Ultimate Rare Cask – Macallan 1969

Distilled in 1969, and surprising in its complexity and depth, this cask was drawn from the broadest spectrum of casks used in maturation on The Macallan Estate. Hand-picked by our whisky master Howard Cai, the 50 years of the dedicated maturation from the best sherry cask – delivers an exquisite and unmistakably woody whisky with a rich hue. Its combines knowledge, skill, passion, commitment and creativity to present a remarkable whisky worthy both of the brands. Only 69 bottles will be released.

About Howard Cai 

Established in 2009, Howard Cai Select is China’s first independent Single Malt Whisky bottler. A life member of The Keepers of the Quaich and renowned whisky expert, Howard has made it his mission to broaden people’s appreciation for fine Scotch Whisky in China. Howard successfully pairs these whiskies with Nouveau-Chinese cuisine in his exclusive fine-dining establishments. Each hand-picked cask is aged and bottled in Scotland at its original strength. Then detailed information of when the whisky was distilled and bottled is provided, guaranteeing provenance. Each batch is a truly unique experience.

For more information about Howard Cai Select Single Cask please contact: HowardCaiSelect@gmail.com

THE LATEST SINGLE CASK SCOTCH WHISKIES JUST IN TIME FOR FATHER’S DAY!

With Father’s Day on the horizon, this morning we have restocked our online shop and released several new single cask whiskies.

Included in the new releases are two Glenrothes single casks like the stunning 31 year old sherry Butt matured Glenrothes called ‘Patchouli and Sandalwood’ a punchy and sweet Croftengea from Loch Lomond Distillers called ‘Crofter’s Bonfire’.

We have also restocked several single cask releases that had previously sold out.

Quantities are limited so grab a bargain while stocks last!

ONLINE SHOP

The Macallan

Sherry Oak – 2020 Edition

18 Year Old · 70cl · 43% ABV

£294.95

ADD TO BASKET

The 2020 release of The Macallan 18 Year Old Sherry Oak has arrived! This hotly anticipated annual release is widely considered to be one of the world’s finest whiskies – the gold standard and definitive expression of sherried excellence!

This luxuriously decadent single malt whisky was matured exclusively in Oloroso Sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez. Once filled, they remained undisturbed for 18 long years, resulting in a whisky of great depth, richness, and complexity, with characteristic flavours of raisin, mature oak, and warming ginger spice.

Benromach unveils new look

— New look Benromach launched, same character and taste remains —

Benromach has launched a bold new look inspired by the Speyside distillery’s history and traditional approach to making their multi-award-winning single malt whisky.

Made by hand for genuine character, Benromach is a traditional Speyside distillery owned by a family intent on producing single malt the right way. Its small team of distillers rely entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky, matured exclusively in first-fill casks, with a subtle smoky character and authentic Benromach taste.

The new look comes off the back of numerous recent awards for Benromach Single Malt Whiskies.  In May, Benromach 15 Years Old received a Double Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition – an accolade only given to a liquid if the judging panel unanimously awards it a Gold rating and considers it to be among the finest products in the world.  Benromach 10 Years Old was awarded Gold at the same competition.

Commenting on its new look, Andrew Hannah, Head of Brand at Benromach, said: “We took inspiration for our new look from the hand-painted sign that used to adorn the roof over the kiln, along with the distinctive red doors around the distillery and the iconic red-brick chimney.

“The design aims to convey the genuine handcrafted care that goes into Benromach and to serve as a promise that every drop is made in Forres using just four ingredients: barley, water, yeast and the expertise of our distillers.

“Although the design for Benromach has changed, the character, taste and quality of our award-winning single malts remains the same.”

The new look Benromach 10 Years Old, 15 Years Old and 2009 Cask Strength Vintage are exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange in the United Kingdom for the next three months. The specialist on-line drinks retailer named Benromach 15 Years Old as its ‘Whisky of the Year 2020’ in a blind tasting last year.  The whiskies will also be available in specialist retailers in France and Germany from the beginning of June, before being rolled out to markets around the world over the next few months.

For more information about Benromach and its new look, visit www.benromach.com To find out more about The Whisky Exchange and the expressions available, visit www.thewhiskyexchange.com

Notes 

RRP:

• Benromach 10 will be available from £39.99 // EUR €49.99
• Benromach 15 will be available from £59.99 // EUR €69.99
• Benromach Cask Strength 2009 will be available from £54.99 // EUR €64.99

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About The Whisky Exchange

Founded in 1999, The Whisky Exchange is the leading global retailer of whiskies and fine spirits, with an award-winning online shop and two stores in Covent Garden and Great Portland. A third store is due to open soon in London Bridge.

