Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #9” Blended Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $120)

$87.99

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Disco #9 is here and K&L has exclusive first rights to sell it in California. Aptly named, the series has always been about unique combinations of whiskies that are impeccably blended to maximize deliciousness. They often include rare ingredients in unusual combinations, but they always taste amazing. The 9th edition features a backbone built on a mysterious 8 year old Georgia produced Bourbon with a unique four-grain mashbill: corn 80%, wheat 10% / rye 5% / malted barley 5%. This makes up 35% of the blend. The next largest component is 12 year old KY Bourbon weighing in at 31% of the blend. The mashbill for this gives a few clues, but of course, nothing about the source ingredients is confirmed. corn 75% / rye 13% / malted barley 12% happens to be the same as Beam’s Booker’s mashbill and Wild Turkey’s mashbill, so either of those are a likely contributor. 19% of the blend is 17 year old TN distillate with a mashbill of corn 84% / rye 8% / malted barley 8% — surely this is George Dickel. And the final 15%? 100% corn whiskey from Ontario offering a big pop of oak and sweetness. Bardstown’s Notes: “A decadent bouquet of cocoa nib, plum, and cedar box is highlighted by lively orange peel. Vanilla cream with cinnamon spice takes the lead on the palate, building to an indulgent, sublime finish.”

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

Happy 2nd Ramnaversary!

Today, we are marking the second anniversary of what we at Kensington Wine Market have come to call the “infamous Dodge Ram incident.” At 4:56 AM on February 11, 2022, an individual used a stolen Dodge Ram pickup truck to let himself into the store.

The break-in was not exactly a precision operation. Only $500 worth of whisky was stolen, but the collateral damage to property, product, and loss of income was more than 500x times that. It was a very disruptive event, and though we were well looked after by our insurer in a material way, we still lost more than we gained. We couldn’t let customers into the store for more than a week, and it was more than a year before the store was completely restored.

But most importantly no one was hurt, so we picked up the pieces and got on with things.

During the highs and lows of the months which followed, we did our best to stay positive. And in proper KWM fashion, we never lost our sense of humour… remember the “I assure you we are open” banner? (That’s a “Clerks” reference for those who don’t know.)

Last year, we chose to mark the anniversary with a “Door Crasher Sale.” Now, following two years of effort, cleanup, and a whisky wall relocation, we are launching a “Door Crasher Bottling.” You might think it a bit macabre for us to be making light of the occasion in this way, but it is very much on brand. When life gives us lemons, we make lemonade… then we distill said lemonade, shove it in a used Bourbon barrel we had lying around, and then find a way to turn it into a marketing campaign!

The image below is from the back label of the bottle!

Others have asked if I know his name, and once more, I do not, and frankly, I am happier not knowing. I don’t know what hardships or life decisions led us to the point where our paths collided (not just figuratively), but in any case, I forgive him and sincerely hope he finds peace and happiness in his life.

I am thrilled to be releasing our first Kensington Wine Market “Door Crasher” bottling this morning. It’s another excellent whisky from our friends at Glenfarclas, it’s great value for its age, style and quality, and most importantly, it’s fun!

Whether you treat yourself to a bottle or not, I hope the label will at least give you a chuckle.

Oh, and before any of you get any crazy ideas or feel compelled to do something rash – like let yourself into the store before we open at 10 AM – let me assure you that we have plenty of bottles available… and despite the fact, we don’t open for another 5 hours… you can order a bottle online now!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition

1. Introducing: The Glenfarclas 15 Year KWM Door Crasher Edition

2. Upcoming Tastings

Introducing: The Glenfarclas 15 Year KWM Door Crasher Edition!

The idea to do a door crasher bottling was born within a couple of months of the break-in, and it was initially hoped we could release one on the first anniversary. That was in retrospect overly optimistic, as the bottling only just arrived in time for the second anniversary.

This is our 9th KWM exclusive bottling of Glenfarclas, and this is the 5th time that they’ve let us take some creative liberties with the label. Glenfarclas has been a great partner for my entire career, and time and time again they continue to offer us incredible value!

