Our latest exclusive whisky has landed – an Australian single malt from Melbourne’s Starward distillery.

This rich and fruity whisky was aged for four years in a first-fill, 200-litre Apera (aka Australian ‘sherry’) cask and then bottled at full strength exclusively for The Whisky Exchange. Aromas of leather, freshly-chopped cedar, sultana crumble and baked apple leap out the glass, while the palate reveals flavours of apricot, honeycomb and vanilla ice cream. It’s all wrapped up by a rich and long finish with sweet hints of warming chilli.

The cask only yielded 250 bottles of this delicious whisky, so make sure you get one before they sell out.

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Seasonal Release 2021

Limited Edition | 12 Year Old | 54.7% ABV | 70cl

Bringing together a series of unpeated distillations from 2009 and earlier, this seasonal spirit was matured in first fill Bourbon casks and American Oak hogsheads. After eleven years maturation it has then been finished for twelve months in first fill Oloroso hogsheads and heavily charred American Oak barrels before being married prior to bottling at cask strength.

NOSE
Toffee, apple, seaspray, vanilla

PALATE
Warm spice, nutty, floral, orange citrus, melted brown sugar

FINISH
Long nutty finish with pears and dried peel

£74.95

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A Singular Peated Scotch from a K&L Exclusive Cask
2014 Bunnahabhain Staoisha Heavily Peated 6 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Dechar/Rechar Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($79.99)
“These young Staoisha malts are an absolute revelation … This stuff is just incredible]y well made and delicious.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

One of our most popular exclusive casks of last year was the utterly unique 4-year-old Bunnahabhain peated malt from our friends at Signatory. A winning combination of an incredible price, limited availability, and a singular profile thanks to the innovative ageing method made for a whisky that Scotch aficionados couldn’t get enough of. Now Signatory has come through once again, this time with a 6-year-old cask of the same outstanding juice that shows deeper complexity from the extra two years in the dechar/rechar hogshead (see below for more details on this barrel reconditioning method). Bunnahabhain crafts a renowned unpeated whisky, but they love to flex their prowess with peat through these impeccable Staoisha bottlings. Spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley says, “this 6-year-old malt is a big, intense peater … It’s pretty, sweet, and just smoky enough. It’s also a steal of a price.” This an unequivocal must-have for fans of cutting edge Scotch, and given how well its predecessor performed, we fully expect this cask to sell out in short order. Collectors and enthusiasts of all stripes will want to get on board while they can, especially if they missed its younger sibling the last time around.

2014 Bunnahabhain Staoisha Heavily Peated 6 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Dechar/Rechar Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($79.99)

K&L Notes: Bunnahabhain sits on the northern shores of Islay and has made a famously unpeated Islay malt in that remote location since 1881. Beginning in the 1990s, Bunnah began to experiment with varying levels of peat and has sold peated Scotch under a number of different names since then. In the last five years or so, we’ve seen several casks on the independent market trading under the Staoisha name for Bunnahabhain’s heavily peated offering. These extraordinary casks taste absolutely fabulous when they are very young, and they are just getting better and better with more age. Now at six and a half years of age, this cask was matured in a dechar/rechar hogshead. This unique process involves scraping a cask to expose new oak and then recharring the wood to seal it and caramelize the sugars. These whiskies drink a bit like first-fill bourbon casks due to the fresh char, but the most robust tannins have already been removed from the cask’s first use. The result is a best-of-both-worlds scenario that marries with heavy peat just perfectly. Cask No 10568, 59.4% ABV.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2021

Yielding just 198 bottles, this cask is moving quickly, even before we write up the whisky. Previous Signatory bottles of Staoisha have won many fans who eagerly await the next chance to add to their collection. Much older than previous bottlings, but still in the youthful stage, this 6-year-old malt is a big intense peater. It doesn’t feel quite as smoky as the last cask, but more peaty, with the focus more on the wet, salty, earthy nose. The palate is massive, briny, and a little dank. The fruit is really spectacular, almost like a liquid version of a salted caramel candied apple. It’s pretty, sweet, and just smoky enough. It’s also a steal of a price. Don’t blink or it’ll be gone, and we likely won’t see another for at least a year.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 27, 2021

These young Staoisha malts are an absolute revelation. Not only are these big boy peaters out of the norm for Bunnah, but the dechar/re-char thing is a real treat. For those who remember, the last barrel was wildly delicious at four years old, and with an extra two years in cask, it’s achieved an insane level of complexity. Let’s have a taste. The color is deep gold. Pungent and wild with an incredible saline note balanced by sweet oaky depth and an almost chocolaty note. On the palate, it’s got incredible weight and a gorgeous, earthy, coastal character. Wild stone fruit, rich, sweet spice and a lengthy, ashy finish. This stuff is just incredibly well made and delicious.

