Holyrood Distillery’s fabulous new Cask Programme has launched! Members of The W Club will receive £250 off of any cask that they purchase. Holyrood is an exciting new distillery right in the heart of Edinburgh. Inspired by the city itself, the founders wanted to create a distillery that would capture the essence of modern-day Edinburgh.
With the summer in full swing, keep things cool and relaxed with a cocktail or three. For the next few weeks, we’re revisiting cocktail creations from our Members’ Rooms. From elevated classics to cocktails designed to go with dessert, there’s a drink for every occasion – and most don’t even need a cocktail shaker.
Ready to mix things up? Keep on scrolling for our summer sipping suggestions and cocktail recipes using our Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits, Juicy, Oak & Vanilla and Sweet, Fruity & Mellow flavour profiles.
VIEW ALL DEEP, RICH & DRIED FRUITS
VIEW ALL SWEET, FRUITY & MELLOW
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ
Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information
This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!
Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video
Nose: Dried fruits soaked in sherry, chocolate, coffee and cashews.
Taste: Fruit cake, Italian roast coffee beans, chocolate fudge and spices.
Finish: Long and sweet, liquorice, dried tobacco and salted caramel.
Glasgow 4 Year Old 2017 vintage Lowland single malt Scotch whisky. Matured in a first fill Sherry Butt #TWB1029. Just 299 numbered bottles. The worlds third single cask Scotch with a full Digital Provenance Certificate unique to each individual numbered bottle. You can read more about this process and why we are doing it here > NFT.
To mark the 15th Anniversary of TheWhiskyBarrel.com we are bottling some of our finest and oldest casks of Scotch whisky under our new ‘Portfolio’ series.
– Scan the QR code on each bottle to verify it is genuine.
– Proof of ownership, we transfer the owner the digital certificate on safe delivery which can be stored in a digital wallet on your smartphone.
You can find the first release a Glen Moray 30 Year Old here and the second release a Annandale 6 Year Old here.
If you purchased a bottle of the first and second release we will ship the same corresponding bottle number of the third release.
Buy Glasgow 4 Years TWB 15th Anniversary £80 / $80* / €80* >>
Read More About of our Digital Provenance Certificates
A very special 45-year-old single malt from Springbank. This expression is the second oldest release in the distillery’s Millennium Set. After its 45-year maturation, the expression was bottled at 40.1% abv.
Please note: This bottle is from a private collection.
Encapsulating the very essence of their philosophy, Private Collection comprises a truly exceptional and unique collection of greatly-aged single malts from little-known, and closed distilleries in Scotland.
This release comes from Glenburgie Distillery
Distilled: 1st August 1984
Bottled: 14th December 2021
Cask Type: Refill Bourbon Barrel
Cask No: 8511
Outturn: 85 bottles
Tasting Notes
Nose: Sweet apricot combines with rich lime zest and roasted peanuts. White chocolate aromas give way to bitter lemon and a hint of aged leather.
Taste: Tarte citrus flavours lead to toasted oak and cocoa powder. Dried pineapple combines with fresh garden mint and a hint of spicy peppercorn.
Finish: Full and spicy with lingering toasted almonds.
Our latest crop of whiskies includes the limited-edition Johnnie Walker Blue Label London from its Cities of the Future 2200 series, a 2007 Deanston single malt packed with orchard fruit flavours from a finish in Calvados casks, and Ichiro’s Malt Double Distilleries 2021, a blend of Japanese single malts from the Chichibu and Komagatake distilleries.
One of our all-time favourite single malts is back, the award-winning Talisker 18 Year Old, and we’ve released more of Balvenie 21 Year Old, finished in Australian Shiraz casks to create an explosion of summer berries and earthy spice.
SMWS 29.63 (LAPHROAIG) 1989 18 YEAR OLD
A powerful Laphroaig, independently bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Distilled in November 1989, the expression slumbered for 18 years before being bottled in November 2007 at 54.6% abv.
Please note: This bottle is from a private collection.
Springbank 26 Year Old 1995
An exceptionally rare single cask (#53) Springbank from the legendary Samaroli. Bottled in 2022 yielding just 267 numbered bottles this is a stunning premium whisky. Originally bottled for the Whisky Library Private Collection in Seoul, South Korea.
