The Macallan Celebrates the Year of the Rat with the Release of a Limited Edition Lunar New Year Gift Set
(NEW YORK, January 22, 2020) The Macallan has revealed a stunning new limited-edition gift set for the Double Cask 12 Years Old to celebrate the forthcoming Lunar New Year. Now in its third year, the Year of the Rat package joins the annual series to commemorate the zodiac on the Chinese calendar.
Featuring two bottles of The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old, the Lunar New Year gift box and label showcase traditional knots with an artistic representation of the rat zodiac symbol. The center of the knot is accented with red and gold, traditional colors in Lunar New Year celebrations. A symbol of longevity and eternity, knots have a long history and symbolic meaning within Asian culture.
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old limited edition Lunar New Year pack will be available to buy from selected retailers across the USA for a suggested retail price of $140.
Tasting Notes:
Color: Harvest sun
Nose: Creamy butterscotch, candied orange and vanilla custard
Palate: Honey, spices and citrus, balanced with raisins and caramel
Finish: Oak lingers, warm, sweet and drying
ABV: 43%
For further information visit www.themacallan.com/en-us
About The Macallan
Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds’ most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.
In May 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks. The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills. It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824. The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognizing the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt.”
© 2020 The Macallan Distillers Limited, The Macallan ® Scotch Whisky, Imported by Edrington Americas, New York, NY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
New Kentucky Owl Allocations Are Here
Limited Availability on Bourbon’s Newest Collectible Superstar
One of the most coveted brands over the past two years, Kentucky Owl has quickly become a must-own label for the most dedicated Bourbon collectors. Today we have our allocations of two limited gems: Batch #9 and their 10 Year Old Batch #3 Rye. Batch #9 Bourbon is their newest flagship release, their highest proof to date, and “the most robust” rendition ever, according to their master blender. It combines barrels ranging from six to fifteen years old, and just over 800 cases are produced for the world. Our price is about the sharpest you’ll find, with some online listings going for twice our retail. The 10 Year Old Batch #3 Rye was released right before their #9, and as with all the other Kentucky Owl releases, it is a one-time-only production. It is reminiscent of the best-selling inaugural release that quickly became an all-time K&L best seller. Both are extremely limited, and what is in-stock is destined to sell quickly.
Kentucky Owl 10 Year Old “Batch #3” Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $189.99 View
Kentucky Owl Batch #9 Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $349.99 View
2007 time warp… 1989 vintage selected for the Islay Festival
Widely regarded as one of the very best Feis Ile bottlings – we’re delighted to have sourced a small parcel of these rare bottles, originally exclusive to visitors of the Laphroaig Distillery shop. Laphroaig 17 Year Old 1989 Vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Bottled for Feis Ile 2007 – Islay Festival of Malt and Music. Specially selected and bottled for friends of Laphroaig from the finest casks of their age, on the occasion of the 2007 Feis Ile and opening of the new Friends Lounge. Limited release of 4,000 bottles. A wonderfully complex Laphroaig. Salt, smoke, seaweed, liquorice and lemon just for starters.
Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815 on the rocky south coast of the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. This malt whisky distillery continues to malt barley using its traditional malting floors and malt kiln. In 1994 the distillery was awarded the Royal Warrant. The core range is quite extensive and supplemented by limited releases including a 21 year old was issued in 2015 to celebrate 21 years of Friends of Laphroaig. Independent bottlings are also available from Signatory, Cooper’s Choice and Hunter Laing. Laphroaig distillery also participates in Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music.
Buy – Laphroaig 1989 Feis Ile 2007 – £500.00
Black Butte Whiskey by Crater Lake Spirits and Deschutes Brewery Wins Best in Show at 2019 Sunset Magazine International Spirits Competition
Silver medals awarded for Crater Lake Reserve Dry Gin and Rock and Rye Whiskey
BEND, Ore. – Crater Lake Spirits, one of America’s pioneering craft distilleries, and Deschutes Brewery, America’s 10th largest craft brewery, have been awarded Best in Show for the 2019 release of their collaborative Black Butte Whiskey in the inaugural Sunset Magazine International Spirits Competition. The esteemed judging panel represented large volume buyers, influential media, successful distillers and other professionals from the spirits industry.
