Cotswolds ‘The Alice’ Single (Calvados) Cask

‘The Alice’ Single (Calvados) Cask, named after our Distillery Manager, because this is her favourite cask. A beautiful honeyed whisky full of zesty citrus and orchard fruit. Made with 100% locally grown barley from the Cotswolds, this limited edition single malt whisky was matured full-term in a single (first-fill ex-Calvados) cask. Filled on the 10th of September 2016 and bottled on-site.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Warm stewed apples with star anise
Palette: Brown sugar, dark chocolate and toasted almonds
Finish: Light and fruity with lingering apple notes

‘The Alice’ Single (Calvados) Cask ABV: 54% | RRP £125 for a bottle.

Available exclusively to purchase online and in-stores.

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From Alice, our Distillery Manager

“The Calvados casks in our inventory have always been a favourite of mine. The light apple flavour and subtle, sweet wood are the perfect pairing for our equally light and fruity spirit. It displays the distillery character that the team and I work so hard for. This cask in particular strikes what I think is the perfect balance between these two elements. Whilst also celebrating the versatility of our spirit in a cask type beyond what you typically see in our core whisky range.”

From Calvados to the Cotswolds

This launch brought back memories of a journey that took place back in 2016. Our founder, Dan, and our Production Director, Nick, ventured to Normandy, France, where they hand-picked Calvados casks. Dan’s affection for the region and its famous apple brandy, Calvados, dates back to his weekends in Pays d’Auge. Over the years, he even crafted ‘Cotswolvados’ batches our distillery using local apple cider.

Obtaining Calvados casks is no easy task. They were once forbidden in Scotland for whisky aging, and Calvados distillers tend to hold onto them for generations. So, in 2016, Dan and Nick took matters into their own hands.

They rented a truck, boarded an overnight ferry to Le Havre, and began their adventure. Their journey led them to renowned distilleries like Christian Drouin, where they secured beautiful oak barrels that had matured Calvados for years. They also visited Tonnellerie du Pays D’Auge, acquiring a variety of barrels. The last stop was Domaine de Semainville, known for making exceptional Calvados the traditional way. They purchased barrels from Emmanuel Camut, including some of the oldest and largest ones.

Upon returning, the truck was filled to the brim with these treasured casks, which were promptly filled with our new-make whisky. The result? An absolutely unique bottling, marrying our full-flavoured single malt spirit with the rich flavours of dark chocolate and apples.

KILKERRAN HEAVILY PEATED – BATCH 9
RRP £50-52

Nose
Notes of freshly baked shortbread, cream soda, banana loaf and coconut shavings introduce this heavily peated dram.

Palate
The creamy, vanilla notes carry through to the palate in notes of buttered digestive biscuits and custard creams.

Finish
The peat is prominent in the finish, along with hints of gooseberries to round off this dram.

LIMITED DISTILLERY RELEASE

Legendary Kentucky Distiller, J. Mattingly 1845, Offers Personalized Bourbon Bottles Just in Time for the Holidays 

Online or In-Person Custom Bottlings Allow Everyone to play Santa Claus

FRANKFORT, KY (Nov. 20, 2023) –  Since its formal inception in 1845, the name Mattingly has been associated with both world-class-bourbon-making and innovation.  With at least nine known distilleries operated since its earliest days, and owning possibly the first registered distillery in Kentucky according to historical records, the Mattingly family has found new and unique ways to bring its handcrafted bourbon batches to its guests and customers.  John Graves Mattingly (1823 – 1910) was responsible for perfecting the now famous column still used by the greatest bourbon producers in the world to provide a more continuous process to satisfy the growing demand of his customers.  Now, Jeff Mattingly, a sixth-generation descendant of John Graves, has created and perfected the first-of-its-kind custom bourbon blending process at his new distillery in Frankfort, KY that allows guests to not only blend their personal bottle from multiple “Double-Staved” proprietary barrels selected by the Mattingly team of blenders, but also choose their bottle, label, closure (including wax colors of red, green silver or gold) and their own personal name for their creation.

Now, J. Mattingly 1845 is taking its latest innovation to another level by providing its custom bourbon bottles to its customers across the country through the online J. Mattingly 1845 Holiday Custom Bourbon Experience.  The J. Mattingly 1845 blending team has been selecting hundreds of barrels of Kentucky Bourbon and Rye Whiskey to create blends for customized bottles for this holiday season to give as gifts or just to enjoy this world-class, Double-Staved Bourbon. “We are thrilled to get to watch and interact daily with our thousands of guests who come to the distillery to create their own custom blend and bottle of J. Mattingly 1845,” said Andrew Varga, managing partner for J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.  “This holiday season we are equally excited to expand the experience online to provide our customers around the country the ability to enjoy these custom bottles for themselves or as gifts for their loved ones.”  

