FALL 2024: GREAT WHISKIES OF JAPAN

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The Dalmore unveils the highly anticipated second instalment of Cask Curation Series in the Douro Valley, Portugal

The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition, presented in a stunning green leather case, synonymous with Portugal and Graham’s Port

The Dalmore Cask Curation Series Port Edition makes its debut at the home of Symington Family Estates – the finest winemakers of Portugal – and makers of Graham’s Port. This very rare trio of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies is strictly limited to 150 sets, available worldwide 1st October 2024.

The 2024 release is the second chapter in the series that celebrates The Dalmore’s whisky making artistry and the role played by exquisite casks sourced from the world’s finest winemakers, in the creation of the iconic Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Casks are intrinsic to the craft of Scotch Whisky, as the vessel within which the spirit is matured. In time the cask will influence the whisky, due not only to the type of wood it is made from, but the fine wines it has held previously. The life a cask has led is fundamental to the potential it represents to the whisky maker, which is why The Dalmore whisky makers curate exquisite casks sourced from the world’s finest wineries and bodegas.

The Port Edition was born from the exclusive partnership between The Dalmore and Symington Family Estates, who grant The Dalmore’s whisky makers exclusive access to the rarest of Graham’s Port casks.

Each set in the collection comprises three rare, aged whiskies, which together showcase the flavour potential in Graham’s Port wine casks, each one nurtured for decades under the watchful eye of winemakers, today led by Head Winemaker Charles Symington (4th Generation). It is in the hands of The Dalmore’s whisky makers that these carefully curated, very rare Port casks enhance the rich character of the exceptional Single Malt Scotch Whisky for which The Dalmore is renowned.

The Port Edition is beautifully presented in a bespoke leather-finished travel case handcrafted in Florence, Italy – perfectly framing the trio of new expressions. Each age-statement whisky is housed in the iconic Dalmore bottle adorned with a matching collar. The presentation features a striking green hue, synonymous with Portugal and the winemakers, which Port Edition celebrates.

Aged 27 Years, finished in very rare Graham’s 1997 Single Harvest Tawny Port casks

Aged 30 Years, finished in very rare Graham’s 1994 Single Harvest Tawny Port casks

Aged 43 Years, finished in exceptionally rare Graham’s 1952 Single Harvest Tawny Port casks

Each expression is natural colour and non-chill filtered.

The Dalmore has previously released Port-finished expressions to great acclaim. It is the unique influence offered by Graham’s rare Port casks that excites The Dalmore’s whisky makers. Each cask represents the potential to influence the character of the whisky, offering notes of rich fruits and dark chocolate.

A century of whisky making artistry is captured in this exceptional collection. The story begins in the valley high above the Douro River, where since the 1700s, Portuguese winemakers have painstakingly carved into the schist soil to create terraced vineyards in the mountainside, distinctive to the Douro. Each year at Graham’s principal estate, Quinta dos Malvedos, the grapes – exclusively picked by hand – are taken to the onsite boutique winery where they are transformed into the exquisite wines the port house is renowned for.

90 miles downriver in Vila Nova de Gaia is Graham’s 1890 Lodge, overlooking the historic coastal city of Porto, the gateway to the Atlantic. After each harvest, Graham’s wines are taken to the lodge where they are assessed by Master Blender, Charles Symington. Only the very finest wines are selected for long-term ageing and these wines often remain at the lodge for decades.

Graham’s Lodge has become the destination for discerning city visitors who visit the Porto region in their millions each year. Graham’s is a hallmark of port, which is why visitors make the pilgrimage to the Graham’s Lodge to explore how flavour is blended to create the perfect wine in this style.

Scotland and Portugal enjoy a shared history. Brothers William and John Graham founded the company in 1820 and later would take 27 pipes of port wine as payment in place of a debt. That transaction would set the course for the creation of one of the great and enduring port houses. In 1970, the 3rd generation of the Symington family acquired Graham’s Port and have continued to grow its reputation for producing outstanding ports.

For decades, The Dalmore’s whisky makers have made the journey to Vila Nova de Gaia to hand-select very rare port pipes, perfect for their whisky making artistry and made exclusively available to The Dalmore.