Black Butte Whiskey is a 94 proof American malt whiskey distilled from Deschutes’ popular Black Butte Porter beer. Aged three years in #4 char American oak barrels, the resulting whiskey retains the malty, chocolatey notes of Black Butte Porter and woody, earthy flavors from the oak. Bottles of the limited-edition 2019 batch are currently available while supplies last at the Crater Lake Spirits Tasting Room in downtown Bend, Oregon as well as retailers in select markets. Drinks by the glass are also available at the Deschutes Brewery pubs in Bend, Oregon, and Portland, Oregon, and the Portland International Airport pub. More information on availability can be found at www.craterlakespirits.com.
“We are thrilled by this win and to earn Best in Show against such a deep field of brands is really an honor,” said Alan Dietrich, Crater Lake Spirits CEO. “It means even more to be here with our partners at Deschutes Brewery. Both of our teams have worked tirelessly to redefine the traditional American whiskey category.”
“We’re honored to receive this recognition that speaks volumes to the uniqueness and complexity of this whiskey,” said Deschutes Brewery founder, Gary Fish. “The idea for this collaboration was born decades ago through conversations over beers and the result has generated incredible excitement from both craft beer lovers and spirits fans.”
In addition to the Best in Show accolade, Black Butte Whiskey was named Best American Craft Luxury Whiskey. Crater Lake Spirits also received silver medals for its Reserve Dry Gin and Rock & Rye Whiskey. Crater Lake Reserve Gin is 90 proof, new American style dry gin distilled using hand-picked central Oregon juniper berries, coriander, Seville orange peel, glazed orange peel and grapefruit. It is also gluten-free and kosher. Crater Lake Rock & Rye is a modern interpretation of a pre-prohibition classic crafted with rye whiskey, dark cherry, blood orange, and house-made bitters.
About Crater Lake Spirits
Founded in 1996, Crater Lake Spirits is one of the nation’s original craft distilleries and is one of the most awarded craft distilleries in the country. Flagship brands are traditional American style gins, vodkas and whiskies all produced at their distillery in Bend, Oregon. To learn more visit www.craterlakespirits.com.
About Deschutes Brewery
Deschutes Brewery, family and employee owned since 1988, is one of the quintessential beers of the Pacific Northwest. Founded on the guiding principles of true craftsmanship, ultimate quality, and extraordinary consumer experience, Deschutes Brewery is recognized for defining beers such as Black Butte Porter, Mirror Pond Pale Ale, Fresh Squeezed IPA and the non-stop release of pioneering small batch experimental and barrel-aged beers. Deschutes can be found at its brewpubs in Bend and Portland, Oregon, Tasting Rooms in Bend, and Roanoke, Virginia and at accounts in 31 states across the country. Visit Deschutes Brewery’s beer finder at https://www.deschutesbrewery.com/beer-finder/ to find a Deschutes beer near you. www.deschutesbrewery.com
Fisherman’s Retreat Edition 6
Bruichladdich – Rivesaltes cask
12 year old
Distilled 23rd May 2007
Bottled September 2019
Bottles 249
ABV 50.4%
500ml
Price £90
“At 50.4% the addition of a little spring water allows the spirit to reveal some beautiful aromas. Initially, you are welcomed by the fruitiness of pomegranate & plump ripe grapes with floral hints of honeysuckle & gorse in bloom, followed by an updraft of heather and moorland flowers with coastal drift of Atlantic breezes”. Jim McEwan.
The third exclusive release for the Wemyss Malts Cask Club; Black Gold is an exceptional single cask single malt from Bowmore distillery. Black Gold is single sherry hogshead cask of 1989 Bowmore that has matured for 30 years and bottled at a cask strength of exactly 50.0%ABV.
Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay and one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, tracing its distillation roots back to 1779. In keeping with its over 200 year heritage and tradition it is one of the few remaining Scottish distilleries that still malts and kilns its own barley with local Islay peat.
The whisky has been noted for its deep, polished rosewood colour and a complex combination of flavours such as dried dark fruits, treacle toffee and earthy kiln smoke.
Black Gold follows on from the first and second releases (Smoky Nectar and Antique Armchair) of single cask Islay malts offered exclusively to the Wemyss Malts Cask Club members. The Cask club offers exclusive bottlings of the most exciting and interesting bottling’s and early access to new releases from Wemyss Malts.