The digital J. Mattingly 1845 Holiday Custom Bourbon Experience launched online at the jmattingly1845.com website today, and all orders placed by Dec. 8 will arrive by Dec. 24 (shipping exclusions apply for some U.S. states). Orders placed after Dec. 8 will be filled and shipped out as soon as possible but not guaranteed prior to December 24.  An option to have a gift box and branded card will be offered to ensure a memento can be wrapped for gift giving. “Whether you’re able to visit us in person in Frankfort to blend your own custom bottle or order it online using our pre-selected mash bills, the J. Mattingly elves will craft your personalized whiskey, allowing you to choose ‘one hell of a pick’ for yourself or for your friends, family or business associates this holiday season,” said Harry Richart, president of J. Mattingly 1845 Distillery.

The J. Mattingly Holiday Custom Bourbon Experience is available online Nov. 20 through Dec. 8 and in person at the Distillery in Frankfort through Dec. 23 (reservations are requested for the in-person experience).  Gift cards are available for the in-person and online experience.  Prices for the custom bottles start at $155 for a 750 mL bottle.

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, and with connections to some of the most illustrious names in the distilling industry, including George Garvin Brown, the Willetts and the Samuels.

It all started in 1845, with John Graves Mattingly’s first distillery in Marion County, Kentucky, Registered Distillery #2.  Many historians today believe his distillery was the first registered distillery in Kentucky.

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

THE MACALLAN A NIGHT ON EARTH THE JOURNEY

The Macallan A Night On Earth The Journey

The second release in A Night On Earth series, The Journey has been crafted in collaboration with acclaimed Chinese artist Nini Sum.

Guarantee your bottle before it is released.  Pre-Order today and have it delivered direct to you from next week!

£105.00

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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 ❯

LONGROW 21 YEARS 46% 
RRP £260 – £270

Nose
There is a savoury note in the introduction to this dram, along with hints of hazelnut and blackcurrants.

Palate
Syrupy sweet yet delicate on the palate, there are notes of fizzy cola bottles and cigar box smoke.

Finish
A characteristically Longrow finish reminiscent of shingle beaches, flint and seaweed.

DISTILLERY LIMITED RELEASE

BERRY BROS. & RUDD CELEBRATES 325 YEARS

WITH EXCLUSIVE LAPHROAIG BOTTLING

Britain’s oldest wine and spirits merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd honours its historic 325th anniversary with an exclusive bottling handpicked by Chair, Lizzy Rudd.

The limited edition release, derived from the renowned Laphroaig Distillery on Islay, is a testament to the company’s rich history of exceptional craftsmanship that spans over three centuries. The liquid itself has been patiently maturing since 1999 to create exceptional depth, complexity, and character.

Lizzy Rudd, Berry Bros. & Rudd Chair, commented:

“We started bottling casks under our label in the early 19th century so to celebrate our 325th anniversary, we wanted to offer something truly exceptional. This exclusive bottling from Laphroaig is a testament to our long-standing commitment to curating the finest spirits.”

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer at Berry Bros. & Rudd, added:

“Every so often, when tasting through our repository of casks, one barrel begins to separate itself from the pack. When this happens, it feels beholden on us to find the ideal moment for such casks to shine at their brightest. Selflessly tasting an earmarked special cask repeatedly over several years helps us to pinpoint the optimum age for bottling – thus capturing the whisky at the height of its development. We had been tracking this barrel for a while and, with unknowable serendipity, its particular apogee coincided with our 325th anniversary celebrations”

From the creation of Cutty Sark whisky at the dawn of the 20th century to the recent launch of The Collective #1: The Pioneers, a celebration of sustainability, Berry Bros. & Rudd has consistently demonstrated innovation and leadership in the world of spirits.

Berry Bros. & Rudd 325th Anniversary Laphroaig 1999 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £800.00, will be on sale at bbr.com, beginning 21st November 2023, with only 232 bottles made available.

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TASTING NOTES

Berry Bros. & Rudd 325th Anniversary Laphroaig 1999 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

A spectacular bouquet; sophisticated peat smoke, luscious pineapple, coal soot and mango all appear in perfect balance. This dram rewards some patience and a little breathing time shows yet more complexity, with lychee, apricot, harbour rope and engine oil. The palate lives up to the promise offered by the nose with perfect poise and grace, peat smoke beautifully tempered with age and a serene tropicality note to offer a beguiling experience.  Subtle vanilla, spice, bonfire ash and soot linger on the finish.

