Start February with one of our Shop Exclusive releases
We take great pride in sourcing some fantastic whiskies to bottle under our own name and to get February off to a great (late) start after Dry-anuary, we’re offering a great price on them!
Glencadam 13YO
Glencadam Réserve De Sauternes is a limited edition of 3042 bottles and has been specially created by their master distiller. Finished in the finest sauternes wine barrels sourced from France. . From Glencadam’s historic dunnage warehouses, he has carefully selected single malt distilled in 2008 and matured initially in exceptional ex-bourbon American oak casks. The single malt in these casks has been expertly married then finished in the finest sauternes wine barrels sourced from France.
Tasting notes:
Nose: Tangy aromas of fine-cut marmalade and poached pears mingled with acacia honey, peach blossom, yellow fruits and sandalwood.
Palate: Layers of baked peach, dried mango, manuka honey and chocolate orange followed by lemon drizzle cake, mandarin sorbet and Crème anglais.
Finish: Apple compote, agave nectar and candied peels bound in sweet baking spices and candied cloves that linger long on the tongue
VCL Vintners forecasts powerful vision of 2022 for the whisky investment industry, after shaking up 2021
Brokerage reports trades in whisky of nearly £9m in 2021
VCL Vintners, London’s leading whisky cask broker among millennial investors, reports a 16% increase on the total value of casks brokered in the last 12 months, having facilitated close to £9 million worth of trades in fine single-malt whisky casks between January 2021 to January 2022. So far this year alone, the brokerage also reports it has facilitated trades of whisky casks totalling over £2.2 million.
Volatile markets and inflationary pressures have encouraged an increasing number of investors of all ages and levels of experience to diversify their portfolios. As the brokerage has continued to acquire a greater share of the whisky cask market, clients have been flooding the switchboards and VCL Vintner’s digital onboarding systems, in search of the valuable shelter offered by the steady performance of whisky casks as a reliable alternative asset.
Year on year, VCL Vintner’s client base increased by an additional 45%. Currently, over 60% of the brokerage’s clients are under the age of 45, with nearly a quarter aged between 25 and 34 years old.
In 2021, the most expensive casks sold by VCL Vintners were from the Macallan, Bunnahabhain, Bruichladich, Dalmore, Aultmore, and Ben Nevis distilleries. VCL Vintners does brisk trade in casks valued between £30,000 and £60,000, but has also dealt in stand-out, rare casks worth over £250,000.
The brokerage’s dominant acquisition of market share in 2021 was facilitated by key partnerships with younger distilleries, expansion into the Asian markets, and innovations within digital financial technologies.
March 2021 saw an exciting collaboration with the award-winning Annandale distillery in Southern Scotland. The five-year deal of exclusivity entitled VCL Vintners to half of Annandale’s output each year for sale to investors, amounting to 276,000 litres of single cask single malt whisky. In a market that has traditionally been closed off to outsiders and newcomers, this partnership was a sign of strategic commitment from VCL Vintners to stay up to date with the latest and best casks available for investment for their clients.
2021 was also a big year for expansion into the Asian market. Throughout the pandemic, VCL Vintners saw an increase in high-end investors based in Southeastern Asian buying into whisky, anticipating the upturn in the market following the vaccine rollout and lifting of restrictions. In Q3 of 2021, 25% of new accounts opened were from investors based in Japan.
In October 2021, VCL Vintners collaborated with Metacask, the digital marketplace for whisky NFTs and broke a world record in whisky cask investment. Leading NFT artist, Trevor Jones, was commissioned to produce an NFT artwork called the ‘Angel’s Share’ which was backed by a Macallan 1991 cask for the record-breaking price of $2.33 million. As opposed to a photograph of the cask to represent the item, the overseas buyer received Trevor’s abstract digital representation.
In December 2021, the brokerage released a limited run of own independent bottling line of new fill spirits. The company advises that new fill spirits are the perfect entry point for novice or casual whisky investors, as well as the perfect treat for whisky drinkers.
