Macallan 25 Year Old Sherry Oak 2019

70cl 43% abv

£1,750.00

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We’ve been looking back at the origins of the Society this month, in celebration of Pip Hills’s new book The Founder’s Tale. Over 35 years later, we’re continuing to share the finest single cask whiskies, and as our Society community grows ever bigger, we have some exciting additions going live today.

LATEST OUTTURN        BUY THE FOUNDERS TALE

We’ve got even more news for our members this week – we’re delighted to announce our fourth Members’ Room will be opening soon…in Glasgow! From January 2020, we’ll be opening up on Bath Street in the city centre to bring a new home of single cask whiskies for SMWS members and their guests.

For now, we’re busy giving our new space a special Society feel, but keep your eyes peeled for some special previews and events to be announced soon. Ya dancer!

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

2005 Laphroaig 13 Year Old “Chieftain’s” K&L Exclusive Single 1st Fill Sherry Butt Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Pre-Arrival) $149.99 View

The magical distillery on the south shore of Islay, like all south shore distillers, is quite unlike any other. But Laphroaig has a certain place in the hearts of the hardest core peat lovers. They’re the last distiller down there to malt a portion of their barley on site. Their complex system of tiny stills create the most peculiar and enticing peated spirit in the world. The quality and consistency of their casks is second to none. But over the last decade, what was once a staple in the independent bottling repertoire has completely disappeared. Laphroaig is simply not selling casks any longer. And when we do find casks they’re usually in very inactive hogsheads and declassified to their trade name, “Williamson.” Now that’s not a huge problem because Laphroaig always tastes good, but bottlers can’t replace even those few casks the prices have gone absolutely bonkers. Signatory recently bottled a sister cask those we sold here just three years ago for $200, Laphroaig from the Fall of 1997, for $700. And by god those bottles sell. But a beautiful butt for a not completely abhorrent price, we jumped all over it. Thank the Lord of the Isles that we did, as it’s a complete and utter masterpiece. Some purists askew the idea of Laphroaig in active sherry, but much of the experience is limited to low proof distillery bottlings and finishes. It’s truly a stupendous find and going to be one of those casks that people remember for years to come. Collectors and drinkers alike take note.

Glenlivet 11 Year Old

2006 vintage single sherry cask #900552 exclusive to TWB.

Shop £179.95

Glenlivet 11 Year Old 2006 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask first fill sherry hogshead #900552 bottled August 2017 by Signatory Vintage for the Un-Chillfiltered series. This is a specially selected release to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of The Whisky Barrel. 316 bottles at natural cask strength.

GLENLIVET SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Having out-grown his distillery at Upper Drumin George Smith built a new distillery in 1858 at Minore just short distance upstream of the River Livet and which he opened the following year and named Glenlivet Distillery. During the 1850s the Edinburgh firm of Andrew Usher produced the first vatting of malt whisky from a single distillery using a number of different vintages of Glenlivet whiskey. Following expansion in 2010 this distillery is now equipped with fourteen stills making it one of the largest malt whiskey distilleries in Scotland. The range includes Glenlivet Founders Reserve and Nadurra.

JACK DANIEL’S ANNOUNCES LAUNCH

 OF TENNESSEE APPLE 

Refreshing apple liqueur crafted with Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey available in October 

LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (October 2, 2019) – The Jack Daniel Distillery introduces Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple, a blend of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with finely crafted apple liqueur. The newest member of the Jack Daniel’s family launches nationally in October.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple is crafted from Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, charcoal mellowed and matured in new American oak barrels, and apple liqueur made from the highest quality ingredients to deliver a delicious Jack Daniel’s experience. Jack Apple is a deliciously smooth and refreshing apple-flavored whiskey that’s uniquely Jack.

“Mr. Jack was known for being an innovator and always exploring how to do things differently, including adding different flavors and ingredients,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “Tennessee Apple couples the character of our Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey with the taste of crisp, green apples. It’s like a freshly picked apple in a glass of Jack.”

At 70 proof, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Apple features a perfect blend of green apples enhanced by the sweet bold notes of Jack. It hits shelves nationally October 1 in 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml and 1-liter bottle sizes with a suggested retail price of $26.99 for 750 ml. 

About Jack Daniel’s

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Select and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel’s is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world as recognized by Interbrand.

