closed just shy of two centuries of operation. The distillery closed the doors on the 1^st of July 2009. The demolition of the iconic chimney was even broadcast live on television. Mark will taste an older one that Diageo launched in their yearly Special Editions of 2011. It was the first grain ever in that bespoke series. First it matured for three years on bourbon casks, then it got an impressive 17 year old second maturation on a combination of European oak, first fill bourbon casks and fomer sherry casks. The color says it all!

https://youtu.be/NTy_B9b-8pU

Virgin Kilian Five

Whisky made in Germany

Ernie Scheiner, The Gateway to Distilleries www.whisky-distilleries.net

Sankt Kilian Distillers of Lower Frankonia stand for an exemplary innovation on the German and international whisky market. Master Distiller and Managing Director Mario Rudolf may draw to the full. The equipment of the distillery is largely Scottish, the temperature controlled wooden fermenters are from Dufftown, the onion shaped short neck pot stills were manufactured by Forsyth in Rothes. The Irish distilling expert David F. Hynes – Cooley and Great Northern – implemented also Irish tradition into the distilling process by fitting a water cooled reflux pipe into the lyne arm of the spirit still. German craftsmen set up the pipes and wires. The inter-European cooperation lead to a unique state of the art distillery in a small village Rüdenau near the Main River. Non-peated barley comes from the region and is malted exclusively by the Maltster Weyermann whereas Boort Malt from Glenesk in Angus supplies peated malt varieties (54ppm).  Mario Rudolf who is a Master Brewer with a degree in Brewing is the first German distiller to cultivate the Scottish barley variety Laureate by a biological farmer in a neighbouring village this year.

The first peated and non-peated spirits were double distilled in 2016. They mature in a huge variety of casks. Over 200 different cask types modify the aromas of the spirits in steel racked warehouses at the distillery. Thousands of casks lie in a nearby Bunkers which were used by the U.S. Army during the Cold War.

The origin of the casks, their different sizes and various sorts of wood – in the European Union distillers may use any kind of wood for their whisky maturation – allow the Kilian distilling team to experiment the impact of charred, toasted wood from oak to mulberry, acacia et cetera. In the racks you may find casks which held Bourbon, white or red wine, rum, Sherry, cider, beer or even Jägermeister. The large variety of wood is highly exceptional in the whisky industry and makes for rather astonishing aroma profiles. Rudolf and his young team generate a diversified portfolio of whiskies that is rather exceptional in Germany and Europe. The annual production capacity was 200 000 LPA in 2019. Rudolf has developed wood management to perfection.

Investor and owner Andreas Thümmler, who is from Rüdenau where the distillery is located, has been persueing strategies to become the best German whisky producer. The corporate finance manager is a whisky enthusiast and collector. He has created a trusting framework in which his team can work creatively. The previous four St. Kilian Signature Editions as well as the multipied Distillery only bottlings have proved the positive results of their whisky making approach. The reception of Kilian whiskies has been consistently positive: Jurors of the latest World Whisky Awards 2020 voted St. Kilian the best Single Malt of Germany.

Not only Kilian‘s cask management is innovative and exemplary. In October 2019 German and Austrian Distillers made an excursion – organized by The Gateway to Distilleries – to the prominent tonelerias in Montilla and Jerez. The impact was tremendous. Just recently Mario Rudolf has initiated a sherry-liqueur wine experiment in an most inspiring way. His objective is to find out in which kind of Andalusian barrel their peaty and non-peaty spirits receive and develop a diversified aroma profile. Not many small scale distilleries can afford such a mid-term project.

“From the following five tonelerias with the corresponding Bodegas we recently received a truckload of great barrels directly from Andalusia:

– Toneleria Tevasa Jerez – Bodegas Baron Sanlúcar de Barrameda

– Toneleria Hudo Jerez – Bodegas Williams & Humbert Jerez

– Toneleria del Sur (Casknolia) Montilla

– Bodegas Xeranthia Jerez and Bodega Malaga Virgen Malaga (Casknolia)

– Toneleria Juan Pino Montilla – Bodegas Sanchez Romate Jerez

– Toneleria Rodriguez Montilla – Bodegas Navarro and Rodriguez Montilla.”

From these cooperages and bodegas, which are largely appreciated worldwide among whisky makers, Kilian distillery selected casks seasoned with either Oloroso or Pedro Ximénez liqueur wines. In Spring 2020 they had recieved butts from the toneleria Paez in Jerez. Very special casks which held previously Manzanilla wine – a rather dry sherry from Palomino grapes came from the cooperage Tevasa in Jerez. The casks were seasoned in a renowned Bodega in the seaside town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Other hogsheads came from a famous Jerez Bodega not to be named.

