Mature Single-Malt Unicorns at Jaw-Dropping Prices

2005 Secret Speyside (M) *MACALLAN* 18 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A106 #37 First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Secret Speyside (M) series is one of Signatory’s most prized. This lot of extremely high-quality, first-fill oloroso sherry butts was distilled at the exceptional distillery across from the town of Craigellachie on the Easter Elchies estate. While the bottler is prohibited from naming the source explicitly on their labels, they’ve been cheeky enough to add (M) and we’re certain here that this is not a bottle of MacDuff, Mortlach, Mannochmore or Miltonfuff. But, it seems that the Signatory was compelled to point out the incredible pedigree of these barrels due to their similarity to the house style of the distillers. Often, when Macallan is sold to third parties in bulk, it’s because the spirit was aged in barrels that aren’t in line with the distillery profile. Those less prized casks are generally intended for blending, and while the quality can be exceptional, it will never taste like a single barrel selection from the distillery. Those special bottlings are called the “Exceptional Single Cask,” and a similarly aged version easily commands $3-5,000 on the open market. We’re happy to settle for one letter of the eight to a few thousand per bottle. This first fill sherry butt was filled on July 11th, 2005 and dumped on July 1st 2024, just shy of its 19th birthday. Dense, dark and powerful, the prowess of this legendary house is evident here. This cask is sold exclusively at K&L, bottled without chill-filtration, coloring or water added at 57.7% abv.

(700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $250.00 View

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

Signatory has long been one of the preferred independent bottlers on the market. For almost 30 decades now, we’ve been selling Signatory because their cask selection process is second to none in the industry. They also have a knack for building incredible collections of rare casks, so walking through their warehouse is an absolute dream. As you pass Bowmore from the 70s and Port Ellen, you’ll stumble by Dallas Dhu and Rosebank. Yet it’s some of the modern stocks that are most shocking! Highland Park on it’s own is pretty rare outside of distillery bottlings, but big European oak sherry butts (DRU series) are almost unheard of outside of the distillery. We’ve been comfortably committing to 10-12 year old stock in similar caliber barrels at this same exact price, but this spirit absolutely loves the extra 7 years. The intense punchy tannin of the fresh European oak has developed into something otherworldly. Expect the incredible rugged Orkney spirit in a constant battle with the deep high-quality sherry, like the waves of the northern sea pounding a craggy yet beautiful atoll. Rich dried tobacco, old leather kept well, dense stewed fruit, a fragrant forest of earthy herbs and old growth evergreen. The oloroso is powerful, but not overpowering. The core of Orkney still fights through the oak and wine offering sweet roasted heather, wild honey, and hints of salty smoke. On the palate, they continue to spare with the roasted hazelnut, potash, salted fruit, and deep old oak.

(700ml) (Pre-Arrival) $149.99 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

Diageo unveils its First Bottle Personalisation Experience, Fuelled by Generative AI

The Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith collaboration will offer guests the chance to co-create a personalised, one-of-a-kind Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle with the Scottish Artist

The experience is powered by ‘Project Halo’, a Diageo Breakthrough Innovation for brands and consumers to co-create unique products

23 JULY 2024, EDINBURGH: Johnnie Walker Princes Street, the World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience*, is inviting guests to discover Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith, a Generative AI-powered experience that allows guests to co-design a personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Only available at the Edinburgh venue, the experience is set to run from August 1-31 2024, and is believed to be the first ever to combine world-class Scotch whisky, art, and AI.

The experience will prompt visitors to answer three simple questions that will influence key themes in Scottish artist Scott Naismith’s work, ultimately impacting their bottle design. The simple prompts will generate various colours, locations, artistic styles, and times of day, resulting in a unique bottle that will be printed in a matter of minutes.

The experience is powered by ‘Project Halo’, a Diageo Breakthrough Innovation that allows brands and consumers to co-create personalised label designs/product artwork. The technology, powered by Generative AI, empowers consumers to co-create designs on Diageo products in a way that is bespoke to them and relevant to the worlds they are passionate about.

The launch comes as consumers increasingly search for unique experiences and products that signal belonging, status, and personality, whether it’s for themselves or others. Consumers are going beyond the most up-to-date cultural movements, seeking things that feel entirely original, with personalisation now a necessity.

Diageo’s Breakthrough Innovation team is committed to actively looking for partners to collaborate with to test and learn Breakthrough ideas. ‘Project Halo’ continues this commitment, with Diageo partnering with industry-leading experts including Phantom, Amazon AWS, Hybrid Software, GMG and Roland DG. For example, Diageo has leveraged the latest developments in Generative AI through Amazon’s Titan bedrock model, which ensures the ethical protection of artist work whilst allowing consumers to co-create.

The Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith experience will be available for a limited time, and guests will be able to access it with every purchase of Johnnie Walker Blue Label in the venue’s retail store throughout August. The bottle design element can be complemented at no extra charge by a bookable expert-led tasting of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, as well as a guided tasting of the incredibly special limited edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Elusive Umami’, in the rooftop Explorers’ Bothy bar.

Will Harvey, Senior Global Innovation Manager at Diageo, added: “This is the first pilot in a wider platform that the Breakthrough Innovation team is exploring, looking at how we can use AI responsibly to enable co-collaboration between fans and artists. Demand for personalisation shows no signs of slowing down, so we’re delighted to offer the chance to create one-of-a-kind AI-enabled designs with Scott. With Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s previous experience of using AI to enhance customer experiences, it’s the perfect place for us to launch this innovative offer to the world.”

Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “Since opening, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has striven to become a leader in using the power of AI to personalise guests’ experiences. Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith is an exciting new step in our commitment to offering those with various tastes and interests something completely different from what’s available in the whisky experience market. This partnership is a true one-of-a-kind, and we can’t wait to see the designs our guests will print on their bottles.”

Consumers can book the Johnnie Walker x Scott Naismith experience (£240) here: https://bit.ly/3W5R12v

¹IWSR 2024

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

GLENTURRET 2024 RELEASE

The Glenturret distillery’s 2024 release is now available at The Whisky Exchange. Made up of eight single malts crafted by the legendary whisky maker, Bob Dalgarno, this year’s collection features six core releases and two rare single malts aged for 23 and 30 years and limited to less than 300 bottles each.

The core release features the sweet and mellow Triple Wood, a duo of Peat Smoked expressions and 12- and 15-year-old whiskies that have spent time in Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and sit at the heart of the range.

 EXPLORE NOW 

COURAGEOUS SPIRITS LAUNCH KING’S INCH AGE STATEMENT WHISKY

Brand-new King’s Inch whisky; 8 Year Old King’s Inch Bourbon & Sherry Cask vatting. 

Glasgow-based Courageous Spirits launch their first-ever age-statement whisky under the King’s Inch brand. Adding to their already award-winning non-age statement King’s Inch whisky, this summer they announce the 8 Year Old King’s Inch (46%).

Hand-selected by the team at Courageous Spirits – the King’s Inch 8 Year Old, priced at £49 is carefully chosen from the best-quality mix of the Bourbon casks and Sherry butts, a small vatting of just 1,500 bottles. This 8 Year Old whisky is an ultimate example of a Bourbon and Sherry cask vatting crafted specifically to be bottled at a younger age statement.

As the liquid slowly matures the Courageous Spirits team have been experimenting with how the whisky responds to different woods and finishes.

Golden, with a tinge of amber – the nose is rich and soft, laced with hints of heather honey and subtle kick of spiced oak and citrus. On the palette, there are notes of subtle sweetness, tropical fruit and dried raisins that lead onto spiced oak and ginger. Spiced ginger on the finish, lingering at the back of the palate and finishing with a warm and long-lasting sweet chilli.

AWARDS FIT FOR A KING

King’s Inch is named after the old imperial measurement of an inch, and a forgotten island in the Clyde, with its first bottling fresh off an award-winning run in 2022. King’s Inch Non-age statement (£45) was awarded Gold at the IWSC International Wine & Spirit Competition with 95 points, received Gold as well as Best in Show at the London Spirits Competition 2022, and achieved Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022.

NEW DIGS

Announcing the 8 year old whisky coincides with the official opening of the brand-new Courageous Spirits premises based on 121 Lancefield Street, Glasgow – where the company wants to bring everything under one roof. The new 8 year old release from King’s Inch is a project Courageous Spirits are taking on before they hope to build their very own urban distillery, with plans aiming to be announced later in 2024.

Situated on the edge of Finnieston’s hub of culture & creativity, the new site currently offers 3rd party services. Aiming to bring dry goods storage, bonded storage, bottling and distribution all under one roof – significantly reducing road miles and associated carbon.

Andy McGeoch, Managing Director and Founder of Courageous Spirits, commented on the launch: “We’ve always known King’s Inch is special since its launch in 2021. The awards and customer feedback gave us real confidence in the spirit. We’re now at a point where we can experiment with casks and see how the spirit reacts. That to us, is a really exciting prospect – one that will continue to bring the best out of our King’s Inch spirit. We really look forward to hearing feedback from our customers, good or bad!”