As a family company, The Whisky Exchange believes in excellent products at competitive prices and exceptional service. The company’s philosophy is simple – never rest on your laurels. The team, led by founders and brothers Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh and buyer Dawn Davies MW, is constantly trying to find new products with genuine heritage and quality in all drinks categories, while continuing to innovate and ensure its website and shop are the best in the business. Above all, the company is built on its amazing range and its people. It is responsible for the loyal and ever-expanding fan base from around the world.

The Whisky Exchange in numbers: 4,000 whiskies including 3,000 single malt Scotch whiskies; 500 Cognacs and Armagnacs; 500 rums; 450 gins; 200 bourbons; 150 Tequilas; one retailer. 

London Shops:

2 Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HH/ Tel: 020 7100 0088

90-92 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7NT/ Tel: 020 7100 9888

Online: thewhiskyexchange.com/ Tel: 020 8838 9388

10th Street Distillery’s STR Cask aged Single Malt Wins Double Gold Ahead of New Launch

Find this unpeated whisky at California retailers and Select Online stores — 

San Jose, CA (May 18, 2020) — STR Single Malt, from San Jose’s 10^th Street Distillery, was recently awarded a Double Gold from the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The influential award, announced in March at one of the last major spirits industry events before California’s shelter-in-place order took effect, follows 10^th Street’s Double Gold at the 2019 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition for its Peated Single Malt American Whisky.

Following this esteemed recognition, the first launch (2,000 bottles) of STR Single Malt (ABV 46 %, MSRP $65) is now available at retailers across California, including Total Wine and More; Palo Alto Fine Wine and Spirits; The Whisky Shop  and San Francisco Wine Trading Company in San Francisco; Vintage Wine Merchants and Don’s Liquors in San Jose; and Mission Wine and Spirits in Pasadena. Please visit retailer web sites for current COVID-19 hours and service options. In addition, several retailers, including Vintage Wine Merchants and The Whisky Shop will ship to certain approved states.

STR Single Malt unpeated whisky is an all-American creation, matured in ex-bourbon casks that have been shaved, toasted, and re-charred (STR) to impart some of the flavors of freshly-charred wood, without being overwhelmed by oak notes from direct immersion in virgin American Oak barrels.  This strikes a balance between the oak influence from new casks prevalent in American whiskies and used barrels common in traditional Scotch techniques.  10^th Street uses their own process to condition the barrels used in STR Single Malt, and uses domestic two-row malted barley, double distills in all-copper pot stills and, finally, bottles without chill-filtering, to preserve complexity. STR Single Malt is one of only a few American single malts to use STR barrels.

“For our first unpeated product, we wanted to create a distinctive single malt whisky that strikes a balance between the influence of the freshly charred American oak, and classic malt notes. Using specially prepared STR barrels allowed us to bring in the caramel, almost candy-like notes from the wood and pair them with the malt coming from our copper pot double-distilling process.  The result is a delicate, yet flavorful whisky that is truly unique” says Virag Saksena, CEO, 10^th Street Distillery. 

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Lightly spicy with overtones of sweet caramel and butterscotch
Color: Light golden
Palate: Complex cherry-like sweetness with notes of vanilla bean, nutmeg, and clove
Finish: Smooth and round, filled with decadent flavors of candied fruits
ABV: 46%
MSRP: $65

Try STR Single Malt unpeated American whiskey neat, with a splash of water, over ice, or in cocktails such as the “Miracle on 10^th Street,” crafted by Stephen Shelton at Lexington House, Los Gatos:

MIRACLE ON 10TH STREET | FIVE-SPICE BROWN BUTTER WASH | TIKI BITTERS

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz of Butter-Washed 10th Street STR Single Malt
• 4 dashes of Tiki Bitters (any type will do, based on your preference)

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, stir well and strain over into an old-fashioned glass with a nice clear ice cube from Clear Ice Co. of San Jose. No garnish. Sip and enjoy this pure, creamy, and balanced whisky old fashioned.

About 10^th Street Distillery:

San Jose’s first craft distillery, 10^th Street Distillery was founded by two engineers with just one objective – creating world-class whiskies. A grain-to-glass distillery, it reinterprets time-honored traditions using modern techniques and engineering ingenuity to create its award-winning products. Their first product is a Peated Single Malt Whisky, a new American classic that respects tradition, but is not afraid to forge a new path.