“Graham’s really is special, as a peaceful place to meet the casks, and listen to them and their story. Plus, it is a unique place to enjoy The Dalmore, overlooking the river and the city. The collection is a celebration not only of partnership, but of the friendship between us at The Dalmore and the Symington family (owners of Graham’s Port)”.  Margaret Nicol, The Dalmore

The curation of exquisite casks is central to the whisky making artistry for which The Dalmore has become renowned. The distillery was established to create a Single Malt like no other, leading to the pioneering of multi-cask maturation in 1868. Led today by Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE, The Dalmore is home to an unbroken chain of visionary whisky makers, curating the rarest of casks in pursuit of the creation of truly exceptional whisky.

The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make Spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows The Dalmore’s whisky makers to develop spirit over longer periods and inspires them to seek out the finest and rarest casks from the world’s greatest vineyards and bodegas. Each of these exquisite casks offers unique potential, its characteristics influencing the personality of The Dalmore Single Malt as it quietly matures over the months, years, and decades.

This collection is the second chapter of The Dalmore Cask Curation Series. In 2025 the third release will be unveiled, followed by the fourth and final release concluding the series in 2026. Each release will celebrate The Dalmore’s long-standing relationships with the world’s finest winemakers.

For more information: www.thedalmore.com

About The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition

*Pricing per set of Cask Curation 2: The Port Edition is £35,000 (GBP)

The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 43 Year Old 1952 Cask Finish

Matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Cask No. 1 – a 1952 Single Harvest Tawny Port cask from Graham’s Port, a genuine rarity in the Port world.

Aroma Forest fruits, plums, sugared almonds, cacao and star anise. Rounded with natural vanilla, soft caramel, dried apricots and baking spice.
Tasting Notes Plum compote, passion fruit, marzipan and red and black liquorice. Complemented by Alphonso mangos and Morello cherries.
Finishing Notes Iced ginger cake, leather, sweet tobacco, poached pears, and soft wood spice.
ABV: 41.8%

The Dalmore Cask Curation Port Edition 27 Year Old 1997 Cask Finish

Matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Cask No. 2 – a very rare 1997 Single Harvest Tawny Port cask

Aroma Manuka honey, bergamot, marzipan and roasted Columbian coffee. Notes of Damsons balanced with allspice and cassia bark.
Tasting Notes Ripe figs, blackcurrant and warm honey spice. Complemented with dark cacao, roasted chestnuts, dark toffee and liquorice.
Finishing Notes Sugared almonds, citrus peel, crystallised ginger, and soft spice
ABV: 49.3%

The Dalmore Cask Curation 30 Year Old 1994 Cask Finish

Matured in American white oak ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in Cask No. 3 – a very rare1994 Single Harvest Tawny Port cask from Graham’s Port, a genuine rarity in the Port world.

Aroma Warm honey, blood orange, Medjool dates, poached pears, and cinnamon. Layers of crème brulee, blackcurrant, and exotic spices.
Tasting Notes Blood orange, soft plums, dates, red liquorice, dark chocolate brioche, Tahitian vanilla and patisserie spices.
Finishing Notes Madagascan vanilla, black cherries, candied orange peel, dark roasted coffee and aged maple syrup.
ABV: 43.9%

About The Dalmore:

Founded in 1839 on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has been making masterpieces of whisky for over 180 years.

The 12-point silver stag which proudly adorns each bottle was bestowed upon the first chieftain of Clan Mackenzie in 1263 by King Alexander III of Scotland. The stag became the whisky’s emblem when descendants of the clan took over the distillery in 1878.

The Dalmore distillery’s collection of idiosyncratic stills creates a New Make spirit of unique character and depth – robust and fruity, particularly well-suited to longer and more complex maturation. This allows renowned Master Whisky Maker Gregg Glass and his team to develop spirit over longer periods, continuing a tradition of visionary whisky-making as they fully express their art using rare casks from some of the world’s finest wineries and bodegas.

The Portfolio Series is a new set of expressions from The Dalmore. Exclusive to Global Travel Retail, it pairs specially commissioned works of art with masterpieces of whisky making. The Dalmore worked with V&A Dundee, Scotland’s design museum, to find partners who could produce masterpieces of design tailored to accompany an amazing trio of whiskies. This is part of The Dalmore’s commitment to the V&A Dundee, nurturing emerging talent in Scotland and showcasing their work to the world.

The Dalmore www.thedalmore.com Facebook & Instagram @thedalmore

New Baker’s High-Rye Bourbon, a new expression that pays homage to Baker’s trucking business, where he delivered grains to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. During this time, he developed an appreciation for different grains and their influence on whiskey.