“At Courageous Spirits, our team really takes pride in our work, and pride for our city. Our brands continue to go from strength to strength and to have our new premises bring everything under one roof, makes our future very promising as we expand the vision of Courageous Spirits.”

GLOBAL EXPANSION

Home to both the award-winning Glaswegin and King’s Inch Single Malt Whisky brands, Courageous Spirits is planning to further break into global markets; targeting international territories such as Hong Kong, Myanmar, India and currently recruiting distributors across the globe.

Courageous Spirits aims to produce world-class liquid in outstanding packaging from Glasgow to the world. They hope to launch their urban distillery plans later in 2024. Their brand-new King’s Inch 8 Year Old, priced at £49 is available to buy now: https://kingsinch.com/

*Full Tasting Notes 

King’s Inch 8 Year Old | £49

The King’s Inch 8yo is a perfect example of a bourbon and sherry cask vatting made specifically to be bottled at a younger age statement. West coast barley, narrow cut points in the distillation and fresh (some would say wet) casks all contribute to the deep and ever changing nature of the spirit. An 8yo with the profile and characteristic to stand up to any 16yo.

Colour – Golden with a tinge of amber.

Nose – Rich and soft laced with hints of heather honey and subtle kick of spiced oak and citrus.

Palette – Notes of subtle sweetness, tropical fruit and dried raisins lead onto spiced oak and ginger.

Finish – Spiced ginger lingers at the back of the palate and finishes with a warm and long lasting sweet chilli.

Link to buy: https://kingsinch.com/

Courageous Spirits
Home of multi-award-winning spirits Glaswegin Premium Gin and King’s Inch Single Malt Whisky, Courageous Spirits products embody innovation and modernity in Scottish craftsmanship.
W: https://courageousspirits.com/

King’s Inch

Named after the old imperial measurement of an inch, and a forgotten island in the Clyde, a contemporary single malt with exceptional character.

W: https://kingsinch.com/
I: @kings_inch_whisky
Link to buy: https://kingsinch.com/products/kings-inch-whisky

Glaswegin
Developed, distilled and bottled in Glasgow, Glaswegin was inspired by the city and its people and is truly a gin for Glasgow (and beyond).
W: https://glaswegin.com/
I: @glaswegin
Link to buy: https://glaswegin.com/collections/shop

ARDNAMURCHAN

AD/ SAUTERNES CASK RELEASE

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Following on from their excellent unpeated Madeira release, Ardnamurchan distillery are now treating us to this latest Sauternes cask matured expression.  Matured for an impressive 8 years, this unpeated single malt Ardnamurchan has been finished for 30 months in ex-Sauternes wine barriques. Bottled at a very impressive and drinkable 50% vol, this has all the hallmarks of another great single malt release from Ardnamurchan distillery.

Should be another belter.

Available now for immediate dispatch.

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Slàinte

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches New Packaging & “Seize Tonight” Campaign

New initiatives pay homage to John E. Fitzgerald, the U.S. Treasury Agent whose act of stealing from the best barrels in the rickhouse inspired the Larceny and Old Fitzgerald brands

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (July 2024) – Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey today announced new elevated packaging along with a new campaign entitled “Seize Tonight.” The upgraded design on both Larceny Small Batch and Larceny Barrel Proof uses premium papers and foils to prominently feature the key and keyhole iconography the brand is known for alongside the Old Fitzgerald seal. The “Seize Tonight” campaign is centered around the idea that the most memorable moments happen when you let curiosity get the best of you and take a little risk – much like John E. Fitzgerald himself.

John E. Fitzgerald, a U.S. Treasury agent in the late 1800s, used his keys to access aging whiskey barrels, stealing the best Bourbon for himself. When it came time to dump these barrels some were unusually light and exceptionally smooth and became known around the distillery as “Fitzgerald Barrels”. This inspired the historic Old Fitzgerald brand and then Larceny which launched in 2012. The connection between the two brands is highlighted in the new Larceny package. Elements like the original Old Fitzgerald seal in foil on top of the capsule and Fitzgerald’s signature at the bottom of the label show the classic brand’s endorsement of Larceny. Larceny’s iconic key symbol has also received an upgrade with a sculpturally embossed foil key that takes direct inspiration from the Old Fitzgerald key. Wheated Bourbon Mashbill is prominently featured on the bottom label, calling out Larceny’s unique flavor profile.

