BACK IN STOCK… (items we’ve carried in the past that have just arrived again)

Bourbon and Rye

• Old Overholt Rye Whiskey 1Liter – 12 available ($19.99) Old Overholt is amongst the oldest more-or-less-continuously available distilled products in America. (They’ve operated for at least 150 years.) When one speaks of rye, others are most likely to think of this product, if they think of anything. Their Straight Rye product – which may well be their only product – is readily available at a moderate price. Like the Jim Beam, the Overholt had a subtle nose with hints of raisin, fruit (orange perhaps), and possibly almond. Overholt’s taste is light and similar to the Beam, but with slightly medicinal and bitter hints. Overholt did not have a particularly complex effect on a cocktail, though an anise presence appeared.

• Balcones Brimstone Corn Whisky 750ml – 9 available ($49.99) Named 2012 Craft Whiskey Distillery of the Year by Whisky Magazine. Balcones Distillery in Waco, Texas, is making some really exciting contributions to the American whisky tradition. Founder and Head Distiller Chip Tate is an innovator focused on working with sources and traditions native to the Americas, and “Brimstone” is made from 100% Blue corn smoked with Texas scrub oak instead of peat. This is Texas’ answer to Islay Single Malt and it’s totally out of control! Gold Medal winner in Brown Spirits in the 2011 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.

• Jefferson’s Reserve Very Old Bourbon 750ml – 7 available ($39.99) Whisky Advocate: “The whiskey’s formula has been improved, and now consists of a higher percentage of older whiskies (into the high teens) than the original release…Nicely balanced, with candied fruit, blackberry jam, soft vanilla, kettle corn, and a kiss of mint. Pleasant, unpretentious, and uncomplicated. (Vol. 20, #3)” K&L Notes: A medium-weight, small batch, aged bourbon that delivers richness and elegance. Aromas of peaches, vanilla, raisins and butterscotch carry through to the palate, which also shows flavors suggestive of dates, orange and blackberry. Sweet, and warm through to the smooth, Cognac-like finish. 94 points Beverage Testing Institute: “Deep amber copper color. Sexy aromas of dark chocolate, dried cherries, and roasted nuts. A vibrant supple entry leads to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body of rich toffee, nut, and dried cherry and golden raisin flavors with a long, hearty and sweet finish. Wonderful rich flavor and a lingering, warming finish.”

Canada – Rye

• Pendleton “1910” 12 year Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml – 4 available ($36.99) The old Pendleton Rodeo is at it again. Created as an homage to the first ever Pendleton Round-Up in 1910 and sourcing this distinctive Canadian Rye from the same distillery as their exceptional 25 year blend, this is the first 12 year Canadian 100% Rye on the market. While details about it’s exact origins are cagey, this should be the first 100% Rye coming from Alberta rather than Toronto. It’s richly spiced and very mellow. Wish there was a bit higher proof, but all in all, an interesting and incredibly drinkable limited offering bottled at the Hood River Distillery. -David Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

 • Glenfarclas 40 year old, Distillery Bottling 750ml – 6 available ($469.99) 95 points Whisky Advocate: “Glenfarclas has a proven track record for aging very well. I’ve enjoyed some amazing 25 and 30 year old expressions, in addition to some older vintage offerings. Does this new 40 year old follow suit? Absolutely! It’s complex and well-rounded, with great depth and no excessive oak. Lush, candied citrus (especially orange), old pot still rum, maple syrup, fig, roasted nuts, and polished leather, with hints of mocha, candied ginger, and tobacco. A bit oily in texture (which I find soothing) with good tannic grip on the finish. A classic, well-matured Glenfarclas — and a very good value for its age. (Editor’s Choice) ” K&L Notes: Glenfarclas is one of the Highlands’ finest, but somehow they managed to get the extra old whisky out for less than $500, which makes this, in my opinion, one of the finest values in single malt…period! (David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits buyer)

K&L Wine Merchants http://www.klwines.com Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637) Email: wine@klwines.com San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA