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Focus On: Bunnahabhain

Discover the joy of unpeated, sherry-cask Islay whisky this Christmas

The most northerly and arguably the most remote distillery on Islay, follow a snaking road for three miles and, after tracking across moorland and cutting down cliffs, you’ll reach Bunnahabhain Distillery. It’s a journey that’s well worth it. Visitors to the Islay producer don’t just drink in the breathtaking views across the Sound of Jura to the mountains beyond — they’re poised to discover a single malt maker steeped in tradition, yet underpinned by a very modern dedication to sustainability.

Bunnahabhain’s spectacular waterfront location, with its new Biomass Energy Centre sitting on the hillside behind the distillery buildings.

Committed to creating a fruity, unpeated whisky with big flavours enhanced by sherry cask maturation, master distiller Brendan McCarron, master blender Julieann Fernandez and the Bunnahabhain team nurture the distillery’s spirit from grain to glass. Custodians of a whisky known as a special favourite of whisky makers and connoisseurs alike, the team’s commitment to excellence is matched by a razor-sharp focus on consistency. The result is a spectacular range of single malt Scotch whiskies primed for festive sipping and gift-giving.

Bunnahabhain master blender Julieann Fernandez

Take Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old, for example. First blended and released over 40 years ago, it’s a classic expression that’s stood the test of time. Bottled at 46.3% ABV, non-chill filtered for rich, bold depth of flavour and a creamy mouthfeel, and with only its natural, cask-derived colour, Bunnahabhain’s bold, unpeated distillery character is paired with a high proportion of sherry casks to create a luxurious dram bursting with dried fruits and opulent nuttiness. It’s a treat when sipped neat or enjoyed in a cocktail, such as an Old Fashioned.

Inside the traditional dunnage warehousing at Bunnahabhain

Discover more about this remarkable distillery, the people who make it and Bunnahabhain’s flagship dram by clicking the link below, or purchase a bottle for yourself here.

The Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old

Tasting Notes by Christopher Coates,
Whisky Magazine Editor-at-Large

Bunnahabhain
12 Years Old
Distell International
ABV: 46.3%
Style: Single malt
Country: Scotland
Region: Islay
Price per 70cl bottle: £40
Bottling: Distillery
Availability: Good retailers and at Bunnahabhain.com

Nose: Poached pears, baked green apples and rich heather honey. Juicy raisins and sultanas with prunes in syrup and liquorice. Dark chocolate with candied ginger, cinnamon stick, grated nutmeg and aromatic cedar wood. Zesty orange and lemon peels, with sticky toffee, too.

Palate: Mouthcoating and full-bodied, with more baked pear and apple notes, with a dusting of muscovado sugar. Sweet vanilla and chewy caramels are balanced by distinctive citrus, especially Jaffa orange, and fat Medjool dates stuffed with almond butter.

Finish: Milk chocolate and almond play out with toffee and orchard fruits for a long finish.

Comments: Big flavours will keep whisky lovers coming back for more.

BUY

Our tremendous 137th auction is now live with over 8000 fantastic bottles to choose from.  That’s a lot of scrolling, so to save you some time we’ve highlighted a few special expressions to get you started.

Glenfarclas 1964 50 Year Old Single Cask #4727

This Glenfarclas 1964 50 Year Old Single Cask #4727 was bottled for the Asian market and is a spectacular specimen from one of Speyside’s most celebrated distilleries.  Five whole decades in a sherry butt has imbued this tremendous liquid with a dark, rich colour which is described by George S. Grant the Brand Ambassador as having “heavy sherry power”.  A fitting tribute to a special dram.

Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter

This is the quite remarkable Macallan 72 Year Old Lalique Genesis Decanter.  One of the oldest whiskies ever released by The Macallan this tremendous expression is presented in a bespoke crystal decanter made by famed French crystal producer Lalique and inspired by the architecture of Macallan’s new distillery complex.  Distilled in the 1940’s this uniquely rare release is a combination of age, beauty and superior craftsmanship.  Limited to only 600 bottles this is as rare as it is impressive and would make a fine addition to even the most exclusive of whisky collections.

Springbank 1966 Local Barley Cask #481 75cl

The Campbeltown region, once known as ‘the whisky capital of the world’, produces some of the finest single malts in Scotland.  This Springbank 1966 Local Barley Cask #481 75cl is one such dram.  Distilled way back in February 1966 this fine whisky was then held in a single bourbon cask before finally being bottled in February 1997.  The 1966 vintages from the Springbank Local Barley Series have steadily grown in legend and stature in the whisky collecting world, using only local malted barley and bottled at an impressive 55.1% ABV you’ll have a fight on your hands to get a hold of this one this month.

Macallan Fine & Rare 1970 32 Year Old

Finally, this is a rather special Macallan Fine & Rare 1970 32 Year Old.  Bottled in 2002 only 544 bottles of this distinguished old dram were produced from one of only two casks chosen that year to represent the absolute pinnacle of Macallan distilling as they entered the 1970’s.  As with all Fine & Rare releases this bottle represents not only a distillery but a time long since passed and a place of enviable beauty, offering the collector a chance to own a never to be seen again vintage of inimitable character.As well as these top-shelf drams we also have over 8000 other bottles to choose from and with the festive period now fast approaching we’d also like to point out that this auction is the last chance for our customers in the USA and further afield to get their bottles delivered before Christmas.  So if you are in the market for some Christmas drams then this is most certainly the auction to get involved in.