A Secret Speyside 2007 Vintage | Berry Bros & Rudd – AW Exclusive

A stunning single cask release, bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd exclusively for Abbey Whisky. This rich Speysider spent 14 years maturing in a first fill sherry butt and gives masterclass in sherry wood maturation, it’s packed with wonderful rich flavours, perfect for the darker cold nights.

In our opinion you can’t go wrong with a Berry Brothers single cask, the quality speaks for itself and although we can’t disclose the distillery, the opportunity to bottle this cask was too good to pass by. Only 211 bottles were filled from cask #949 at natural cask strength, 61.5% vol.

3 BOTTLES PER CUSTOMER

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https://youtu.be/f0fcz1Cz9RI

A distillery that I’ve loved since the first sip. Not only do Ardnamurchan produce some of the freshest and newest whisky on the west coast of Scotland, but they also do it with a very unique flair. From the box to the bottle, the ABV to the mascot, there is something ever reaching and special about what is coming out of those stills and barrels.

This release has a wonderful lemony approach, surrounded by malty biscuits, dry, subtle smoke and a bitterness that is complex and very adult in how it tells its tale.

Another must have expression from the west coast new kids.

Lux Row Distillers Announces $4M Expansion Plans

Enhancements will enable 24-hour operation, boost annual production 75% 

St. LOUIS (Nov. 1, 2021) – Lux Row Distillers – the Bardstown, Kentucky, home of the Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Daviess County, David Nicholson and Blood Oath bourbon brands – will undergo a $4 million expansion beginning in November. When completed in late 2022, the expansion will allow Lux Row Distillers to operate 24 hours per day and increase its capacity by 75 percent.

Opened in 2018 Lux Row Distillers has quickly become one of the top US-based independent producers of alcohol beverage products, creating and marketing a wide array of products across all categories. With more than 18,000 square feet, ten barrel warehouses at capacity and a 43-foot custom copper still, Lux Row will have the ability to distill more than 50 thousand barrels of whiskey annually when this expansion is fully complete.

“Lux Row Distillers broke ground nearly six years ago as a result of our company’s desire to grow our brands and service our needs on our terms,” said Lux Row Master Distiller John Rempe. “Expansion of our facilities represents the next chapter in our evolution as we continue to fill the growing demand for our products. I’m truly excited to see what possibilities open up when expansion is completed”

The distillery will remain fully operational throughout the construction process. Additionally, all construction work will take place “back of house” and will in no way impact tours or any other aspects of the guest experience.

Lux Row tapped architectural firm Joseph & Joseph and general contractor Buzick Construction for the project.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

THE GOLDEN PROMISE: EARLIEST KARUIZAWA WHISKIES AT BONHAMS HONG KONG SALE

A bottle of Karuizawa-1964-51 year old-#1917.

Estimate: HK$850,000-1,200,000

View the catalogue here

Hong Kong – Bonhams Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky sale in Hong Kong on Friday 19 November shines a spotlight on Karuizawa, the cult Japanese distillery which closed in 2001 and demolished in 2016, and which recently announced, to great excitement, the release of their final barrel.

The sale offers more than 20 prime examples of Karuizawa, some dating back to the earliest and rarest 1960s, considered the “hay day” of the distillery when – much influenced by Macallan – they took pride in using the ‘Golden Promise’ barley as an ingredient. Highlights include:

·         A bottle of Karuizawa-1964-51 year old-#1917. Estimate: HK$850,000-1,200,000. (Pictured above)

·         A bottle of Karuizawa-1964-#3603. Estimate: HK$450,000-600,000.

