Our top 10s this month highlight some of the best Scottish Island whiskies, from Arran’s sherried cask strength release – one of our contenders for The Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year 2024 – to the oldest single malt from newcomer, Isle of Raasay.
John E. Fitzgerald “Larceny A124” Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View
Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
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Scotch Malt Whisky Society of Canada February 2024 Outturn
Join Adam as he once again introduces us to another epic set of SMWS releases at The Strath. Check out the SMWS page on The Strath’s webstore here – http://strathliquor.com/smws
THE GLENLIVET TURNS 200, MARKING ITS MILESTONE YEAR WITH A LIMITED-EDITION COMMEMORATIVE 12-YEAR-OLD WHISKY
The Glenlivet kicks off its bicentennial celebrations with the release of an anniversary edition celebrating its illustrious legacy and pioneering future
The Glenlivet, the original Speyside single malt that set the Speyside style, raises a dram to two centuries of whisky craftsmanship, honouring its rich legacy whilst committing to forever moving forwards and continuously setting new standards in whisky for the next 200 years. To mark this historic milestone, 2024 will see a year of celebrations with bold and original innovations and initiatives, the first being the launch of The Glenlivet 200 Year Anniversary Limited Edition 12-Year-Old.
The new expression, crafted by The Glenlivet team of makers and matured in 100% first fill American Oak casks, features tasting notes of ripe, juicy pear, coconut shavings and creamy vanilla, complemented by aromas of fresh tangerines, pineapple slices and indulgent crème caramel.
The artwork for the limited-edition single malt was selected through a crowdsourcing campaign, whereby The Glenlivet invited emerging artists worldwide to submit their take on its ethos of forever moving forwards. The winning bicentennial design from Studio Berdi in Colombia encapsulates The Glenlivet’s journey from its inception by bold founder George Smith, to the whisky’s current status as a pioneering single malt, stepping into the next 200 years of innovation and excellence.
The Glenlivet will also be bringing to life celebrations with an exclusive Burns Night event on 26th January, at The Ivy West Street, London. This unique Scottish experience will mark the national day of Scotland’s cherished poet, Robert Burns and will offer guests an opportunity to savour the limited edition 12-Year-Old single malt, alongside the ground-breaking The Glenlivet Capsule Collection, through an exclusive paired menu.
Since The Glenlivet’s inception, the single malt has challenged conventions with its avant-garde spirit. From pushing boundaries of flavour and craftsmanship through exceptional distinctive casks such as the world’s first whisky finished in Cognac casks, to redefining whisky consumption through the innovative The Glenlivet Capsule Collection and The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails, the whisky has been at the forefront of pioneering initiatives.
Jayne Murphy, Chivas Brothers Marketing Director, Malts commented:
“This year is an important landmark anniversary for The Glenlivet as we look back to look forward towards the next 200 years. Since our founder George Smith introduced Speyside single malt whisky to the world in 1824, we’ve been committed to challenging conventions and will continue to craft the future of single malt whisky while setting new and uncharted standards of excellence. We extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join us in raising a dram with our celebratory limited-edition 12-Year-Old and we look forward to the celebrations to come throughout the year. Here’s to the next 200 years!”
To learn more about The Glenlivet’s 200-year celebrations, please visit TheGlenlivet.com or follow us @TheGlenlivet.
Elijah Craig “Toasted Barrel” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
(750ml)
$54.99
93 points Wine Enthusiast
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
B.C. pre-orders for our limited-edition whisky are closing soon! Aged for a minimum of three years in American white oak barrels, this latest batch of Canadian rye speaks to a mash bill of exclusively B.C. grains, traditional distillation methods, and the pure love of making whisky.
It’s robust, full-bodied — and we can’t wait to raise a glass with you! Orders are shipping out in March — click the button below to secure your bottle now.
North Port/Brechin 1970 G&M, 40%
Closed distilleries still carry a mystique for a lot of us whisky drinkers, but some are better than others. Some are more interesting historically. Some are lauded in the correct manner, but where’s does North Port sit in all of this?
