‌ ‌Our November Outturn is here. Warm up from the inside out with another stellar selection of whiskies to delight every palate. And be sure to download the pdf of the Outturn to read the second-last installment of our year-long look at sherry and scotch.

DOVETAILED MARSHMALLOWS

CASK NO. 55.94

CASK:  2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead

AGE:  9 years

SUMMER GARDEN MEMORIES

CASK NO. 60.39

CASK: 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead 

AGE:  10 years

BERRYLICIOUS

CASK NO. 48.171

CASK:  2nd fill American oak barrique

AGE:  15 years

TAWNY GARIBALDI

DISTILLERY 48 RARE RELEASE

CASKS:  Refill & 1st fill bourbon & PX hogsheads

AGE:  14 years

AL FRESCO, IN THE SUN

CASK NO. 64.150

CASK:  1st fill PX ex-bodega barrique

AGE:  14 years

COASTAL QUARRY COOKOUT

CASK NO. 66.254

CASK:  Refill ex-bourbon barrel

AGE:  12 years

SUPERNATURALLY SWEET SMOKE

CASK NO. 53.485

CASK:  1st fill oloroso hogshead

AGE:  13 years

BACON BUTTER BUTT

CASK NO: 10.264 

CASK:  1st fill oloroso ex-bodega butt

AGE:  10 years

BROWSE NOVEMBER OUTTURN

VIEW ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
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403-969-8225
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www.smws.ca

Off to the islands we go!

It’s Mull first for an 18-year-old Ledaig. Delighted to bottle another of these after a bit of a gap!

So, on the nose I find tarry peat smoke, vats of sea water, lanolin-heavy wool, black treacle, barbecued lemons … it’s Ledaig in other words! I also get a bit of coal tar, smoked almonds, waxed jackets and sweet BBQ sauce. These are all good things.

The palate feels sort of weighty and lively at the same time – salty and peaty, with lemon and lime syrup, shellfish stock and tar. Again, Ledaig! I also get some miso caramel, langoustines on the barby, kejap manis, and Fisherman’s Friends, before a long and very coastal finish.

These noughties batches of Ledaig are just impeccable spirit, and here it’s been matured for a decent time in a cask that’s done nothing more than add a thread of sweetness and allow some complexity to develop. Keeping it simple.

This ex-bourbon hogshead produced 239 bottles at a cask strength of 56.3% and they are available for £145 each.

Next up it’s a 15-year-old Jura. This is sort of the opposite of the last bottle in that I’m a Ledaig fanboy and a card-carrying Jura-sceptic. This one won me over though!

One the nose it gives an impression of being waxy and oily, with custard creams, banana, salty sea air, limestone, and a bit of smoky grist. I also get some weissbier, serrano ham, white flowers, mango chutney and orange boiled sweets.

The palate starts sweet and citrussy, with an oily texture. I get spiced orange, herbs, rye and a touch of eucalyptus. The development is long, slightly smoky, lemony and really quite salty. The aftertaste is lovely, with sweet citrus and touches of Ricola sweets.

There’s lots of character here, and a proper maritime feeling, but packed into a dram that feels fun and easy-going. The strength is perfect for this too. If you generally like Jura then you can’t go wrong, and if not then it may convince you! I really like it.

This bourbon barrel produced just 201 bottles at a cask strength of 52.8% and they are available for £82.50 each.

And…

…that’s it for now. Stay tuned for this year’s Christmas bottlings towards the end of November, and please do feel free to drop me a line if I can be of any assistance before then. Whisky matters only though, rather than – say – tricky tax queries or clues on 14 Across in the Times crossword.

Cheers!

David

Old Forester “Statesman” Kentucky Bourbon Whisky (750ml) $49.99 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
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San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Scapa Unveils New Signature Range And A Fresh New Look

Introducing Scapa’s first-ever collection of aged Orkney Island single malts. 

Scapa, the Orcadian single malt, has unveiled its new signature range: its first-ever collection of aged single malts, whilst showcasing its fresh new look and style. Distilled and matured on the remote Scottish archipelago, the trio offers a unique take on the flavour profile typical of other island malts.

