GLOVE BOX SONATA IN B MINOR

CASK NO. 89.10

CASK:  Refill butt

AGE:  7 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Young & spritely

DAFFODILS CAPTURED IN HONEY

CASK NO. 72.67

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  9 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

A WAFER A WHILE

CASK NO. 112.46

CASK:  1st fill Moselle oak hogshead

AGE:  14 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Sweet, fruity & mellow

CREAM OF THE CROP

CASK NO. 113.22

CASK:  1st fill barrel

AGE:  8 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Juicy, oak & vanilla

SMOKY, MALTY MINERALITY

CASK NO. 53.284

CASK:  Refill hogshead

AGE:  10 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Lightly peated

FLAMINGOS SMOKING PIPE TOBACCO

CASK NO. 10.179

CASK:  1st fill barrique

AGE:  12 years

FLAVOUR PROFILE:  Heavily peated

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada
Suite 160
104 – 1240 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB  T2N 3P7
403-969-8225
curious@smws.ca
www.smws.ca

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO CANADIAN DISTILLERIES
The Portable Expert to Over 200 Distilleries and the Spirits they Make (From Absinthe to Whisky, and Everything in Between)
By: Davin de Kergommeaux and Blair Phillips

From award-winning author of Canadian Whisky, Davin de Kergommeaux, comes an up-to-the minute and definitive guide to over 200 distilleries across Canada and the array of spirits they make. 

The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries is an indispensable guide to the past, present and future of Canada’s distilleries. Written by bona fide Canadian spirits expert Davin de Kergommeaux, this book covers more than 200 of the most exciting and cutting-edge distilleries, large and small, who are shaping the industry today.

Just a decade ago, fewer than a dozen distilleries, concentrated in two provinces, produced almost all the spirits (mainly whisky) made in Canada. Today, there is a movement afoot in Canada’s spirits world. There has never been a better selection of rich specialty spirits–from gin to moonshine, from flavoured vodka to liqueurs–to tempt the palate and supplement your long-time favourites. Despite flourishing public enthusiasm for Canada’s distillers, other than incomplete and inaccurate web-based information, no one has offered consumers an all-inclusive guide… until now.

Using a trademark (and witty) blend of narrative, tasting notes, inventive cocktail recipes and vibrant photos, de Kergommeaux shares the unique genesis of each of these distillers who are pushing the boundaries and flavours of spirits of all kinds. Divided geographically with suggested distillery routes, and filled with key tour information as well as breakout features of the most exciting people and spirits today, The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries is a treasured souvenir and fun companion to the distilleries in every corner of the country, and a must-have guide for curious drinkers and expert connoisseurs alike. 

Himself

Author Bio: DAVIN DE KERGOMMEAUX is a drinks writer, public speaker and spirits judge, recognized as the world expert on Canadian whisky. He has travelled to four continents to visit spirits producers and distilleries, and make presentations about Canadian spirits. In 2016 the Globe and Mail named him one of the 50 most influential Canadians in food and drink, then in 2018 the New York Times said his significance in the revival of Canadian whisky could not be overstated.

BLAIR PHILLIPS is a lifestyle and spirits writer specializing in Canada’s growing landscape of spirits and distilleries. He is the Canadian contributing editor for Whisky Magazine and writes for the popular Distiller app. He also contributed features for drinkingmadeeasy.com during the TV Series’ three season run. He judges several spirits competitions including the World Whisky Awards and Canadian Whisky Awards.

New Exclusives from the Most Exciting Project in Japanese Whisky

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.

We’ve featured several different bottlings from the Kaiyo brand in recent years, all of which have been exceptional and count among the most interesting (and delicious) expressions out of Japan that we’ve had the good fortune to taste. We are especially excited to feature two new exclusives that have been bottled at cask strength. These bottlings, as is standard for Kaiyo, have been aged in Mizunara oak and spent months in the hull of a ship while traversing the globe. It may sound like a lot of effort to put into a bottle of whisky, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. While many of the details behind this pair remain frustratingly scarce, what we do know is that they will satisfy one’s craving for the best in Japanese whisky, and at a very affordable price. Each possesses its own distinctive stamp, while offering a layered complexity only found in bottlings that cost three to four times the price. It goes without saying that these whiskies are very rare and are already causing a stir among collectors. If you’ve enjoyed Kaiyo in the past, then you simply must treat yourself to this breathtaking pair. For us, they represent the very pinnacle of Japanese whisky. Quantities will not last, so make sure to secure your bottles today.

Like so many Japanese whiskies that have come to the market in recent years, Kaiyo remains an enigma. It tastes delicious, there is a tantalizing background story to the brand, but the level of detail a whisky geek desires always seem in short supply. No matter, ultimately when the price is right and the whisky tastes great, we are here to pull the trigger. The two casks are similar in their story, but very different in the final profile. Both are Japanese in origin, presumably teaspooned malt from the same source. They were placed into Mizunara oak for nearly 7.5 years and then each made Kaiyo’s hallmark ocean voyage. The gentle rocking, salt air, temperature and humidity changes are all a part of the whisky’s story. Once they disembarked from their ship their stories diverge. Cask #541 sees a year long finishing in a refill hogshead barrel. This adds a bit of complexity to the profile yet preserves the Mizunara oak as the defining characteristic. It’s a masterclass in Mizunara. Over time in glass you can pick out a wide array of sweet tropical notes ranging from juicy fruits to toasty coconut and a cabinet full of exotic spices. At 56% ABV and unchillfiltered, there is power, weight, and texture to bolster what is otherwise an elegant and complex dram.

Kaiyo K&L Exclusive Cask #541 Cask Strength Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 24, 2020

The first selection ever of a Kaiyo single cask. After 7.4 years in Mizunara oak, this beauty was transferred to a 2nd fill hogshead for a little mellowing. It’s chockablock full of vanilla, coconut, honey and sandalwood. The stylistic preference in Japan for whiskies that are balanced and nuanced is clearly present, but this is not a shy malt. The barley shines from the get go, but add a little water and it explodes. At 56% ABV it’s a robust and full throttle whiskey that screams of its time in Mizunara with its bold and spicy wood profile.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 24, 2020

The enigmatic and opaque Kaiyo whisky has become a staple on our shelves. It does a lot of things right in the very complicated Japanese whisky genre while maybe skirting some of the most obvious pitfalls. And I still have no information about what is actually in these bottles, but we can assume that these have been aged in Japanese Mizunara and are likely sourced from malt distilled in northern Japan (Hokkaido & Sendai). And while these distilleries are some of the world’s finest, it is clearly the barrel who is the star of the show here. Interestingly, the two barrels we purchased (541 & 543) are pretty different despite having the same proof and specs on the bottle. This cask is the most quintessential expression of the flavors I’d expect from Mizunara. The nose is tight at first and needs a drop or two of water to open up. Now we get tons of sandalwood, ceremonial incense, plum wine, coconut husk. On the palate, tons of red cherry and big spice – cinnamon, clove, nutmeg etc. It’s long, bold and peppery. This one is really pretty intense, designed for those who like more intense flavors. Adding water doesn’t necessarily diminish that but adds some depth and sweetness.

Kaiyo K&L Exclusive Cask #543 Cask Strength Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

Cask #543 has a much more unique finishing than #541. After its ocean stint the whisky was transferred to a ruby port pipe for a year. The dark red fruited wine cask has lent a wide array of flavors to frame the initial Mizunara aging. Dark chocolate, dried dates, ripe currants, and sweet raisins all meld with the sandalwood and coconut of the oak. Unchillfiltered and bottled at 56% ABV.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 24, 2020

Like its sister cask, this comes from some of Kaiyo’s oldest stocks. After nearly seven and half years in Japanese Mizunara oak the whisky was transferred into a ruby port pipe for another year of finishing. The result is a spectacular array of red fruits and raisins to frame the spicy yet tropical flavors of Mizunara oak. The hallmark sandalwood notes are particularly persistent on the finish. It’s amazing how much power the famed Japanese wood carries into the spirit, and to see it with a unique finish that compliments it so well is a real treat. With a dash of water a much more complex array of red currants, dusty cocoa, and candied nuts come forward on the nose and palate. It’s as though that water is the key that unlocks the port pipe’s Mizunara cage.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 24, 2020

These wild casks of Japanese Mizunara Oak aged whisky have been are a bit of a mystery, but tasting them side by side is a really interesting experience. While cask 541 had tons of spice, this one has much more fruit. The nose starts with classic Mizunara plum spice, but melds into a complex bouquet of wild honey, baked apple, earthy malt and fresh oak. The softer nose doesn’t translate to the palate and we’ve still got that bold oak and spice from the Mizunara taking over. Yet here more subtlety, more malt and a bit more sweetness. There’s something that reminds me distinctively of Ben Nevis, which would be appropriate considering the assumed source. A very interesting offering indeed.