Sometimes what’s not there is the key to what is. One of the biggest features of the new package is not visible to the naked eye. Printed with UV ink, the legend behind Larceny can barely be seen in natural light but hold the label under a blacklight and the story is revealed. This feature alludes to the fact that for many years the story of John E. Fitzgerald was lost to history. It was only in recent decades that Fitzgerald’s true identity as a Treasury Agent with a taste for stolen whiskey came to light. The new label resembles a page ripped from the history books – lost for many years, but rediscovered. On the back of Larceny bottles, Bourbon fans can scan the QR code taking them directly to the newly updated Larceny website.

Inspired by John E. Fitzgerald’s act of mischief that left the world with an extraordinary Bourbon, the “Seize Tonight” campaign is the brand’s take on carpe diem which encourages fans to embrace the unexpected and break from routine. This campaign will be extended across connected TV, digital, social and on and off premise this fall.

Unlike many other bourbons, Larceny is made with wheat instead of the traditional rye, using a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley. The use of 20% wheat as the secondary flavor grain is 25% more than the leading competitor, resulting in exceptional smoothness. Larceny Small Batch is available nationwide at a SRP of $27.99 and the new packaging is now shipping. Individual batches of Larceny Barrel Proof are released nationally on an allocated basis three times annually at a SRP of $64.99 and will be bottled in the new packaging starting this fall.

ABOUT LARCENY BOURBON: The story of Larceny begins with John E. Fitzgerald, a bonded U.S. Treasury agent with a penchant for thievery of the best Bourbon. Using his keys to let himself into rickhouses at night, the “Fitzgerald Barrels”, as they came to be known, became one of America’s most beloved whiskeys after Prohibition with the launch of Old Fitzgerald. Today, the John E. Fitzgerald story continues through Larceny, an incredibly smooth and exceptional small batch Wheated Bourbon. First brought to market in 2012, Larceny is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the brand offers Larceny Small Batch and Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Since its inception, Larceny has been an award-winning, best in class Bourbon receiving accolades such as Double Gold at the 2024 San Franscisco World Spirits Competition and Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year in 2020. For more information, please visit www.larcenybourbon.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

Tomatin Distillery launches The Sherry Collection, a trio of single malts which celebrates sherry’s renaissance

Highland distiller Tomatin has unveiled an impressive trio of new single malts today, The Sherry Collection.

Available now from specialist retailers and the distillery’s website, this limited edition series will exhibit the unique influence of different casks, showcasing classic Tomatin whisky matured in Manzanilla, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximénez butts.

Fortified wine has played a role in the creation of Tomatin whisky throughout its history with the distillery using sherry casks sourced from Jerez in maturation for more than a century. However, The Sherry Collection has been created to celebrate modern sherry culture, which has seen a resurgence, thanks partly to the growing tapas scene and the evolving food and drink desires of consumers.

Tomatin’s award-winning team have refined three expressions, each bottled at different ages to showcase the whiskies at their peak.

The Manzanilla Edition (RRP £65, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour) was distilled in 2014 and has been finished in Manzanilla butts for two years. It carries depth with delicious aromas of sourdough bread and salty popcorn on the nose, perfectly balanced with dried fruits, chamomile tea, grapefruit, maple syrup and salted walnut on the palate. Characteristic of the Manzanilla, the finish is slightly salty with warm brown butter.

The Palo Cortado Edition (RRP £95, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour) has been finished for three years in Palo Cortado butts after being distilled in 2008. Aromas of cinder toffee and dried orange provide a rich and inviting introduction, followed by notes of milk chocolate, toasted fruit loaf and Brazil nuts on the palate. It has a tangy and complex finish, with hints of black tea and ginger.

The Pedro Ximénez Edition (RRP £150, 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, natural colour) has the longest maturation of 17 years, including an eight-year finish in PX casks. A nose of indulgent sticky toffee pudding and espresso is followed by a combination of lemon curd, golden syrup, dates, dried fig and muscovado sugar on the palate. The finish is long with notes of rum, raisin, and decadent dark chocolate.

Each Edition comes in the classic Tomatin 70cl bottle with distinctive packaging that brings together the rich and rustic tones of the Scottish Highland landscape while replicating the vivid colours of classic sherry.

The markings on the secondary carton represent wood grain, to highlight the different cask finishes used. 

Scott Adamson, Blender and Global Brand Ambassador for Tomatin, said:

“The Sherry Collection is a nod to our past and our present; sherry has been widely used in Scotch for decades and Tomatin’s story is no different, however, this collection celebrates our continuous experimentation, craftsmanship and desire to bring remarkable flavours to our consumers all over the world.

