BECOME PART OF A LEGACY IN THE MAKING WITH BALLANTINE’S 40 YEAR OLD MASTERCLASS COLLECTION

Ballantine’s, the world’s number 2 Scotch whisky, and believers of investing in time, unveils its stunning new 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection; a precious series that will see the annual release over five years of five exceptional expressions of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old whisky.

Serving as a tribute to past and present Ballantine’s Master Blenders, the collection celebrates the five essential skills that Jack Goudy, Master Blender between 1959 and 1994, passed on to his then apprentice and now world-renowned Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Every drop in the expressions which form the Masterclass Collection, will come from casks laid down by Jack Goudy, including rare whiskies from now ghost distilleries, and expertly blended by Sandy Hyslop. To preserve the authentic touch of both men’s hands, each chapter from the collection will be bottled at the natural strength after 40 years maturation in oak casks.

The first release in the collection, launched this year to mark Sandy Hyslop’s 40th anniversary in the industry, is named ‘The Remembering’. The blend is both complex and harmonious, with a carefully crafted influence from whisky of now closed Dumbarton Distillery, where Sandy Hyslop first learned from Jack Goudy in his journey to becoming a Master Blender. The distillery was also where traditional Coffey stills were used, resulting in a creamy smooth character enriched with an opulent sweetness from being matured in the finest American Oak casks. Inspired by the skill of sensory memory, and sensations evoked living on in the mind, ‘The Remembering’ is a perfectly balanced whisky, rich and complex, and bursting with flavours of spiced red apple and notes of warming clove spice and lavish toffee.

Commenting on the first release from the Masterclass Collection, Sandy Hyslop, said:

“This is an incredibly special and poignant collection to work on, as I was taken back to my early days spent in the warehouse with Jack. The fact that Jack nosed these whiskies holds special significance, and this first chapter is a tribute to the distinctive character of Ballantine’s and the guidance and inspiration on which I’ve built my own skills. The art of whisky crafting is fascinating, with many rules written long ago. The lessons I learnt from Jack are repeated to my own team now, and they’ll be continued to be passed on in years to come.”

Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ is presented in individually numbered bottles, with a design reflecting the exceptional rarity of this 40 Year Old blend, decorated by hand and infilled with gold. The stunning bottle is housed inside an elegant presentation box, dressed in a delicate 3D paper art piece, created exclusively for the Masterclass Collection by celebrated Scottish artist, Kyla McCallum.

The launch of ‘The Remembering’ also celebrates Ballantine’s first NFT release in partnership with BlockBar.com, the global marketplace selling wine and spirits authenticated via blockchain directly from luxury brands. Exclusive to BlockBar, 24 of the 108 physical bottles are engraved with “The Remembering” and “1st NFT Release”. Each bottle stored in BlockBar’s state-of-the-art facility in Singapore comes with a digital certificate of authentication. The owner may sell or gift the NFT at any time from purchase, or redeem the physical bottle from April 2024.

Only 108 bottles of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ will be made available for purchase globally from April 2023, to celebrate Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop’s 40th year in the industry, at specialist retailers and on BlockBar.com for RSP $11,000 USD. The fifth and closing chapter of the collection will be released in 2027 to mark the iconic Scotch’s 200th anniversary.

For more information, visit ballantines.com or follow @ballantines on social media

lievers of investing in time, unveils its stunning new 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection; a precious series that will see the annual release over five years of five exceptional expressions of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old whisky.

Serving as a tribute to past and present Ballantine’s Master Blenders, the collection celebrates the five essential skills that Jack Goudy, Master Blender between 1959 and 1994, passed on to his then apprentice and now world-renowned Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Every drop in the expressions which form the Masterclass Collection, will come from casks laid down by Jack Goudy, including rare whiskies from now ghost distilleries, and expertly blended by Sandy Hyslop. To preserve the authentic touch of both men’s hands, each chapter from the collection will be bottled at the natural strength after 40 years maturation in oak casks.

The first release in the collection, launched this year to mark Sandy Hyslop’s 40^th anniversary in the industry, is named ‘The Remembering’. The blend is both complex and harmonious, with a carefully crafted influence from whisky of now closed Dumbarton Distillery, where Sandy Hyslop first learned from Jack Goudy in his journey to becoming a Master Blender. The distillery was also where traditional Coffey stills were used, resulting in a creamy smooth character enriched with an opulent sweetness from being matured in the finest American Oak casks. Inspired by the skill of sensory memory, and sensations evoked living on in the mind, ‘The Remembering’ is a perfectly balanced whisky, rich and complex, and bursting with flavours of spiced red apple and notes of warming clove spice and lavish toffee.