A Highland distillery that once shadowed Glencadam and the owner of numerous different names over the century and a half that it existed, it is one of the lesser known ‘lost’ distilleries that now sits in Diageo’s record books of stock that they just don’t know what to do with.
This sample was purchased by Mark Littler for the purposes of this review, and you can also find a written review on his website blog.
A Decade of Policy Advancements Propel Bourbon Industry’s Impact To Local, State and Global Economies
Commonwealth’s Bourbon Economy Thriving In Latest Report
Frankfort, Ky.— Spurred by a decade of legislative changes to Kentucky’s archaic alcohol laws, the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon industry now provides more jobs, generates more payroll, pays more taxes, attracts more tourists and features more distilleries than ever before, according to the newly published Bourbon Economic Impact Report.
The record-breaking statistics were released today by Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and leaders of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association trade group.
“Kentucky’s economy is booming, and the Bourbon industry is helping us build a strong economy for generations to come,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Today, this signature industry is generating $9 billion in total economic impact, with more on the way. We thank our distilleries for working hard to create more good jobs and boosting our tourism industry across the Commonwealth.”
“Kentucky’s Bourbon economy is stronger than ever thanks to the dedication of our elected officials to update archaic alcohol laws that were forcing distillers to look elsewhere and the men and women who work in the industry every day,” said Eric Gregory, President of KDA. “With modern alcohol laws now in place, the signature industry continues to help build a stronger Kentucky.”
The report used data from 100 distilleries in 42 counties and found that the industry continues to grow local communities with jobs, tax revenue, agriculture, tourism and out-of-state spending.
“Traditionally, Bourbon is known as a manufacturing powerhouse, but its influence really extends beyond production, as we continue to foster and grow partnerships with our local communities,” said Jessica Pendergrass, 2024 KDA Chair and General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer at Heaven Hill.
“While the Bourbon report includes a deep analysis of industry metrics, forecasts, and of course, accolades from enthusiasts, our KDA members, deeply rooted in the Commonwealth, are proud to share the compelling story of how “Bourbon Builds Kentucky.”
The newest report found that distillers are making significant impacts in agriculture and tourism industries since the original 2009 report was published.
When it comes to the Bourbon economy taxes, the report found that Kentuckians are receiving $358 million in state and local taxes every year from distillers.
And, even though it remains the highest taxed large manufacturing industry in KY at $.17 per dollar, no other industry in the state has higher shares of national employment (27%), labor compensation (26%) and output than distilling. Kentucky distillers shipped more than $500 million in exports in 2022, almost all of which was Bourbon.
“Not only is Bourbon building Kentucky communities, but it’s also elevating Kentucky’s stature internationally as exports grow and distillers across the globe look to Kentucky for how to do it right,” added Pendergrass.
The full study completed by Dr. Paul Coomes can be found here and a topline summary can be found here. The industry’s recap of recent legislative changes can be found here.
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon.
About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:
Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.
KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.
You might have noticed an increase in whisky news from us lately, and it’s just the beginning as we make strides into what is going to to be a very big year for us here at the distillery. While we await the start of construction works at Nunton, Jonny is just back from an educational jaunt to another beautiful Hebridean island, where he was learning some tricks of the trade from our friends at the fantastic Kilchoman Distillery in Islay.
Kilchoman is one of the few Scottish whisky distilleries producing field to bottle whiskies, with barley grown and traditionally floor malted on the island. It was fantastic to learn from such skilled distillers and get some insights into the process that will be the backbone of our own Nunton Whisky.
Over on the mainland our much awaited stills, tanks and tuns are almost ready to set sail for Uist, and knowing how excited we are about it, the team at Forsyths have very kindly been keeping us in the loop with updates and photos of their progress. Time to start stocking up on Brasso and working on those polishing muscles before these beauties arrive in the spring!
