It’s become a cliché that I start these newsletters with an apology for tardiness, but – boy – this one’s a doozy. Welcome to what was supposed to be the late-February outturn!

The good news is that I have three lovely new whiskies for you which I think are worth the wait. And, as a small token of appreciation for your patience and support, you’ll find a couple of discount codes at the bottom of this article.

And, with that, back to the whisky!

First up I’m delighted – after years of mithering the lovely people at the distillery – to be able to offer a 7-year-old Ardnamurchan. Maybe the best of the new-wave distilleries? (Debate amongst yourselves!)

So, on the nose: sweet pine wood smoke, new car, frying bacon in a cast-iron pan, butter and olive oil, Sauternes, foam bananas – there’s a lot happening! With a bit of water: smoked tropical fruits, bratwurst, buttered raisin bread, oysters.

The palate is huge, sweet and smoky. Chunky peat, first-aid kit, fudge, banana cream, pineapple upside-down cake,and Flake chocolate. Behind that is a solid backbone of tar, brine and sweet lemon. With water we’re somewhere Islay-adjacent, with clean, maritime, lemony peat.

How Ardnamurchan are cramming this much personality into relatively young malts I have no idea, and it’s all without any skeevy “wood technology” too. One thing I particularly like is that it fits so stylistically neatly into its geographical location (you can feel the kinship with Ledaig, Ben Nevis, etc) while also having a distinct quality of Ardnamurchan-ness.

This first-fill bourbon barrel produced 248 bottles at 61.0%, and they are available for £82.50 each.

Next up we have a fully-oloroso-matured 16-year-old Mannochmore. The couple of ex-bourbon Mannochmores I’ve bottled have been some of my favourites of the last few years, so it’s nice to have a well-sherried one to compare.

And, indeed, it’s a proper sherried nose: leather jacket, golden syrup, black cherry, coal tar, armagnac prunes, rose petals, orange boiled sweets, and a freshly-opened pack of cigarettes.

The palate has a thick and creamy texture, with cherry cola, blackcurrant syrup, nutmeggy bread and butter pudding, hazelnut and orange sponge. The development is on roasted nuts, sultanas, stem ginger, liquorice, with a little bit of salty smoked meat and coal dust. Adding water allows more of the clean, citrussy distillery character to shine through.

So, yes, I think we can safely say that Mannochmore plays well with sherry! I particularly love the dark fruits in this one. The first-fill oloroso butt produced 424 bottles at 54.7%, and they are available for £105 each (but see code below!).

And last but not least we have a 16-year-old Glen Moray. A distillery that is finding more and more fans these days.

The nose is softly waxy with a sort of elegant fruitiness: apple rings, dessert wine, banana and custard, sponge fingers, and a hoppy citrusiness. There are some little herbal touches (spearmint, thyme), and even a tiny camphor-y medicinal note, if you go looking for it.

The palate is super-clean and precise, with lemon oil, barley sugar and spearmint. The development is very malty, with mirabelle syrup, banana bread, cherry, and herbal liqueur. The finish is again very clean and lightly waxy, with citrussy barley, hops and candied peel.

I’ve already used “elegant” once, but that really is the word to sum this one up. This ex-bourbon barrel produced only 116 bottles at 52.2% and they are available for £85 each.

Cheap as chips

As promised, a couple of small discount codes for you:

Use SPRINGINTORUM for £5 off any bottle of rum.

Use MANNOCHLESS for £5 off a bottle of (you guessed it) Mannochmore.

The codes will be active for a couple of weeks and are for newsletter subscribers only.

And…

…that’s it for now. It shouldn’t be anything like as long a wait for the next outturn (and there’s some fun stuff to come through the rest of this year!), but in the meantime I’m always available via the usual channels if I can be of any assistance.

Cheers!

David

DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

WESTIE SPONGE ED.3 SPRINGBANK 1999

We are delighted to be able to offer another single sherry cask of Springbank. This one is a 1999 1st fill sherry butt, bottled after 24 years of maturation in Campbeltown at natural cask strength. This whisky has a rich and clear sherry character that’s nutty, leathery and salty, but it never dominates the Springbank distillery character. The end result is a beautifully intricate and well-sherried, mature Springbank, full of fresh coastal vigour, saltiness, tar, waxes and background peat smoke. Extremely classical, powerful and oozing charisma. We’ve also deployed our hand-blown cognac glass for this bottling, we think it looks every bit as bonnie as it tastes.

DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

WHISKY SPONGE ED.92 ABERLOUR 33 YEAR OLD

We have been looking for an Aberlour to add to our Whisky Sponge series for quite some time, so it was fortuitous that we finally got our hands on not one, but two tasty old hoggies of this classic Speyside. The 1989 was richer and spicier, while the 1991 was softer and more floral and fruity. To us, the obvious opportunity was to combine these two casks and create a singular small batch bottling that is greater than the sum of its parts, and that showcases a beautiful mature Aberlour in new light. We are really happy with the result of this 33 year old, cask strength bottling, it’s everything we look for in mature Aberlour – and another really satisfying addition to our occasional but ever-expanding series of multi-vintage, small batch bottlings!

Decadent Drinks Ltd DECADENT DRINKS LTD, WEST BUILDING RUTHVENFIELD GROVE,

INVERALMOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PERTH, Highlands PH1 3FN United Kingdom

An Buachaill Caol Dubh Poitín Release

Although this bottling is only a tiny part of a much larger project, Killowen Distillery advise any whiskey or history lover to subscribe to www.creatur.ie community and begin availing of these exclusive perks.

An Buachaill Caol Dubh is a once-off poitín project to re-experience the taste of a 1960s traditional music session. Uncovered by ethnomusicologist Dr. Pádraig Mac Aodhgáin in the University College Cork Seán Ó Riada Archive, the recipe was written by Larry Dillon, a well loved figure in the 1960s traditional music scene known for his famous house sessions.Made from an out-of-the-cupboard ensemble of ingredients, the poitín itself may well reflect those houses too. Its distillation was undertaken as part of Fionnán O’Connor’s Créatúr book project, in which the liquid and the story feature, and we are excited to release a special still strength bottling exclusive to Créatúr’s crowdfunding community, whose generosity makes all this research possible.

With 80% already sold to existing crowd funders, be sure not to miss out on your opportunity to be a part of the history of Irish Poitín.

An Buachaill Caol Dubh – exclusively available to the Créatúr’s crowdfunding community in the next two weeks.

ABV:65%
Price: £55

Sláinte

Killowen Distillery Team

THERE WERE THREE OF THEM M’LORD.

Here we go again, another great tour with my friend Ingvar Ronde. This is not work, this is a pleasure that happens for me every year.  In April 2024, we hit a region where we had not extensively toured before;  Lochlea, Jackton, Auchentoshan, Loch Lomond, Glengoyne, Fettercairn, Inchdairnie, Daftmill, Falkirk, Tullibardine, Edradour and Deanston. To be honest, we also had many tastings, book signings, extra visits, food and drink – there were three of us; Ingvar, Marcus and myself. We did enlarge the group for a night at my house for a tasting, something completely different – Irish whiskies.

Monday 15           Ingvar landing at 12.35 pick up at airport – Lochlea and Jackton, staying overnight Glasgow. Both distillery tours were brand new for me, both good, lots of potential at both, some exciting news later on. Both distilleries using Scottish grown barley in the fields of their own estates. The hotel shall remain nameless, a let down to be sure. I am now banned apparently. We do seem to get into trouble easily!

Tuesday 16            Full Scottish breakfast then Auchentoshan. Susan was an excellent guide and a mine of information. Loch Lomond Gary Mills could not have done any more for us, many, many drams and the cooperage was a highlight, thanks guys. Glengoyne Robbie Hughes same again, great guy, good humour and good drams. Overnight in Perth, me at home, a wee tasting may have occurred!

Wednesday 17     Leaving 08.15 for Fettercairn Kieran, Stewart and Kelly were great! The water ring was unique, cooling the potstill.  Hi Paul, Thanks for your kind email, and I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to Fettercairn. Have a nice weekend when it comes and feel free to pop in for a visit anytime you are passing the door. Kind regards, Kelly – Brand Home Manager – Fettercairn Distillery.  Inchdairnie good visit here hidden in the town, what a good design, a modern distillery.  Down to meet Frances at Daftmill, spent a while here down on the farm, including dram time (I lived on my grand dad’s farm in Co Kilkenny 2 – 9 year old, so like going to farms).  Back to Perth, we did a good tasting at Malts & Spirits shop, then pizzas at Brewdog. Overnight in Perth.

