KYLVER No.9 – HAGALAZ

The ninth instalment in Wolfburn’s flagship Kylver series has been aged for seven years in a first-fill dark rum barrel before being married with two first-fill bourbon barrels of the same age. Laid down in 2015 in warehouse No.2 it is the first time we have used rum casks at Wolfburn and this cask has produced a distinctly aromatic and spicy whisky, full of Caribbean promise.

Wolfburn’s Kylver collectors’ series takes its name from the Kylver Stone. Unearthed in Sweden in 1903, it depicts the entire Viking runic alphabet: each whisky in the series is named after a different letter. The ninth letter, Hagalaz, translates as hail from the sky.

Hail is the whitest of grain, whirled from the vault of heaven, tossed about by gusts of wind to then melt away into water.

Each edition in the Kylver series is unique, but with the common theme of having been matured in exceptional casks. The individually numbered 800 bottles of Kylver No.9 are the product of a single first fill Caribbean dark rum barrel and two American oak first-fill bourbon barrels.

ON THE NOSE

Bright and bold, the flavours almost jump out of the glass. Coffee, chocolate and deep muscovado sugar aromas abound, overlaid with ripe dark fruit.

ON THE PALATE

Mocha chocolate meets sumptuous sponge pudding. Richer flavours unfold over time; there’s spiced fruitcake and plums and black cherry, all presented with a beautiful creaminess.

THE FINISH

Long, slow and smooth. Vanilla, cinnamon and soft oak smoke right to the end.

Age: 7 years
Distilled: 2015<
Cask numbers: 49, 50, 68
Cask types: First fill dark rum Caribbean barrel, first fill bourbon barrel.
Alc strength: 52.8%
Volume: 70cl

ONLY 800 INDIVIDUALLY NUMBERED BOTTLES
Available at Wolfburn.com 12.00 BST (11.00 GMT and 13.00 CEST) on Monday the 11th of April for £89.99.

Three American Oak Whiskies:
TD0261, TD0306 & TD0334

Our American oak expressions are Australia’s most awarded whisky. Most recently, HH0609 American Oak ex-Bourbon won Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards. On Monday, we are releasing three American oak single cask whiskies: two American Oak ex-Bourbon and one American Oak ex-Tawny.

TD0261 American Oak ex-Bourbon

A plethora of delights awaits with this exceptionally elegant and velvety offering. Matured for 13 years and 8 months in a 200L American oak cask that was previously used to produce Bourbon, TD0261 is simultaneously decadent and comforting, ticking all the boxes for a memorable classic.

TD0334 American Oak ex-Bourbon

Matured for 13 years in a cask previously used to age Bourbon, TD0334 is an undeniably sophisticated whisky, with a pleasingly playful side; as complex and beguiling as it is approachable. Refined notes of sweet leather, antique wood and the dusty pages of ancient tomes lead into fruit salad and ripe stone fruit flavours.

TD0306 American Oak ex-Tawny

Matured for over 13 years in a 300L American oak cask previously used to age Tawny Port, TD0306 is compelling and nuanced. The flavours are an exhilarating and evocative contrast of sweet and savoury, juicy and spicy, but the contrasts are bound and bolstered beautifully by impeccable structure and integration.

VIEW FULL CASK DETAILS

These whiskies will be released via ballot, opening for 24 hours from 10am Hobart time on Monday 11 April. Further details, including links to the ballots, will be sent via email prior opening.

A note on our ballot system. 

Our policy is one entry per person, per household, per ballot. Our fraud detection algorithm detects multiple entries and removes them to ensure our whisky lands in the hands of our genuine supporters, so to ensure your entry counts, please enter each ballot once only. If you have any questions around our ballot process, you can email us at info@sullivanscove.com Successful entries will be notified shortly after the ballots close.

The Epicurean Lowland Malt Pledges Donation to the BEN Society

Douglas Laing & Co are proud to be continuing their relationship with the Benevolent Society for the Licensed Trade of Scotland, pledging their second annual donation on behalf of their Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky brand, The Epicurean.

2021 proved to be another challenging year for the on-trade, with ongoing, ever-changing restrictions representing a period of uncertainty and discontent. Douglas Laing & Co. say they are committed to the industry and strongly believe in the importance of giving back, donating a sum upwards of £8,000 to the BEN Society and continuing the partnership established in 2020.

Providing crucial financial, social and emotional support to those who have committed three years+ to working in Scotland’s licensed trade, The BEN Society is immensely important to the Scottish drinks & hospitality industry.

Chris Leggat, CEO, commented: “We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with The BEN Society in 2022. The vital work carried out by them, supporting thousands of people from the Scottish drinks & hospitality industry who are most in need, has never been more important and we are grateful to be a part of that. With The Epicurean brand gathering momentum and demonstrating considerable year on year growth, we’re excited to see the donation increase as the partnership prospers over many years to come.”

