Introducing the Fynest Series!
Our new range of magical, highly collectible single cask offerings…

Bunnahabhain 19 Year Old 2001
The Loch Fyne Fynest Series

Introducing our Fynest Series where we hand select single casks that capture the essence of some of the most celebrated whisky producers in the world! Distilled at the famous Islay distillery in 2001 and bottled in 2021, this 19-year-old Bunnahabhain dram was laid to rest in a single sherry oak cask before being bottled at a natural strength of 55.5% abv. Oh, natural colour and free from chill filtration, of course. There are only 597 of these bottles in existence so snap one up quick!

Nose: wonderful fruity balance with rich sweetness.
Palate: coastal influence, nutty, more big fruit notes.
Finish: huge, oily, sherried.

£150.00
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Invergordon 45 Year Old 1972
The Loch Fyne Fynest Series

This incredible single grain whisky has spent almost half a century in an ex-bourbon cask, bottled at 45% abv and strictly limited to only 86 bottles.

Nose: festive spices.
Palate: toffee pudding, liquorice, brown sugar.
Finish: crisp with candied citrus zest.

£299.00
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Glengoyne 20 Year Old 1999
The Loch Fyne Fynest Series

Our most limited expression in the series comes from Glengoyne – only 55 bottles were drawn from this single sherry cask after two decades.

Nose: fresh, ripe plums.
Palate: intricate balance of sweetness, fruitiness.
Finish: exotic spices, fruity richness.

£350.00
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Glen Scotia 12YO 2021 Seasonal Release

Glen Scotia are ticking all the boxes at the moment, and this release is no exception, cask strength, Natural Colour and Non Chill Filtered. Arrived today! Following their hugely popular Sherry Double Cask Finish Limited Edition, their ‘Glen Scotia Seasonal Release 2021’ brings together another perfect marriage of cask finishing’s and flavours, which encapsulate perfectly what makes our home on the Scottish west coast so special.

Campbeltown is a whisky region with a history like no other, and a close knit community that have always pulled together in times of need to endure and prevail. The Campbeltown Cross has historically been a community meeting point for celebration in good company, good whisky and good food. It is one of the many things they love about a Campbeltown Whisky – it just has a way of bringing us all together.

As we head towards the winter months, this warm and spicy dram is the perfect way to toast good friends or sip alongside festive Christmas desserts and treats.

Bringing together a series of unpeated distillations from 2009 and earlier, this seasonal whisky was matured in first fill Bourbon casks and American Oak hogsheads.

After eleven years maturation, this single malt was then finished for twelve months in first fill Oloroso hogsheads and heavily charred American Oak barrels before being married prior to bottling at cask strength.

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£74.95

A Game-Changer New Release from a Beloved Scotch Icon
Highland Park “Cask Strength – Release #2”
Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)
“…this will no doubt be a staple on our shelves and should be considered a deserving deity in the pantheon of great yet affordable regular cask strength releases.”
— David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

While rarity and price often make for limited availability of Highland Park’s single casks in the open market, the recently debuted “Cask Strength” series is a total game-changer that gives us a standout H.P. whisky to look forward to on a regular basis. Just arrived in store is the second edition of this excellent bottling, which is blended from 10- to 12-year-old stocks. The first batch found all the fans and admirers that you’d expect for this remarkable distillery. Cask Strength #2 picks up where the first edition left off and then takes it up a notch. As our own David Othenin-Girard describes, “While I thought the first batch was perfectly delicious, this second release is garnering some serious hype thanks to the use of mostly Sherry casks in the blend … This is about as close as we can get to the monster single casks we bottled for the store last year, but the blenders have added something extra here.” This incredibly enjoyable dram is a perfect example of the expert Sherry-aging craftsmanship that the Highland Park team brings to the table, and it offers a quintessential expression of the distillery for a fraction of the price of the single casks. For anyone looking for a go-to heavy hitter for the upcoming holidays and beyond, the H.P. Cask Strength #2 will deliver the goods.