Virgin Oak influences the new Kilian FIVE

The latest St. Kilian Signature Edition FIVE was realeased on the German Whisky Day 2020, 27th June. Whiskies blended from virgin casks only is quite a challenge for any whisky maker, because of the structural impact of the tannins from the oak. The Kilian whiskies of the vatting matured over three years in five different virgin-oak casks to create an aromatic and challenging composition of flavours. The fast maturing Kilian spirit, the mild climate of the region, the warehouses and the exceptional wood of the virgin casks have induvidually contributed to the character of the Signature Malt. It seems as if the spirit plays well with the tannins of the oak wood regarding the aroma profile. Rudolf proudly says: “Soft, rounded aromas and mild taste of delicately spiced oak convey the feeling of a refreshing walk though the woods. The vatting is a result of five different geographical destinations of the oak barrels. They come from cooperages in Hungary, Germany and America.“

The Kilian Single Malt Whisky “Made in Germany” is made of 100% German barley malted by the Franconian Malster Weyermann. A long fermentation period guaranteed a high level of fruitiness of the wash. The high reflux of heavy alcohols in the spirit still and a gentle double distillation formed an aromatic clean spirit with notes of ripe apples and pears. It is the basis of the new unpeated Kilian Edition.

For the Cuvée FIVE Master Blender Rudolf selected a range of whiskies which were drawn exclusively from virgin oak casks, i.e. they absolutely had not held any liquid before filling with Kilian malt spirits. Within a period of only about three years they have developed aroma profiles perfectly well. The individual impact of the virgin casks is shown in the five deconstruction samples. From subtle sweetness to prominent spicyness, from light to dark fruit. It is a variation of its kind. The smaller the cask the more colour and tannins appear.

Rudolf’s vatting recipe is quite astonishing. Full transparency is his production policy. Aroma and taste of the Kilian Signature Edition FIVE were largely influenced by the following cask selection. The aroma comes from:

34% from a 190 l cask made of American white oak, charring level three, by the Cooperages ISC and East Bernstadt, U.S.

26% from a 190 l cask set up with European oak by an Austrian cooperage. Rudolf: „They are very rare casks and no longer in production as European oak is very difficult to handle for this size of casks. They had a tendency of leaking.“

20% from a 200 l cask, a special hybrid barrel made of charred American oak staves and toasted French oak staves by World Cooperage, U.S.

13% from a 50 l cask, German fine grain Palatian oak – Traubeneiche -, medium toasted plus, Cooperage Markus Eder, Germany

7% from a 100 l cask made of Hungarian sessile oak by the coopers of Dolium Cask and Timber Manufacturing Ltd., Budapest 

What does the new Kilian Five taste like?

St Kilian‘s latest creation offers an amber colour with some slight reddish reflections. Strong but not pungent alcohol impressions flow into the nose which are followed by an impressive bundle of sweet fruity notes of dark fruit. One might also think of some freshly pressed quince juice. These impressions are joined by subtle woody aromas, accompanied by a prominent spicy herbal note plus some fresh ginger tones. The alcohol as such is very well integrated and by no means dominant on the palate. Pronounced long lasting sweetness and a smooth oiliness make the Fiver a pleasant and charming dram despite its high bottling alcohol concentration of 52,5 % abv. However, the finish is rather dry. Vanilla notes reverberate discreetly, sweetness and fruity impressions are lingering slowly.

Master Distiller and Blender Rudolf presents an exciting and harmoniously well balanced German Whisky. Edition Five has got an international rarity value due to the originality of its virgin cask recipe. The young Single Malt is a pleasure and delight. It tastes delicious and has got a pleasant smooth mouthfeel. The new Kilian is a tasty and charming whisky. However, by addition of some drops of still water the whisky some of its exciting character shaping spicy notes will be vanishing. The Kilian Signature Edition Five is not artificially coloured with sugar caramel and not chill-filtered. It is bottled in a designed bottle which represents the shape of the spirit still.

The high alcohol content of 52.5 % vol. gives this edition, which is limited to 6,000 bottles, a rather stringent aromatic appearance. Rudolf: “The wash was distilled between October 2016 and April 2017 and the mélange was created in April 2020.” The final result is a profound German whisky with a high rarity value. Above all, this non-peated Kilian version is pleasing nose and palate, too. It is a fine tipple.