Commenting on the long-term partnership, President of The BEN, Warren Paul, said “We are extremely humbled by this amazing contribution to the BEN. Scotland’s Drink & Hospitality Industry has been under extreme pressure over the previous 2 years and The BEN have been there to offer financial assistance to the many young people on zero hours contracts who have simply fallen through the cracks. Douglas Laing & Co continued support during these turbulent times is very much appreciated”

Cara Laing, Director of Marketing, commented: “A vibrant, fresh and versatile dram that’s particularly well-suited to cocktails, The Epicurean’s brand strategy gives considerable emphasis to the on-trade.  Our Lowland gentleman prides himself on his values – always working harder than he did yesterday, and being eternally loyal to his friends and family. It’s important to us at Douglas Laing & Co that such brand values are backed by real substance and action, and that’s why The Epicurean’s relationship with The BEN is one we proud to commit to on a long-term basis”.

Kevin O’Gorman Crowned Master Distiller / Master Blender of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards

Pictured here: Whisky Magazine Managing Editor Damian Riley Smith, Irish Distillers Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman, World Whisky Awards Director Anita Ujszaszi Photo credit: Tony Baker

Kevin O’Gorman, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, took home the coveted title of Master Distiller / Master Blender of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards 2022, presented in a special ceremony in London on Thursday, March 24th.

O’Gorman was awarded the trophy in recognition of his contribution to the Irish Distillers portfolio and the wider Irish whiskey category since stepping into the role of Master Distiller in June 2020. Starting his career at Midleton in 1998, O’Gorman worked as a distiller under the tutelage of Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett, before honing his maturation skills under then Master of Maturation Brendan Monks.

Since taking the helm, O’Gorman has facilitated the team’s continued commitment to innovation and experimentation within the Irish whiskey category, leading to a slew of noteworthy launches from the County Cork distillery.

A highlight of the Master Distiller’s tenure so far has been his opportunity to oversee the annual Midleton Very Rare Vintage, putting his own individual mark on the eagerly anticipated 2021 and 2022 expressions, both of which claimed Gold medals at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Commenting on his win, O’Gorman says: “This is an incredibly proud moment for me personally and for Irish whiskey which continues to establish itself as a leading spirit on the world stage.

“This trophy is a tribute to my predecessors, who taught me so much, and the incredible team at Midleton Distillery today, whose boundless passion and dedication means we are able to produce award-wining whiskeys of unrivalled quality.”

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth up to 2019 and hitting sales of 8.6m cases in 2021. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard 

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY21. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index

Infrequent Flyers Batch 09

Including: Balmenach, Aultmore, Deanston, Glen Elgin, Fettercairn, Caol Ila and an Orkney

Order Now for immediate dispatch

Knob Creek 12 Year Old Small Batch 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) 95 $64.99 View

95 points Whisky Advocate

 Until now, most Knob Creek has been bottled at 9 years of age or younger for good reason: There’s no guarantee that bourbon will taste good after a dozen years in the barrel—let alone great. This one is richly complex from the start: York Peppermint Pattie, raisins, baking spice, dark chocolate-covered cherries, iced tea, and tobacco barn appear on the nose, followed by a chewy, full palate laden with cinnamon, allspice, and ginger, and perfectly balanced with sweet berry cobbler, chocolate ganache, and caramel. The finish goes on and on. Add in a fair price and excellent availability as part of Knob Creek’s core lineup, and only one question remains: What are you waiting for? *#2 WHISKEY OF 2020* (SSB, Winter 2020) 

K&L Notes

#2 Whiskey Advocate Whiskey Of The Year 2020. The return of the age statement! As we’re now over a decade into the whiskey boom, and producers have done everything possible to massively increase supply, we are finally reaching a point where there are enough aged stocks for brands to bring back long-gone age statements, or to introduce ones. Knob Creek hits the scene now with a much sought-after 12 Year Old age statement. This is classic Kentucky bourbon at its best.

Booker’s “Noe Strangers Batch” #2021-04 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) Bottle only – no packaging $99.99 View

Knob Creek 15 Year Old Limited Edition 100 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $119.99 View

The oldest bourbon to be released by Knob Creek, this whiskey is assembled from the best barrels nestled deep in the center of the rackhouse. At 100 proof and with several more years of barrel age than Knob Creek’s standard release this is a smooth yet powerful expression of one of America’s top craft bourbons.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Collaborative Series – KBS Stout” Founder’s Stout Beer Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $149.99 View

The latest addition to BBC’s Collaborative Series is a 10 year Tennessee Straight Bourbon (84% corn/8% rye/8%malted barley) finished in Founder’s Brewing’s KBS Stout barrel.