Highland Park “Cask Strength – Release #2” Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

K&L Notes: The always impressive Highland Park is one of Scotland’s most reliable malts. This awarded distillery is a favorite of many yet has remained slightly in the shadows. One of the few things that the distillery lacked, despite countless unique and collectible bottlings, was a regular cask-strength expression. Thankfully, someone was convinced that the quality level was a solid addition to the already excellent regular line-up and, even more impressively, they’ve decided to offer small batch releases. So, each time they bottle, we’ll get a different window into the exceptional stocks that exists in the tiny, wind-swept Kirkwall warehouses. This is the second release of the Cask Strength, which includes no age statement but likely contains whiskies between 10 and 12 years old. This batch is primarily first- and second-fill European and American Sherry oak, with a handful of bourbon barrels tossed in. The result is something quintessentially Highland Park, offering all the deep complexity of the Sherry coupled with the subtle maritime and smoldering smoky character that is the distiller’s hallmark. If you loved the excellent single barrels we’ve offered over the last few years, there is nothing on the market that gets closer to that exceptional intensity right now, yet these small batches are $50-60 cheaper than the single barrels and arguably offer a more well-rounded experience as well. We thought the Batch No. 2 was so exceptional that we’re buying every bottle they’ll give us.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 20, 2021

The new Cask Strength release was a welcome departure from the regularly available lower proof bottlings, but also one of the few opportunities we’ve had to see how the blending team at this far-flung distillery work across multiple releases with the diverse stocks in their warehouses. It’s not a secret that they love a good Sherry butt up there in Kirkwall, but the first batch didn’t have quite the forward Sherry notes that so many H.P. lovers crave. While I thought the first batch was perfectly delicious, this second release is garnering some serious hype thanks to the use of mostly Sherry casks in the blend. Let’s have a taste. The color is Chestnut. Immediately, much more intensity of oak and obvious wine/Sherry influence than the first release. Dense woodsy spice, dried stone fruit, tobacco leaf, pecan pie tempered with a rich vanilla and sweet toffee character. Throughout a pungent line of sweet, floral smoke are the tiniest hints of ocean spray and dried nori. The deftly balanced aromas on the nose lead to a rich, oily texture on the palate. The tannins from the Euro oak are definitely evident, and the dryness is welcome considering my expectation of great sweetness. It’s big, spicy, and totally mouth-coating.

Of course, a whisky at this age craves some water. With a few drops, the savory side gives way to pure orchard fruit, both fresh and dried. The savory salinity is tamed, and now we just get a pinch of salt and smoke behind the absolute waterfall of fruit. One the palate, some gorgeous, peppery smoke remains to balance out the almost too-easy-to-swallow mixture of sweet maltiness, candied fruit, and dark chocolate on the finish. This is about as close as we can get to the monster single casks we bottled for the store last year, but the blenders have added something extra here. If they keep up the quality of these lovely batches, it will no doubt be a staple on our shelves and should be considered a deserving deity in the pantheon of great yet affordable regular cask strength releases in a club with the likes of Laphroaig CS, Aberlour A’bunadh, Lagavulin 12 Year, Springbank 12 Year, etc.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 20, 2021

It’s taken a long time, but major brands are finally delivering the kinds of bottlings that serious whisky folks have been after—cask strength with no intervention, just a thoughtful blend of barrels left alone to express themselves. The HP Cask Strength is all you could ask for. At 63.9% ABV, it’s a big ol’ whisky. The profile is focused on Highland Park’s strengths—namely, super high-quality Sherry barrels that showcase the whisky’s extraordinary aging environment. There are some American oak Sherry and ex-Bourbon barrels blended in as well, so it’s by no means a massive Sherry bomb, but it is decidedly Sherry-forward. Ripe Bartlett pears on the nose play well with a roasted/candied walnut note from the Sherry. The salty ocean influence is pronounced, and of course, that drizzle of honey and heathered peat stands out as a classic hallmark of Highland Park. Gobs of stone fruit and rich, toasted cereal grains make it an endlessly enjoyable bottle. Super-easy drinking for the huge proof, and even sweet and easier with a little bit of water added. A gorgeous release that delivers everything a whisky aficionado could ask for.

