Cask-Strength Batch 2 reveals another side to

Lochlea’s award-winning spirit

Award-winning Ayrshire distillery, Lochlea, will be revealing its second cask strength whisky on 10^th June, just in time for Father’s Day – the perfect dram for those looking for a bolder version of the farm-to-cask distillery’s much celebrated single malt whisky.

Cask Strength Batch 2 follows last year’s launch of the distillery’s first ever cask strength bottling, released to show whisky lovers how the Lochlea house spirit tastes at a higher ABV.

Batch 2 differs from last year’s release – not only is it older, but this year’s bottling uses a cask make-up that the distillery has never shown before: Pedro Xímenez (PX) (60%) and Oloroso (28%) sherry butts, as well as STR barriques (12%). The various cask profiles give the whisky a weightier, peppery European Oak finish.

Each cask brings a different dimension to the final vatting: the Oloroso brings a creamy, dry and fruity character, the STR casks offer a spice and depth and the PX gives an interesting and unique sweet mustiness to the spirit.

Bottled at 60% ABV, this limited edition whisky is one of the oldest Lochlea whiskies to be released, with the majority of the liquid being five years old alongside a small amount of four year old spirit. The five year old spirit in the bottling also adds a fuller complexity to the final whisky.

John Campbell, Lochlea’s Production Director said: “Last year’s Cask Strength exceeded expectations for a 4-year-old, setting a high standard. With Batch 2 this year, we’ve once again surpassed expectations. This whisky packs a punch, showcasing a complexity greater than the sum of its parts.”

“Cask Strength Batch 1 had lovely layers of fresh, tropical fruit. Batch 2 has less of the signature Lochlea green apple dominance, but will have more weight to it, with a floral, lively palate and peppery European Oak finish. Batch 2 will feel bigger and bolder than Batch 1, making it an interesting dram to explore.”

Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2 will be available from 10th June, RRP: £66.50 – the perfect special gift for Father’s Day this year.

Lochlea Cask Strength Batch 2

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Apples, peach syrup, marmalade

Palate: Wild lavender, rose petals

Finish: Black pepper, dried fruit, hints of apple and pear 

For a full list of Lochlea stockists, visit: Lochlea Distillery stockists

About Lochlea Distillery:

Lochlea was originally a 222-acre livestock farm before being purchased by Neil and Jen McGeoch in 2006. After much consideration of the future of the farm and a successful trial to grow its own barley in 2015, the couple transformed the land and existing farm buildings into a fully operational distillery in 2017 and started distilling the following year. The farming side has remained a unique part of Lochlea, with the move into barley production – paving the way for Lochlea to be one of the very few fully grain-to-cask distilleries in Scotland. It also has a rich Scottish heritage with strong links to Robbie Burns, with the bard having worked and lived on the farm a several years.

Lochlea Distillery has recently won the following awards:

– Icons of Whisky Scotland 2024: Single Estate and Brand Innovator

– Icons of Whisky 2023: Single Estate Distillery of the Year

– San Francisco Spirits Competition 2023: Our Barley – GOLD

– Las Vegas Global Spirits Competition 2023: Our Barley – GOLD

– Scottish Field Summer Whisky Challenge 2023: Distilleries under 10 Years Old – GOLD

– Scottish Field Summer Challenge Awards 2024: Distilleries under 10 Years Old AND £50- £100 whiskies: GOLD for Fallow Edition (Second Crop)

Loch Lomond The 152nd Open Course Collection 2000 24 Year Old

Released to celebrate the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, this special edition is one of only 4,500 bottles. Distilled using a combination of whisky from the distillery’s unique Straight Neck pot stills and more traditional Swan Neck stills, the expression was matured for 24 years in American oak casks, including a six-month finish in the finest Manzanilla sherry butts from Jerez, Spain.

£290.00
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Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

DOUBLE CASK 18 YEARS OLD, 2024 RELEASE

The Macallan Double Cask Collection is a complex sensorial journey. Beautifully balanced by European and American Oak, each cask is sherry seasoned in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

We are delighted to share that Double Cask 18 Years Old, 2024 Release is now available to purchase from our Online Boutique with limited availability.

With golden hues heightening the colour of the whisky and reflecting the key flavour notes of treacle toffee, sweet ginger, dried fruits and nutmeg, this expression stands proud as a marker of extraordinary craftsmanship.

Click on the link below to purchase this distinct single malt.