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

New arrivals from Britain’s oldest spirit merchant

Berry Bros. & Rudd have built up an impressive collection of rare whiskies from all over the world, and here we have an abundance of single casks bottlings to ogle at! Having traded from the same shop since 1698, they definitely know a thing or two about the drinks industry. These bottles showcase some of the best liquid from Norway to Scotland to Tasmania.

All new arrivals →

Join our private members club for just £30 per year (that’s only £2.50 per month…) to receive priority access to upcoming limited releases such as Fettercairn, GlenDronach and more!

Find out more Here →

WHISKY AUCTION

NOW LIVE!

Bid now on the greatest ever whiskies .
Auction ends Tuesday 12 April.
Get bidding and good luck!

Watch Our Live Auction

ralfy review 921 – Glengoyne 18yo @ 43%vol: (2022)

IRISH WHISKEY REACHES NEW HEIGHTS AT AUCTION

Two of Ireland’s oldest bottles of whiskey sell for record prices

2020-released Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery 45 Year Old Single Malt fetches a new high for Irish whiskey of €48,000…

…as the hammer comes down on 2021’s edition – an exceptional 46-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1973 in the signature style of Old Midleton Distillery – for €46,000

Irish whiskey continues its march to the highest levels of desirability among private collectors, with two rare bottles of Midleton Very Rare selling at auction for a combined €94,000.

The history-making whiskeys – put up for sale by private collectors – were sold separately at auction on Sunday 21^st March, with both lots coming from the ultra-prestigious Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection, which has received worldwide acclaim since its first releases in 2020 and 2021.

The first – a 2020 bottling of Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection Chapter One, a 45-year-old Irish single malt from the Old Midleton Distillery which operated for 150 years from 1825-1975 – fetched a record hammer price of €48,000 (€50,952 including fees), the highest price paid for an Irish whiskey at public auction. One of just 48 bottles unveiled two years ago for sale in Ireland, UK, France and US, Chapter One commanded a selling price at launch of €35,000 per bottle (750ml).

The second – a bottle of the 2021-released Chapter Two, an exceptional 46-year-old single pot still Irish whiskey distilled in 1973 in the signature style of Old Midleton – sold for €46,000 (€48,829 including fees). At launch, 70 bottles were made available for sale in Ireland, UK, Global Travel Retail, US, and France at a price per bottle (750ml) of €40,000.

It is not the first time that Irish whiskey auction site www.IrishWhiskeyAuctions.com has made history with Midleton Very Rare. In March 2020, it sold a bottle of Chapter One for €42,000 (€44,583 including fees), at the time making it the world’s most expensive Irish Whiskey ever sold.

“Irish Whiskey now has bottles that are comparable to the bottles of Scotch and Japanese whiskies that command ultra- premium prices on the world stage,” explains Anthony Sheehy, Founder & Owner of www.IrishWhiskeyAuctions.com. “It is something that we should be shouting from the roof tops to show the fantastic growth and interest that exists for Premium Irish Whiskey.”

The new record sales come as the third chapter of Midleton Very Rare Silent Distillery Collection is expected to be released, in what will eventually be a six-chapter Collection that is ushering in a new era for ultra-rare luxury Irish whiskey.

The whiskey maker has previously revealed there will be one release each year from 2020 until 2025, ranging in age from 45 to 50 years old, all from the legendary Old Midleton Distillery. The Collection will culminate in 2025 with the oldest ever release to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Old Midleton Distillery.

Every month Irish Whiskey Auctions have charity lots which are donated by members of the whiskey community of Ireland to help raise much needed funds for local and national charities. Adding to the excitement of the March auction, Irish Distillers donated Bottle Number 1 from its recent Midleton Very Rare 2022 vintage release for a special charity lot, raising €11,220 for The Capuchin Day Centre, Bow Street, Dublin. Bottle Number 1 from the annual vintage release has never been available to the public in the whole 38 years of production.

Notes 

Irish Whiskey Auctions was founded in 2018 by Dundalk couple Anthony & Katie Sheehy and since then has become Ireland’s premier Whiskey Auction Website. Holding a Monthly Online Auction lasting 9 days the business has gone from strength to strength and now employs 5 people in addition to the company founders. They have had 38 online auctions including 3 dedicated memorabilia auctions. Their first charity item on the site was in 2018 to raise money for ‘The Zoe Murphy Appeal’, a local charity in Dundalk which raised €2,222.

This kind gesture inspired the couple to try and have a charity item each auction going forward. This idea was so well received by the whiskey community that on many occasions some auctions had more than one charity item. To date Irish Whiskey Auctions has helped raise in excess of €50,000 for various charities.