Thursday 18          Leaving after breakfast we arrived at Falkirk Oh my God, did we have fun here! A quick tour, then to the boardroom and George Stewart, what a character, story after story, did we laugh? Bet your life we did. And drams, loved it. Our tour there was a blend of a naughty boy and teachers pet! Tullibardine – Mike Elliott did a long Q&A then a distillery tour, I did happen to pick up a bottle while there and another next week. We had a group dinner in Perth, excellent, then a tasting at mine, Liz, Marcus, Shona, Ingvar and myself, mostly Irish drams, although a few Scots snuck in. Overnight in Perth.

Friday 19               Away by 08.20 Edradour – Andre Haberecht, that was good, as it has been closed to the public for some time. Drive to Deanston, Murray Kerr, and then Edinburgh to drop Ingvar off.

Overall another excellent tour with my pal Ingvar, I get to see so much because of him, amazing. Thanks again Ingvar and Marcus, good craic and fun on tour, myself and Ingvar like to take the Michael out of eachother, by now he understands my humour and sarcasm. There was a distillery that was not a good visit, but that will remain under the radar. I was going to say Scots are very friendly, but not everyone we met were Scots. So let’s say everyone we met at distilleries were happy smiling, friendly folks. Mind, there was one person who was on the sideline, had a face like a wet weekend. Ingvar enjoyed Perth. I enjoyed the whole tour, as usual. I am lucky as I get to see distilleries closed to the public, because of Ingvar. He is back in November.

PAUL MCLEAN

With friends and contacts all over the whisky industry, you cannot find better than MCLEAN WHISKY TOURS

www.whiskytours.scot

BEN NEVIS 10 YEAR OLD

Ben Nevis 10 Year Old is a superb introduction to the distillery’s style. Full-bodied with a whiff of peat, lots of tropical fruit and hints of coffee, roasted nuts and dark chocolate, this is a great example of western Highland whisky.

“This is one of my favourite drams from Ben Nevis, and not just because it won’t break the bank. It’s a rich and nutty Highlander with a hint of peaty smoke that is delicious on its own or in a highball. It takes me back to summer bonfires and cozy winter evenings.”

Ning Heywood

  SHOP NOW  

Tasting Notes by The Whisky Exchange

Nose Full and rich, with a hint of smoke and roasted nuts under layers of fruit.
Palate Dried fruit and nuts with orange zest and warm spice.
Finish Long and spicy with sweet fruit.

25 Year Old 1997 Murray McDavid Mission Gold

1997 vintage of the peated single malt from Tobermory distillery. Matured in Margaux wine casks and bottled 2023. Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 vintage peated Island single malt Scotch whisky distilled at Tobermory distillery. Matured in two Margaux wine casks. Bottled 2023 by Murray McDavid for the Mission Gold series. 621 bottles.

£177.66

Nose: Floral smoke, mixed berries, coastal.

Palate: Saline peat, flint, mellow strawberry.

Finish: Oily, fruity barley, lingering smoke.

Tobermory Distillery was established by John Sinclair in 1798 and is situated in the harbour town of Tobemory on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. Equipped with four stills fitted with unusually twisted lyne arms to create a light and fruity Tobermory malt spirit. The distillery produces an unpeated single malt whisky called Tobermory and a peated single malt whisky called Ledaig. In addition to the core range which includes the Lediag 18 Year Old some excellent young aged Ledaig is available from independent bottlers including Signatory.

Image: Glasgow Live

My Tribute to Paul (a malt-mate)

THE VIDEO

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY OPENS DOORS TO FIRST BRAND HOME OUTSIDE OF THE USA – BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY LONDON 

World’s Most Award-Winning Distillery brings authentic American whiskey tasting and retail experience to the heart of Covent Garden in London.

London (April 29, 2024) – Buffalo Trace Distillery – producer of some of the most sought-after whiskeys in the world including Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare, Sazerac Rye, W.L. Weller, and Pappy Van Winkle – will open doors and begin welcoming visitors at Buffalo Trace Distillery London on May 6^th, 2024. Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden at 32-33 Long Acre, the new Buffalo Trace Distillery London invites worldwide spirits enthusiasts to experience a first-of-its-kind American whiskey experience at the Distillery’s first official home outside of Kentucky, USA.

