Elijah Craig “Small Batch” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $24.99 View

The Good Dram Show – Episode 490 ‘Tomatin’

This week’s episode of Good Dram Show features the new Potuguese collection from Tomatin Distillery along with a couple of oldies!

BOWMORE TRIO TAKES HONOURS AT BONHAMS FINE WHISKY AND SPIRITS SALE IN PARIS

View Catalogue

Bowmore-35 year old-1964. Sold for €20,740.

Paris –Three bottles of Bowmore were among the highlights of Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr’s Whisky et Spiritueux d’Exception sale in Paris on Tuesday 6^th December.

• A bottle of Bowmore-35 year old-1964 sold for €20,740 (estimate: €16,000-20,000). 

• A bottle of Bowmore-1964 sold for €10,980 (estimate: €7,000-9,000). 

• A bottle of Bowmore-1956 sold for €10,370 (estimate: €8,000-10,000)

The sale, which consisted of 227 lots, also featured at bottle of Aberfeldy the Gold of Pitilie-28 year old-1985. One of the oldest and rarest malts to be released by Aberfeldy, it is named after the stream from which the distillery draws its water. The Pitilie Burn is also known for its alluvial deposits of Scottish gold. Encased in an ornately cast 22-carat gold collar, this extraordinary bottle was just one of 10 ever released (two of which have been retained by the distillery), and even contained flakes of Scottish gold in the stopper. Sold for €15,860 (Estimate: €15,000-20,000).

Diego Lanza, Bonhams Senior Whisky Specialist, said: “The Bowmore-35 year old 1964 was very rare and special so it was not surprising that it became the most sought-after bottle of the day. Collectors were also eager to snap up the chance to acquire a bottle of Aberfeldy the Gold of Pitilie-28 year old-1985 which is very rarely available at auction.”

Sale: Whisky et Spiritueux d’ExceptionLocation: 4 rue de la PaixDate: Tuesday 6 December 2022

Link to catalogue

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and collectables, motor cars and a luxury division, including jewellery, watches, wine and whisky. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 53 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com

As the days get darker and colder on Islay, it reminds us that another year is drawing to a close. And we find ourselves reflecting on what 2022 has meant for Laphroaig and our community of Friends around the world.

We have a lot to celebrate from the past year, and we want to thank each and every Friend for making it so memorable. Below, we invite you to look back on some highlights from 2022 with us as we reminisce on what has passed, before looking to future.

We said hello to a new Distillery Manager.

In March this year, we announced Barry MacAffer as our new Distillery Manager.

As a long-serving Friend of Laphroaig and as an Ileach who grew up a stone’s from the throw distillery grounds, we knew our iconic Islay whisky would be in good hands with Barry. At the time, Barry said: “I recognise the responsibility I have to continue building upon the Laphroaig legacy and to match the near peerless dedication of John, Ian and Bessie, and my other incredible predecessors.

“You have my unswerving commitment that I’ll continue to craft our renowned, peated, single malt and its ongoing story for you and our team here with dedication and honesty.”

And, as you’ll see below, it has been an eventful and successful first year for Barry; one filled with Friendship (both old and new), dedication and, of course, that renowned Islay whisky.

We welcomed our Friends back to Islay.

As many of you know, Fèis Ìle (“The Islay Festival”) is a 10-day gathering of whisky fans from across the globe to celebrate Islay, its culture and, of course, whisky. And, after two years of virtual-only entertainment, we were delighted to welcome Friends back to Islay for Fèis Ìle 2022, for in person singing, dancing, eating, and most importantly, whisky tastings.

To all those who made the pilgrimage: you did not disappoint! You brought Islay to life and didn’t let the rain stop the laughter, the dancing and the drams. It was emotional to catch up with old Friends and, equally important, it was a pleasure to make new Friends.

We hope to see you all there next year. But if you can’t wait until then, learn about our Visitor Centre and tours at the link below.

Visit us

We celebrated our iconic Warehouse 1.