Commenting on the first release from the Masterclass Collection, Sandy Hyslop, said:

“This is an incredibly special and poignant collection to work on, as I was taken back to my early days spent in the warehouse with Jack. The fact that Jack nosed these whiskies holds special significance, and this first chapter is a tribute to the distinctive character of Ballantine’s and the guidance and inspiration on which I’ve built my own skills. The art of whisky crafting is fascinating, with many rules written long ago. The lessons I learnt from Jack are repeated to my own team now, and they’ll be continued to be passed on in years to come.”

Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ is presented in individually numbered bottles, with a design reflecting the exceptional rarity of this 40 Year Old blend, decorated by hand and infilled with gold. The stunning bottle is housed inside an elegant presentation box, dressed in a delicate 3D paper art piece, created exclusively for the Masterclass Collection by celebrated Scottish artist, Kyla McCallum.

The launch of ‘The Remembering’ also celebrates Ballantine’s first NFT release in partnership with BlockBar.com, the global marketplace selling wine and spirits authenticated via blockchain directly from luxury brands. Exclusive to BlockBar, 24 of the 108 physical bottles are engraved with “The Remembering” and “1^st NFT Release”. Each bottle stored in BlockBar’s state-of-the-art facility in Singapore comes with a digital certificate of authentication. The owner may sell or gift the NFT at any time from purchase, or redeem the physical bottle from April 2024.

Only 108 bottles of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old Masterclass Collection: ‘The Remembering’ will be made available for purchase globally from April 2023, to celebrate Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop’s 40^th year in the industry, at specialist retailers and on BlockBar.com for RSP $11,000 USD. The fifth and closing chapter of the collection will be released in 2027 to mark the iconic Scotch’s 200^th anniversary.

For more information, visit ballantines.com or follow @ballantines on social media

Bimber unveils its largest and oldest small batch single malt whisky release

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the worldwide release of Ex-bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 – the distillery’s largest and oldest small batch single malt to date.

The upcoming single malt whisky has been crafted from a vatting of the distillery’s oldest 1^st fill American Oak ex-bourbon casks laid down in 2017 – Bimber’s second year of product.

Batch 4 is bottled at 51.2% ABV and consists of 7,000 bottles. It will be available at an RRP of £68 directly from the distillery from Thursday 20th April 2023 and also in a wide number of overseas markets (see notes to editors for full availability details)

The expression has been crafted to Bimber’s rigorous standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised alembic pot stills which possess an increased copper surface area, and produce a fruit-forward, textural and layered new make spirit.

Following maturation, each cask was disgorged into the distillery’s in-house constructed American oak marrying vat for a period of resting. During this resting cycle the complexities of each individual cask mingle, creating an ensemble which possesses balance and depth whilst retaining the character of Bimber’s distinctive spirit.

Speaking of the new Small Batch release, Bimber spokesperson Matt McKay said: “Whilst the number of Bimber enthusiasts continues to grow, as a small craft distillery we have struggled to keep up with the exponential demand for our products. As our largest ever release, we hope that Ex-bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 will quench some of the continued global demand that we’re seeing for our London single malt whiskies.“

He added: “Similarly to our other Small Batch releases Ex-Bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4 continues to offer an insight into our maturing single malt whisky stock – as we look toward the 7^th anniversary of our spirit, this new release is not only a perfect entry point into Bimber, it’s also a milestone for the developing style and quality of single malt whiskies that you’ll be seeing from us going forward.”

Bimber Ex-bourbon Oak Casks Batch 4

 A vatting of carefully selected first fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels

7,000 bottles

70cl

51.2% ABV

RRP £68

Distribution: Available directly from Bimber from Thursday 20^th April 2023 and also from:

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

Pre-Order Laphroaig Coronation Trio Now

Crafted to commemorate the ascension of King Charles III, this trilogy of Laphroaig expressions have been matured and bottled by Duncan Taylor. The three magnificent 70cl bottlings have been aged for 18, 23 and 26 years respectively. Extremely limited to just 150 numbered releases – secure yours now! We expect to ship mid July.

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Duncan Taylor Laphroaig Coronation Trio

18YO: Restrained smoke gives way to gentle baked green fruits and a lingering sherried texture.
23YO: Chocolate dipped fruits mingle with earthy hints of smoked salty almonds and ripe cherries.
26YO: Ginger is accented by charred sherry oak and spice, maritime air compliments a subtle smokiness.

£3,900.00
PRe-Order Now

Laphroaig Trio Coronation Edition Description

Nikka Miyagikyo 2022 Limited Release “Aromatic Yeast” Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $269.99 View

Nikka Yoichi 2022 Limited Release “Aromatic Yeast” Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $269.99 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

Bimber raises a glass to King Charles and Queen Camilla with the release of the distillery’s first marriage of unique casks

London’s Bimber Distillery today announced the upcoming release of ‘The Coronation of King Charles III’ – a special edition single malt whisky crafted from a unique marriage of American oak ex-bourbon and ex-Bordeaux red wine matured single malts.