This high-rye recipe has 2x the standard amount of rye in Baker’s Bourbon and is a continuation of our innovation journey, celebrating Baker Beam and all that he did for our distillery

It offers a unique tasting journey with each pour, predominate tasting notes include the taste of charred oak, brown sweets, and a subtle rye spice. On the nose, it’s charred oak with notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits. It’s full-bodied with a hint of baking spice.

This liquid is distilled to a 107 proof and barreled and aged for a minimum of 7 years, allowing the bourbon to pull more caramel, dried fruit, and vanilla flavor from the barrel wood.

SRP: $74.99.

TASTING NOTES

While the notes of every barrel of Baker’s offer a unique tasting journey, you can expect a few defining characteristics:

Nose: Charred oak balanced with notes of vanilla, caramel, & dried fruit

Palate: Flavors of charred oak & brown sweets with subtle rye spice character

Finish: Full-bodied with a hint of baking spice

Baker’s Bourbon

Whisky Magazine Special Selection

Glengoyne 16 Year Old

The Whisky Magazine Special Selection Glengoyne 16 Years Old is flying off the shelves, and only a limited number of bottles remain. If you’ve been considering this purchase, now is the time! Once these bottles are gone, they’re gone forever. Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive bottling, part of our Whisky Magazine Special Selection.

ORDER NOW

Nose: Juicy fruit cake, like a bara brith (tea loaf). Ginger syrup, redcurrants, black tea with manuka honey, pear and almond tart.

Palate: Medium bodied. Sweet initially: steamed ginger sponge with toffee sauce, and sea-salt caramel dark chocolate. Then come raisins, dates, cinnamon sticks, and flaked almonds, with a hint of tamarind and soft leather.

Finish: Medium-long, led by nutmeg and clove spice, with apple and raspberry cordial and shortbread with hard toffee.

International Beverage unveils Old Pulteney single malt whisky’s new partnership with Nuno Mendes

 Renowned chef’s culinary creations celebrate the unique flavour of ‘Old Pulteney Port’

Scotch whisky brand Old Pulteney has teamed up with celebrated Michelin Star chef Nuno Mendes, to create a series of exquisite recipes that showcase the latest release in Old Pulteney’s limited-edition Coastal Series, Old Pulteney Port.

Combining the rich maritime history of the brand’s home in Wick, with his own Portuguese heritage, Nuno Mendes has drawn inspiration from both locations to create a series of dishes that celebrate the whisky’s distinctive flavours.

“I’ve crafted these recipes to highlight the beautiful connection between Portuguese and Scottish cuisines, using Old Pulteney Port to enhance the natural flavours of the sea,” Mendes says. “The flavours I’ve explored are a celebration of our shared coastal heritage, and come to life through delicious, memorable dishes.”

Old Pulteney’s Distillery Manager, Malcom Waring, comments: “Nuno’s passion and creativity are the perfect complement to the unique character of our whisky. Like Nuno, we know how evocative and influential the sea can be in unlocking our senses, so we’re excited to see how whisky lovers and food enthusiasts embrace this special collaboration.”

Discover the recipes

• Slow Baked Scallops with a Smoky Broth: Native Scottish scallops are delicately baked and paired with a broth infused with Old Pulteney Port, combining coastal character with notes of citrus and spice.

• Arroz de Marisco with Lobster, Crab, and Old Pulteney Port: A classic Portuguese seafood rice dish, enhanced with the Old Pulteney Port’s subtle warmth and depth, creating a perfect marriage of flavours.

• Soaked Portuguese Rice Cake with Old Pulteney and Caramel Custard Ice Cream: A unique twist on a traditional dessert, featuring a whisky-soaked rice cake and rich caramel custard ice cream that draws on the whisky’s smoky and spicy notes.

Speaking of the partnership, Samantha Peter, Global Digital, PR and Communication Manager for International Beverage says: “Ahead of the busy festive period, this is the perfect partnership to support our flagship brand and celebrate Old Pulteney’s world-renowned quality and maritime roots. We’re thrilled to be working with a chef of Nuno’s calibre and to see the creativity, flavour and flair he brings to our much-loved single malt whisky”.

For the full recipes, and to explore the culinary connection between Portugal and Scotland, visit HERE

Old Pulteney Port is available to purchase via Old Pulteney’s official website, The Whisky Exchange, and specialist whisky retailers for £76 RRP.