Don’t Miss This Classic Scotch Whisky Trio at Unbelievable Pricing
Classic Malts “Coastal Collection”
Talisker 10, Clynelish 14, Caol Ila 12
Single Malt 3-Pack x 200ml (Previously $80) ($39.99)

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often free) delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

Just because we buy in bulk to secure the best pricing available, that doesn’t mean our customers have to do the same. For our Scotch whisky fans, we’re thrilled to offer this outstanding bundle of three 200ml bottles of Scotland’s most iconic coastal distilleries at half off its original retail price. Yes, we bought the mother lode, but that was only so we could pass the savings on to our devoted clientele. The Diageo Classic Malts 3-packs have always been a fun novelty for aficionados and a charming alternative format for spirits novices introducing themselves to Scotch, but today they also become one of the best deals in our inventory. For less than $40, this trio of Talisker 10-year, Clynelish 14-year, and Caol Isla 12-year brings you all the classic peaty, smoky, briny character of these three iconic lowland brands at a price per volume that actually bests that of the standard 750ml formats. It’s truly unheard-of, indeed. This 3-pack makes a perfect unconventional entry in any tasting session with friends, but it’s equally ideal for keeping a well-stocked home bar for occasional use without breaking the bank. Maybe you’re even extremely proactive with your holiday shopping and like to get it done early (very, very early). In that case, check off all the whisky fans on your list and move on with your summer. The multi-faceted appeal of this 3-pack is unmatched, and at this price you can afford to think outside the box. That’s what these sets are for in the first place.

Classic Malts “Coastal Collection” (Talisker 10, Clynelish 14, Caol Ila 12) Single Malt 3-Pack x 200ml (Previously $80) ($39.99)

The classic malts gift packs are always such a fun way to try some of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries, but we often don’t stock them due to the premium the small sizes usually command on price terms. But we’ve been lucky enough to secure a huge quantity of these packs at 50% off their standard retail price, which, coupled with the massive price increases on these same malts in the standard size, has made these gift packs one of the absolute best deals we’ve seen out of Scotland in years. Here you get three of Diageo’s famous “coastal” malts on offer—the pointed peatiness of Caol Ila, the briny smoke of Talisker and the waxy fruitiness of Clynelish, available for a limited time at significantly lower cost by volume than the standard size bottles. There is absolutely no better way to buy any of the classic malts than in this excellent gift pack. (Contains 1 x 200ml each of Talisker 10, Clynelish 14, Caol Ila 12)

New on the shelf: Fettercairn 16 Year Old

Introducing the first release of Fettercairn 16 Year Old, available to buy exclusively from The Whisky Shop for the month of June. Distilled with chocolate malted barley, this limited edition expression has been matured in first-fill American ex-bourbon casks, before being enhanced in select sherry and port casks.This is a malt that perfectly embodies Fettercairn’s signature fruity flavour. Enjoy notes of vanilla and ginger and sun-kissed raisins on the nose, as well as peach, banana and chocolate on the palate.

Be the first to get your hands this delicious dram!

£69.99

The month is drawing to a close and we’re already looking ahead to June; a time for warmer weather, longer evenings and celebrating the summer solstice. While we enjoy a sun-downer on the year’s longest day, our friends in the southern hemisphere will be cosying up with a dram on their shortest, but luckily – there’s a Society flavour for every occasion!

If you can’t want for the official start of summer, we’re releasing five preview bottlings this afternoon before the full Outturn lands on Friday, 5 June at 9am. Hop to the website now before they all disappear!

PREVIEW BOTTLINGS             SEE ALL BOTTLINGS

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

2009 Heaven Hill 10 Year Old “Archives Whisky From The Whiskybase Team” K&L Exclusive Single Cask #496 

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have low cost and free delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

Some of the most exciting projects in the world of whiskey are the bottlings coming from the Whiskybase Team. By taking classic American whiskies and aging them in Scotland, these bottlers have placed a uniquely European imprint on a classic American style. This 10-year-old barrel from the famed Heaven Hill distillery has undergone this unique aging process, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. Yes, you get all the orchard fruit and vanilla one expects, but there’s also an added element of European refinement that takes things to another level. Wonderfully complex and irresistibly delicious, it is a marriage of styles that whisk(e)y lovers of all stripes will enjoy. Clocking at a whopping 133.2 proof, this is no shrinking violet, but Whiskybase is very adept at balancing the spirit’s heat against its sweetly seductive oak. All it takes is a splash of water to make this beauty sing—and what a song to behold. We couldn’t be more pleased to have access to this exclusive barrel, offering what was once only available in Europe. Our exclusive price of $120 makes this unique expression all the more tempting. For those looking to expand their whiskey horizons, we strongly recommend this spellbinding single cask expression.