Crafted by Scapa Head Distiller, Mick Swanney, on the most northern Scottish island known for whisky production, the signature range debuts new 10, 16 and 21 year old single malts into the permanent Scapa range for the very first time; while the design is inspired by the calm pace of life within the sanctuary of the Scapa Flow, where the remote distillery is nestled.

Scapa’s distinctive flavour profile comes from the use of a longer fermentation period and unpeated malted barley, setting it apart from other single malts. Matured in first-fill American oak casks, each of the single malts brings its own unique flavour experience, centred around the tropical and fruity notes that remain true to Scapa’s hallmark style:

• Scapa 10 Year Old is a sophisticated Scotch that brings bursts of fresh pineapple before a subtly spiced finish.
• Scapa 16 Year Old, sitting at the heart of the collection, offers ripe mangoes on the nose and a symphony of sweet, spiced and fruity notes on the palate.
• Scapa 21 Year Old, a cask strength single malt, brings an impressive depth of tropical fruit flavours, with hints of aromatic oak and spices, and a sweet, syrupy finish.

Each expression in the collection is housed in a stunning new bottle with a distinctive shape and a beautiful gift box that is reminiscent of the natural beauty of the Scapa Distillery’s coastal surroundings. Paying homage to the old Nordic dialect word for ‘boat’, Scapa’s namesake sits proudly on each bottle, while the delicate colour palette is reflective of the hues of the area’s wild waters and unique landscape, darkening in shade as the range increases in age.

Mick Swanney, Scapa Head Distiller, said:

“Scapa has been telling its own tale of life on Orkney for 139 years, since its inception in 1885, and the launch of our first collection of aged single malts marks a significant new chapter in our history. The new collection is a celebration of provenance, backed by more than a century of whisky making, which together capture the irresistibly tranquil essence of Scapa.”

Scapa 10 Year Old, 16 Year Old and 21 Year Old whiskies are now available in global markets including Norway and France. The collection will become available globally from mid-November 2024 via The Whisky Exchange with an RRP of €60, €120 and €300 respectively. The trio will also be available for tasting at the Scapa Noust, the distillery’s statement tasting room with undisturbed views across the tapestried Scapa Flow. In addition to discovering the flavours of the new collection, guests are also offered a guided distillery tour.

For more information, visit scapawhisky.com

2005 Secret Orkney (Highland Park) 19 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A63 #28 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

700ml ~ $179.99

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

LOST LANTERN MAKES A STATEMENT WITH ITS FIRST 10-YEAR-OLD

SINGLE CASK COLLECTION

Vergennes, VT (OCTOBER 22, 2024)— With the release of their Fall 2024 Collection, Lost Lantern is making a statement, challenging the misconception that whiskey from newer American distilleries is always young.

The new collection, featuring a 10-year-old bourbon, two 10-year-old ryes, and a nearly 10-year-old American single malt, highlights distilleries that have invested in long-term aging. These are the oldest whiskies Lost Lantern has ever released, and in some cases, the oldest ever from these distilleries.

Lost Lantern Co-Founders Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski want to emphasize that new American distilleries have come of age. “As more American distilleries reach new milestones, whiskey lovers will see a greater variety of age statements, proving that age and quality come from intentional craftsmanship, not just tradition,” explains Polonski. “The whiskies in this collection honor distilleries that have demonstrated patience and dedication. After all, there’s only one way for a distillery to end up with a 10-year-old whiskey they made themselves: make it, and wait ten years.”

The Lost Lantern Fall 2024 10 Year Collection will be available starting November 7th at LostLanternWhiskey.com and Seelbachs.com, at select retailers in California and Massachusetts, and in the Lost Lantern Tasting Room in Vergennes, VT.

Each release is presented at natural cask strength, non-chill-filtered, and with no color added. Bottles are priced at $150 each.

Westland Peated American Single Malt 9.99 Years Old Single Cask: 109.8 Proof (185 bottles)

A transformative voice in single malt, Westland Distillery in Seattle is at the forefront of creating whiskey that truly reflects where it’s made. This single cask was made from malted barley heavily peated with Scottish peat and aged for exactly 9.99** years in a new oak cask. The nose leads with savory smoke and notes of scorched apples and roasted meats. It tastes like a marshmallow s’mores, fresh from the fire. Smoky, fresh, and elegant.