Available directly from Bimber’s website on Friday 5^th May, the special release of 1,400 bottles is the distillery’s first expression created from a unification of multiple wood types. The base of ex-bourbon matured Bimber embodies the distillery’s textural, fruit-forward house style, whilst a sympathetic addition of single malt whisky fully matured in red wine sourced from Bordeaux adds both additional structure and complementary flavours of plump berries, shaved chocolate and tanned leather.

The celebration release has been bottled at 52.2% ABV and will be available for an RRP of £85. The design of the label and gift tube follows the same visual cues as the distillery’s 2022 Platinum Jubilee single malt whisky – with an array of illustrations drawing from the life and passions of King Charles III and his accession to the throne.

The expression has been crafted to Bimber’s rigorous standards. The spirit was produced from the distillery’s single farm barley and malted on a dedicated floor at Warminster Maltings before being fermented for seven days in bespoke, on-site constructed American oak washbacks. Distillation took place in Bimber’s customised alembic pot stills which possess an increased copper surface area, and produce a fruit-forward, textural and layered new make spirit.

Speaking of the release of The Coronation of King Charles III, Bimber spokesperson Matt McKay said: “A Coronation marks a very special moment in any monarch’s reign. Bimber are delighted to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla with this equally special Bimber release. In the run up to the Coronation, the distillery team have spent many months assessing our developing inventory of diverse casks, whilst seeking out both contrasts and points of flavour congruence. This marriage of unique casks retains the profile of Bimber’s well-loved foundation of bright, expressive fruitiness, whilst adding layers of distinctiveness from the red wine matured whisky. The result is the perfect dram to celebrate the Coronation and to raise a glass to King Charles III.”

Bimber The Coronation of King Charles III 

A superlative marriage of ex-bourbon and ex-red wine single malt whiskies

1,400 bottles

70cl

52.2% ABV

RRP £85

Available from Friday 5^th May 2023

About Bimber

Bimber Distillery produces world-class single malt whisky, handcrafted with passion in West London. As a leading distiller of English whisky, we combine generations of rich distilling heritage, with the finest quality ingredients to create the ultimate craft whisky experience.

A Head-Turning Blended Scotch for a Wide Audience
Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)
“It’s a superbly easy-drinking blended Scotch that checks all the boxes for a high-quality whisky and offers so much more intrigue than I was expecting.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer

While the focus of our Scotch program is undoubtedly the single malts, especially our K&L exclusive casks, our spirits buyers are always on the lookout for a surprise performer in the blended category, and they’ve found one in the Sassenach. Made predominantly from 9- to 12-year-old whiskies, over half of them single malts, it’s clear the producers put some serious ingredients into this one, and it shows. With a polished character that reminds us of other top-tier, boutique blends like those from the beloved Compass Box and an easy-going profile designed to appeal to a huge audience, it’s a no-brainer to stock on the bar.

Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 27, 2023

The Sassenach blend is not your typical celebrity brand. Someone figured out that if you’re going to bother to make a whisky that’s going to be purchased by millions of potentially non-Scotch drinking fans, it’d better be pretty damn good. That’s a stark contrast from celebrity brands, which often seem comfortable marketing to the lowest common denominator at inflated luxury prices. But I’m not the only one to say that this is actually solid juice. It’s earning golds and double golds from every prominent awards show out there. There’s not a lot of information about the source, though there seems to be a connection to the Loch Lomond distillery, but there’s no question that there’s some solid old malt and grain in here. And rightfully so, as it’s not by any means a value brand. In any case, let’s give it a whirl. The color is a vibrant pale gold. On the nose, it starts off rather malty with clean stone fruit and pretty hints of yellow flowers and scrubby herbs. With some air, a more honeyed character appears, but the clean, rich malt is the star of the show. The palate is zesty with hints of lemon balm, great malty character, baking spice, and toasted vanilla bean. The 92 proof is welcome, and it seems as though they’ve put significant amounts of malt, and of no uncertain quality level, to bring an excellent-quality product to the table.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: April 20, 2023