The Singleton

Paragon of Time Collection

1964 · 53 Year Old

£26,400

ADD TO BASKET

A sensational release from The Singleton brand. Matured in a single hogshead cask and bottled at 40.6% abv, The Singleton of Dufftown 53 Year Old 1964 Vintage is the first in the whisky brand’s new Paragon of Time Collection.  This is a real rarity and a real collectors piece for those looking to add to their collection.

The 53 Year Old will be presented in a crystal decanter and housed in a wooden presentation case, with a piece of the original cask incorporated into the packaging.

The Singleton has also partnered with award-winning artist Cai Zhi Song to celebrate the release by creating a commemorative sculpture called Blossom. It surpasses the brand’s previous oldest release by some way.  Previously it was  the 40-year-old Glendullan single malt from the whisky’s Forgotten Drop series released in 2018.

The whisky is said to feature ‘scented hand-cream, rose water and exotic tropical and berry fruit’ notes on the nose, with ‘dried figs and a suggestion of toffee’ on the palate

Bimber goes virtual to keep the spirit alive

London’s Bimber Distillery has today announced that it will be “keeping the spirit alive” as part of the industry’s wider response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The distillery will be moving towards significantly broadening its digital offerings by producing a range of virtual tours and online tasting events so that enthusiast communities can continue to enjoy the Bimber experience from the comfort of their own homes.

In addition, in conjunction with a number of other spirit distilleries, Bimber will be assisting local front-line workers by producing 200 litres of much needed supplies of hand sanitiser from its stock of new make spirit.

Master Distiller Darius Plazewski said “We are gravely concerned about the significant threat that COVID-19 presents. By taking these steps to pivot our business to support both the nationwide health effort, and those staying at home, we hope we can make a difference and at the same time keep the spirit alive.”

Notes  

• Hand sanitiser production 

200 litres of hand sanitiser will be offered free of charge to local front-line workers. The distillery will not be producing sanitising products for commercial sale. 

• 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.

#ardbeg #untamed #islay #shortie #weebeastie 

ARDBEG WEE BEASTIE – THE DISTILLERY’S LATEST SMOKY WHISKY IS WREAKING FLAVOUR IN ITS PATH 

Ardbeg launches a new permanently available 5 Year Old expression – Ardbeg Wee Beastie

From April of this year, whisky lovers around the world will get the chance to experience the latest permanent expression to join the Ardbeg core range – Ardbeg Wee Beastie. And at just 5 years old, this feisty and intensely powerful smoky whisky is untamed by age.

From elusive sea creatures to eerie hillside half-breeds, the Ardbeg Distillery has a history of exploring inexplicable legends in their bottlings. However, their next unearthly expression is said to have emerged from the peat bogs of Islay themselves. Ardbeg Wee Beastie has been described as a ‘monster of a dram’… with a formidable bite.

Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, Wee Beastie bristles with intense aromas of cracked black pepper, sappy pine resin and sharp tangs of smoke. An explosive mouthfeel bursts forth with chocolate, creosote and tar. As savoury meats sink into the palate, the long salty mouth coating finish slinks away.

Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, said: “I’m in no doubt that Ardbeggians will love this tongue-tingling expression. The casks chosen for its creation make it ideal for enjoying neat or as the mouth-watering main ingredient in a powerfully smoky cocktail.”

Mickey Heads, Ardbeg Distillery Manager, said: “A new permanent expression in the core range is always momentous for the Distillery, but Wee Beastie is a particularly special dram. As it’s a younger whisky, it means we’re able to get as close to the still as possible. So it’s safe to say this is a ferociously good wee nip!”

Wee Beastie will be available in the UK from May onwards, RRP: £39.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ardbeg

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardbeg/

NOTES 

Tasting Notes:

Colour:           Bright Auric 

Nose:              Very bright, fresh and herbal, with hints of vanilla, pear, freshly cracked black pepper, honey-glazed ham. Rich Turkish coffee, sappy pine resin.

With water, more herbal top notes like vetiver and fennel, along with aniseed, green apple and leather. 

Taste:              A rich, explosive mouthfeel with lots of chocolate, tar, creosote and smoked bacon, followed by a burst of antiseptic lozenges, eucalyptus and more aniseed. 

Finish:              A long, salty and mouthcoating finish with hints of cocoa, fudge and savoury meats.

Casks:            Ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry

RRP: £39 

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.  During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.  