The independent bottlings consisted of a limited release of bottles. A Highland and Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled at Royal Brackla and Benriach Distilleries. Both spirits were aged 9 years and finished in octaves: the Highland Single Malt in a port cask and the Speyside Single Malt in a sherry one. They both sold out in under 48 hours.
Benjamin Lancaster, co-founder and director at VCL Vintners, commented on VCL Vintner’s extraordinary year: “The tide changed in 2021. The floodgates opened in the first few weeks of 2022. The numerous successful projects undertaken over the past year have laid the groundwork for an expansive 2022. This year, we look forward to continuing our work to open the whisky investment space to a dynamic new audience and to seasoned investors seeking shelter during turbulent times in the markets. The numbers speak for themselves; the increasing value of our casks, alongside the refreshingly youthful demographic of our clientele, forecasts a growing, powerful vision for the industry.”
About VCL Vintners
Founded in 2010, VCL Vintners source and manage the finest investment-grade single malt whisky casks for their network of retail and institutional investors.
VCL Vintners provides investment opportunities ranging from new-fill barrels to some of the oldest and rarest casks available. With assets under management currently totalling around GBP 70 million, VCL Vintners is on track to corner a significant amount of the whisky market’s total reserves, targeting an additional managed amount of GBP 150 million within the next decade.
Whisky is now one of the globe’s best-performing asset classes, with both prices and demand continuing to grow at a double-digit rate. However, despite these ten-fold increases and interest from new investors, investment-grade whisky’s reputation for running on relationship-based acquisitions can make it somewhat difficult to enter. VCL Vintners’ expert advice assists clients at all stages of their investment journey, allowing investment in a range of whisky options, from sought-after individual bottles to entire casks.
Benromach adds new limited edition to its Contrasts range
— Only 6,000 bottles of newly released Benromach Cara Gold available globally —
Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched a new limited edition single malt, Benromach Cara Gold, with just 6,000 bottles available globally.
This is the first time Benromach Distillery has used Cara Gold malted barley, a low colour roasted caramel malt more commonly found in breweries which produces rich fruity and toffee flavours. This was combined with the distillery’s standard lightly peated malt to create a unique expression which delivers a new twist on the subtle smokiness Benromach is most well-known for.
Laid down in 2010 before being bottled in 2022, this expression is natural in colour and non-chill filtered. It has been matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels, creating passionfruit, lychee and lime aromas which are complemented by a hint of malted biscuit. With smooth, sweet flavours of pineapple, apricot and a subtle pepperiness, it leads to a vibrant, fruity and sweet smoke finish.
Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “We love to get creative with our small batch vintage expressions and our Contrasts Range allows us to do this . Unlike any of our other expressions, we have used Cara Gold malt – this is a type of malted barley you would usually find in a brewery rather than a distillery and it has produced a beautiful and unique single malt. But, in true Benromach style, this whisky was made by hand for genuine character using the skills, expertise and senses of our small team of distillers.”
Benromach Cara Gold is available on the Benromach website and at selected retailers worldwide.
Benromach Cara Gold has an RRP of £49.99. Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.
Tasting Notes:
Benromach Cara Gold is natural colour, non-chill filtered and is bottled at 46% ABV
About Benromach Distillery
Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.
In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.
Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. Its five-star visitor centre is closed to the public at present and is due to re-open in spring 2022 for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.
For more information, visit: www.benromach.com
K&L Exclusive Casks: Stunning, 12 Year Old Highland Rarities from Hart Brothers
“Glendronach on the independent market is a true rarity. To be able to offer two casks at the same time is nothing short of a miracle.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
“I can’t properly express what an absolute shock it was to be offered a cask of Glendronach, let alone two!” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
This offer is the definition of lightning striking in the same place twice. The magnificent Hart Brothers have done it again by bringing us two of the most outstanding Highland single casks we’ve seen in quite some time, at prices that are simply jaw-dropping, unbelievable, and almost too good to be true. Glendronach is much beloved by both Highland aficionados and sherry-cask geeks, as they’re widely renowned for their mastery of both the regional style and the use of top-quality sherry butts in aging. But it’s truly a fine day when we come across a stellar specimen aged in a rum cask—rare as hen’s teeth, you might say. Of the sherry butt, David Othenin-Girard notes, “not only is this barrel exceedingly rare, but the quality is completely next-level, not some afterthought or discarded butt here—no, this is exemplary malt of the highest order.” Although fans of the distillery will naturally gravitate toward the sherry butt, the rum cask is certainly a must-try. As Andrew Whiteley observes, “For those who truly want to unlock the secrets of Glendronach, this will be a prized possession.” Even though we’re just getting into 2022, we’re not overstating things when we say this is one of the most exciting Scotch offers we’ll see all year. This limited, once-in-a-decade opportunity should be seized by anyone who calls themselves a true Scotch fanatic.
