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Glenturret 30 Year Old
The Glenturret 30 Years Old has been shaped by three distinct distillery visionaries from both Scottish and French influence. This expression has been drawn from eight casks. American oak refills sweet and fruity evolving over time. European oak first fill add depth, vibrancy, and texture. These cask influences brought together create this luxuriant single malt.
£1,650.00
Natural colour and non-chillfiltered.
One of only 750 bottles available worldwide.
Tasting notes:
Toffee Bonbons, dried fruit soaked in brandy. A citrus edge appears but only just with milled mature oak. The oak softens allowing vanilla to come through as a creamy dessert. Wood spices drift late coming alive on the palate. Wisps of ginger, gentle cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg mingle with rich dark fruits. Harmonious. Sweet fruit and toffee interwoven before oak meanders to a gentle warm finish.
Tomatin 30 Years Old Batch 5
This award-winning single malt from Tomatin Distillery was aged for 30 years in a combination of an ex-bourbon and oak casks. It was bottled without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.
NOSE: Soft fruits, golden honey and smooth white chocolate.
PALATE: A fusion of tropical fruits and creamy buttered vanilla mingle in an explosion of sensational mixed spices.
Only 3900 bottles were produced.
A Singular Sherry Cask from at a Jaw-Dropping Price
2006 Ledaig 15 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)
“One thing is for sure, you’re in for a wild ride everytime you buy a Ledaig—but of the many we’ve bottled over the years, this may be one of the most obviously delicious.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
As part of our recent haul from our friends at Old Particular, we’ve brought in a spectacular cask from everyone’s favorite iconoclast, Ledaig. From the treasured Tobermory distillery on the far-flung Isle of Mull, Ledaig is always a hotly debated topic among connoisseurs, for the simple fact that it has one of the most singular and estoreric profiles in Scotch whisky. Of course, no two single barrels are the same, and it’s safe to say that the casks of Ledaig to come through our doors in the past several years compare to nothing else in our program. Today’s cask is one for a broader audience than your usual Ledaig. To start, it’s just compellingly delicious, but not without its trademark Ledaig features. It’s a powerhouse of a whisky that does well with water, but the savory complexity is off the charts (as is the peat), and it carries the refill sherry butt with a subtle flair. As buyer David Othenin-Girard puts it, “The sherry is there but takes a serious back seat to the powerful spirit … just pure peat and wild, oceanic Ledaig character behind.” Best of all, we’ve sourced this utterly unique gem at a jaw-dropping, sub-$100 price, making it an undeniable steal for those savvy enough to get in on it.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 10, 2021
A second fabulous Ledaig, this time slightly leveled by sherry, which we acquired at a seemingly outrageous value. The Tobermory distillery on the hard-to-reach Isle of Mull is one of the least explored. The lovely town of Tobermory is famous for its colorful houses, but the distillery has stayed off many drinkers’ radars for lack of availability. We’ve managed to score several casks of the limited production smokey variant like this one, pronounced “La-chick,”, and they’ve been among the most controversial bottlings in our history. One thing is for sure, you’re in for a wild ride everytime you buy a Ledaig—but of the many we’ve bottled over the years, this may be one of the most obviously delicious. The sherried expressions of Ledaig are highly sought-after, although their profiles range wildly from the extremely unusual to the only slightly strange. This falls toward the slightly less crazy flavor profile, although it still has plenty of dense umami, gorgeous peat, and measured sherry character. Still don’t expect complete smooth sailing. The route to Mull is always a bit unpredictable, and this nicely aged peater in refill sherry is no exception. The color is pale gold. Much more restrained and approachable than the 12 Year. A pungent nose of amino acids, overripe tropical fruit, dark tarry smoke and pine sap. On the palate, the peat turns up, with a lovely meatiness and a big peppercorn finish. This one loves water—six drops in a half-ounce pour. Very much more open now. Bacon smoke, orange marmalade, pine again, leather, rust, hyssop, seagrass, barnacles, old wooden trawler, snuff box. The sherry is there but takes a serious back seat to the powerful spirit. This is clean for a sherried Ledaig with no sulphur at all, just pure peat and wild, oceanic Ledaig character behind.
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 441: Wolfburn Private Cask 2017/540 re-visited
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, re-visits a cask. Last year Mark tasted this private cask from Tom after he had let it come to Belgium just before the Brexit troubles. Well, not the whole cask, though. He bottled 36 bottles. The 3-year-old gem was then at 61.2%. At the end of 2021 Tom had another 36 bottles shipped and that makes this very interesting. The malt has therefore been in the cask for exactly one year longer. Let’s see what evolution this Wolfburn has gone through. Mark puts the first one next to it to make a real comparison.