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are more than 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee, chaired by Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whisky.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. In 2019, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the third time in four years. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery was named the Distillery of the Year 2019.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

One of the Year’s Best Single Malt Buys
1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)
“…this is sure to become a collectors item.” — Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

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.

As one of the last great finds from the now retired Chieftain’s label, this 21 Year Old from Ledaig has all the makings of a collector’s favorite. Hailing from Tobermory, the only distillery on the Isle of Mull, this single malt exclusive is not only exceptionally rare but it is also very sharply priced. While we have offered Ledaigs before, rarely, if ever, do we find one that’s been aged in a sherry cask. Such a treatment takes this spirit to a whole new level, offering an engaging interplay of smoke, sherried richness, and a whirl of exotic spice. Simply put, it is downright delicious. Ledaig is one of the world’s great peated whiskies, and this a gorgeous example of the style. Savvy collectors have already added this charmer to their collection, and we expect what remains won’t last long. We are sad to see these fine expressions from Chieftain’s go, but what a brilliant conclusion to such an exceptional run of independently bottled whiskies.

1997 Ledaig 21 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

The odd and wonderful Tobermory distillery is one of Scotland’s most picturesque and divisive. Only the Jura Distillery has more disperate opinions of their products. But something that almost every peat lover can agree on is the fact that the distiller’s peated line, Ledaig, is an absolute dream. And it’s remained in relative obscurity until recently. We’ve had a good deal of independents offer us Ledaig over the years, but it’s almost always young stocks in very quiet hogsheads. That’s simply because the mark is only produced a few weeks out of the year and is turning out to be pretty sought-after by drinkers across the world, so we’re not seeing high quality older expressions very often. When we do it’s NEVER in sherry. This distillery needs these barrels for their limited releases and rightfully so – there’s nothing better than an old smoldering Ledaig in an active sherry. No cask this year will offer more deliciousness for your dollar. Old, peated, cask strength sherry butt from a tiny distiller for under $150.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 07, 2019

This absolutely gorgeous Ledaig is going to easily qualify as one of the best buys of the year. It’s hard to argue that Ledaig isn’t one of the most exciting spirits coming out of Scotland these days, but the distillery bottlings are getting more and more expensive. The Tobermory Distillery has also been closed for the last two years, which doesn’t do anything to ease the price pressures of this small operation. Regardless of the incredible price compared to distillery bottlings, this cask will almost certainly be a total sleeper. Not because it lacks merit in any sense, but simply because it’s not as flashy or obvious as the rest of the line up from Chieftain’s. Nonetheless, for those who take the plunge they’ll be rewarded with one of the most complex whiskies in our portfolio this year. A nose of smoldering cigars and high-end soy sauce. It’s not so abruptly peaty on the nose, but deeply umami with wide range of savory aromas that make you instantly salivate. The sherry is definitely there, but we’re on the sweet roasted orange peel side of the spectrum rather than the raisins and roasted nuts. On the palate the saltiness starts to take over and definitely more obvious peat. Smoked fish, smoked herbs, smoked meats, salty, dense, sooty and savory. Some dried citrus, nut butter and sweet barrel spice to balance out the absurdity of it all. This one may not be for everyone, but it’s goddamned delicious and absolutely unique.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 03, 2020

One of the great peated whiskies of Scotland, but sadly often overlooked. This particular cask is an incredible rarity and smells of apple crisp and quality tobacco burning hot. Cooked fruits mingle with caramel, burnt orange peel, nutmeg, a sprinkling of seasalt and a faint background of iodine and herbs. A bit of water and it opens into more of a saddle shop complexity of leather and oil. The savory components make this a perfect whiskey for deep contemplation. It’s more subtle than many an Islay dram. A dream for any lover of island malts. Add to the exquisite nature of the whisky itself that Chieftain’s is no longer in the independent bottling business and this is sure to become a collectors item.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 22, 2019

This cask of Ledaig from Tobermorey Distillery is expressive, interesting and inviting. Without water there are smoke, malt, and a hint of mineral-like flavors. With a little water it opens up and comes together. In the nose there is smoke with aromas of brine and malt. In the mouth, the smoke, malt, and brine flavors create a single malt that is delicious and lively. This cask of Ledaig is something to sip and think about.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2019

This dram from Ledaig was extremely robust. The aromas from the glass dominated the room with iodine, tanning leather, Baker’s chocolate and preserved cherry. I got an undertone of funk mixed with the iodine, which dissipated with time and caused me to revisit the glass a few times. The palate still exhibited signs of iodine detected in the nose but added in pencil shavings and peppered jerky. After the addition of water, sweet Schezuan peppers and cherries appeared but for a brief moment. As expected from the nose, the finish was long and reminded me of fruity Korean beef jerky.