HALLOWEEN TREATS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

Celebrate this Halloween with an extraordinary spirit from our October Outturn. We asked our Spirits Educator, Dr Andy Forrester, for his top picks so you can treat yourself in time for Halloween!

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DEEP ARMCHAIR SATISFACTION

Cask No. 46.118

Cask: First Fill STR Oloroso Barrique

Age: 28 years

ABV: 52.0%

The spirit for this whisky was matured for 26 years in ex-bourbon wood before being additionally matured by the SMWS in an STR (shaved, toasted and re-charred) oloroso sherry cask supplied to our specialist cooperage partner from Jerez.

DISCOVER MORE

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

FINAL CHANCE TO PURCHASE ORIGINAL CASK FROM LAGG DISTILLERY

Become part of a new island whisky legacy by purchasing one of the first fill casks from the Lagg Distillery, situated on the Isle of Arran.

Each First-Fill Ex-Bourbon barrel contains a rich, earthy, peated spirit that will become the staple of Lagg’s Single Malt in the years to come.

When buying a cask, you will automatically become a member of the exclusive Lagg Cask Society, which comes with benefits including your name on the Wall of Fame within the distillery and, incredibly, a bottle from the very first cask to be filled at Lagg, a 10-year-old Lagg Single Malt.

Lagg Distillery started distilling for the first time in April 2019, and between May to October 2019, the distillery went on to fill a total of 700 casks for their Lagg Cask Society members.

Graham Omand, Master Distiller of Lagg Distillery, said: “Of the 700 initial casks, nearly all have now been secured and we are holding the very last available casks without owners! So, if you have been thinking about a purchase, now is a great time to get in touch. By purchasing one of our first fill casks, you will become a key part of the history of Lagg Distillery and over the years you will be able to watch your cask mature and sample it annually.”

Stuart Hamilton, Lagg Cask Owner, said: “The team at Lagg have a great whisky provenance and their passion for what they do is clear and infectious, as soon as you meet them. Doing this as a family gives us a reason to come together from the various parts of the world that we live in and it is a reminder of happy memories and something for the family and the younger generations to look forward to.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Lagg Cask Society, contact Gillian Snaddon at gillian@arranwhisky.com and she will be delighted to provide you with further information on how to join.

For further information on how to purchase the last remaining casks to be filled at the Lagg Distillery and become a member of the Lagg Cask Society, visit www.laggwhisky.com.

Notes:

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for:

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

Best Brewery/Distillery Tour – Scottish Outdoor Leisure Awards (2017)

Best Visitor Experience – Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (2018)

Product Awards include:

Arran 10-year-old: Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 12 Years & Under, World Whiskies Awards (2019) San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Medal (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018). Category Winner and Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch Under 12 Years’ Islands Non-Islay at the World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge 91 points (2018). Ultimate Spirits Challenge Cocktail Commendation for the Rob Roy (2018). Double Gold Medal China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014)

Arran 18-year-old: Gold Medal & Category Winner ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2020)  Gold Medal ‘Best Single Malt 13 – 20 Years, World Whiskies Awards (2019) International Wine & Spirits Competition Gold Medal (2018) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘Best Scotch 13-20 Years – Islands (Non- Islay) World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018) Scottish Field Whisky Challenge – Gold Award for Best Whisky £50-100 (2018)

Quarter Cask ‘The Bothy’: Best Scotch Island Single Malt, World Whiskies Awards (2020 & 2019) Category Winner & Gold Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ for The Bothy Batch 3 World Whiskies Awards (2018). International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Outstanding Medal (2018). International Spirits Challenge Silver Medal (2018)

Arran Barrel Reserve:  Silver Medal ‘No Age Statement Single Malt’ World Whiskies Awards (2020)

CHIVAS XV JOINS THE BALMAIN ARMY FOR AN EXCLUSIVE DROP OF SCOTCH WHISKY

This fall, two legendary houses, Chivas and Balmain, join forces to drop an exclusive, limited-edition Balmain x Chivas XV collection. Bringing a Parisian savoir-faire to Chivas’ 15 year old blended Scotch, the collaboration takes the form of two limited-edition bottle designs, developed by Chivas in partnership with Balmain Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing.