Of the opening, Jake Wenz, CEO and President at Buffalo Trace Distillery, said: “Opening Buffalo Trace Distillery London is a momentous occasion for our Distillery and we are thrilled to bring our experience to the United Kingdom. At Buffalo Trace Distillery London, we’ll offer a space for spirits novices and lovers to learn more about a whiskey type they are perhaps less familiar with – bourbon. Our aim is to inspire visitors to broaden their palates, and perhaps their cocktails, and we’re hopeful after learning about bourbon and tasting it, they will add it to their drink list.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery London features an immersive, sensorial experience that brings a taste of Kentucky to the nation’s capital. Guests will embark on a narrative journey highlighting the history of America’s oldest continuously operating distillery, culminating in an exclusive tasting experience at one of two inspiring bars. Tickets can be pre-booked now via BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.uk for either of the two tasting experiences:

1. Taste of the Trace – a guided tasting of three outstanding expressions from Buffalo Trace Distillery’s core product lineup: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Sazerac Rye, Bourbon Cream and the option of a Buffalo and Ginger Ale cocktail sample.
2. Tradition & Change: Crafting the Most Awarded American Whiskey – a more intimate experience featuring a selection of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s premium expression lineup, including White Dog Mash #1, Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Eagle Rare 10-Year-Old, E.H. Taylor Small Batch, and a small pour of a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned. Tastings will range in price depending on selection, up to £34.99.

Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director at Buffalo Trace Distillery, added: “In the heart of Bourbon Country, USA, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been dedicated to the craft of making the finest American Whiskey for over 200 years. Our deep commitment to the timeless craft of aging and distilling, alongside a keen focus on experimentation and innovation, has enabled Buffalo Trace Distillery to become the World’s Most Award-winning Distillery, earning the loyalty of fans around the globe. Our London location brings the same genuine and authentic experience fans love about our flagship home in Kentucky to a new generation of spirits enthusiasts, allowing them to discover all that Buffalo Trace Distillery’s award-winning brands have to offer.”

The location of Buffalo Trace Distillery London (32-33 Long Acre) has been completely renovated to create a guest-first experience aimed at attracting Londoners and visitors alike. The 2,000-square-foot space pays homage to Buffalo Trace’s legendary bourbon craftsmanship with special finishes and custom materials that evoke the essence of the Distillery in Kentucky. In the retail store, fans will be able to purchase whiskey bottles and unique merchandise – in fact, some of the merchandise can only be found at Buffalo Trace Distillery London! Rarer whiskey offerings from Buffalo Trace will also be offered during special surprise times throughout the initial opening months.

Reservations are recommended to secure a tasting appointment at Buffalo Trace Distillery London -prebooking can be arranged now via BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.uk. Guests will also have the option of ‘walking in’ and inquiring about availability in-person and appointments will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Hours of operation are as follows:

• Monday – Saturday: 11:00am-9pm EST
• Sunday: Noon-6pm EST

For more information about Buffalo Trace Distillery London visit BuffaloTraceDistillery.co.uk and to stay current on happenings and updates follow along on Instagram @buffalotracedistillery_uk.

ABOUT BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history 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. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its George T. Stagg was named Best Bourbon Whiskey at the 2023 International Whiskey Competition (USA) and its W.L. Weller 12 YO received double gold at the 2023 International Spirits Challenge. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

OVERHOLT™, THE LONGEST-STANDING AMERICAN WHISKEY BRAND, LAUNCHES A. OVERHOLT STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY, REVITALIZING OVERHOLT’S ORIGINAL PENNSYLVANIA MONONGAHELA MASH WITH A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH

A. Overholt pays homage to its heritage with a fully balanced, robust and complex American rye available nationwide today

Clermont, Kentucky (April 10, 2024) – Today, Overholt™, the longest-standing American whiskey brand maintained continuously since 1810, announced its newest release, A. Overholt shepherding the newest evolution of Pennsylvania Rye imbued with heritage and legacy. Reintroducing consumers to one of the first styles of American whiskey, Overholt™ is reclaiming its stature as one of the most iconic rye whiskey brands by redefining the breadth and future of rye. A. Overholt uses the same mashbill Overholt™ founder, Abraham Overholt used in 1810 – 80% rye grain and 20% soft malted barley – creating a fully warm yet deep spice, similar to rye whiskey from the 1800’s. 