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Berry Bros. & Rudd has been a trusted merchant since 1698 and in 2023 it celebrates 325 years in business. It’s survived over the centuries because, as a family business, it has always operated with family values in mind. Recognised as the global destination for fine wine and spirits, Berry Bros. & Rudd still operates from its historic home at No. 3 St James’s Street and are committed to helping customers drink better now, and in the future. As it marks its 325th year, it continues to collaborate with our community of customers, producers, and colleagues to help create a sustainable future so it can confidently raise a toast to the next 325 years.

The Trophy Scotch Buy of 2023 at Over 25% Off
1997 Blair Athol 25 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt
Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $280) ($199.99)

“Here is the big dog for the year. We’re not expecting another old sherry butt of any kind until sometime next year.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

The coup de grâce among all the smash-hit exclusive casks we’ve taken in this year has to be this 25-year-old stunner from Blair Athol. The revered Highland distillery seldom shows up on the independent market, so when a cask comes along we jump. Especially when it’s a 25-year-old, premium sherry cask strength edition! We’re making room for some incoming new treats, so take advantage of our one-time price at under $200.

1997 Blair Athol 25 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $280) ($199.99)

K&L Notes: This beautiful cask of Blair Athol is truly the star of our 2023 campaign. We rarely get access to such exceptional old malt, and if you’ve been following the K&L Exclusives, this will easily compare to the wonderful 25-year Cragganmore we sold last year. The Blair Athol malt is an absolute dream, and when you put it into high-quality casks, it can produce one of the Highlands’ most complex and delicious whiskies. Founded in 1798 by John Steward and Robert Robertson, it changed hands many times until eventually being mothballed in 1932. It was after that that Arthur Bell purchased the distillery to make it the home of his Bell’s Blend. Production started up again in 1949 and continues to produce the top dressing malt for blends. But a few special casks make it out of the system, and we’re extremely lucky and proud to have procured this exceptional whisky. Fewer and fewer casks are able to offer this old malt experience for a relatively reasonable price. Anyone looking for great old Highland sherry-aged malt should look no further. This is the best around.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 06, 2023

Here is the big dog for the year. We’re not expecting another old sherry butt of any kind until sometime next year. Let’s get in there asap! A gorgeous chestnut/russet color. The nose is all purple plums and dried berries, coupled with deep roasted arabica beans, old mahogany, cocoa powder, and gingersnaps. It’s a bit asleep I think. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and it’ll give so much more! Deep oloroso nutty character, dried plums and raisins, old leather, sweet medium-roast brewed with a dollop of cream, hints of savory allspice and tarragon. The palate is rich and open with gorgeous, creamy cocoa, wild honey, sweet caramel candies, and a big clove finish. It’s so pretty and appealing, it may actually bother some of the people hoping for a sulfury funk bomb like we’ve seen in other Blair Athols. Luckily, the sulfur lovers will still have plenty of other gorgeous stuff to love here too. With water, the savory character really develops, adding more leather, and more pure oloroso oxidative notes on the palate, taming the big spice at the end. I think it’s really pretty either way, but water does do a lot here so maybe try it both ways. This is really exceptional whisky, and my only demand is that you give it time in the glass or you’ll miss all the fun.

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

The Macallan Lifestyle Collection

Transform your space into a haven of warmth and welcome with The Macallan Lifestyle Collection.

Embrace the luxury of slowing down, savouring the cosy ambience of your home after an invigorating autumnal outing. The Macallan Lifestyle Collection comprises carefully crafted and curated pieces to elevate the most sacrosanct of spaces.

This collection is exclusively available at The Macallan Estate Boutique, The Macallan Online Boutique and The Macallan Boutique in Raffles, Singapore.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

Macallan 30 Year Old “Double Cask” Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $4,999.99 View

 Smells of chocolate-covered orange, dry malt and oak; aeration stimulates dry breakfast cereal, lanolin, beeswax and palm oil aromas. Entry is layered by sweet grain, oak barrel, vanilla wafer, toffee and fudge; midpalate gives off wave after wave of integrated spirit, grain, wood and acidity. A perfect Speyside single malt. (PP)  (11/2008)

K&L Notes

Macallan’s Double Cask line still features all sherry cask matured whiskey, but includes American oak sherry casks as well as European oak sherry cask. The big 30 year age statement is only available in tiny quantities. Get it while you can!

Macallan 30 Year Old Sherry Oak Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $5,999.99 View

 Smells of chocolate-covered orange, dry malt and oak; aeration stimulates dry breakfast cereal, lanolin, beeswax and palm oil aromas. Entry is layered by sweet grain, oak barrel, vanilla wafer, toffee and fudge; midpalate gives off wave after wave of integrated spirit, grain, wood and acidity. A perfect Speyside single malt.  (11/2008)

K&L Notes

This mighty 30 year is never available long.

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