A Stupendous Buy in Collectible Bourbon
Heaven’s Door 14 Year Old “Caribbean Rum Finished” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($149.99)

This “14-Year-Old” Straight Bourbon is really 14 years old in name only, thanks to a quirk in the aging and bottling process (see below for more details). At its actual 17-year age, it’s easily the oldest single cask we’ve ever seen from Cascade Hollow, and since any other premium straight bourbon with a 17-year age statement is going to set you back significantly more, consider this an opportunity to score one of the greatest secret bargains in the spirits market.

Heaven’s Door 14 Year Old “Caribbean Rum Finished” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($149.99)

K&L Notes: This wild offering is listed as 14 years old, but it was distilled on January 5th, 2005 from a mash bill of 84% Corn, 8% Malt, 8% Rye. It aged undisturbed for over 15 years before being transferred to a freshly dumped Venezuelan rum cask, likely Diplomatico, and aged for an additional two years before bottling at cask strength without chill-filtration of any kind. The whiskey is almost certainly coming from the Cascade Hollow distillery in Tennessee, but has such a distinct character, it would be hard to pick it out as such without prior knowledge of the mash bill. Perhaps it’s the exceptionally high proof, which is rarely achieved with single-cask offerings from the famous old distillery outside of Tullahoma. In fact, we’ve never offered a single cask from this distillery anywhere close to this age and proof range, a true oddity in that respect. The dense, dark flavors of the rum have been fully integrated after the long finish at Heaven’s Door’s Nashville warehousing facility. Add the high-quality finish, and you’ve got a recipe for a legendary pour. Similarly aged products have sold for significantly more—Heaven’s Door’s own 17-year and the George Dickel 17-year went for $500 and $280 respectively, so we’re actually very grateful they didn’t change the age statement and raise our price! We’d much rather tell this story and save you the $200 to $300 a bottle than insist on an accurate age statement! Lovers of Angel’s Envy bourbon will appreciate the opulence here.

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

Hankey Bannister 21YO

Independent Scotch by David Stirk

Unique. There is no other word to describe the relationship between distiller, producer and independent bottler. In this first ever account of independent bottlers the author, David Stirk, looks at the history of how and why this anomaly arose; how an aged and rooted, bulk-driven industry missed, at first, the change in consumer demand. Using his own business as an example, this book explores how independent bottlers operate and helped to nurture a new and engaged consumer base.

With contributions across the industry this book catalogues the lost and current independent bottling companies. Often in their own words a picture will be painted of family, and consumer-driven enterprise (themes that are the bedrock of the Scotch whisky industry); companies that strive to show Scotch whisky at the pinnacle of what it can achieve. Pour a dram and delve into the world of independent bottlers.

£24.50 >

Lux Row Distillers introduces Rebel 100 Rye

Latest Rebel brand-family variant elevates the proof – and taste – following in the footsteps of its bourbon namesake

ST.LOUIS (March 16, 2023) – Lux Row Distillers announced the newest variant in the Rebel brand family: Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey. Rebel 100 Rye is set to reach retail shelves across the country later this month at a suggested retail price of $19.99 per 750 ml bottle.

Rebel 100 Straight Rye Whiskey delivers smooth, spicy rye flavor via its 51% rye, 45% corn and 4% malt mash bill. Offered at 100 proof, Rebel 100 Rye features a spicy nose that opens into rich rye flavor balanced by hints of vanilla.

“Based on the continued success of both Rebel 100 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, we’ve elevated the proof of its rye counterpart,” said Eric Winter, brand manager for Rebel. “Rebel 100 Rye drinkers still will enjoy the award-winning smooth, spicy rye flavor of Rebel Rye at a proof level that amplifies its taste profile and stands out even better in classic cocktails.”

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

NEWS FROM CAPE CLEAR DISTILLERY

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

There was good attendance at our AGM on 1 March which was very positive and upbeat. The works done to complete fire, disability and other certification for our proposed new Cask Store has been accompanied by work on our business plan and prospectus for the next tranche of share capital through which we plan to raise €1.5m. This will support the development of the Cask store and working capital over the next few years. This is attached to this newsletter.

G1 STATUS IRISH WHISKEY

A small but significant quantity of Irish whiskey has been purchased and is currently maturing in another West of Ireland location with the goal of transfer to Cape Clear. For this we have applied for the necessary G1 Status Certification from the Irish Revenue. We will be in a position to mature modest quantities with this status and it will put us in a better position in regard to the licensing of the proposed cask store later on.