“Black Gold is a strikingly distinctive single cask, single malt whisky and a great release to start the 2020 celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the founding of Wemyss Malts. I hope Cask Club members will enjoy, savour and share among friends the remaining 172 bottles as I purchased the first one for myself and have already enjoyed a few drams of it.”
-WILLIAM WEMYSS, DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF WEMYSS MALTS
Black Gold will be released exclusively to Wemyss Malts Cask Club members via www.wemyssmalts.com/cask-club at 12pm on Thursday the 23rd of January and is priced at £599 for the 700ml bottle and gift box. Membership to the Cask Club is free to join and can be signed up to from the same website.
Cask Club members will require there login password: Join the Cask Club for the password!
Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases
Latest Edition of Stagg Jr.
Release is 13th Since Series Started in 2013
FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Jan. 16, 2020) Kicking off the new year with a bang, Buffalo Trace Distillery has released the latest iteration in its Stagg Jr. franchise, with a proof of 128.4. The 13th release since the series started, this latest offering follows suit for all previous Stagg Jr. releases in that it is uncut, unfiltered, eight years old, and with a taste profile similar to its elder statesman, George T. Stagg.
Tasting notes describe this barrel proof whiskey as having a nose with loads of dark cherries, followed by honey. On the palate, there are flavors of cream caramel mocha followed by cherries, giving it a full-bodied mouthfeel. The finish is described as a long finish of toasted oak, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.
Introduced in 2013, Stagg Jr. quickly became a favorite of whiskey reviewers, winning five double gold medals, 12 gold medals, and various other accolades, such as “tried and true,” and “great value,” from competitions such as San Francisco World Spirits Competition, New York World Spirits Competition, World Whiskies Awards, and others.
The Stagg line is named after George T. Stagg is one of the legendary craftsmen of Buffalo Trace Distillery, who was responsible for building the most dominant American distillery of the 19th century on the banks of the Kentucky River, now known as Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Stagg Jr. is released twice a year. The 128.4 batch is being released to retailers now. The next release, number 14, will be late spring/early summer.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018” and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2nd and 3rd finest whiskeys in the world, respectively, in the “Jim Murray Whiskey Bible 2020.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.
Our oldest ever release of Old & Rare French Oak Tawny Single Cask Single Malt Tasmanian Whisky is now ready for release exclusively to our mailing list members.
Cask number HH0600 was distilled on Valentines Day 2001 and decanted on the 24th of June last year for a maturation of 18 years and four months. This is one of only two remaining French Oak Tawny casks from the “HH” era, the rest having been released years ago. Bottled at 50.1% abv, this cask produced only 356 bottles, of which only 252 are being made available for online sale.
“This incredibly special whisky makes for a fantastic tasting journey from all perspectives, with an Odyssean length of palate to boot. But the real stand-out characteristic is the depth and complexity of that length. Far from being a one trick pony, this whisky is as powerful as a stallion, yet with all the grace of a ballet dancer.”
– Heather Tillott, Head Distiller
TASTING NOTES
NOSE: Gingerbread, grapefruit zest, cinnamon and honey. The oak is powerful but balanced, with an air of antique furniture along with cherry cola and black liquorice.
PALATE: Baked orchard fruits and menthol sit on a base of earthier tones like tobacco, leather, almond and white pepper. Herbal, spicy, floral and nutty all at once, with a beeswax texture that makes you salivate from the first sip.
FINISH: That texture carries notes of treacle, oolong tea and plum pudding for the long haul along with gentle waves of vanilla, candied orange dark chocolate and almonds to ease this mighty oak vessel on its long journey home.
Please Note: Purchase of this release is strictly limited to one bottle per person.
We have also made an update to our shipping system and rates: 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.
BOWMORE
Vault Edition
Second Release – Peat Smoke
50.1% ABV · 70cl
The second release in the Bowmore Vault Edition series has arrived. These expressions are hand-selected to uncover the depth and range of flavour generated by maturation at Bowmore.
Four notable layers characterise all Bowmore whiskies as a result of the rare environment within the iconic No.1 Warehouse. Each release in this four-part series showcases a different layer; Atlantic sea salt, peat-smoked perfection, full-bodied fruitiness and silky sweetness.
This second edition showcases Bowmore’s perfectly balanced smoky character, wisps of Peat Smoke at once enveloping and exciting the senses. Notes of toffee, dried fruit, sea salt and smoke make for a beautifully balanced whisky.
Open the door to a story of deeper character.