I hope that you and your contacts are safe and well, and that you are able to manage disruption to your business as well as possible during these difficult days.

Like everybody, our priority is to ensure the wellbeing of our people, our customers, our clients and their families. To ensure this, we have taken the difficult but important decision to postpone our whisky Diploma courses in April and May and until such time as it is safe to run them again.

But, as we continue to navigate this challenge together, we at the Academy are reminded and inspired from all around us that now is the time to come together in other ways and support one another more than ever. To this end, we would like to offer you and all of your employees free access to our online ‘Focus on Flavour’ module in the hope that it provides a helpful and useful way of maintaining your whisky knowledge and education, wherever you are in the world.

If this offer can be of support, just follow (or copy and paste) this link  https://www.edinburghwhiskyacademy.com/online-courses/focus-on-flavour

From all at the Edinburgh Whisky Academy we send you our best wishes, support and spirit of togetherness until we can connect again,

Ian McKerrow

Edinburgh Whisky Academy

Douglas Laing Announces Old Particular Easter Limited Edition Bottling

Scotch Whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co has unveiled an exciting new bottling exclusively for DouglasLaing.com. With only 155 bottles released, this very limited edition Old Particular Single Cask celebrates the arrival of Spring and (much needed) hope. 

The Single Cask selected for this special bottling is an Invergordon 22 Years Old Single Grain at a natural cask strength of 48.9%. The Whisky, bottled without colouring or chill-filtration, is said to pair perfectly with your Easter chocolate! 

The concept is brought to life by intricate illustrated labels featuring Springtime flowers, bees and bunnies. The packaging includes a hand wax-dipped bottle with wooden gift box.

Director of Whisky and third generation in the family business, Cara Laing, commented: “Our Old Particular Spring bottling celebrates the hope and green shoots that Springtime brings. With notes of cinnamon and chocolate, we selected this Single Cask for bottling many months ago on the basis it would be the perfect accompaniment to some Easter chocolate indulgences. It now seems particularly fitting that it also marks the coming of Spring and hopefully brighter days.”

Old Particular The Easter Edition is available exclusively on DouglasLaing.com, with delivery available across the UK, Europe and selected Asian markets. UK retail price is £85 + shipping, whilst other countries will vary due to local taxes. 

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/douglaslaingwhisky

Instagram: @dlaingwhisky

Established over 70 years ago, Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading creator and purveyor of the finest Scotch Whiskies, specialising in Single Cask Single Malts and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies. The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and non-chill-filtered to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

In 2015, the firm announced the launch of its first “umbrella” brand – Remarkable Regional Malts – a collection that encompasses Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands), and Big Peat from Islay, offering the consumer The Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.  The firm’s second umbrella brand, Exceptional Single Casks, launched in 2015, with Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular

A Bourbon Distillery on a Tear Rolls Out Three More Stunners
“Bardstown is manufacturing hit after hit with every new release.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

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.

For a few years now, we’ve enjoyed tremendous success with the line-up of highly unique, expertly crafted whiskeys from Bardstown Bourbon Company. Eponymously named for the town at the epicenter of the Kentucky bourbon tradition, this distiller maintains a healthy respect for its roots while also pushing the innovative envelope in its blending practices and collaborative ventures. The second releases of the Discovery and Fusion Series represent some of the most distinctive profiles in their respective classes. The Discovery #1 thrilled us and anyone we turned on to it, and the #2 has seemingly set a new bar for that already impressive collectible bottling. The Fusion Series #2 is just about the greatest sequel you could wish for to follow the Fusion Series #1, which was Whiskey Advocate’s #11 whiskey of 2019. If these two weren’t enough, Bardstown also carries out a truly inspired collaborative program, sourcing barrels from top-notch breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries across the U.S. This newest edition features barrels that once aged the world-famous Prisoner red wine, and the result is nothing short of pure hedonism. Those who’ve partaken of the previous Bardstown releases will know what’s on offer here, and those who haven’t should pay serious attention to these stupendous new editions. The quality curve is exponential here, and Bardstown Bourbon Company is a name to follow.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Fusion Series #2” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($59.99)