About Tomatin Distillery

Tomatin is located in the Scottish Highlands, 16 miles south of Inverness, and is famous for its portfolio of refined and elegant whiskies.  The distillery has a proud heritage stretching back to the 15th century when illicit production was likely to be taking place, but it wasn’t until 1897 that the first formal distillery was established by John MacDougall as the Tomatin Spey Distillery Company.

In 2022, Tomatin was awarded ‘Scotch Whisky Producer of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Later that year, it was recognised as ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky 2023, in recognition of its continued contribution to sustainably at the distillery.

In 2023, Tomatin’s success continued when the distillery’s ‘Legacy’ was awarded Gold at IWSC. That same year, Tomatin also took home seven awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Cù Bòcan, took home three. Tomatin’s 36 Year Old was crowned the ultimate winner at SFWSC for malts, being named ‘Best in Show’, officially making it one of the best whiskies in the world.

Building upon this triumph, 2024 saw Tomatin’s 18 Year Old secured Double Gold for the third consecutive year at the SFWSC, elevating it to Platinum status. Meanwhile, both Tomatin’s 45 Year Old and 12 Year Old, alongside Cù Bòcan’s 15 Year Old took home Double Gold Awards, and Cù Bòcan’s 12 Year Old also secured a prestigious Gold Award.

‘To What Matters’ is the latest chapter in the brand’s evolution; it is a positive call to arms that represents the spiritual DNA of Tomatin – a belief in savouring what is truly important in life and time spent together.

Tomatin is owned by the Japanese company Takara Shuzo International: www.takara-intl.co.jp/en/

Blended Malt Whisky Commemorating Dr. Jim Swan

Created in collaboration with M&H Whisky Distillery, we introduce a Blended Malt Whisky, celebrating the innovative spirit of Dr. Jim Swan. Known for his pioneering ‘STR Cask’, Dr Swan’s approach to whisky maturation has influenced methods across the globe, producing whiskies that are rich and complex from a young age.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Butterscotch, toffee and cassia bark

Palate: Fresh coconut and pears are joined by juicy plums and rich figs

Finish: Fruity and rich with a hint of sweet spice

This limited-edition blend brings together select casks from the Cotswolds and M&H Distilleries, offering a whisky that honours Dr. Swan’s legacy through its depth and nuanced flavour profile. Ideal for those who appreciate a refined and well-crafted spirit, this whisky is a testament to Dr. Swan’s lasting impact on the industry.

Available now online and in our shops.

70cl | 50% ABV | £120 

PURCHASE HERE

The third release of the Evans Family Reserve range is a wonderful Oloroso Finish. The whisky spent 12 months finishing in some fabulous Oloroso barrels and is a very special whisky indeed. So special in fact that this has been one of the fastest selling whiskies that we have released. Visitors to the distillery have been consistently choosing the Oloroso finish as one of their favourites.  The rich sherry notes on the nose are complemented with honey and fruits on the palate. The buttery mouthfeel leaves a long dark chocolate finish.

All good things come to an end, Evans Family Releases are limited, and the end is in sight for this one. If you haven’t tried an Oloroso finish from Shelter Point now is the time to do so, it will be a while before it returns. Don’t miss out, the whisky can be found here. We’re still offering free shipping in Canada if you buy two or more bottles.

Buy the Oloroso Cask Finish

The nose has notes of roasted peach, strawberry jam and vanilla custard. The palate is rich with honey covered soft fruits and a smooth buttery mouthfeel. The finish is long with dark chocolate and tobacco and hints of toffee.

The Sherry Collection exhibits the unique influence imparted by different types of Sherry casks on the Tomatin spirit in an exceptional showcase. This collection consists of three different expressions finished in Manzanilla, Palo Cortado and Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts, each one selected to highlight the exceptional flavours these casks bring to Tomatin’s treasured Single Malt.

THE MANZANILLA EDITION

AGED 10 YEARS

70cl | 46% ABV

£64.95

THE PALO CORTADO EDITION

AGED 15 YEARS

70cl | 46% ABV

THE PEDRO XIMÉNEZ EDITION

AGED 17 YEARS

70cl | 46% ABV

Aromas of sticky toffee pudding and espresso lead, while on the palate there are notes of lemon curd with golden syrup and underlying flavours of dates, dried fig and muscovado sugar. The finish is long and warm with notes of rum and raisin and dark chocolate.

£149.95

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