The Kilian Signature Edition Five is available in miniature bottles 0.05 l. The whisky may be ordered directly from Sankt Kilian distillery or at whisky retailers in Germany. Recommended retail price is 39,90 Euro for a  0,5 l bottle.

Contact: https://www.stkiliandistillers.com (there is no English version)

Please see also: The Gateway to Distilleries at www.whisky-distilleries.net

Saint Kilian is happy Part 1

Sanz Kilian is happy Part 2

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY TO RESUME TOURS AND VISITATION BEGINNING JULY 1

Enhanced Sanitation and Tour Accommodations to Offer Reassurance and Peace of Mind to Guests

BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY (June 22, 2020) – Barton 1792 will welcome guests back to Bardstown’s oldest fully-operating Distillery on July 1 with enhanced accommodations for offering the safest possible Distillery experience. Visitors can expect to explore decades of bourbon making history and sample award-winning products like always, but with new measures in accordance with CDC guidelines and government recommendations.

Barton 1792 will also begin utilizing Bards Tavern, formerly known as Hilltop Inn but now back to its original name, as its Gift Shop and Visitor Center. This move will double the space of the previous Visitor Center and allow the previous location to be utilized exclusively for tastings. Bards Tavern is located just outside the Distillery gates, directly on Cathedral Manor.

In order for the Distillery to efficiently manage tour and group sizes with respect to social distancing, guests will be required to register for tours and events in advance of their visit.

Upon arrival, guests will need to check in at the Bards Tavern Visitor Center where their individual contact information will be recorded in the event contact tracing needs to be performed, and have their temperature taken. Guests will also be asked to wear a face mask. For anyone who forgets theirs, one will be provided. Visitors can take comfort in knowing that all employees at the Distillery will also be wearing face masks and will have had their temperatures taken upon entrance.

Tours and events will be kept to small, comfortable groups to allow for social distancing, and protective shields have been installed at the bars and cash registers. Gift Shop capacity will also be limited to allow for safe, enjoyable shopping experiences. All tours and tastings remain complimentary.

“Every effort to address the health, safety and comfort of our guests is being taken,” Homeplace Development Director Meredith Moody said. “We want to offer the best experience possible while providing the same rich history and experiences our fans love. We are thrilled to reopen to the public, and with the expanded visitor space that Bards Tavern offers.”

Barton 1792 Distillery will be open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Registration for the Barton Tradition Tour can be made at www.1792Distillery.com. Curbside sales will also continue. To place an order visit https://1792distillery.com/curbside/.

Full details about what to expect will be provided to guests upon registration.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery, and is named for the year Kentucky became a state. The Distillery has garnered a number of prestigious awards for its whiskies, including its 1792 Full Proof, which was named the World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.”  To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com.

A very warm summer welcome to our June auction. This month we’re rammed full with new releases, some super old classics and a rather big trunk filled with lots of little surprises..

Now then, with the virtual Feis Ile having just passed, now is a good time to grab some of those new 2020s you never managed to bag in your online-Feis basket. Ardbeg is baaack with its new release of the Blaaack. It has herded up and woven together some of the finest Pinot Noir casks from New Zealand to create something that stands out from the crowd.

Further new sheep-based releases also include the 3rd release in the Arran Explorers Series – Kildonan & Pladda Island, which we’re sure will make for a tasty dram. Sherry butts, puncheons and ruby port pipes – Yes please! Ewe can keep the sheep.

On the rarer side is one special bottle of Highland Park 17 Year Old. This was distilled around the late 50s / early 60s and was imported for the Italian market and bottled by James Grant & Co. Featured also is an old bottling of Ardbeg 1961 form our favourite indi bottlers in Campbeltown, Cadenhead’s.

Ramping up the age statement to as high as there currently is and we have ourselves a Macallan 1945 70 Year Old Speymalt. Quite incredible to think what this golden malt has slept through in just over 70 years of maturation; the end of World War II, the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, sixteen Prime Ministers, and the invention of the internet!

Finally we have a Glenfarclas Family Cask 1954 – 2003 Trunk! Inside this stylish leather and wood trunk rests a luxurious collection of fifty 20cl Glenfarclas Family Cask bottles including a vintage from every year spanning from 1954 to 2003. Also housed in the trunk are a selection of elegant Glencairn crystal pieces: four tasting glasses, four tumblers, and a water jug. To complete the extraordinary ensemble, there are four slate coasters, three leather-bound notebooks – one full of the history of Glenfarclas, one with tasting notes, and one for your own tasting notes – and a replica painting of the distillery. Everything is branded with the Glenfarclas logo.