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TASTING NOTES

EXPLORE COLOUR, NOSE, PALATE & FINISH

COLOUR Amber honey
AROMA Dried fruit, ginger and toffee. Rich orange with hints of clove and nutmeg
PALATE Rich raisin and sultana with notes of caramel, vanilla and ginger, balanced by wood spice and zesty citrus
FINISH Warm oak spice with ginger, turning to sweet orange
ABV 43%

Glen Scotia 23 Years Old Connoisseur’s Choice

This single malt was distilled in 2000 at the Glen Scotia Distillery, located in Campbeltown. It was aged in a refill American Hogshead for 23 years, resulting in sweet and light flavours of lemon, honey, demerara sugar and red apple with delicate spice and tropical fruit. It was bottled by Gordon & Macphail at natural cask strength, without chill filtration or artificial colouring.

Only 228 bottles were produced.

£215.00

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It’s become a cliché that I start these newsletters with an apology for tardiness, but – boy – this one’s a doozy. Welcome to what was supposed to be the late-February outturn!

The good news is that I have three lovely new whiskies for you which I think are worth the wait. And, as a small token of appreciation for your patience and support, you’ll find a couple of discount codes at the bottom of this article.

And, with that, back to the whisky!

First up I’m delighted – after years of mithering the lovely people at the distillery – to be able to offer a 7-year-old Ardnamurchan. Maybe the best of the new-wave distilleries? (Debate amongst yourselves!)

So, on the nose: sweet pine wood smoke, new car, frying bacon in a cast-iron pan, butter and olive oil, Sauternes, foam bananas – there’s a lot happening! With a bit of water: smoked tropical fruits, bratwurst, buttered raisin bread, oysters.

The palate is huge, sweet and smoky. Chunky peat, first-aid kit, fudge, banana cream, pineapple upside-down cake,and Flake chocolate. Behind that is a solid backbone of tar, brine and sweet lemon. With water we’re somewhere Islay-adjacent, with clean, maritime, lemony peat.

How Ardnamurchan are cramming this much personality into relatively young malts I have no idea, and it’s all without any skeevy “wood technology” too. One thing I particularly like is that it fits so stylistically neatly into its geographical location (you can feel the kinship with Ledaig, Ben Nevis, etc) while also having a distinct quality of Ardnamurchan-ness.

This first-fill bourbon barrel produced 248 bottles at 61.0%, and they are available for £82.50 each.

Next up we have a fully-oloroso-matured 16-year-old Mannochmore. The couple of ex-bourbon Mannochmores I’ve bottled have been some of my favourites of the last few years, so it’s nice to have a well-sherried one to compare.

And, indeed, it’s a proper sherried nose: leather jacket, golden syrup, black cherry, coal tar, armagnac prunes, rose petals, orange boiled sweets, and a freshly-opened pack of cigarettes.

The palate has a thick and creamy texture, with cherry cola, blackcurrant syrup, nutmeggy bread and butter pudding, hazelnut and orange sponge. The development is on roasted nuts, sultanas, stem ginger, liquorice, with a little bit of salty smoked meat and coal dust. Adding water allows more of the clean, citrussy distillery character to shine through.

So, yes, I think we can safely say that Mannochmore plays well with sherry! I particularly love the dark fruits in this one. The first-fill oloroso butt produced 424 bottles at 54.7%, and they are available for £105 each (but see code below!).

And last but not least we have a 16-year-old Glen Moray. A distillery that is finding more and more fans these days.

The nose is softly waxy with a sort of elegant fruitiness: apple rings, dessert wine, banana and custard, sponge fingers, and a hoppy citrusiness. There are some little herbal touches (spearmint, thyme), and even a tiny camphor-y medicinal note, if you go looking for it.

The palate is super-clean and precise, with lemon oil, barley sugar and spearmint. The development is very malty, with mirabelle syrup, banana bread, cherry, and herbal liqueur. The finish is again very clean and lightly waxy, with citrussy barley, hops and candied peel.

I’ve already used “elegant” once, but that really is the word to sum this one up. This ex-bourbon barrel produced only 116 bottles at 52.2% and they are available for £85 each.

Cheap as chips

As promised, a couple of small discount codes for you:

Use SPRINGINTORUM for £5 off any bottle of rum.

Use MANNOCHLESS for £5 off a bottle of (you guessed it) Mannochmore.

The codes will be active for a couple of weeks and are for newsletter subscribers only.

And…

…that’s it for now. It shouldn’t be anything like as long a wait for the next outturn (and there’s some fun stuff to come through the rest of this year!), but in the meantime I’m always available via the usual channels if I can be of any assistance.