GORDON & MACPHAIL UNVEILS 64-YEAR-OLD WHISKY AS SECOND EDITION IN THE ‘MR GEORGE LEGACY’ SERIES
The latest single malt in a series of timeless classics to emerge from the Gordon & MacPhail warehouse has been revealed.
Honouring Mr George Urquhart, a member of the second generation of the company’s owning family and the man who helped bring single malt whisky to the world, the Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Legacy 1957 from Glen Grant Distillery is the second expression to be released as part of the whisky creator’s annual Legacy series.
It was laid down 64 years ago while ‘Mr George’, as he was known to those who knew him best, was at the helm of the business. Only 298 bottles of this single cask whisky are available, highlighting the scarcity of this rarely seen vintage from Speyside’s Glen Grant Distillery.
The Mr George Legacy 1957 from Glen Grant Distillery celebrates Mr George’s long-term approach to maturation, where he was guided by the philosophy that whiskies take as long as they need to mature into the perfect dram. Achieving great quality and flavour takes time, and patience and trust in the process is still very much at the heart of Gordon & MacPhail’s ethos today.
Distilled on Thursday 10th October 1957 and spending its entire maturation in cask no. 3483, a first-fill Sherry butt, the second edition of the Legacy Series [RSP £6000*] was bottled on Tuesday 9th November 2021 at a cask strength of 56.1% ABV.
On the nose, the rich mahogany whisky releases aromas of fruitcake, festive spices, marmalade and treacle. To taste, notes of morello cherries, tobacco and garden mint greet the palate, followed by ripe red apple, citrus peel and subtle aniseed. It finishes in an explosion of flavour, with lingering notes of spice, forest fruits and charred oak.
As the second whisky in the Legacy series, the Mr George Legacy 1957 from Glen Grant Distillery celebrates the expertise and patience required to match cask to spirit for long-term maturation.
Stuart Urquhart, grandson of Mr George and Gordon & MacPhail’s Operations Director, said: “In some industry quarters my grandfather was fondly thought of as slightly eccentric due to his relentless focus on maturation, painstakingly selecting the right cask to match with each particular spirit. He was intrigued to know how long the whisky might take to reach its peak and would have known he might not be around when that moment came. That is his legacy to our family and to whisky drinkers who love the rich complexity of the ultra-aged single malts he laid down decades ago.
“The latest release in the Legacy series comes from Glen Grant distillery, for which my grandfather had a particular affinity. Local to us in Speyside, Glen Grant was the first distillery to use a purifier in distillation which resulted in a lighter spirit. Back in the 1950s, the spirit would have been slightly smoky due to floor maltings and a small level of peat being used – which is a style rarely seen in today’s modern Speyside whiskies – giving this whisky a charred oakiness that is perfectly balanced by long-term maturation in a Sherry cask made of American oak.”
Charles Maclean, whisky expert, noted: “This is a gorgeous whisky, rich and multi-layered, still vibrant and vital in spite of its great age. A worthy tribute to the man who first drew the world’s attention to the glories of single malt – Mr George Urquhart”.
Celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2020, Gordon & MacPhail has built up an impressive collection of whiskies from over 100 distilleries housed in its liquid library, a testament to the close relationships forged with Scotland’s distilleries over many decades.
For more information, visit www.gordonandmacphail.com
#GordonandMacPhail
*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.
Tasting notes: Gordon & MacPhail Mr George Legacy Series, 1957 from Glen Grant distillery
Matured in cask 3483, a first-fill Sherry butt, and bottled at 56.1% ABV. Outturn of 298 bottles.
COLOUR: Mahogany
AROMA: Rich FRUITCAKE aromas intertwine with FESTIVE SPICES; CINNAMON and GINGER. Notes of ORANGE MARMALADE is accompanied by DARK TREACLE and a hint of BEESWAX POLISH.
TASTE: MORELLO CHERRIES are followed by subtle dried TOBACCO and GARDEN MINT. Ripe RED APPLE undertones combine with CITRUS PEEL and soft ANISEED.
FINISH: A SPICY full-bodied finish with lasting flavours of FOREST FRUITS and CHARRED OAK.
About Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies:
For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has been driven by a simple mission: to create single malt Scotch whisky of exceptional quality.
Through four generations of family ownership, the company has matched spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries to its own bespoke casks.
It is this unique depth and breadth of experience that enables Gordon & MacPhail to combine oak, spirit and time to create a portfolio of iconic whiskies found nowhere else in the world.