*Pre-arrival items expected to be available for pickup or shipment in June 2022.
K&L Notes: Hart Bros. is led by Alistair Hart, who has nearly 30 years of experience selecting single casks and managing the stocks for this exceptional independent bottler. Hart Bros. consistently bottles malt of world-class quality and seems to have connections that few else can match. After our first effort importing casks directly from their bottled stock, we’ve stepped up to purchase some rare whiskies straight out of their warehouses, which will be sold exclusively at K&L. This gorgeous barrel of nicely aged Glendronach represents a first for K&L and the U.S. This is the first independently bottled Glendronach (one of two barrels we purchased) we’ve ever seen in this country. If there has ever been an independently bottled Glendronach available in the U.S., it’s been at least a couple of decades. This special whisky showcases the fabulous character that this eastern Highland gem can exhibit. Full of deep malt and complex texture, it’s relatively rare to find anything from this excellent distillery that’s not been marked by sherry. This is a must-buy for fans of the distillery to experience it in a new way and appreciate its true character without the normal cask treatment. Bottled without coloring or chill-filtration at a cask strength of 60.9% ABV.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 27, 2022
Glendronach on the independent market is a true rarity. To be able to offer two casks at the same time is nothing short of a miracle. Since the distillery has long been committed to aging everything in sherry, it’s equally rare to see anything from Glendronach dressed up in anything but the standard livery. The color is flaxen. The nose is salty caramel and vanilla drizzled over ripe fruit. Rich and grainy—the strong malt character of Glendronach is readily apparent. A whiff of cut grass comes and goes on the breeze. It’s transcendent really. Tropical notes come and go with each nosing. A riper blast of pineapple and coconut mingles with cooked molasses. The palate continues where the aromas left off. A broader collection of tropical fruits and a touch of funky ester comes through. I’d argue it’s a much more interesting malt than the sherried ‘Dronach we have from the Hart Brothers, but it’s destined to be less popular. For those who truly want to unlock the secrets of Glendronach, this will be a prized possession.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: November 12, 2021
I can’t properly express what an absolute shock it was to be offered a cask of Glendronach, let alone two! This extremely rare and unusual expression of the excellent eastern Highland distillery is truly one of a kind. I don’t know if you’ll ever find a single ex-rum barrel from this fabulous distillery. Honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to notice the rum. It’s not dark at all. The color is yellow straw. But on the nose, the malty richness of ‘Dronach, which we very rarely see these days not coupled with sherry, is slightly pointed by some wild topicality to it. Ultimately, the rum isn’t playing a huge role here, but that doesn’t matter. Naked ‘Dronach should be on every malt nerd’s bucket list. The nose is soft and malty with hints of cola, blonde roast, and crystal malt. It’s a bit shy at first, but with a splash of water and some air some fabulous aromas emerge. Guava, honeysuckle, sugar wafers, yuzu peel, and unusual minerality. On the palate, it’s very full-bodied, almost oily. Much more textural than the light color and nose might imply. It’s pure and driven. Focused and malty and bright orchard fruit. It’s surprisingly long and starts to add some spice on the end. A truly interesting version of this well-known distillery, that might not scratch the sherry bomb itch, but it will satisfy almost every other scotch lover.
K&L Notes: This wonderful whisky, aged in a first-fill sherry butt, is everything we want from this distillery that they won’t give us themselves. Richly complex with classic Glendronach sherry character, the existence of these casks is simply stupefying, considering how difficult it is to get anything out of the distillery these days. And of course, it has not been chillfiltered!