The new release of Bardstown’s Fusion delivers the goods. While series #1 won big accolades as Whiskey Advocate’s #11 best whiskey of the year in 2019, we expect big things for Series #2. We here we have the same 60% Bardstown whiskey to 40% 12 year old sourced juice (74% corn, 18% rye, 8% malted barley). Bardstown delivers 18% of their wheated bourbon and 42% of their high rye recipe to the blend, but in this series, the BBC whiskies have grown a little older. The rye component is more assertive, yet so is the wheat. It’s a spicy and creamy combination that drinks easy. The edges of series #1 have been rounded off and the whisky feels more complete.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

The Bardstown collaborative approach extends well beyond their unique finished barrels. They involve the entire Bardstown team in the blending process, bringing together their distilling, culinary (they operate an exceptional restaurant) and beverage (and a top notch bar program) teams to make sure they have a blend that truly reflects what they’re trying to accomplish. They’ve succeeded in a big way. The first release of Fusion won major accolades, both from us here at K&L, and folks like the Whisky Advocate – who named it #11 on their top 20 whiskies for 2019. I daresay, that Fusion #2 is a better whiskey. It makes use of 40% 12 year old KY Bourbon and the 60% remainder is a combo of Bardstown’s wheat and high rye distillate. The whisky is very similar to series #1, but the hard edges have been sanded down. It’s more round and supple. The rye component stands out a little more in flavor, but it really maintains the supple creamy wheat texture. It is an impeccable blend of different ages and mashbills in one of the best new bourbons to hit the market in 2020.

Andrew Tobin | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 10, 2020

Bardstown’s Fusion Series 1 was one of my favorite bottles of bourbon we carried while it lasted. I went through 2 or 3 of them easily and the rest of the staff in SF was equally fond. When the series 2 came in I eagerly bought a bottle as I wanted to see what their evolution as distillers and blenders was going to be like. A little tight when I first opened it. I let the bottle sit for a few days (yes, whiskey too can benefit from breathing). Upon second approach the bottle was much more aromatic with notes of baking spice, cherry and apricot, roasted almond and hazelnut. This has to be one of the softest palates of any bourbon at nearly 100 proof. The mouth explodes up front with fruit and spice and sits soft and round on the mid palate with the roasted nut, and toffee. The finish is full of burnt caramel, Baker’s chocolate, and tons of wood spice. Very different from the original offering, you can really see what an extra year of maturation does to their own distillate and makes me excited for what they have to come!

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Collaboration Series – The Prisoner” Red Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon (750ml) ($129.99)

The next in line from Bardstown’s epic collaborations is “The Prisoner.” This world-famous Napa Valley red blend meshes perfectly with the 9 year old Tennessee distillate over 18 months of finishing. Bottled at an even 100 proof, it’s everything you love about The Prisoner delivered into whiskey form. It’s rich and complex – a hedonistic combination of blackberries, cherries, honey, vanilla, oak, baking spice, and a touch of grape sweetness.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

Bardstown is manufacturing hit after hit with every new release. The Prisoner Collaboration is sure to be no different. The world famous Prisoner Red Blend is a wine that smacks of sweet red fruits and barrel spice. These things play perfectly with the 9 year old Tennessee mashbill. The whisky shows gobs of black cherries, honey glazed corn, peanut butter nuttiness, tons of vanilla and complex wood. It’s a big, sweet, luxurious bourbon.

Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #2” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

It’s hard to imagine an improvement over Discovery Series #1, but Bardstown has done it. Number two is a blend of whiskies all over 10 years old. The make up is 44% 10 year (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley), 39% 12 year (74% corn, 18% rye, 8% barley) and 17% 14 year old whiskey (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley). The blend here shows more wood and intense rye spice than Series #1. It’s a big whiskey in a big bottle that delivers a big value for the most discerning bourbon drinkers.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 05, 2020

Discovery Series #1 was a huge hit with staff and customers alike. I think batch #2 will shake the bourbon industry. It’s exceptional. Everything in the blend is over 10 years old. The rye in the mashbills really stands out. It’s a large-and-in-charge whiskey that carries a ton of spice. Yet it doesn’t lack for sweetness. It’s full of caramel, maple syrup, and vanilla notes. The oak is very pretty and well integrated. A sweet cherry cola profile fills the middle of the palate. It’s balanced and very sippable at 122.2 proof. A supremely high quality whisky that is worth buying in multiples. You’ll definitely want one or two to drink now and a couple to stash in the collection for later.