**This single cask was bottled one day short of its tenth birthday. To date, Westland has yet to release its own 10-year-old whiskey, making this single cask the oldest whiskey Westland has ever released. If and when a 10-year-old is released, it will be done so by the folks at Westland.

Tom’s Foolery Ohio Straight Bourbon 10 Years Old Single Cask: 119.4 Proof (82 Bottles)

This family-owned distillery in Chagrin Falls, OH uses traditional, labor-intensive methods, including wooden fermenters and pot still distillation. This straight bourbon whiskey was aged for 10 years in a 53-gallon barrel, and was made from 63% corn from their family farm, 10% winter rye, and 27% malted barley. A reflection of the Ohio snowbelt, it has maple-drizzled cornbread, french vanilla, and warming oak spice on the nose, with hints of maple, chocolate, and fresh-cut hay on the palate.

Spirit Works California Straight Rye 10 Years Old Single Cask: 139.2 Proof (120 Bottles)

Based in the heart of Sonoma wine country, the distillery is renowned for its gin and rye whiskey, guided by one of the only female-led distilling teams in the U.S. This release, made from 70% rye, 10% malted rye, and 20% malted barley, was aged for 10 years in a new American oak cask, making it one of the oldest whiskies ever to come from Spirit Works. The nose brings hints of fresh lemon and spearmint, while the palate is fresh and powerful, with deep, balanced oak notes.

New York Distilling Company Straight Rye 10 Years Old Single Cask: 133.9 Proof (125 bottles)

Brooklyn-based New York Distilling Co. is one of the country’s first and finest urban distilleries and a champion of the rebirth of gin and rye whiskey in the Empire State. This 10-year-old release, made from 72% rye, 16% corn, and 12% malted barley, is among the oldest New York whiskies ever. The nose offers lemon custard, fresh mint, lemon verbena, leather, and dense oak. The palate bursts with dark chocolate, mint brownies, and cinnamon-frosted babka. Remarkably fresh, deep, and complex.

ABOUT LOST LANTERN

Founded by Nora Ganley-Roper and Adam Polonski, Lost Lantern is an award-winning independent bottler of American whiskey based in Vergennes, VT. The brand was recently honored as Independent Bottler of the Year at the 2023 Global Icons of Whisky Awards and founders Nora and Adam were both named SevenFifty Daily’s 2023 Drinks Innovators of the Year. The company seeks out the most unique and exciting whiskies being made across the U.S. and releases them as single casks and blends, always with a deep commitment to transparency.  Lost Lantern has now released whiskey from more than 30 distilleries in over 20 states. For more information about Lost Lantern, to learn about upcoming, available, and retired whiskies, to visit the tasting room, or to subscribe to Lost Lantern’s newsletter, please visit LostLanternWhiskey.com. Engage with Lost Lantern Whiskey on Instagram and Facebook: @lostlanternwhiskey.

On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails Releases New Limited-time Offering: Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour

A Fall-Inspired Twist on the Classic Whiskey Sour, Perfect for the Cooler Months

NEW YORK, – On The Rocks Premium Cocktails, the bartender-created, ready-to-serve cocktail brand, is excited to introduce its latest offering – the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour, a limited-edition cocktail now available in select markets nationwide.

Drawing inspiration from seasonal flavors, this distinctive twist on the classic Whiskey Sour blends citrus lemon, caramelized pear, and a custom spice mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, allspice, and rosemary, all expertly crafted on a foundation of Old Overholt Rye Whiskey.

Continuing its tradition of reimagining classic cocktails, On The Rocks presents a fall-inspired interpretation of the Whiskey Sour, crafted to capture the warmth and comfort of the cooler months. This limited-time offering balances premium rye whiskey with rich autumnal flavors, creating a cocktail that’s both perfect for fall and versatile enough to enjoy throughout the year. Simply pour over ice and garnish with a slice of pear or a cinnamon stick for an elevated experience.