SKENE DHU HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT WHISKY
A VICTORIAN BRAND RE-BORN IN 2022
This month, Skene Scotch Whisky Ltd has relaunched “Skene Dhu” Highland whisky, which was last sold in Victorian times. The ‘journey’ of this brand takes us from a tavern in London to a famous whisky bottler of times long past and finally to a wonderful Linkwood 14 year Old ex European Oloroso Oak Single Malt Whisky.
The Cock Tavern in Fulham
The Cock Tavern can be found at 360 North End Road, Fulham, London, England. It is a pub with a very long and proud history. It was first licensed in 1713, rebuilt in 1813, and rebuilt again in 1895. For a long period in the Nineteenth century, it was run by various members of the Agar family.
Victorian drinks menu
So, what was the Cock Tavern serving to customers back when the Agar family ran it in Victorian times? Well, amazingly, we do actually know because of an advert, placed by Charles Agar, Proprietor, in the 1893 Christmas Supplement to the West London Observer. Amongst others, drinks on offer included: Brandy; Champagne Brandy; Brown or Pale Ale; Rum; Gin; Sherry; Port; Claret; Bottled Beers; Stout; Vintage Champagne; Irish Whiskey and Scotch Whisky. A fine selection!
Certain whiskies were even available by the case for just 42 Shillings (£2.10 in today’s money). As can be seen from the extract from the advert below, these whiskies included one called “Skene Dhu”. This brand name was a reference to the small twin-edged Scottish dagger historically carried in a Scotsman’s hose or long boot. However, the “Skene Dhu” spelling used is unique, being different from the more now more common ‘sgian-dubh’ or ‘skean dhu’.
“Skene Dhu” Whisky – Bottle label patent
In 1905, just over a decade after Charles Agar’s advert, a “Skene Dhu” whisky label was patented by Alexander Ferguson & Co. At the time, this company was a very big player in the Scotch whisky industry, shipping then famous brands all over the world. Indeed, it was Alex Ferguson & Co who first patented the famous “Claymore” blended whisky.
A part copy of the 1905 “Skene Dhu” label patent application is below. The ‘signature’ is in the handwriting of none other than Sir James Calder, who was then a whisky ‘A-lister’. He was involved with both Alexander Macdonald from the Stronachie Distillery and Ainslie & Helibron. All are lost to us now, but were huge names in past times.
The original “Skene Dhu” label patent was re-discovered recently. Andrew Skene, who is interested in whisky history, was looking through books of old label designs in the Patent Office and was stunned to find one bearing his surname. As luck would have it, the original “Skene Dhu” label patent had time-expired. So, Andrew was able to take out a fresh patent in his name and now owns the original design.
Skene Scotch Whisky Ltd
Andrew Skene owns Skene Scotch Whisky, which is an independent whisky company. In recent years, the firm has concentrated on buying and selling casks in bond. However, in Autumn 2020, they once again started bottling whisky under their own labels. It is early days, with stock currently being either wholesaled to Far Eastern distributors or retailed to UK drinkers through Skene Scotch Whisky’s own website and a select handful of whisky shops.
“Skene Dhu” Linkwood 14 Year Old retro label bottling
The most exciting project which Skene Scotch Whisky has been working on is a ‘retro-bottling’ bearing a “Skene Dhu” label based on the original 1905 design.
We set aside a Linkwood 14 year single malt whisky for this bottling, which had been matured in European ex-sherry oak. Linkwood was chosen because Andrew Skene’s ancestors lived in “Burnside of Linkwood”, where they were coopers.
“Skene Dhu” Linkwood 2008 14 Year Old ex Oloroso European Oak Single Malt Whisky is now available for just £65 directly from Skene Scotch Whisky Ltd via https://skenewhisky.com/product/skene-dhu-linkwood-14-year-old-single-malt/
Get ready for a single cask adventure as we track down new flavour experiences!
AN EXPERT GENERALIST
CASK TYPE: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 17 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Juicy, oak & vanilla
BOTTLE NOTE: “Creamy vanilla and apple crumble fused with melon, mango and strawberry sweets as coconut husk found fudge, cinnamon and black tea in an oak cup.”
LUSCIOUS CRUMBLE
CASK TYPE: 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 11 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Sweet, fruity & mellow
BOTTLE NOTE: “Honey and toffee apples merged with vanilla, coconut and crumbly biscuits while pineapple, mandarin and banana arrived with clotted cream.”
KOOKY, WACKY, FLAKY, FUNKY
CASK TYPE: Refill ex-bourbon hogshead
AGE: 12 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Sweet, fruity & mellow
BOTTLE NOTE: “Well, only slightly wacky, in a good way; lots of waxiness, delicious fruits, sweets and cakey desserts; then curious earthy notes to finish.”