Ralentir, reflechir, reunir – slow down, reflect and reconnect.

Our mailing address is:
mail@scotchwhiskyauctions.com

North British 28 Year Old

Fantastic value, big statement, sherry cask whisky from Signatory Vintage. Distilled at North British distillery this 1991 vintage is great value for money. North British 28 Year Old 1991 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Single cask refill sherry butt #262056 bottled March 2020 by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Collection. 283 numbered bottles.

£140.16 / $145.68* / €155.17*

Buy Now – North British 28 Year Old 1991

NORTH BRITISH SINGLE GRAIN WHISKY

North British Distillery was established on farmland to the west of Edinburgh in 1885 by Andrew Usher, John M. Crabbie and William Sanderson. Since then the city has expanded ever outwards and now the distillery resides in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh. North British opened in 1887 to guarantee supplies of grain whisky for its owner’s cordials and scotch whisky blending businesses. It is equipped with four Coffey stills to produce grain spirit at 94.5% alcohol and multi-million litres of spirit annually. Whilst most of its whisky matures in racked warehouses in the central Lowlands, a small number of casks spend at least eight years at the distillery in dunnage Warehouse No.1. Official releases are very few but excellent independent ones are available from Hart Brothers and Hunter Laing.

Lagavulin 16 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $100) $89.99 View

90-95 points Wine Enthusiast

 Soy sauce, olive brine, peat, honey, oloroso Sherry, brewer’s yeast, bread dough, barley malt and cigar smoke in the bouquet. The flavor that magically includes the innate intense peatiness of Islay malts and the masterly employment of oak barrels phase defines ‘classy Islay.’ Concludes sweetly, without sacrificing the tangy, astringent peatiness that is inherent. Gorgeous. *Best Buy*  (6/2006)

92 points Whisky Advocate

 Lagavulin is a classic example of how smoke isn’t a blunt instrument that covers everything in a fog, but an element that works with all the flavors produced in distillation and maturation. Lagavulin isn’t ‘smoky,’ its peat moves into a weird territory of Lapsang Souchong tea and pipe tobacco, fishboxes and kippers. It smells of laurel and light cereal, but is always sweet. The palate shows more creosote, with hints of kelp and a little touch of iodine. Complex. (DB, Summer 2012) 

Wine Spectator

 A fascinating turn on an essentially peaty Islay. The smoke offers a toasty element as it coyly introduces itself on the nose, with hard candy as a partner. The peat comes on with salt spray in the mouth, but once again gets quite candy sweet, with a bread dough core. On the finish the smoke fairly disappears for a while as you enjoy the delicate sweetness, masking the next wave of toast at the outer limits. (JB, OD)  (2/2011)

K&L Notes

Lagavulin was established in 1830 and has the driest start of all single malts. Full amber in color, with a dominant sherry nose. Full-bodied yet smooth. The dryness is offset by the sweetness of the sherry character. Salty notes, and a huge, powerful, peaty finish. A connoisseur’s malt, and with consistently high marks from late critic Michael Jackson.

2008 Glendronach 11 Year Old K&L Exclusive First Fill Single Oloroso Puncheon #2988 Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky $99.99 View

After a nearly half decade hiatus, we’re back with a distillery-bottled exclusive single cask of ‘Dronanch. This delicious barrel was selected by our two spirits buyers, Andrew and David, way back in May of 2019. This Oloroso puncheon was filled September 17 of 2008 and bottled at the beginning of 2020 at cask strength without chill-filtration. Glendronach has become one of Scotland’s most well regarded and consistently delicious producers. The distillery was officially founded 1826, just outside the town of Huntley in a hidden valley in the rolling hills of the Eastern Highlands. The distillery was refurbished with two additional stills in the ’60s and was one of the last distilleries to stop using coal to fire the stills. The floor maltings continued to operate until 1996. GlenDronach had long been renowned for its use of sherry casks, but not until the BenRiach company purchased the distillery in 2008 did it become a serious contender in the eyes of whisky aficionados. This would have been one of the first whiskies distilled by the new owners. In 2016, Brown-Forman purchased Glendronach and its sister distilleries. Now, we finally have access to single casks from this special distillery once again. Holding nearly 100L more than a standard sherry butt, this first fill sherry puncheon has everything you’ve come to expect from this excellent distillery – bold, rich, and powerful. There are few better on the market than this special malt from the Valley of the Brambles.