Since inception, Overholt™ has forged forward through every era, including being one of the only spirits brands to survive prohibition, with the same clarity and tenacity Abraham Overholt had when crafting in 1810. Today, Freddie Noe, 8^th Generation Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. champions the legacy, propelling the brand forward through the rebirth of this whiskey’s iconic legacy liquid, A. Overholt – Pennsylvania born, Kentucky made.

“With over 200 years of exceptional craftmanship, Overholt™ is engrained in American history with its industrial roots and as a spirit that has set the industry standard since inception,” said Freddie Noe. “The newest launch of A. Overholt is the result of highly crafted whiskey, informed and inspired by generational expertise, and I’m honored to steward this brand forward while paying homage to its past and our shared commitment to American whiskey innovation.”

The Overholt™ brand is known as A Keystone of American Rye Whiskey because of the shared qualities between Abe and The Keystone State itself: hard work, steely grit, big ideas, firm conviction, and its long-standing industrious spirit. It’s this conviction that drove Abraham Overholt forward – through wars, prohibition, cultural strife, and plenty of double shifts. Its indomitable spirit has remained resilient despite various changes in ownership and production throughout the years, including a change in hands to Abraham’s own grandson, American industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Today, the Pennsylvania-born whiskey of the Industrial Revolution is produced in Clermont, Kentucky at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., where the rich tradition of American production lives on.

A. Overholt joins the ranks of this beloved, and trade favorite portfolio currently consisting of Old Overholt 4YO, Old Overholt 4YO Bottled in Bond, and Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength. Enjoy A. Overholt neat or on the rocks or in a cocktail such as the Perfect Manhattan or Scofflaw to experience the boldness and versatility of the newest expression. A. Overholt will be available nationwide across the U.S., in-store and find a bottle near you on OverholtRye.com bottle locator, beginning April 2024. For real-time information about A. Overholt follow along on Instagram @BeamDistilling and www.beamdistilling.com.

A. OVERHOLT STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY | 47.5% ABV | SRP: $39.99

COLOR – Clover Honey

AROMA – Caramel, subtle layers of sandalwood and caraway

TASTE – Brown butter, honeysuckle, clove, seasoned oak

FINISH – Pleasant, Lingering notes of warm rich baking spice 

About Overholt™

Overholt™ is one of the longest-standing US whiskey brands in American history. Originally created in West Overton, Pennsylvania and established in 1810 by its namesake Abraham Overholt, the brand pays homage with its new A. Overholt Monongahela Mash – our first foray back to our roots with a Pennsylvania Style-inspired classic rye. As A Keystone of American Whiskey, its tenacious spirit has remained resilient throughout history’s changing landscape and consumer tastes with an unbroken chain of ownership and sale since its inception. Today, the Pennsylvania-born whiskey that’s existed for more than two centuries is produced in Clermont, Kentucky at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., where its rich tradition of American production lives on.  

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com

Trio of American Whiskey Bundle Packs
K&L exclusive casks from iconic brands, plus a few boutique stunners…

Today brings three outstanding opportunities to get your hands on some exclusive casks from icons Eagle Rare, Jefferson’s, Jack Daniel’s, and Blanton’s. To sweeten the deal, you’ll also find a handful of our favorite craft whiskey selections from Obtainium, Smoke Wagon, and Barrell.

Eagle for President Pack 2-Pack (Eagle Rare K&L Exclusive 375ml, Jefferson’s K&L Exclusive 750ml) $79.99 View

Eagle Rare Side of Rye American Whiskey 3-Pack (Eagle Rare K&L Exclusive 375ml, Obtainium 14 Year Old Rye 750ml, Smoke Wagon Malted Rye 750nl) $150.00 View

Whiskey K.I.T. American Whiskey 3-Pack (Blanton’s Single Barrel Exclusive 375ml, Jack Daniel’s K&L Exclusive 750ml, Barrell 9 Year Indiana 750ml) $180.00 View

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