Some compositions are timeless. Whether it’s the notes that form an iconic heavy metal riff, or the composition of whiskies that make a captivating blended Scotch. Our latest Limited Edition is a new take on an old favourite. Inspired by a rock song, this is a whisky that always demands an encore. Please welcome a Compass Box classic back to the stage. Raise your glasses for the 7th epic reunion of Flaming Heart 2022.

When Flaming Heart was first released in 2006, it was the first blended Scotch to combine the rich spice of new French oak, with the evocative smoke of Islay malt. The result was a compelling harmony of oak, smoke and fire, and it called us back time and again. Now, as we introduce the 7th edition of Flaming Heart, we feel like a band coming back together, proudly adding another record to the discography.

When we create a whisky, the idea often goes beyond what’s in the bottle. Inspired by a song, we thought it was only right to provide a fitting soundtrack for Flaming Heart 2022. Check out this Spotify playlist (specially curated by our very own whiskymakers) to experience the full sensory soundscape of Flaming Heart. With tracks from the likes of Hendrix, Nirvana and Otis Rush, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a big and boisterous drink. PLAY IT LOUD.

This loud and luxurious remastering of Flaming Heart samples some smoky notes from past releases, while adding new layers to the arrangement. A power trio of peated malts from the Laphroaig, Talisker and Caol Ila distilleries bring thick layers of smoke, followed by a deep fruitiness and a luxurious mouthfeel. On the nose you’re met with smouldering peaty embers, hints of candied ginger and cigar wrapper leaves. While on the palate, it’s a classic rock ‘n’ roll medley – oily, smoky, savoury and rich.

Once upon a time, all of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries malted their own barley. The wet grain from the steep would be spread over a stone floor for a week to begin germination, and it had to be turned regularly to prevent the little rootlets from matting together. Malt men would march up and down flipping the grain over their shoulders with malt shovels, known as shiels. Some developed repetitive strain injury causing one arm to hang low like a monkey’s.

In 2005, long after anyone had wielded a shiel in earnest, Monkey Shoulder was released as a hip new brand of Scotch from the house of William Grant & Sons.

In this particular evening Callum Rixson will be talking us through the modern whisky drinks serving us some delicious drams of Monkey Shoulder alongside some beautiful cocktails.

Monkey Shoulder Original
Smokey Monkey
Fresh Monkey

Buy Now

Mortlach 25 Years Old Distillery Label

This single malt was distilled at Mortlach distillery, located in the Speyside region of Scotland. It was aged in the First fill and refill Sherry casks and bottled by Gordon & Macphail for their Distillery Label collection, at ABV of 46% without chill-filtration or artificial colouring.

£195.00

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ralfy review 951 Extras – Distilleries Alive, Hidden, Mothballed, Dead

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES ITS

2022 ANTIQUE COLLECTION WHISKEYS,

INCLUDING STAGG

 George T. Stagg Returns to the Lineup and Showing Up Strong at 138.7 proof!  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 26, 2022) Fans of extra aged and uncut, unfiltered whiskies will be excited to see Buffalo Trace Distillery is releasing its full lineup of Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (BTAC) this fall, including perennial favorite George T. Stagg.

Last year, Buffalo Trace opted not to release its uncut, unfiltered 15-year-old George T. Stagg Bourbon because it did not meet the Distillery’s standards for the Stagg brand.  This year, the team is happy to report that the 2007 Stagg barrels showed up with their classic Stagg presence, full of maturity, balance, and flavor, with a hefty proof at 138.7, its highest proof since 2016.

The five ensemble members of the Antique Collection are George T. Stagg Bourbon, William Larue Weller Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon and Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey. These whiskies utilize three distinct mash bills, or recipes, from Buffalo Trace Distillery: rye mash bill #1, wheat mash bill and straight rye mash bill.  Aged and proofed at the pinnacle of their taste profile set by the distilling and lab team experts at Buffalo Trace, this collection is sold separately and only available once a year.  Bottles should be available at retail starting early to mid-November.  Suggested retail pricing is $99 each, state taxes will vary per market.  Here are details of each expression in the collection:

George T. Stagg Bourbon

Created in 2002 at the request of a fan for a well-aged and barrel strength whiskey, George T. Stagg bourbon is well respected amongst bourbon connoisseurs and spirit judges. This year’s offering was distilled in the spring of 2007, making it 15 years and 5 months old at bottling.  The proof is 138.7, the highest proof for this whiskey in the past six years.  This year’s barrels were aged in warehouse K.  Tasting notes for this bourbon call out toasted pecan and chocolate sauce on the nose, a rich blend of baking spice, vanilla and cherry pie on the palate, and a robust finish of black coffee, molasses and oak.