Old Pulteney Port: Tasting Notes

Nose: Rich sultana sweetness with vanilla and buttery notes, candied orange peel and hints of

gingerbread. Undertones of cherries, marzipan and dark chocolate add depth and balance.

Palate: Sweet and spicy with notes of baked apples, caramelised sugar and cinnamon swirl pastries. Opens up further with vanilla custard, a touch of rose water and The Maritime Malt’s signature minerality.

Finish: The taste continues into delicate and fruity notes, warming spices and plum jam sweetness.

Colour: Rose gold with a peach highlight.

ABV: 46%

International Beverage

International Beverage is the international arm of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited.  It is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses and specialises in developing distinctive, premium brands for global markets, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high-quality Scotch whiskies and some of the fastest growing premium spirits. These brands are enjoyed by consumers around the world and include Old Pulteney single malt Scotch whisky, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch whisky, Caorunn Gin, Phraya Rum, Mekhong Thai spirits, Cardrona spirits and liqueurs and Larsen Cognac spirits. www.interbevgroup.com

Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney is the only brand whose story, distillery, and whisky are shaped by the sea itself. The unique combination of brisk sea air and meticulous cask selection makes its flavour unlike other single malt Scotch whiskies. The award-winning core collection includes Harbour, 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 Years Old and 18 Years Old.

As the man behind the town’s 19th Century fishing boom, Sir William Pulteney put northerly Scottish coastal town Wick on the map, but today the Pulteney name is better known for its unique single malt whisky. Distilled and matured by the sea, the award-winning whisky in Old Pulteney’s casks is cocooned by salty air swept ashore on Arctic winds. Since 1826, Pulteney Distillery has navigated changeable seas and conditions, including 25 years of prohibition. Old Pulteney is inseparable from the spirit of the harbour town it calls home which is why it will always be The Maritime Malt.

In 2022, Old Pulteney launched its brand-new collection of limited-edition whiskies: The Coastal Series. The Series is made up of four expressions that have been further matured in seaside casks from coastal locations around the world. Old Pulteney Pineau des Charentes and Old Pulteney Port are the first two releases in the collection.

Recent awards for Old Pulteney’s core range include the highly-coveted Platinum award for Old Pulteney 12 Years Old, Double Gold for Old Pulteney Huddart and 15 Years Old, and Gold for Old Pulteney 18 Years Old at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Old Pulteney 18 Years Old was also deemed Category Winner of the Highland Single Malt (13 to 20 Years) category at the World Whiskies Awards 2024 with Old Pulteney 15 Years Old securing Gold.

Nuno Mendes

Born in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, Nuno Mendes’ passion for travel and food began early, inspired by his father and grandmother. His culinary journey took him to the California Culinary Academy and later Japan, where he further sharpened his craft.

In 2006, Nuno made waves in London’s food scene with Bacchus in Hoxton, quickly gaining a reputation for his innovative approach. Following this were projects such as The Loft Project and Taberna do Mercado, which solidified his status as a boundary-pusher, while his Michelin-starred restaurants, Viajante and Mãos, received widespread acclaim.

In 2014, Nuno took the helm at Chiltern Firehouse as executive chef, leading it to success and publishing Chiltern Firehouse: The Cookbook (2016). His second cookbook, Lisboeta (2017), set the stage for his latest venture: Lisboeta on Charlotte Street, Soho – a celebration of Portuguese cuisine launched in 2022 in partnership with MJMK.

16 Year Old American Oak

From its bright, tropical beginnings to its rich and textured finish, each subtle shift in flavour was carefully noted, as our tasting panel watched closely over 16 years to ensure this cask was given exactly the time it needed.

The evolution of 16 Year Old Single Cask TD0100 speaks not only to the unique character of the whisky itself but also to the dedication that defines our distillery. Each cask carries with it the story of time, care, and an unyielding pursuit of perfection, resulting in a whisky bottled at its peak – just as it was meant to be.

The ballot will open on Monday, October 28 at 10AM AEST.

16 Year Old American Oak Second-Fill
Old & Rare TD0100

“This whisky is an absolutely stunning expression of balance and complexity. Bold yet gentle, it captures the essence of its American Oak maturation with a remarkable structure. The harmonious integration of sweet, nutty, and citrus elements creates a captivating and unforgettable experience.”