This is not a single cask, nor is it cask strength. This is a batch of 15 year old Glenfarclas, matured in sherry, and bottled specifically at 56%, because the break-in on February 12, 2022, took place at 4:56 AM. There are also 456 bottles…

Glenfarclas 15 Year KWM Door Crasher Edition – 56% – Sherry Casks – My Tasting Note: “Nose: rich, round, and sherried with classic Christmas cake notes; both dried and stewed fruits; orange peel heavy mincemeat, chocolate covered almonds and Glosset Raisins; nutty toasted oak, soft new leather, and tobacco leaf; oily and enticing. Palate: rich, oily, and fruity with firm building spices; more Christmas cake, dried, and stewed fruits, and mincemeat pie to boot; big hits of licorice root, pickled ginger slices, and a touch of clove; more chocolate, leaning to the dark baker’s chocolate side; Eatmore, earthy dunnage notes, leather and tobacco; treacle sauce and crème caramel. Finish: warming, oily and fruity with fading nuts and spices; long and coating. Comment: this is our third KWM exclusive bottling of Glenfarclas, and it might be the most sherried yet; it has a lovely balance of fruits, spices, and oak; it is a privilege to put our name on it… and a cheeky sketch!” – $150

2009 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600103 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

$149.99

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By: Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: 1/9/2024 |

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

Laphroaig “Elements 1.0 – Limited Release” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Laphroaig Elements is a new series of experiments that reveal unexpected dimensions in the classic Islay malt. Release 1.0 focuses on highlighting Laphroaig’s spice and troical notes and of course, the beautiful peat smoke profile. At 58.6% ABV, it is also a rare chance for full proof Laphroaig direct from the distillery.

$149.99

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Canadian Whisky, Updated and Expanded (Third Edition)

The Essential Portable Expert

Dive into Canada’s rich history of whisky making, legacy distilleries, and contemporary artisans with this fully updated and expanded guide—including over 100 new tasting notes for Canada’s top whiskies, from bestsellers to rare microdistillery bottlings.

In this fully updated edition of Canadian Whisky, the nation’s authority himself, Davin de Kergommeaux celebrates the country’s often underplayed—yet integral—role in this storied spirit. A trusted independent whisky expert, de Kergommeaux has travelled the country in search of all things whisky to share the very latest findings, photographs, and tasting notes.

First, de Kergommeaux breaks down the basics of how whisky is made and what sets Canada’s product apart from others. From there, his meticulous research unearths riveting narratives that reach back to the country’s first whisky days and span from east to west. In this revised third edition of the award-winning original—perfect for your own library or as a gift for the whisky lover in your life—you’ll discover current research and recent interviews covering:

• Whisky Producers Across the Country, from Legacy Distilleries to New Microdistilleries: Enjoy a deep dive into Canada’s world of whisky, from long-lasting empires to innovative new players.
• History and Process, as Told by Experts: Chief blenders and distilling family royalty share fascinating anecdotes and insights.
• New Tasting Notes: Consider over 100 unique tasting notes for whiskies from across the nation before trying them yourself.
• Full-Colour Photography: From legendary distilleries to historic portraits to rare photographs, these images paint the history of whisky.

Canadian Whisky, Updated and Expanded (Third Edition)
by Davin de Kergommeaux
HC |March 12, 2024|368 pages|Appetite by Random House| 9780525612445 | $35.00

With a refreshed design and maps of the country’s whisky distilleries to accompany its up-to-date information, this new edition of Canadian Whisky becomes the definitive source for Canada’s wonderful world of whisky.

Author Bio: DAVIN DE KERGOMMEAUX is an independent expert who has been writing about whisky for more than a quarter of a century. He is the world’s leading authority on Canadian whisky, and was named one of the most influential Canadians in Food and Drink by The Globe and Mail. He is a past contributing editor to Whisky Magazine, and has contributed to or co-authored eight other books about whisky, spirits, and cocktails, including most recently, The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries. He writes full-time, and is regularly featured in many publications, including Whisky Advocate. De Kergommeaux is an IACP award winner and the founder and chairperson of the prestigious Canadian Whisky Awards.

12 YEAR OLD
200 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION

70cl | 43% ABV

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of The Glenlivet with a new special edition. This limited edition Single Malt is matured in the finest first fill American oak casks, and bottled at 43% ABV. The striking design features key moments, influential figures and significant landmarks in the history of The Glenlivet. A perfect harmony of sweet and fruity flavours, honeycomb and citrus, culminating in a satisfying vanilla finish.

£51.95

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Nose:
Fresh tangerines, pineapple slices, hazelnut praline, sweet vanilla, crème caramel and subtle floral notes.

Taste:
Ripe, juicy pear, sweet orange marmalade, coconut shavings, creamy vanilla and toasted almond.

Finish:
Silky and sweet with enduring vanilla and oak spice.