William Larue Weller Bourbon

The Antique Collection’s uncut, unfiltered, wheated recipe bourbon is William Larue Weller. The previous release of this wheated bourbon was honored with a Double Gold medal at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  The 2022 release was distilled in the spring of 2010 and barrels were aged in warehouses C, K and N.  This bourbon registers at 124.7 proof.  A nose of toasted coconut, butterscotch and caramel, followed by a touch of mint, dark cherry and molasses on the palate and a full-bodied finish with hints of leather, nutmeg, toffee and vanilla can be found in this year’s offering.

Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye Whiskey

Thomas H. Handy is the uncut and unfiltered straight rye whiskey. Last year’s release earned 97 points and was named in the top 100 spirits by judges at the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.  This year’s Handy was distilled in the spring of 2016; aged in warehouses I, L and M and weighs in at a hearty 130.9 proof, the highest proof for this whiskey since 2012.  The flavor profile includes a nose with floral notes, anise, marmalade and meringue, followed by a palate with baking spice, a burst of orange peel and subtle dark chocolate, and a long finish of cinnamon, praline and candied orange.

Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Bourbon

This 101-proof whiskey was distilled in the spring of 2005 and barrels were aged in warehouses H, K and L.  The 2021 Eagle Rare release was honored with the Chairman’s Trophy at the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.  This bourbon has a nose with a hint of tobacco, chocolate covered cherries and a touch of oak, followed by caramel, vanilla bean, dark chocolate and oak on the palate and a full-bodied finish with baking spice, vanilla and butterscotch.

Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old Whiskey

Previous releases of Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old were named in the top three finest whiskeys in the world by the “Whisky Bible.”  This 2022 straight rye whiskey release has a nose of orange peel, lemon zest and molasses, a palate with a bold blend of black pepper, coriander seeds and maple syrup, and a well-rounded finish with mint, tobacco leaf and oak.  The barrels for this whiskey were filled in the spring of 2003 and 2004 and rested in warehouses K, M and P.  It is bottled at 90 proof.  

About The Antique Collection

The Antique Collection was introduced more than two decades ago and is comprised of five whiskeys released each year in the fall: George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye, Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old and Sazerac Rye 18-Year-Old.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has been humbled by the numerous awards bestowed on the collection from such notable publications as Whisky Advocate Magazine, Spirit Journal, and “The Whisky Bible.”  For more information on the Antique Collection visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/brands/antique-collection.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

We hope you are keeping well and looking forward to our 137th auction which begins today Friday 4th November.

Our collection schedule for the 138th auction has now been finalised. To register your interest please complete the form which can be found HERE.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on 14th November 2022. This is the day after our next auction closes. Please ensure requests are received by this  time to allow the team to begin working on the routes.

Confirmation of your appointment will not be received until a few days before the collection is scheduled.

Scotland

Collection Points

Inverness – Tuesday 15th November 2022 – From 11am by appointment

Elgin –  Tuesday 15th November 2022 – From 1.30pm by appointment

Aberdeen – Wednesday 16th November 2022  – from 11am by appointment only

Home Collections – for those customers sending 10 or more bottles or bottles to the value of £1000 and above.

Glasgow/Motherwell  includes all G & ML postcode areas – Wednesday 9th November 2022

Inverclyde & Renfrewshire – Wednesday 9th November 2022

Dumfries –   Monday 21st November 2022

Dundee –  Wednesday 16th November 2022

Perth  –    Wednesday 16th November 2022

Ayrshire –  Tuesday 22nd November 2022

Fife & Kinross – Wednesday 23rd November 2022

Stirlingshire –  Wednesday 23rd November 2022

Islay –  Thursday 24th November 2022 – Saturday 26th November 2022

Campbeltown/Oban – Wednesday 23rd November 2022

Edinburgh – Monday 28th November 2022

England

England – Home Collections – Wednesday 16th November 2022 – Monday 21st November 2022

Collection Points

Manchester – M21 – Sunday 20th November 2022 From 6pm *** New Location ***
* Request deadline Monday 10th October 2022 at 12 noon

London AM – NW2, SW16, E6 –  Sunday 20th November 2022  – from 10am by appointment only
* Request deadline Monday 10th October 2022 at 12 noon
*** New East London Location ***

London Evening – W14 –  Sunday 20th November 2022 – from 6pm by appointment only
* Request deadline Monday 10th October 2022 at 12 noon

Wales

Newport – NP18 – Saturday 19th November 2022

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Unfortunately this service is not available in London.  Collections are limited and by appointment only. If you would like to attend please complete the form which can be found here. Please note deadlines apply for collection requests. It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift. In addition a submission form and label should be completed. Submission forms can now be completed via your main accounts page. 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.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old “Batch 015” Original Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

Laphroaig’s Original Cask Strength 10 Year Old Single Malt has been a runaway success story for nearly 15 years. With each successive release, this gorgeous malt has seemed to outdo its previous iteration. While this most recent release (Batch 015) has yet to be professionally reviewed, previous batches received high scores of (93-94) points from the Whisky Advocate, putting them in the company of many of the top marquee 25 Year Old bottlings. This is truly one of the best 10 Year Olds on the market today.

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