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 27, 2022
We live for this kind of coup. Blue-chip distillery. Highest quality cask. Unobtainium—transmuted into liquid gold and sold at a reasonable price. This is the kind of deal that we can only deliver once in a blue moon, despite all of our relentless efforts. It’s a textbook example of Glendronach from a cask of superlative quality. The real kicker is it is being sold at a fraction of the price the distillery wants for single barrels if you ever get the chance to buy them directly. The color is the archetype of Scotch—perfect mahogany with hints of amber and gold. It’s what every lesser single malt wishes it looked like. Then the nose: baked apples, succulent stone fruit, honey, graham cracker, cinnamon, tobacco leaf, burnt orange peel. On top of that, it smells like a luxury high rise office that belongs in Mad Men—old leather, rich wood, and the finest cigars. It’s sultry. The flavor is huge; at a cracking 61.2% ABV it’s no surprise really, but it’s a powerhouse. The palate almost stings with flavor. Chocolate and raw cacao. A reprise of stewed fruits, hide, cedar, sandalwood. It opens dramatically with water, but you may never get that far. If you like pairings – I suggest you serve it with a second glass, because you’ll never be satisfied with just one pour.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: December 02, 2021
Honestly, this shouldn’t even be happening. This seems to be the first ever independently bottled Glendronach we’ve seen here, with the exception of that Duncan Taylor “Three Generations”. It’s an absolute coup that this is even on offer and not marked up to the stratosphere in some goofball cask auction. Speculators be damned, we bottle whisky for drinking! And while we we’re able to get an 11-year-old sherry puncheon last year, it’s unlikely that we’ll see another sherry butt from the distillery for some time. So, not only is this barrel exceedingly rare, but the quality is completely next level, not some after thought or discarded butt here—no, this is exemplary malt of the highest order. Distilled on January 20th, 2009, it was filled into an active sherry butt and bottled in November of 2021. Let’s taste it. The color is the perfect mahogany. The first nosing is a flabbergasting experience, honestly. The nose is so old-school and perfect I just can’t stop smelling it. Very old, super high-quality leather, old polished wooden furniture, freshly rolled cigars, cured ham, stewed plums, fig jam. It really feels much older than 12 years. On the palate, the opulence and velvety texture are the first things you notice with the rich oloroso character coming next. I’m wondering if this might be a second fill from one of the legends that were bottled at the distillery during this period. I’m looking at you early ’70s vintages! Whatever they did here, it’s an absolute gem. With water….yada yada yada. WHO CARES?! Just buy and fall in love with this freakin’ magic or forever hold your peace.
St. George’s Distillery Harling Road, Roudham, Norfolk, NR16 2QW
01953 717939
January is over and 2022 is officially in full swing, and so too is our bountiful 128th auction.
Yamazaki 25 Year Old Limited Edition
We have some fantastic bottles from all over the world this month. From Japan this Nikka Yoichi 1987 Non-Chill Filtered, the new Shizuoka Contact S and the peerless Yamazaki 25 Year Old Limited Edition.
Old Ramshead 1916 Prohibition Era Bourbon
We have some terrific American drams this month too like this Michter’s 20 Year Old Single Barrel 75cl and this remarkably well preserved Old Ramshead 1916 Prohibition Era Bourbon
Whether you like to get your bids in early or wait until the final weekend to swoop, best of luck to everyone in the auction. Thinking of selling any of your bottles? We are still offering free home collections, click here for more info. Our latest shipping and service updates can be found here
PENDERYN DISTILLERY RELEASES AN ODE TO PORTUGUESE FORTIFIED WINE
WITH TWO HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SINGLE CASKS:
Six Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Wine Cask and a Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask
The two new Single Malt releases, exclusive to the U.S. market, are the latest selection from the Single Cask program, which identifies and showcases some of the most unique and coveted whiskies produced at Penderyn Distillery.
Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Wine Cask
(Cask No. W19 – 60.8% ABV)
Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask
(Cask No. PT318 – 59.59% ABV)
Brecon Beacons, Wales – January 28, 2022: Award-winning Welsh whisky company Penderyn Distillery has announced the release of two new whiskies exclusively for the U.S. market: Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Wine Cask and Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask. Both Single Casks are solely available in the U.S. through importer ImpEx Beverages. The new cask strength whiskies land stateside in anticipation of St. David’s Day, the March 1st National Day of Wales. It was on this day in 2004 that Penderyn Distillery launched its first whisky in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and ever since has used this time of year to release some of its most-anticipated products.
Penderyn Six Year Old Moscatel de Setubal Wine Cask (Cask No. W19 – 60.8% ABV) is matured in Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks and then finished in Moscatel de Setúbal casks, which formerly served to age the renowned Portuguese fortified wine. The result is a nose that is fruity with floral aromas like orange blossom, peach, apples, white grape, and gooseberry. The palette features sweet citrus flavors, orange peel, apricot, raisin, figs, and a nutty oak spice. The finish is sweet and fades to oaky dryness with a hint of cacao. Limited bottling of 268, with a recommended retail price of $120, on store shelves in CA, MA, NY/NJ, NE, IL, KS, AZ, NV, TX, DC/DE/MD, WA, TN, OR, and MN.
Penderyn Six Year Old Tawny Port Cask (Cask No. PT318 – 59.59% ABV) has been matured in Buffalo Trace Bourbon casks and then finished in Tawny Port casks. Rich, creamy notes of vanilla, caramel, plums, and black grapes on the nose give way to a palate of red berries with gentle tannin and pepper spice. The finish is warm and creamy with black fruit and a hint of dry oak. Limited bottling of 300, with a recommended retail price of $120, on store shelves in CA, MA, NY/NJ, NE, IL, KS, AZ, NV, TX, DC/DE/MD, WA, TN, OR, and MN.
Periodically, Penderyn selects its best casks to offer discerning followers new examples of its outstanding world-class Single Malt whisky. Historically, those chosen for release in the U.S. are met with rave reviews and top ratings and are the first age statement Penderyn Single Casks to be released in the world. These special releases are handpicked in partnership with Sam Filmus, president of ImpEx Beverages, who assists Penderyn’s distilling team in making the final selections.
In the last year, Penderyn Distillery has continued to build on its legacy as a world-class producer of whiskies by securing top industry accolades, including receiving a Double Gold Medal for its Peated whisky, and Gold Medals for the Portwood and Rich Oak whiskies in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Penderyn Distillery garnered an impressive five Gold Medals at The Spirits Business’ annual World Whisky Masters event for its Madeira, Peated, Myth, Celt, and Rhiannon whiskies. Additionally, Penderyn Sherrywood and Rich Oak brought home a Double Gold Medal from the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, with Myth bringing home a Gold.
For more information about Penderyn Distillery, visit Penderyn.wales. For inquiries on where to buy Penderyn in the U.S., please reach out to office@impexbev.com.
About Penderyn:
Penderyn is an independent distillery located in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales, UK. Recognized as one of the most influential Welsh exports, Penderyn is credited with reviving the country’s whisky industry after more than a 100-year absence. Renowned for its high-quality Single Malt whisky and other distillates, Penderyn is also recognized for respecting the long heritage of whisky production and combining it with an innovative approach to distilling. Penderyn is exported to over 40 destinations, including Europe, Canada, the USA, Japan, Russia, Singapore, Australia, and China.
1968 vintage. Celebrating Signatory Vintage 30th anniversary in 2018. A truly stunning whisky. Bunnahabhain 50 Year Old 1968 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill sherry butt #12397 bottled January 2019 for the Signatory Vintage 30th Anniversary series. 323 bottles.
Bunnahabhain Distillery was established in 1881 on the north eastern tip of the Isle of Islay by the shore of Bunnahabhain Bay and overlooking the Sound of Islay. All the building materials were transported by puffer and unloaded at the distillery pier. Now tucked away at the end of the single track ‘main’ road with spectacular scenery all the way. Bunnahabhain Distillery is equipped with four huge pear shaped stills and produces Scottish malt whisky which is released in blends and in single malt and single cask bottlings. A participant in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Core editions include Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old and 18 Year Old.