Killowen Barántúil

Single Pot Still – Brett Ale Cask – 338 bottles release Friday 4.00pm

Single Pot Still is the quintessential Irish whiskey. Although at Killowen we make mostly historically accurate styles we also have a tiny amount of casks left that adhere to the geographical indication of SPS. So making a giant experimental leap with one was a brave risk we where excited to take.

Beer hut brewing Co is just a few kilometers away from us and this cask made exceptional pale ale that boasted enormous tropical notes. All of this was made possible due to it’s combinations of fermentations pre and during cask conditioning, including highly experimental usage of Lactobacillus bacteria and Brettanomyces yeast. Essentially a controlled approach to what we do in the wild at Killowen making this collaboration a match made in heaven.

Original Ebbs & Flows ale

What to expect from this cask strength single cask of Single Pot Still?

Nose
Elegant & lively pot still notes with layers of lemon, peach and pineapple.

Palate
Silky and lathery in texture with flavours can only be described as upside down lemon & pineapple cake

Finish 
Tropical yes but then a nuttiness and slight savoury note that pairs perfectly with the milliard reaction notes of the flame-fed Killowen stills.

Release date
Friday 9th Feb 4pm (Killowen Distillery time) on the Killowen webshop – a few bottles have been leaked to local NI retail

£99.95 or €117

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Killowen Distillery Ltd
29 Kilfeaghan Road
Rostrevor
Newry, County Down BT34 3AW
United Kingdom

A fantastically aged 56-year-old single malt from luxury whisky blender House of Hazelwood. Aged for over half a century, this is an astonishingly rare, complex whisky with layer upon layer of character. Distilled in the mid-1960s and blended just three years later, the expression has matured as part of the family reserves held by the family behind William Grant & Sons. It’s one of the rarest whiskies in the House of Hazelwood inventory – just 288 bottles have been released.  

Tasting note: 

Nose: Expressive and evocative, Christmas pudding, candle wax, paraffin and old furniture leap from the glass.  

Palate: A creamy texture holds sweet and savoury components in perfect balance: there’s cinnamon, coffee and a herbaceousness. 

Finish: Long and winding with a peppering of sweet spices.  

£4,000.00

THOMPSON BROS.

Exciting new drams just in from Thompson Bros. 

An organic Highland blend from two highly regarded Scottish distilleries along with excellent new whisky from Linkwood, Craigellachie and Dailuaine! Limited stock available on all of these new drams. As ever, if you have any questions or queries, please just get in touch.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2024 Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Release

This year’s release features an 18-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Each spring, this annual, highly limited release features some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging whiskey, continuing the standard of excellence Heaven Hill has practiced since 1935.

Each release in the ultra-premium collection features one of the six traditional American Whiskey mashbills produced by Heaven Hill, one of the only heritage distilleries to produce this range. This 2024 edition features Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Whiskey mashbill, comprised of 78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye, and is bottled at 120 proof. With an age statement of 18 years, this release is made up of 133 barrels produced in December 2005 pulled from the third floor of Rickhouse 1I.

With its subtle nose of dried flowers, black tea and old oak alongside hints of toasted almond, this edition of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is sure to be a unique addition to any whiskey collection. A testament to its age, the initial notes on the palate include vanilla and caramel sweetness up front followed by old leather and a note of oak char with lingering peppery spices and orange oil adding to the depth and complexity.  The finish is long, warm, and dry and includes large amounts of spice.

“The Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is our opportunity to showcase some of the oldest stock in Heaven Hill’s incredible inventory of aging whiskey,” says Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “We pride ourselves on having the necessary patience to age, taste, re-taste and select our whiskey at the moment we feel it is perfectly matured. This 18-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey epitomizes what consumers have come to expect from the highest quality of Heaven Hill’s releases.”

Along with its innovation-focused counterpart the Parker’s Heritage Collection, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is a testament to Heaven Hill’s patience and ultra-aging techniques.  Releases from both collections offer a glimpse into the long-term plan across Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey stock and commitment to quality, craft, and innovation.

As with the inaugural release, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 750ml bottle will be accompanied by a premium box in signature Heaven Hill blue. The updated Heaven Hill Distillery seal is prominently positioned on the box, strip stamp and label, and will mirror that of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond and a new Heaven Hill line extension launching later this year. A signature of the Collection, specific attributes such as warehouse site location, production date, mashbill percentages, and other designations are noted prominently on the packaging.  Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey will launch nationally and internationally on a limited basis with a MSRP of $299.99 and will begin shipping in early March 2024.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 60 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

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