TRIAL BARLEY PATCH

We are preparing a patch of ground about 600m2 for a trial sowing of barley this Spring. If successful the barley will be harvested and milled by hand for a trial distillation, subject to Revenue approval.

Click here to download the Funding Document

Our mailing address is:
Cape Clear Island Distillery
Cape Clear Island
Skibbereen, CO P81 AX89
Ireland

The Grand Whisky Auction is now LIVE!

There are 2800+ lots to browse and bid on this month with one of the highlights being this Dingle Cask.

The auction closes on the 27th March @ 9pm!

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T. +44 (0)1463 210 427 –  sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

Distillery-Direct Exclusive Cask: The Singular “Maritime Malt”
2006 Old Pulteney 15 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Cask No. 2061 First Fill Ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($119.99)
“I’m absolutely in love with this style … A truly special cask we’re so lucky to have.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Old Pulteney’s distinctive style has earned it the nickname “the Maritime Malt,” along with a corresponding cult following among hardcore Scotch connoisseurs. Single casks from OP are some of the most sought-after on the market, and when we’re fortunate enough to source one directly from the distillery itself under its own label, it makes for a must-have addition to any collection.

2006 Old Pulteney 15 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Cask No. 2061 First Fill Ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($119.99)

*Please note: Due to bottle shape, product ships as 1.5L bottle.

K&L Notes: Located on the northern shores of Scotland, Old Pulteney is renowned for its “maritime malt”—the distinct character that comes from aging and distilling their signature Scotch whisky near the Atlantic Ocean. This single-barrel K&L exclusive slowly aged for 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels, giving the whiskey a sweet, salty, spicy, irresistible character. The old distillery in Wick, founded in 1826, was once completely unavailable in the town during their decades-long localized prohibition era. A popular fishing village, the town was mostly inaccessible unless by boat. Now Pulteney is producing a very classically styled, north coast malt typified by a subtle salinity. This first-fill, ex-bourbon barrel was filled at the beginning of 2006 and bottled just before its 16th birthday at a full cask strength of 53% ABV, non-colored, and non-chill filtered. It’s one of the few distillers still selling single casks directly to K&L, although only a handful of barrels made it stateside in the last year. Considering the quality, we believe this malt is exceptionally undervalued and represents a rarely seen opportunity to enjoy this special distillery under its own label, as a single barrel, and without the addition of any water or other additives. Incidentally, it will absolutely love a drop of water added to the glass, opening both the malty sweetness and the gorgeous maritime character.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: March 08, 2023

Oh, Pulteney, you do make me so happy. We’ve been waiting on this barrel for what seems like over a year—and considering it states that it was bottled in 2021, perhaps it was actually that long. Now that it’s finally here, it’s even more special than I remember it. This is the only OP single cask that made it to California last year (well, this year), but considering the quality I’ll be doing everything in my power to get another. The color is an attractive, old gold hue. On the nose, a beautiful, sweet stone fruit character, crushed yellow flowers, hints of salty sea spray far in the distance, crystal malt, and sweet citrus oils. On the palate, it absolutely pops. It’s nearly perfect with about 10-15 minutes in the glass, offering big, sweet, and salty citrus and stone fruit, hints of white pepper, angelica root, crushed rock, and agave syrup. With a bit of water, more pear, lanolin, and salt comes out. It’s all very waxy and very fresh. I’m absolutely in love with this style and while it was nearly perfect rested right out of the bottle, I do strongly recommend the tiniest drop of spring water to stretch and expand the flavors. A truly special cask we’re so lucky to have.

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

Hankey Bannister 21YO

£115.00

Hand-selected by their Master Blender, from their rarest and most exceptional whiskies to create a truly unique and luxurious Scotch for that special occasion. The whisky has been allowed to rest for a minimum of 21 Years in only the finest Spanish oak ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and American ex-bourbon casks. 1 of only 6,000 bottles produced.

Tasting notes:

Colour: Delightfully dark honey with bronze highlights

Nose: Aromatic nuances of dried fruit and vanilla oak.

Taste: Soft and smooth creamy toffee with vanilla overtones and hints of Christmas cake and dark chocolate.

ralfy review 969 Extras – Three types of water.

Our March Auction ENDS TONIGHT!

Place your bids until this evening ~ Sunday 26th March 2023.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Macallan – 72-Year-Old (Lalique) The Genesis Decanter

George T Stagg – Buffalo Trace Antique Collection (2003/04/05) 75cl

Karuizawa – 50 Year Old (1968) Single Cask #6223

MacPhail’s – 50 Year Old (1937) 75cl

Glen Grant – 60 Year Old (1952) The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (Gordon & MacPhail)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.