Cheers!

David

DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

WESTIE SPONGE ED.3 SPRINGBANK 1999

We are delighted to be able to offer another single sherry cask of Springbank. This one is a 1999 1st fill sherry butt, bottled after 24 years of maturation in Campbeltown at natural cask strength. This whisky has a rich and clear sherry character that’s nutty, leathery and salty, but it never dominates the Springbank distillery character. The end result is a beautifully intricate and well-sherried, mature Springbank, full of fresh coastal vigour, saltiness, tar, waxes and background peat smoke. Extremely classical, powerful and oozing charisma. We’ve also deployed our hand-blown cognac glass for this bottling, we think it looks every bit as bonnie as it tastes.

DOUBLE PRODUCT RELEASE

WHISKY SPONGE ED.92 ABERLOUR 33 YEAR OLD

We have been looking for an Aberlour to add to our Whisky Sponge series for quite some time, so it was fortuitous that we finally got our hands on not one, but two tasty old hoggies of this classic Speyside. The 1989 was richer and spicier, while the 1991 was softer and more floral and fruity. To us, the obvious opportunity was to combine these two casks and create a singular small batch bottling that is greater than the sum of its parts, and that showcases a beautiful mature Aberlour in new light. We are really happy with the result of this 33 year old, cask strength bottling, it’s everything we look for in mature Aberlour – and another really satisfying addition to our occasional but ever-expanding series of multi-vintage, small batch bottlings!

Decadent Drinks Ltd DECADENT DRINKS LTD, WEST BUILDING RUTHVENFIELD GROVE,

INVERALMOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE PERTH, Highlands PH1 3FN United Kingdom

An Buachaill Caol Dubh Poitín Release

Although this bottling is only a tiny part of a much larger project, Killowen Distillery advise any whiskey or history lover to subscribe to www.creatur.ie community and begin availing of these exclusive perks.

An Buachaill Caol Dubh is a once-off poitín project to re-experience the taste of a 1960s traditional music session. Uncovered by ethnomusicologist Dr. Pádraig Mac Aodhgáin in the University College Cork Seán Ó Riada Archive, the recipe was written by Larry Dillon, a well loved figure in the 1960s traditional music scene known for his famous house sessions.Made from an out-of-the-cupboard ensemble of ingredients, the poitín itself may well reflect those houses too. Its distillation was undertaken as part of Fionnán O’Connor’s Créatúr book project, in which the liquid and the story feature, and we are excited to release a special still strength bottling exclusive to Créatúr’s crowdfunding community, whose generosity makes all this research possible.

With 80% already sold to existing crowd funders, be sure not to miss out on your opportunity to be a part of the history of Irish Poitín.

An Buachaill Caol Dubh – exclusively available to the Créatúr’s crowdfunding community in the next two weeks.

ABV:65%
Price: £55

Sláinte

Killowen Distillery Team

25 Year Old 1997 Murray McDavid Mission Gold

1997 vintage of the peated single malt from Tobermory distillery. Matured in Margaux wine casks and bottled 2023. Ledaig 25 Year Old 1997 vintage peated Island single malt Scotch whisky distilled at Tobermory distillery. Matured in two Margaux wine casks. Bottled 2023 by Murray McDavid for the Mission Gold series. 621 bottles.

£177.66

Nose: Floral smoke, mixed berries, coastal.

Palate: Saline peat, flint, mellow strawberry.

Finish: Oily, fruity barley, lingering smoke.

Tobermory Distillery was established by John Sinclair in 1798 and is situated in the harbour town of Tobemory on the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland. Equipped with four stills fitted with unusually twisted lyne arms to create a light and fruity Tobermory malt spirit. The distillery produces an unpeated single malt whisky called Tobermory and a peated single malt whisky called Ledaig. In addition to the core range which includes the Lediag 18 Year Old some excellent young aged Ledaig is available from independent bottlers including Signatory.

OVERHOLT™, THE LONGEST-STANDING AMERICAN WHISKEY BRAND, LAUNCHES A. OVERHOLT STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY, REVITALIZING OVERHOLT’S ORIGINAL PENNSYLVANIA MONONGAHELA MASH WITH A CONTEMPORARY APPROACH

A. Overholt pays homage to its heritage with a fully balanced, robust and complex American rye available nationwide today

Clermont, Kentucky (April 10, 2024) – Today, Overholt™, the longest-standing American whiskey brand maintained continuously since 1810, announced its newest release, A. Overholt shepherding the newest evolution of Pennsylvania Rye imbued with heritage and legacy. Reintroducing consumers to one of the first styles of American whiskey, Overholt™ is reclaiming its stature as one of the most iconic rye whiskey brands by redefining the breadth and future of rye. A. Overholt uses the same mashbill Overholt™ founder, Abraham Overholt used in 1810 – 80% rye grain and 20% soft malted barley – creating a fully warm yet deep spice, similar to rye whiskey from the 1800’s. 