A partnership built on the authentic fusion of heritage, boldness and innovation, the Balmain x Chivas XV collection embraces the shared vision of two pioneering houses – Balmain’s daring outlook on fashion alongside Chivas’ disruptive approach to Scotch. Just as Chivas XV brings a contemporary twist to Scotch by selectively finishing its aged whisky in Cognac casks, the Balmain x Chivas XV collaboration brings a modern twist to Scotch by blending the spirit of luxury French fashion with an icon of luxury Scotch whisky.

Olivier Rousteing explains:

Just like Balmain, Chivas has always adhered to the highest standards with neither house being afraid to push boundaries and break with outdated conventions. Those already familiar with the Balmain universe will note that this unique collaboration includes a signature motif of the house—the oversized golden chain. Whenever I’ve included that eye-catching adornment in my collections, it has served as a bold symbol of the defiant spirit of our rebellious and inclusive Balmain Army – a bold and audacious attitude that both Chivas and Balmain celebrate.

The collection, dropping globally from October 5^th, features bold designs from Balmain and Chivas that embody the iconic codes and legendary success associated with each house. The First Drop, an extremely limited and individually numbered gold bottle, is adorned with metallic armour and chains in a nod to Balmain’s signature runway pieces, whilst the Second Drop brings to life Balmain’s recognisable silhouette, through a symmetrical design of chains and belts directly inspired by the house’s recent collections.

To celebrate the launch, Chivas and Balmain will be inviting fans to join the Balmain Army through a series of exclusive and vibrant activations. Shining a light on the collection’s motifs, Balmain x Chivas XV billboards will be unveiled in numerous cities alongside an iconic fashion film following the Balmain Army as they journey through a night of celebration. A Balmain x Chivas XV bottle bag, designed by the Balmain accessories team, will also be gifted to the Balmain Army for the launch. For those wanting to try the product firsthand, a series of Balmain x Chivas XV pop-up bars serving a range of exclusive cocktails will also be appearing worldwide and at select Fashion Weeks.

The Balmain x Chivas XV collection drops October 5^th via select high-end retailers, ephemeral stores and Chivas.com with a RRP of:

First Drop – £160 / €175 / $217

Second Drop – £70 / €84 / $104

For more information, visit www.chivas.com.

Strathisla 35 Year Old – 1985

£939.00

This 1985 vintage Strathisla was distilled Friday 14th June 1985 and matured in a refill bourbon barrel for 35 years before being bottled Tuesday 27th April 2021. Only 104 bottles filled from single cask 1482 at 57.8% vol. Another stunning and very rare single malt release from independent Scotch whisky bottlers Gordon & MacPhail. This 1985 vintage Strathisla was distilled Friday 14th June 1985 and matured in a refill bourbon barrel for 35 years before being bottled Tuesday 27th April 2021. Only 104 bottles filled from single cask 1482 at 57.8% vol and released as part of the excellent Private Collection.

The Old Particular Single Casks are a particularly sought-after range of individually-selected Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whiskies from all over Scotland. Each is bottled exactly the way the Distiller intended: without colouring or chill-filtration, and at high alcohol strength. This combination allows the cask to retain the naturally present oils, fats and enzymes in the spirit that enhance the quality of the nose, the mouthfeel and flavour profile of the Whisky

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Final release in the No Name Trilogy

Pre Order No Name 3

£99.00

Pre order now

No Name was not supposed to become a series, but Compass Box have enjoyed showcasing different heavily-peated malt whiskies within a consistent recipe structure. The interplay of smokiness between all three is completely different, showing that peat is far from one-dimensional. This completes a compelling trilogy. It boasts high density phenols with tarry notes that fans of the series will recognise from the original No Name. At the same time, it boasts a flamboyant fruitiness that builds on that of No Name, No. 2.