“This year’s Càirdeas wasn’t made for the Friends of Laphroaig, it was made by the Friends of Laphroaig. By you asking for all of these flavours in one glass,” said Distillery Manager Barry Macaffer.

As long-time Friends will know, each year our Distillery Manager crafts a limited-edition malt to celebrate friendship and our treasured Friends of Laphroaig. This whisky, named Càirdeas (Gaelic for “friendship”), is available exclusively to the Friends of Laphroaig, and our 2022 instalment told a very special story.

Càirdeas 2022 was named Warehouse 1 to honour where it was aged to perfection, and it embodies all of your favourite classic Laphroaig flavours, amplified. Warehouse 1 is the iconic building with ‘LAPHROAIG’ painted on the side which sits right on the shoreline, imparting a stronger influence of sea air, while its varying levels of temperature and humidity tease out incredible flavours.

Are you already looking forward to next year’s Càirdeas?

We made new Friends.

In September, we proudly unveiled Taste Trailblazers; a global celebration of pioneers who push the boundaries of flavour. Known for his mastery of open fire cooking, we welcomed Fire Chef Francis Mallman to Islay as our first Global Taste Trailblazer, capturing his visit in a documentary film featured on Laphroaig.com.

The film highlights Mallmann and Laphroaig’s shared mastery of smoke as well as stories of peat, salt and fire – the elements of Islay’s unique geographical location that are reflected in every drop of Laphroaig.

While on Islay, Francis also became a Friend of Laphroaig, planting a flag on his square foot of land. Becoming a Friend of Laphroaig is much more than having a small piece of Islay’s soil, though. At its heart, it’s about becoming a part of a worldwide community.

watch the film

We hope you enjoyed that trip down memory lane with us and, once again, thank you for making 2022 such a special year.

Now, let’s get to work on making 2023 even better.

Slàinte!

Golden Dram Giveaway

Win a VIP tour of the Balvenie Distillery in Keith, Scotland!

Your personal guide will direct you and a group of friends through the home of Balvenie to see where your favourite expressions are crafted and matured. You’ll also get to nosey around their famous warehouse 24 and spill the secrets of the five rare crafts of whisky-making that the distillery proudly maintain. You’ll finish up with a special whisky tasting and lunch at the neighbouring Glenfiddich restaurant.

To be in with a chance of winning, purchase a bottle of The Balvenie 25 Year Old between now and 22nd December 2022. and you will be entered into our Golden Dram draw where we will randomly select one winner to receive this incredible prize.

Balvenie 25 Year Old Rare Marriages

Showcases the Speyside distillery’s signature characteristics of decadent runny honey and rich oak undertones with layers of fresh fruit, marshmallow and cinnamon.

£600.00
BUY NOW

New Releases from Chorlton Whisky

Check out the latest releases from Chorlton Whisky

Blair Athol 12YO

The palate is big and nutty, with walnut liqueur, dark plum jam, tea-soaked raisins and maple syrup leading to a slightly salty and herbal finish. It swims particularly well, with water bringing out cakey softness and plenty of stone fruits. Lovely stuff!

£69.00 >

Ardmore 12YO

The palate is quite peaty at first, with a thick mouthfeel, then develops on toast with honey and salted butter, smoked rye, dark chocolate and orange, and liquorice root. Lots going on here, with the sherry adding just enough sweetness and richness to round things off nicely.

£68.00 >

TB/BSW Blended Scotch Whisky over 6 Years Old

This small-batch blended scotch whisky comprises carefully chosen single-malt and single-grain whiskies. They have all been aged for more than six years before being blended and rested and then bottled by Thompson Bros. at Dornoch Distillery. It has been selected to celebrate sherry maturation, and the sherry-forward blends of the past inspire its character.

Once rested, the whisky was diluted to 46% – an excellent balance of easy-drinking quaffability and flavour-forward intensity. It was then bottled without chill-filtration, and no colouring was added.

NOSE: Plum sauce, miso, maggi, golden sultanas, cinder toffee, coffee crèmè pâtissière.