– Sullivans Cove Sensory Team

Matured for 16 years in a single 300L American oak second-fill cask, yielding just 406 bottles at 47% ABV.

Whisky truly comes into its own in at this time of year as the nights draw in and spirits soar. The four bottlings in our new Winter Series are all about toasting the spirit of the ceilidh, a season of tale-telling, song-singing, and poetry. Dancing optional!

We’re releasing a limited number of Winter Series sets today, and you’ll also be able to purchase each bottle individually as we head through the season.

Don’t miss your chance to share the spirit of the season!

SHOP THE SET

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Douglas Laing unveils Double Barrel India & Scotland

Douglas Laing is incredibly excited to announce their first-ever combination of Indian and Scottish Single Malt under the Double Barrel brand—a perfect marriage of expertly selected Single Malts from two very different continents, creating a unique Blended Malt Whisky with a flavour profile never seen before.

This exclusive offering has been bottled at 50% ABV, with no more than 2,000 bottles available globally, highlighting the premium, high-quality product that Douglas Laing strives to create with every release. This limited edition provides layers of extraordinary flavour by marrying tradition with innovation.

Double Barrel India & Scotland features a hand-drawn illustration presenting both countries’ national animals—a testament to the contrast created in this special bottle—depicting one half as a Royal Bengal Tiger, the national animal of India, and the other as a Unicorn, the national animal of Scotland. The Bengal Tiger represents heritage and culture, while the Unicorn symbolises strength and purity.

This release offers customers a rare, exciting, and truly unmatched Blended Malt Whisky. Expect to experience notes of citrus, spice, and barley that intertwine with deep, pronounced peat smoke—a truly special product that Douglas Laing are thrilled to release.

Key Details:

• Presented as bottle only with hand-drawn illustration
• 50% ABV
• No colouring or chill-filtration

Commenting on this unique bottling, Chloe Wood, Double Barrel Brand Manager, said:

“The Double Barrel brand has offered several unique bottlings to date, and Double Barrel India & Scotland only adds further quality to the range. This release, which combines four single casks—two from India and two from Scotland—creates a symphony of flavours, a tale of two distinct terroirs, and a dram to be savoured.”

Double Barrel India & Scotland will be available from specialist Whisky retailers globally, plus online retailers from October 2024. It carries a suggested retail price of £75.00/€89.00.

Double Barrel

Double Barrel is designed to pique the interest of Whisky enthusiasts searching for something truly unique.

The creation of Double Barrel is a manifestation of our commitment to captivating the discerning palates of Whisky enthusiasts in search of an unparalleled and genuinely unique experience. While the term “Blend” is applied out of necessity, it scarcely encapsulates the depth and complexity that define these remarkable creations.

This award-winning dram stands as a testament to the artistry of whisky-making, offering a rich tapestry of flavours that captivate the senses and elevate the Whisky-drinking experience to new heights.

J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery Welcomes Fall with New Whiskey Offerings

Fall Spiced “Bourbon 31” and Custom Halloween Bottles Promise No Tricks, Just Treats

FRANKFORT, KY (Sept, 2024) – J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery is debuting scary-good whiskies this fall, with its first fall spiced Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon and the ability to customize your own whiskey for your Halloween festivities through its J. Mattingly 1845 craft your bottle program. 

Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon is a play on the brand’s Bourbon 30 Bourbon brand and this limited-edition release was created for the Halloween season.  Bourbon 31 is a blend of three whiskies which have all undergone J. Mattingly 1845’s Double Staving™ process and the blend consists of 51 percent Bourbon, 29 percent Light Whiskey and 20 percent Rye Whiskey.  Double Staving is a proprietary process used by J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery that gives the whiskey inside the barrels additional surface exposure to charred barrel staves to impart more flavor and color.  The Double Staved Classic Bourbon used in this blend has just scored a 96 from famed Whiskey Bible author Jim Murray. 

The Bourbon 31 Blended Bourbon was created by J. Mattingly 1845’s team of expert blenders to reflect the flavors typically associated with fall.  “When we blended these three whiskies, we were looking for a flavor profile that reflects flavors typically associated with fall, such as pumpkin and cinnamon while matching the light-hearted fun we’re having by changing the brand name from Bourbon 30 to Bourbon 31 to celebrate the Halloween season,” said Harry Richart, president, J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery. 

