Faultline Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml)$24.99 View

For years, we’d dreamed of creating an inexpensive, delicious, value-driven, yet simultaneously interesting expression of blended Scotch whisky that we could feature under our Faultline label. There were many times when we thought we were close, but either the quality of the whisky or the cost of the barrels proved prohibitive. We didn’t want to make a $25 bottle of whisky just for the sake of it. If we were going to do it, then we were going to it right. Finally, after working on and off with the Laings for a year-long blending process, we hammered out a profile we were happy with. Big smoke, Ardbeg-like peat flavors, and a kiss of sweet grain was our goal and we definitely achieved it in this bottle. Unlike most big brand blends, there are no coloring agents in the Faultline Scotch, just a pale straw-colored liquid that bursts with character and, due to the heavy malt content, finishes with richness and weight. We wanted to make sure that, upon launch, there would be absolutely nothing on the market that could match the quality of flavor, price, beauty of design, and bang for the buck. Now after proving that we could do it, we’ve recreated our original blend. Just like the first batch for $25 you get one helluva bottle of Scotch. Smokier than Johnnie Black, more complex than Chivas, and less expensive than either. Plus, at an assertive 100 proof you can try it in a cocktail, pour it over ice, add in soda water and not worry about it. This is the real deal.

St. George “Baller” Single Malt Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

Whisky Advocate

 Hugely floral and perfumed on the nose, with rose petals, violet candies, and dried orange peel. This is the Gewürztraminer of American single malts—sweet lychee, laced with sachet aromas that explode as if opening Grandma’s dresser drawer. The palate is more tropical; dried pineapple, canned peach syrup, and spice. This could be polarizing, but it’s utterly captivating and worth a try. (JL, Fall 2017) 

K&L Notes

St. George’s new single malt release is described by Master Distiller Lance Winters as a California take on Japanese Malt. Initially aged in used bourbon and French oak barrels for 3-4 years, then finished in St. George Ume plum liqueur barrels. The result is an absolutely unique twist on the American single malt, namely that is was designed

Barrell Craft Spirits “Armida” Bottling Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $79.99 View

Barrell strikes again. The first release of Armida is just 3,504 bottles and is a blend of 3 straight Tennessee bourbon whiskies finished in pear brandy, Jamaican rum, and Sicilian amaro casks. Their blending prowess is on full display as they perfectly mesh this wide array of flavors into a cohesive and delicious bourbon.