2009 Heaven Hill 10 Year Old “Archives Whisky From The Whiskybase Team” K&L Exclusive Single Cask #496 American Whiskey (750ml) ($119.99)

The wonderful whiskies coming from the WhiskyBase team are finally available in the US and K&L is the exclusive retailer for the brand throughout California. One of the oddities of the Scottish whisky industry has been the release of several American whiskies from bourbon mashbills aged partially in Europe. These weird, wonderful whiskies have been released by famous names like Cadenhead’s and The Boutique-y Whiskey Company, but we’ve rarely seen these unusual products imported back into the US. Now, thanks to our relationship with the wonderful team making Archives, we’ve secured one of just a handful of these excellent Heaven Hill barrels that have made their way back into the US. There are huge differences in maturation between Scotland and Kentucky, but there’s still something inherently bourbon-y about this special spirit. This whiskey spent six years in Kentucky in used cooperage before making the journey to Scotland for four more years. The aromatics still rest resoundingly in the realm of sweet orchard fruit and vanilla, but instead of caramel and spice, it’s ripe, fresh fruit. Instead of pungent and smoky, the vanilla is subtle and floral. Behind the pretty aromatics are powerful exotic flavors. At an impressive 133.2 proof you’d expect the heat to be overwhelming without the sweetness of new oak, but this remains surprisingly supple and drinkable. We do recommend a splash of water and while its provenance is unusual, it remains a distinctly American spirit unlike any other.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2020

This oddity is part of a particular category of American whiskeys aged partially out of the country. This one spent at least six years in Kentucky before making the transatlantic journey to Scotland for further aging and bottling. Distilled at the Heaven Hill facility in Louisville known as Bernheim, it was aged in second use American oak for its entire life. We call this “the devil’s cask,” as it’s bottled at a staggering 133.2 proof, making the abv precisely 66.6%. The nose is fiery and raw at first, arresting, to say the least. Behind the intense nose are candied fruits and dried cinnamon. While I don’t usually recommend adding water to cask strength bourbon (this isn’t bourbon, but still), this loves water as well as any single malt would. Once you’ve added some water, the bourbon character becomes much more evident. It reveals a beautiful balance between sweet stewed fruit, exotic spices, and elegant vanilla. Once it hits your lips, we’re distinctly into bourbon territory, with a rich texture and a bold sweetness. We’ve moved more toward the orchard fruits, dried apple, and hints of mango, with a building spice on the finish. It is an excellent spirit that doesn’t fit any category well, but drinks like a dream. Don’t forget to give it a good splash to unlock its character. It’s a shame this style is considered an oddity, but considering how delicious and unusual this is, I wish we could have stuff like this all the time! Grab it while it lasts, as we’ve only got one barrel for the whole year.

Double Cask Batch DC106

Our latest batch of Double Cask Tasmanian Single Malt Whisky is finally ready for release to our mailing list members.

Double Cask batch number DC106 is a marriage of portions of nine different casks, ranging in age from 11 to 13 years. As well as whisky from several American oak ex-Bourbon casks, this batch also contains both first and second fill French oak ex-tawny casks as well as one French oak cask previously used to mature Australian white wine.

“There’s something quite nostalgic about this whisky. Some spirits just conjure up more memories than others, and this is one of them. Deep, gentle, bold, dark, delicate. One to get lost in.” – Heather Tillott, Head Distiller

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Seriously nutty, and deeply honeyed. Cocoa nibs, white chocolate, rye bread, ripe raspberries, along with dried apple, red rose petals, musk stick lollies and lemon peel. Vanilla is quite present, but taking a supporting role to hold the others together- someone nominate that vanilla for a Golden Globe! A whisper of sweet tobacco, and an old Cartier perfume: floral, nutty, woody, deep and elegant.

PALATE: Dream texture; velvety and thick without being too viscous. Loads of milk chocolate, peanut brittle, orange and raisins. Quite malty, and with flavours of dried coconut, rainbow Paddlepop, ripe cherries dried banana, glacé pineapple and dried ginger.

FINISH: A wave of pears and apples with a burst of citrus freshness leading to roasted macadamias, dates, fresh coconut, fruit & nut chocolate, and cola. Then a flush of apricot blossom, with a touch of brine and earthy vegetal notes to carry it all home.

Please Note: 
All domestic parcels will now be shipped via Australia Post Express, and charges will be based on actual shipping costs plus a small handling fee. This change has been made to improve shipping times and to decrease the incidents of lost and damaged packages. If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to email us!

Click the link below to purchase.

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