“This cocktail perfectly captures the essence of the season with its warm blend of spices, caramelized pear, and the bold, smooth depth of Old Overholt Rye Whiskey,” said Carol Robert, Managing Director Ready-To-Drink at Suntory Global Spirits. “Our goal was to craft a cocktail that embodies the inviting spirit of fall while upholding the premium quality and craftsmanship On The Rocks is known for. The limited-edition cocktail is an ideal addition to both festive seasonal celebrations and laid-back autumn gatherings.”

The packaging introduces a thoughtful innovation with ‘Scratch & Smell’ technology, allowing consumers to experience the enticing aromas of pear and warm spices right at the time of purchase. This immersive feature enhances the consumer experience, drawing shoppers in and setting the stage for a truly memorable cocktail moment before the first sip.

The On The Rocks Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour cocktail is available now in 375mL at 20% ABV in select markets. For additional information about On The Rocks, please visit www.ontherockscocktails.com or follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails
On The Rocks Premium Cocktails was founded in 2015 when a group of restaurateurs and award-winning bartenders left the world of fine dining and embarked upon creating a line of craft-made ready-to-serve bottled cocktails using only the most premium natural ingredients – from recipe to manufacturing. The founders pioneered in experiences and places where a bartender was not available, and elevated beverage options in settings where convenience is in demand.

On The Rocks Cocktails established itself early in the field with premium collaborations in the airline and hotel industries. Life doesn’t wait for the bar; some moments call for a complex drink in an unconventional setting. On The Rocks Cocktails was crafted to rise to your occasion and bring the bar to you. On The Rocks Cocktails are currently available nationwide in ten popular bottled expressions including The Blue Hawaiian, The Strawberry Daiquiri, The Aviation, The Cosmopolitan, The Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita, The Mai Tai, The Manhattan, The Espresso Martini, Margarita, and The Old Fashioned.

About Suntory Global Spirits
As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits 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®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as , 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 Suntory Global Spirits’ 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, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Suntory Global Spirits, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

High West “A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 12″ 98.6 Proof Limited Edition Whiskey Utah (750ml) $169.99 View

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Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
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Introducing Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve: A unique expression selectively finished in premium sake casks* fusing Japanese craftmanship and Scotch Whisky expertise

1Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve has been created in collaboration with ‘Masuizumi’, the internationally renowned sake brewery.

Blended Scotch whisky Chivas introduces Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve, a 12 Year Old spirit drink marrying the unique and delicate flavours of Japanese sake with the rich, smooth, and generous taste of Chivas Regal.

As a pioneer in innovative blends, Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve is a celebration of innovation, a fusion of cultures, and a testament to Chivas’ commitment to creating an exceptional liquid that redefines drinking experiences for enthusiasts around the world. Launching exclusively in Asia, this is not the first time Chivas Regal has worked with ‘Masuizumi’. In 2018, Pernod Ricard Japan partnered with the distillery to launch ‘Link 8888’, a premium sake aged in ex-Chivas Regal American oak barrels.

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve builds upon this unique collaboration by taking an unconventional approach to the blending process. After the ex-Chivas Regal barrels used for Link 8888 were returned to their home in Scotland, a bespoke portion of Chivas Regal exclusive to this launch was finished in these casks that previously held premium sake, creating a unique spirit drink that brings to life the essence and unique flavours of both sake and Scotch whisky. The result is a velvety, rich flavour accented by the delicate freshness of juicy pears, offering a sweet and crisp note. Hints of cloves and nutmeg add a warm and aromatic complexity, resulting in a perfectly balanced liquid with a nuanced fruity influence in each bottle, making it a rare and coveted expression for those seeking a truly exceptional experience.

Sandy Hyslop, Director of Blending at Chivas, commented:

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve represents new territory for Chivas, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship to deliver a coveted spirit drink that blends the rich heritage of Scotch whisky with the diverse, internationally inspired palette of flavours found in premium sake. Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve is more than a spirit drink; it’s a symbol of the power of collaboration and shared values, inviting enthusiasts to experience the magic born from the unity of tradition and innovation.

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve is available to purchase in Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, and Cambodia from September 2024. For more information, and to stay up to date with all the latest Chivas news, visit www.Chivas.com or follow us on Instagram @ChivasRegal.

* Ex-Chivas oak casks are filled with premium sake from Japan, before arriving back in Scotland to finish a portion of this exclusive spirit.