This final version has been based around malt whisky from the Laphroaig Distillery (74.7%), aged in recharred hogsheads. Compellingly waxy, fruity and sooty malt whisky from the Bowmore Distillery supports this. Fruity and silky unpeated malts, and a little of our Highland Malt Blend, complete the recipe. Full recipe details can be found here

Please welcome to the stage No Name, No. 3, a rock opera of a whisky.
If the original No Name was whisky as thrash metal, and No Name, No. 2 showcased the flamboyance of progressive rock, this final creation in our trilogy takes peat to an OTT operatic crescendo.

From the wizards at Compass Box

INTRODUCING JAMESON BLACK BARREL PROOF

50% ABV REVEALS ADDED DEPTH AND RICHNESS TO MULTI AWARD-WINNING[1] JAMESON BLACK BARREL

Hot on the heels of its recent ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ trophy at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge, Jameson is launching a 50% ABV, or 100-proof[2], limited edition of its triple-distilled Black Barrel whiskey – great to gift (and even better to keep) this Christmas.

Jameson Black Barrel Proof is made from pot still and grain whiskey matured in a combination of American oak, sherry casks and double charred ex-bourbon barrels to give an even deeper flavour experience. Uniquely, this expression will be bottled at 50% ABV and without chill filtration. The result is a rich, smooth expression that showcases the benefit that the tradition of barrel charring can add to the world’s favourite Irish whiskey[3].

“Jameson Black Barrel is a triple distilled blend of our small batch grain and traditional single pot still Irish whiskey and boasts a robust spiciness, with flavours of butterscotch and fudge. Paying tribute to the cooper’s skill, maturing a portion of our whiskey in double charred barrels brings out sweet and spicy characteristics in abundance as it penetrates deeper into the charred oak,” explains Irish Distillers’ Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman.

“Like every family, Jameson is made up of individual characters with their own distinct personalities. Bottling Jameson Black Barrel at a higher strength is a great way to accentuate the already beloved characteristics of this unique whiskey to create a totally new experience for whiskey enthusiasts.

“So, if a full strength whiskey that’s bursting with aromas of toffee and fudge, complemented by a spicy character and a rich vanilla finish, sounds like it’s for you – or maybe even for someone you know –

then you’ll find that Black Barrel Proof is a great addition to the Jameson family this Christmas. Slainte!”

Set to appeal to whiskey fans seeking to explore a more intense flavour experience this Christmas, the limited-edition release of Jameson Black Barrel Proof will be available online at JamesonWhiskey.com and via select outlets in Ireland and at Dublin Airport from early November at RRP of €60. 

Best served in a cocktail or maybe over ice, but always with friends!

Tasting notes by Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman:

Nose: Butterscotch sweetness and creamy, toffee, fudge aroma.

Taste: Rich smooth taste with a deep intensity and dialled up spicy notes, complemented by vanilla sweetness.

Finish: Smooth and rich finish with a hint of vanilla lingering on the palate. 

@JamesonWhiskey

#BlackBarrelProof

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth up to 2019 and hitting sales of 8.6m cases in 2021. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €8,824 million in FY21. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics, as illustrated by the 2030 Sustainability and Responsibility roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “Good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN Code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 and Eurostoxx 50 indices.

[1] Best Irish Whiskey trophy at International Spirits Challenge 2021, Double Gold Medal from San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2021, Gold Outstanding and 98 points from International Wine and Spirits Competition 2021

[2] Proof is twice the measure of alcohol content by volume. For example, a whiskey with 50% alcohol is a 100-proof whiskey.

[3] Jameson is the world’s bestselling (IWSR 2020) and most awarded Irish whiskey based on the tasting results of the six most influential tasting competitions over the past ten years (2011-2021), including The Irish Whiskey Masters, IWSC, ISC, Beverage Testing Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Ultimate Spirits Challenge.