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as having a nose of nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla and walnut, with the flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and fall baking spices on the palate. On the finish, pumpkin bread, baker’s chocolate and seasoned oak are prevalent. 

Bourbon 31 is available online and at the J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery in Frankfort, KY.  Suggested retail pricing is $60 for a 750 mL and it is 98 proof. 

J. Mattingly 1845 Custom Whiskey Program is the “Choose Your Own Adventure” of the whiskey world by allowing the buyer to choose between double staved™ bourbon, light whiskey or rye whiskey recipes, select their bottle shape, customize their own label, and even choose their own wax color from every color of the rainbow! This program is available online and in person at the Distillery and can result in some frighteningly fun labels and Halloween-themed wax colors. 

Pricing for the custom bottles start at $120 for a 750 mL bottle and shipping is available to 46 states. 

About J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery 

The Mattingly family has been synonymous with distilling in Kentucky for more than two centuries, having a hand in the development of at least nine separate distilleries in the Commonwealth.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2. 

In 2010 Jeff Mattingly took up the family mantle and started his own craft bourbon business.  Today, Jeff’s son Cameron has joined the team as Vice President of Production, continuing the legacy into the latest generation for J. Mattingly Distillery 1845 in Frankfort, Kentucky. Together father and son offer their proprietary double staving process as well as a custom bourbon blending experience unparalleled in the spirits industry, available on-site in Frankfort or online at https://jmattingly1845.com/build-a-bottle/

For more information about J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery visit www.JMattingly1845.com. 

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

(700ml)(European Import)

$195.00 View

David Othenin-Girard
K&L Buyer

While we’re committed to offering rare bourbon at standard mark up, we’re also not blind to the fact that the market is on fire for these special products. While our competitors charge north of $150 for the standard expression of Blanton’s, we’re still only asking $55. That’s while it can feel so hard to get some of these rare bourbons at K&L. So when the opportunity came up to purchase these re-imported stocks, I insisted that we do so in a fair an equitable way. Of course we could charge $400 a bottle for this special bourbon and likely still sell most of it, but it just goes against my ethos of what a great wine and spirits store should be for their customers. So while these stocks are above standard price for this US version of this product, they’re being offered at our standard mark up, well below market price. It’s a small price to pay for access to these special stocks, especially when considering what the market seems to be comfortable charging for the standard release. In any case, this is dang good bourbon and never disappoints. Like all Blanton’s it’s aged in the famous warehouse H and is the high rye mashbill. This bottle is drawn from barrel No. 397, which was dumped on February 7th of 2022 and bottled at 63.05%. Your bottle will almost certainly be different, so please be aware of the unique character of each barrel. The nose is absolutely explosive with rich aromas of caramel sauce, orange peel, Tahitian vanilla, cherry compote and vibrant woody spice. The palate starts extremely sweet and creamy before the rye and barrel spice begin to wallop the mid-palate. The intense spice and old school woody character balances the heavy woody sugars perfectly and while exhibiting plenty of the Kentucky Hug that bourbon lovers enjoy, it doesn’t feel burn-y or ethanol like at all. The long chewy palate gives way to a rich oxidative finish full of nutty sweet chocolate and dried red fruits. A few drops of water add more fruit and tame the spice a bit, but I like this best right out of the bottle. There’s no question that the price of entry on this one is high, but if you’re prepared to spend this kind of dough on any other modern bourbon this should be a contender for top dog!

From Buffalo Trace Distillery, Blanton’s holds the distinction of being the world’s first regularly released single-barrel bourbon. This exceptional brand was launched in 1984 and named for the legendary leaders of that historic distillery outside of Frankfurt, Albert B. Blanton. The brand, which is produced and distributed by Sazerac at the Buffalo Trace Distillery, is owned by the previous owners of the distillery, a Japanese company called Age International. Over the last several years, Blanton’s has become one of the most sought-after and inaccessible whiskies on the market. This, their rarest and most elusive expression, is previously completely unobtainable. For instance, in 2021 K&L was allocated a measly 3 bottles company wide. Now that new regulations allow 700ml bottles to be sold, another channel is open for us to obtain this special whiskey. Each barrel is different, bottled at full cask strength without chill filtration of any kind. Proofs range from 115-135 proof and cask numbers cannot be checked in advance of purchase. This rare expression is truly one of Kentucky’s finest.

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