A Jaw-Dropping Exclusive Cask from a Speyside Luminary
1995 Glenallachie 26 Year Old “Hart Brothers Finest Collection” K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
“This gorgeous malt from the excellent Glenallachie Distillery represents some of the finest on the market…” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer
The concerted effort that our spirits team has put into building and maintaining our relationships with the whisky world’s finest independent bottlers continues to pay off with exceptional offers like today’s. Hart Brothers has been a go-to source for many, if not most, of our rarest and most distinctive single-cask Scotch bottlings, and Glenallachie’s 1995 Speyside 26 Year Old Ex-Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt is one more in a long line of inimitable drams that have emerged from their vast warehouse stocks in recent years. “An absolutely dreamy, creamy little whisky that proves ‘Allachie need not be sherried to be world-class,” as David Othenin-Girard puts it, this wonderfully unique dram wears its ex-bourbon aging on its sleeve, right next to its undeniable Speyside roots. While many of its contemporaries in the high-end space have skyrocketed in price over the past couple of years, this sublime 26 Year Old remains a relative steal in an environment where going market rates can make even the most seasoned collectors wince. We’re once again thrilled at the superlative quality for price on offer here, and we know our most fanatical Scotch enthusiasts will find the same measure of compelling value and character in this one-of-a-kind single-cask beauty, once they get their hands on it.
K&L Notes: The excellent distillery that’s garnering so much hype these days was unheard-of just a few years ago. While the distillery is focused mainly on the heavy sherry offerings, this exciting, first-fill, ex-bourbon cask is a window into the unique character of this special distillery. Opened relatively late in 1967 just outside of the town of Aberlour, it’s in very good company geographically. Directly to the north is the wonderful Aberlour distillery, and to the west is Dailuaine. Due south, you’ll find Benrinnes and a bit further, GlenFarclas. Finding an expression of this age and caliber from any of these distilleries is rare, but until recently Glenallachie at this age and quality was nearly unheard-of. That’s because all the stocks went to the blends. Now, with the change in ownership, some things have shaken loose a bit. Expect a quintessentially Speyside ex-bourbon style here with tons of fruit, honey, and whiffs of blooming heather. A truly special barrel from an equally special distiller. Bottled at a cask strength of 111 proof and without chillfiltration or coloring.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: June 01, 2022
Another incredible barrel from Hart Brothers. This gorgeous malt from the excellent Glenallachie Distillery represents some of the finest on the market and stands up with the very highest quality distillery offerings from this period. We’re very lucky to have taken full advantage of Hart Brothers’ excellent connections, in particular it seems with the wonderful Billy Walker. This old barrel was distilled on the 17th of March 1995 and filled into a fresh ex-bourbon barrel where it matured for more than two and a half decades before being bottled on November 20th of 2021 at cask strength. Let’s taste. The color is old gold. The nose is pungent and pointed offering dried mango, Seville orange peel, nougat, white chocolate and a few very subtle fresh herbs. The first taste is very decadent and ripe, creamy and supple. Plenty of fruit, very bright pithy exotic citrus, darker dried tropicals, and some poached pear character moving toward a more chocolatey core in the mid-palate. A gorgeous spice note keeps it dry and lingers long, long after the swallow. With a drop of water everything is turned up to 11! Pure orange peel aromas with nutty candies and wild honey. An absolutely dreamy, creamy little whisky that proves ‘Allachie need not be sherried to be world-class.
Austin Jenkins | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 25, 2022
Cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate anyone? Everything you’re looking for in a Speyside is right here in this bottle, twenty-six years of supreme age in ex-bourbon casks contribute to a nice, oaky profile without compromising any of the Speyside characteristics. Big stone fruit on this—peaches and pears dance with some clove and cardamom on the palate. A touch of water really lets the cask influence on this whisky shine. Pick one up before it’s gone. You’ll definitely regret it if you miss out on this one.
A 16-Year Bardstown Stunner at a Remarkable Price
Calumet Farm 16 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)
“Tasting this is such a pleasure. It’s lively and full-bodied with a perfect amount of kick, but very easy going.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
In the world of collectible bourbon, finds like this are becoming vanishingly rare. Typically, a 16-year-old, age-stated whiskey from one of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries would command an exorbitant price thanks to collectors willing to pay it, but it would also come in such small quantities as to make it almost irrelevant in the broader market. Not so with the Calumet 16 Year Old “Single Rack Black.” Distilled in 2006 at the iconic Barton distillery in Bardstown, this 19-barrel batch enjoyed a place of honor in the rickhouse. That is to say, these barrels sat in the dead center of the building, where the aging process often yields the most compelling results. This incredible dram is the oldest aged release from the Calumet Farm brand so far, and it offers up everything bourbon fans love in old Kentucky whiskey at a price that makes it accessible to pretty much anyone. It’s also in stock at quantities that permit purchases of multiples, so savvy aficionados looking to stock their bars with a legit, age-stated masterpiece should not pass up this singular opportunity.
Calumet Farm 16 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)
K&L Notes: Calumet Farm has an incredible history and pedigree in the world of horse racing, and now too in the Bourbon world. Their 14- and 15-year expressions have become instant classics and are wonderful examples of well-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. No funny business with finishes or any effort to re-write the Bourbon landscape—just classic, well-crafted Bourbon blended in small batches to perfection. The 16-year is their oldest release to date and the highest proof to boot. At 106, it’s a perfect sipper, robust enough to carry all of the intensity and mellow enough for a perfect neat pour. Blended from 19 barrels to honor one of Calumet’s (and horse racing’s) greatest horses—Citation. Barrelled in March of 2006. Distilled and aged in Bardstown, KY. Mashbill: 74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley. Non-chill filtered.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: August 16, 2022
Calumet has managed to source some of the most compelling, well-aged Kentucky Bourbon at very fair prices. Their previous release, the 15-year, was extremely well received by drinkers and critics alike. The 16 is even better. The oldest and highest-proof release from Calumet to date, it’s so easy to drink at 106 proof. The nose is quite woody but with bright red Bing cherry fruit notes riding high as well. Whiffs of sweet grass and dried hay make you feel like you’re walking across the Calumet Farm itself. A bit of burnt orange peel gives both citrus notes and a very gentle smokiness, almost sultry in nature. Chocolate nibs, roast nuts, and the balanced sweet and sour notes of fermented molasses round out the nose. Tasting it is a pleasure. It’s lively and full-bodied with a perfect amount of kick, but very easy going. The 53% ABV carries a ton of flavor, but never overpowers. It’s just the right level of sweet and savory for my taste buds. Lots of mellow sweet corn, like you’re taking a bite of plump raw kernels right off the cob, a green kick of rye spice, and a background of sweet Madagascar vanilla lacing the two together. Luscious American oak tannins give it structure and depth. With time it opens in to more cola notes, nutty and sweet, and shows more of that red cherry on the palate. The finish is zippy thanks to the ABV and imprints more vanilla and cinnamon on your mind until you take another sip and start over again. All around a wonderful pour in a handsome yet no-frills bottle. A perfect treat for a bourbon lover, whether it is you or a friend you’re gifting it to.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: August 17, 2022
Ok, ok! Here we go with the new narrative in Kentucky—if you know where to look you can get good old bourbon without dispensing a mortgage payment. Some people might point to the old days when 15-year-old whiskey was $60, but there hasn’t been a period in the last decade where we could readily get 15+-year-old whiskey from anyone in Kentucky at less than $150. And to be honest, I think this price point is super for the quality you’re getting here. We must assume this product was distilled at Old Barton as it was the only working plant in 2006 in the area. Aging occurred entirely in Bardstown as well. This is a great, old distillery that has many people clamoring for their higher end marks, so unless you’re one of the unlucky few who specifically doesn’t like the Barton profile, there’s a good chance that you’re going to dig this. Non-chillfiltred and high proof, like all the single-rack series, and only 19 barrels in the batch. Let’s taste it. The color is a gorgeous russet. The nose starts immediately with exotic dark woods, fresh charred oak, sweet dried plum, subtle floral and dark tea aromas. With some air, there’s a strong vanilla note, caramel candies, red cherry, and French roast. On the palate, it’s medium bodied and rather dry with a lovely dusty note. Darker and woody with a strong oaky flavor down the middle. This is definitely on the drier side of Barton and very woody. It loves air, and I’d reckon the middle of the bottle will be exceptional. Right now, I like to give this 30 minutes of nosing before I dive in deep. A fun old bourbon whiskey at a totally reasonable price.
Neal Fischer | K&L Beer Buyer | Review Date: August 16, 2022
Dang, that’s good! Coming on the heels of the 14 and 15, there’s now a 16-year-old Calumet Farm added to the lineup and it stands up alongside the others as the new torch-bearer. I really enjoy the interplay between the big fruit in the profile and the ebbing-and-flowing spices. Up front on the nose I get luscious cherry syrup that’s matched by wood varnish and cardamom. Next there’s a wave of dried peaches, balsa wood, slight menthol, then a deep caramel followed by medicinal herbs. The palate offers darker flavors; first salted caramel and mocha, but then the richness is matched by bold spice, bright cherry, and red apple. This bourbon has a very round and supple mouthfeel, and then it finishes in a drying and spicy finish with the menthol peeking back through. I was impressed with the 14- and 15-year-old Calumets because it seemed like every time I came back for a nose and a sip there was some other flavor component to find—this new 16-year-old edition offers that same level of complexity with something more for me to enjoy each time I go back to it.
Aaron Hughes | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 16, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised by how fruit-forward this bourbon was—after 16 years in oak it still came off a bit spritely, with ripe and caramel apples alongside stewed pears, orange oil, and then touches of burnt sugar toward the end. The palate was savory and spicy in the best of ways, with a vanilla custard and pie spice competition happening in the back palate, while somewhere in the finish there’s this whisper of herby licorice that kept me searching in my glass. I always like it when a beverage evokes curiosity. The finish manages to be dry and oaky without being overly tannic, just urging you onto the next welcome sip. A couple drops of water in what was left in my glass made the floral notes pop on the nose and left the palate a touch sweeter. Definitely highly recommended and a beautiful sipper however you choose. I didn’t think it needed water or a rock in it, but I wouldn’t have objected either.