Since inception, Overholt™ has forged forward through every era, including being one of the only spirits brands to survive prohibition, with the same clarity and tenacity Abraham Overholt had when crafting in 1810. Today, Freddie Noe, 8^th Generation Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery at The James B. Beam Distilling Co. champions the legacy, propelling the brand forward through the rebirth of this whiskey’s iconic legacy liquid, A. Overholt – Pennsylvania born, Kentucky made.

“With over 200 years of exceptional craftmanship, Overholt™ is engrained in American history with its industrial roots and as a spirit that has set the industry standard since inception,” said Freddie Noe. “The newest launch of A. Overholt is the result of highly crafted whiskey, informed and inspired by generational expertise, and I’m honored to steward this brand forward while paying homage to its past and our shared commitment to American whiskey innovation.”

The Overholt™ brand is known as A Keystone of American Rye Whiskey because of the shared qualities between Abe and The Keystone State itself: hard work, steely grit, big ideas, firm conviction, and its long-standing industrious spirit. It’s this conviction that drove Abraham Overholt forward – through wars, prohibition, cultural strife, and plenty of double shifts. Its indomitable spirit has remained resilient despite various changes in ownership and production throughout the years, including a change in hands to Abraham’s own grandson, American industrialist Henry Clay Frick. Today, the Pennsylvania-born whiskey of the Industrial Revolution is produced in Clermont, Kentucky at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., where the rich tradition of American production lives on.

A. Overholt joins the ranks of this beloved, and trade favorite portfolio currently consisting of Old Overholt 4YO, Old Overholt 4YO Bottled in Bond, and Old Overholt Extra Aged Cask Strength. Enjoy A. Overholt neat or on the rocks or in a cocktail such as the Perfect Manhattan or Scofflaw to experience the boldness and versatility of the newest expression. A. Overholt will be available nationwide across the U.S., in-store and find a bottle near you on OverholtRye.com bottle locator, beginning April 2024. For real-time information about A. Overholt follow along on Instagram @BeamDistilling and www.beamdistilling.com.

A. OVERHOLT STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY | 47.5% ABV | SRP: $39.99

COLOR – Clover Honey

AROMA – Caramel, subtle layers of sandalwood and caraway

TASTE – Brown butter, honeysuckle, clove, seasoned oak

FINISH – Pleasant, Lingering notes of warm rich baking spice 

About Overholt™

Overholt™ is one of the longest-standing US whiskey brands in American history. Originally created in West Overton, Pennsylvania and established in 1810 by its namesake Abraham Overholt, the brand pays homage with its new A. Overholt Monongahela Mash – our first foray back to our roots with a Pennsylvania Style-inspired classic rye. As A Keystone of American Whiskey, its tenacious spirit has remained resilient throughout history’s changing landscape and consumer tastes with an unbroken chain of ownership and sale since its inception. Today, the Pennsylvania-born whiskey that’s existed for more than two centuries is produced in Clermont, Kentucky at the James B. Beam Distilling Co., where its rich tradition of American production lives on.  

About Beam Suntory

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

Trio of American Whiskey Bundle Packs
K&L exclusive casks from iconic brands, plus a few boutique stunners…

Today brings three outstanding opportunities to get your hands on some exclusive casks from icons Eagle Rare, Jefferson’s, Jack Daniel’s, and Blanton’s. To sweeten the deal, you’ll also find a handful of our favorite craft whiskey selections from Obtainium, Smoke Wagon, and Barrell.

Eagle for President Pack 2-Pack (Eagle Rare K&L Exclusive 375ml, Jefferson’s K&L Exclusive 750ml) $79.99 View

Eagle Rare Side of Rye American Whiskey 3-Pack (Eagle Rare K&L Exclusive 375ml, Obtainium 14 Year Old Rye 750ml, Smoke Wagon Malted Rye 750nl) $150.00 View

Whiskey K.I.T. American Whiskey 3-Pack (Blanton’s Single Barrel Exclusive 375ml, Jack Daniel’s K&L Exclusive 750ml, Barrell 9 Year Indiana 750ml) $180.00 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
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