·         A bottle of Karuizawa-1965-#8852. One of 150 bottles bottled in 2017. Estimate:  HK$450,000-550,000.

Bonhams Director of Wine and Spirits for Asia, Daniel Lam, said: “In a strong sale the exceptional choice of rare Karuizawa whiskies stands out. 1960s vintages of Karuizawa are so rare now, that it will probably take many years to assemble a selection of this calibre in the market again. I am therefore expecting a lot of interest from collectors. In the Fine wines section we are offering fascinating Burgundies which seldom appear at auction. I am sure these will whet the appetite of connoisseurs in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Further Japanese whisky highlights include:

·         Bottles from Karuizawa’s ‘Geisha’ series, of which only as few as 70 complete sets were ever released. These include:

·         Left: A pair of 38-year-old & 37-year old Pearl Geisha. Estimate: HK$300,000-400,000.

·         Right: A pair of 31 year old and 29 year old Murasaki Geisha. Estimate: HK$280,000-360,000.

 ·         Bottles from Karuizawa’s ‘Noh’ series, each unique in expression and telling its own story, including:

·         Left: Karuizawa-1977-#7026-Noh. Estimate: HK$170,000-220,000.

·         Right: Karuizawa-1976-32 year old-#6719-Noh. Estimate: HK$160,000-220,000.

Scotch whiskies are led by a single owner collection of the complete 17 bottle set of Port Ellen Full Annual releases.  Each bottle will be sold individually, with the First Annual Release bottled in 2001 estimated at HK$22,000-28,000.

The Port Ellen Distillery on the Isle of Islay ceased production in 1983 but reopened two years ago, an event that created much interest. The sale also includes a bottle of Port Ellen-Sunflower-1969-24 year old (1000% Be@rbrick) bottled in 1993 by Carato of Italy (Estimate: HK$50,000-70,000, image left), as well as a bottle of Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji – The Great Wave (Batch One) (Estimate: HK$100,000-140,000, image right)

Sale: Fine and Rare WhiskyLocation: Bonhams Hong Kong, 20/F, One Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong KongDate: 19 November 2021

NOTES 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

Single Malt 10 Year Old
The Wait Is Over  

Shelter Point’s second 10 Year Old Whisky Release!

Attention Shelter Point Community: As of right now, you can visit https://shelterpoint.ca/single-malt-whisky/ and purchase a bottle of our second ever official 10 Year Old Single Malt Whisky! Bottled at 46%, this whisky is for the Shelter Point whisky fans across Canada and around the globe.

10 Years is a long time. A lot has changed in the world since Shelter Point started production in 2011, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to craft, quality, and doing things the best way we know how. For the second 10-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky, we decided to let the casks and the spirit do the talking, and present this limited-edition small batch for your enjoyment.

With a nose led by notes of creamy vanilla, apples and bananas, a palate that features a blend of assorted spice, caramel and just a hint of sea salt. Our 2nd 10-Year-Old Single Malt finishes with a wonderful balance of sweetness and fruitiness. A whisky designed to be shared and savored..

This much anticipated whisky is a limited run and is guaranteed to sell out extremely quickly, so be sure to order yours online before it’s too late!

*Please note that due to a shortage of staff and irregular hours due to our ongoing public closure, that curbside pickup orders cannot be fulfilled until Tuesday November 9th at the earliest. You may also experience some longer than usual delays in shipping times for this release, as demand will be high*

Single Malt 10  Year Old is available in a 750ml ($130) and can only be purchased online at https://shelterpoint.ca/single-malt-whisky/

For all the latest news and information visit our website at https://shelterpoint.ca/

A Final Reminder that Scotch Whisky Auctions are on the road again!

Please see below for our November 2021 schedule. To register your interest in a collection please complete the form which can be found here. Please note home collections are available to those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000 and above. Please get in touch if your area is not listed below but you would like a home collection. We will do our best to accommodate all requests.

Collections are limited and by appointment only. If you would like to attend please complete the form which can be found here. Please note dead lines apply for collection requests.It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift. In addition the attached submission form and label should be completed. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery (to collection point) service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

For an update on COP26 road closures please see here

Submission Form & Label