PALATE: Golden sultanas, raisin loaf, buttered jamaica cake, maple & toasted cinnamon.

FINISH: Soft, warm spices, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon. Orange peel and dried figs.

Due to a massive shortage of glass, the TB/BSW is temporarily in a new bottle!

Shop now

Elijah Craig “Toasted Barrel” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) 93 $54.99 View

 This needs a few minutes to open up to reveal a rich caramel aroma. The palate is markedly sweet and spicy, showing vanilla, caramel and a mix of cinnamon and cayenne. Adding water tones down the heat and brings a flavor or cinnamon red-hot candies wrapped in caramel squares. A vanilla accent smooths over the long exit. It’s a small-batch Bourbon finished in toasted new oak. (KN)  (7/2021)

Whisky Advocate

 Initially reticent on the nose, with time this reveals gooey caramel, pralines, Hershey’s milk chocolate, and a touch of charred mint leaves. It’s chewy and occasionally sharp on the palate, with oodles of roasted nuts, polished oak, mint, peppery spice, dark chocolate, licorice, tobacco ash, and char. The medium-length finish holds tingling white pepper, unsweetened chocolate, and more polished oak. (SSB, Fall-2020) 

K&L Notes

This is a different take on Elijah Craig’s classic and beloved Small Batch Bourbon. A judicious application of a new toasted barrel take the well-known profile of one of our best-selling bourbons and kicks it up several notches. This whiskey is a new offering from the brand and was recently launched on an allocated basis, making it highly desirable yet difficult to find. From the distillery: “The process begins with fully matured Small Batch, which is dumped and then re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. Made with 18-month air dried oak, the finishing barrel is first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time. An extensive research and development process resulted in a final barrel toast profile bringing forward dark sugar flavors within the wood to create a balance of smokiness and sweetness after months of finishing.”

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

ralfy review 957 – Bunnahabhain 12yo @46.3%vol (2022)

Grade II listed Restaurant Releases Single Cask Malt Whisky to Pair with Modern Indian Cuisine Introducing The Fire Station Whisky – a brand new, limited edition single cask malt whisky from newly opened restaurant Yaatra, situated within the beautiful Old Westminster Fire Station in London.

Chosen to pair perfectly with Indian cuisine, the heath of the Highlands crossed with the spice of the Silk Road, the Fire Station Whisky is distilled by independent and family-owned distillery Tullibardine. The cask was sourced and bottled by London based luxury asset managers, Hackstons.

Aged in a first fill ex-Jack Daniels cask, this light single malt has floral, sweet barley notes and understated hints of vanilla, with pear drops and a soft spice on the finish. Yaatra’s expert Head Mixologist Nick Smith worked alongside Hackstons in selecting the whisky to perfectly complement the modern Indian dishes on Yaatra’s menu.

“Whisky and Indian cuisine make a natural pairing, both of which are famous for their storied histories and deep spiced flavours. Not only that but India is the largest market for scotch on the planet, which is why it was the perfect opportunity to marry these two icons.” – Nick Smith, Head Mixologist, Yaatra.

Only 356 bottles of The Fire Station Whisky have been produced, making this a rare and special gift for the whisky lover in your life this Christmas, with select Hackstons premium clients receiving a gifted bottle. The Fire Station Whisky is £70, can be purchased from Yaatra and delivered nationwide.

Yaatra – meaning journey – encourages diners to explore the territories, flavours and traditions of India, blending unique cooking cultures and styles from across the subcontinent.

Hackstons – located in the iconic Gherkin building in the beating heart of London, Hackstons is a multi-asset brokerage specialising in physical and tangible goods such as whisky casks, luxury timepieces, gold coins along with classic cars and designer handbags.

Yaatra Westminster

4 Greycoat Place, Westminster, London, SW1P 1SB 020 4549 1906 www.yaatrarestaurant.com

Hackstons

30 St Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BF 020 3307 0410 www.hackstons.com