A BARREL OF BEESWAX
CASK TYPE: 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 8 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Spicy & sweet
BOTTLE NOTE: “Beeswax and candied citrus merged with jasmine tea leaves and polished wood as pineapple, toffee apples and ginger mingled with chalky textures.”
STUCK TO THE FRUITY VELCRO
INITIAL CASK: Ex-American oak Oloroso butt
FINAL CASK: 1st fill Spanish oak Oloroso butt
AGE: 9 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Spicy & dry
BOTTLE NOTE: “A cheeky and scurrilous youngster showing maturity, depth and richness beyond its years. Powerful spices and unctuous dark fruits galore!”
TITILLATED BY TEN TICKLES
CASK TYPE: Refill ex-bourbon barrel
AGE: 9 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Peated
BOTTLE NOTE: “Barnacles clung to the tar-clad hull of a steamboat as it puffed clouds of soot over its cargo of ripe bananas, smoked almonds and molasses.”
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca
Ultra-Rare Single Cask from a Cult-Favorite Distillery
2006 Highland Park 13 Year Old “Cask Of The Forest” Cask #1994 First Fill European Oak Sherry Butt Single Cask,
Cask Stregnth Isle of Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
(Elsewhere $230) ($199.99)
“Pure insanity … This is massive, delicious, spicy, and rich.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
Scotch enthusiasts take note and take action—we have a stellar new single cask in stock and ready to ship. The 2006 Highland Park 13 Year Old “Cask Of The Forest” Cask #1994 First Fill Sherry Butt is “pure insanity” as our own Andrew Whiteley puts it. The “Cask Of The Forest” is a highly limited release from 2019 that only now made its way to California, with a mere 580 bottles produced. This cask-strength bruiser is a quintessential specimen of Highland Park and exemplifies why their wood program is a standard-bearer among the premium single-malt producers. As Andrew describes, “The sweet, succulent HP smoke is dialed in to perfection here.” What’s even more impressive, we’ve got it for a price that’s well below what you’ll find anywhere else. As any Scotch aficionado knows, the demand for Highland Park is through the roof, so any chance you have to get your hands on some should be seized with all urgency, as we never know when we’ll see more.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 29, 2022
Pure insanity. You know that the “Forest Barrel” with the wood focus would be a sherry bomb from HP. This is massive, delicious, spicy, and rich. Daaaark in color, it is loaded with spice. It smells liked mulled wine meets chocolate in a dark, smoky bar littered with pub mixed nuts, and they hit it off. The sweet, succulent HP smoke is dialed in to perfection here. Lavender, honey, and heather can all be found lurking in the smoky profile. Cocoa nibs, vanilla, and red hots come together on the palate. A little zest from ripe oranges dusts the tongue. It is wildly accessible for nearly 64% ABV, but a little water does go a long way. It just gets sweeter with a drop or two. A lot sweeter. Like a milk chocolate and candied, roasted nuts kind of sweeter. It also becomes as soft as a rabbit’s foot. If you’ve got good luck, you’ll snag more than one before it’s gone.
Austin Jenkins | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 29, 2022
I’m blown away … Just looking at this Orkney malt in glass has me stunned. Gorgeous dark colors attributed to its generous thirteen years in a first-fill oak sherry butt, alluring and rich, being more reminiscent of dark chocolate than a nice rich amber. Subtle golden hues on the spirit itself attribute to its structure—it’s a hefty dram! Let’s crack into the nose; Sherry wood lets way to some gorgeous floral qualities; wildflowers and lavender, these delicate notes intertwine around the more present and center-stage notes of maple, heated cinnamon, chocolate malt, and toffy. The flavors … heavy spices on the front; cinnamon, cardamom, coriander that’s bridged by some subtle vanilla. The middle palate kicks off with some strong toffy notes and some minor milk chocolate. The finish is long, those spices come straight back in the form of allspice and cinnamon, fading away to those same subtle floral notes on the nose. Oh, I should also mention that this malt clocks in at 127 proof and drinks like an 80. Add a drop of water and those flavors just explode right out the glass—63.9% ABV and drinks like a dream. Grab one before they’re gone for good. If you miss out on this bottling, you’ll regret it!
THE GAULDRONS – SHERRY CASK
CAMPBELTOWN MALT WHISKY
70cl | 46.2% ABV
A perfect marriage of Single Cask Single Malts, only from the Campbeltown region. This Limited Edition bottling of “The Gauldrons” enjoyed a finishing period in Spanish Sherry Casks, imparting a deliciously dark and remarkably moreish character to this special release. Savour the classic Campbeltown smoky-sweetness balanced by a richly spiced Sherry cask heritage.
COMPLETE WITH A BRANDED WHISKY GLASS
£59.95