Skeptical would be the correct word. I was highly skeptical going into tasting this whisky. Sure, Outlander is a great show. Sure, it takes place in Scotland. Sure, Sam Heughan is actually Scottish and looks like he can do no wrong. But that’s a far cry from what I need to be able to stock a whisky on our shelf. As a rule, we shy away from celebrity branded anything, but also as a rule, I’ll taste just about anything to see if I’m surprised by the quality of the product itself. Indeed, I am surprised. This 46%-ABV, non-chill-filtered, no-color-added, blended Scotch has a huge proportion of malt in it (over half!). That’s massive compared to most blended Scotch, even on the ultra-premium end. It’s put together by Master Blender Michael Henry from the Loch Lomond group, one of the most versatile distilleries in all of Scotland. As far as what I’m looking for in a blended Scotch, the Sassenach reminds me more of Compass Box than it does of Chivas or Johnnie Walker, a very good thing in my book. The nose is a pretty mix of chocolate malt, buttered toast, and vanilla with a healthy dollop of ripe stone fruits, a little peach pit, and a savory/sweet marzipan note. The palate is complete and full. Mouth-filling with just enough bite to be pleasantly engaged. The finish is medium in length and very pleasant. It won’t scratch the high-proof, single-cask, ultra-complex itch, but it’s not designed to do that, so I can’t judge it that way, even though it’s my personal default. It’s designed to be sexy (the package looks great), sleek, approachable, and dare I say, quaffable. It’s a superbly easy-drinking blended Scotch that checks all the boxes for a high-quality whisky and offers so much more intrigue than I was expecting. If you’re a fan of the show and love having a tasty bottle of Scotch on the bar, to simply pour and enjoy glass after glass, this is perfect.

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

Peat Monster Cask Strength 56.7%

While The Peat Monster may boast purely Scottish ancestry, this is a whisky born in the USA. To mark its 20th birthday, and to celebrate America’s influence on Scotch whisky more broadly, we have finished some of this whisky in very special seasoned virgin American white oak barrels.

On the nose; sooty barbecue smoke, green apple and powerfully aromatic citrus oils, all underpinned by warming cinnamon. On the palate; tarry, smoked almond, with the seasoned virgin oak delivering added richness and vanilla notes alongside seaweed, cayenne pepper and saltiness.

£102.00

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CELEBRATE THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA WITH THE ROYAL SALUTE CORONATION OF KING CHARLES III EDITION

First created as a gift for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her Coronation in 1953, Royal Salute, the master of exceptional aged Scotch whisky, marks the start of a new era of contemporary monarchy with a precious limited-edition expression, the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition.

Since its inception, Royal Salute has honoured the British Monarchy and marked significant milestones with unique expressions that represent and embody a moment in history. As the Scotch originated as a Coronation gift 70 years ago, there couldn’t be a more fitting moment for Royal Salute to pay homage once again.

Expertly crafted by Royal Salute Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, the coveted expression is a timeless whisky to be treasured and savoured for years to come. A blend of over 53 rare malt and grain whiskies, to reflect the year Royal Salute was first crafted, the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition is a beautifully rich and complex expression with notes of fresh redcurrants, dark chocolate praline, and freshly roasted chestnuts, and a palate of sweet figs and fresh ginger leading up to a long and rich finish with a playful spice.

Commenting on the precious release, Sandy Hyslop, said:

“This expression is a momentous tribute to both the British Monarchy and Royal Salute’s unique origin story. I wanted to mark this memorable occasion with a blend that was as iconic and special as the original Royal Salute 21 Year Old Signature Blend that was created in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Crafting this blend has been the perfect occasion to reflect on the innovative approach we’ve taken to blending whisky for the past 70 years, and a moment to look forward to what can be achieved in years to come.”

The Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition is housed in a Dartington Crystal decanter, tinted in a deep sapphire blue hue, reminiscent of the precious stones set within the Imperial State Crown. In keeping with Royal Salute’s signature style, the decanter is presented in a stunning wooden box inspired by the iconic Westminster Abbey, with details intricately chiselled into the wood, paying tribute to the historic setting of British Coronation ceremonies since 1066. The jewels and crests of each country forming Great Britain were the inspiration for the artwork inside the gift box, symbolising the unity under the Crown and enduring solidarity between the nations.

Only 500 precious bottles of the Royal Salute Coronation of King Charles III Edition will be available from April 2023, at selected specialist retailers for RRP $25,000 USD. For more information, please visit royalsalute.com or follow @royalsalute on social media.

Glengoyne 11 Years Old

Pedro Ximénez Quarter Cask

Discover the velvety smoothness of Glengoyne 11 Years Old Pedro Ximénez Quarter Cask. Crafted in the Highland region of Scotland, this single malt whisky’s powerful yet refined 50% ABV has been achieved through careful maturation in an ex-bourbon barrel and finishing in a Pedro Ximénez cask – delivering sweet, rich sherry notes with no artificial colouring or chill-filtration.

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NOSE Rich dates give away the sherry finish, Werther’s Originals, leather, liquorice and tobacco.

PALATE Crushed walnuts, followed by a malty Guinness-like hue, falling into a sweeter end note of caramel and honey.

FINISH A rich warming finish that stick to your gums, dark chocolate and honey.