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S, OLD NO. 7, and TENNESSEE APPLE are registered trademarks. ©2019 Jack Daniel’s. Whiskey Specialty, 35% Alcohol by Volume (70 Proof). Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg, Tennessee. JackDaniels.com

Glenlivet
14 Year Old Single Cask

Glenlivet 2004 Connoisseurs Choice

Single bourbon barrel bottled July 2019 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseur Choice series. Just 162 bottles at cask strength 64.0% Glenlivet 14 Year Old 2004 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single refill bourbon barrel #19/105 bottled July 2019 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series. 162 bottles.

GLENLIVET SINGLE MALT WHISKY

Having out-grown his distillery at Upper Drumin George Smith built a new distillery in 1858 at Minore just short distance upstream of the River Livet and which he opened the following year and named Glenlivet Distillery. During the 1850s the Edinburgh firm of Andrew Usher produced the first vatting of malt whiskey from a single distillery using a number of different vintages of Glenlivet whisky. Following expansion in 2010 this distillery is now equipped with fourteen stills making it one of the largest malt whiskey distilleries in Scotland. The range includes Glenlivet Founders Reserve and Nadurra.

Shop – Glenlivet 14 Year Old – £99.24

Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2008

An unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Bruichladdich, distilled using 100% Bere Barley harvested from the Dunlossit Estate in 2007. Matured for 9 years in American oak casks that previously held Bourbon and Tennessee whisky. Bottled at 50% vol at the Bruichladdich distillery itself.

Limited stock available at this price…

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Van Winkle Bourbon Annual Release Coming Soon 

             FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 10, 2019) – This is the favorite time of the year for bourbon fans, the annual release of the Van Winkle Bourbons.  Like previous years, yields from the barrels are low due to evaporation during the long aging cycle.

            Known for their smoother and sweeter flavor due to the wheat recipe versus the traditional rye recipe found in most bourbons, Van Winkle bourbons are aged years longer than most others and have garnered an impeccable reputation among connoisseurs.  Although  bourbon has become increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, very little Van Winkle is sold overseas, so that  these coveted bottles are available in the United States.

The Van Winkle collection consists of several whiskeys. Suggested retail prices are as follows:

• $69.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Handmade Bourbon 10 Year Old 107 proof
• $79.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Special Reserve Bourbon 12 Year Old
• $119.99 – Old Rip Van Winkle Family Reserve Rye 13 Year Old
• $119.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 15 Year Old
• $199.99 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 20 Year Old
• $299.90 – Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Bourbon 23 Year Old

“Unfortunately we cannot control the price retailers charge, so some retailers mark it up beyond our MSRP, even though we ask them not to,” said Julian Van Winkle, president, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery. “We are committed to releasing a quality product and hope retailers will honor what we suggest as a fair retail price.”

Upon release of the Van Winkle bourbon this fall, Buffalo Trace warns consumers to be wary of online resellers such as Craigslist and other online marketplaces, especially private Facebook and MeWe groups. “Trading and selling bourbon online is an unlicensed and illegal sale.  Purchasing bourbon online from unlicensed parties is dangerous.  The product may be counterfeit and unsafe.  If you are not a licensed retailer and you are selling Van Winkle products, we are prepared to take action to curtail the activity,” adds Kris Comstock, senior marketing director at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Van Winkle line of whiskeys has won a multitude of awards through the years, including the 20-year-old receiving a double gold medal, best bourbon, best small batch bourbon at the 2018 New York International Spirits Competition; the 15-year-old being named Best Bourbon, 11-15 Years Old in the 2019 Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, and also nabbing a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

            The Van Winkle Whiskeys will be available starting in November, but please be mindful that supply is quite limited and bottles shall be hard to find in stores, bars and restaurants. They will be packed three bottles per case. 

About Van Winkle Bourbon

The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four generation history. The Van Winkle

family’s involvement in the bourbon industry began in the late 1800s with Julian P. “Pappy” Van Winkle, Sr. He was a traveling salesman for the W.L. Weller and Sons wholesale house in Louisville. Pappy and a friend, Alex Farnsley, eventually bought the wholesale house and also partnered with Mr. A. Ph. Stitzel on the purchase of Mr. Stitzel’s distillery.  The three of them merged the two companies and became the Stitzel-Weller Distillery.

In May of 1935 at the age of 61, Pappy opened the newly completed Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville. Its prominent brands were W.L. Weller, Old Fitzgerald, Rebel Yell, and Cabin Still.  Pappy had a heavy influence on the operations there until his death at the age of 91. His son, Julian, Jr. took over operations until he was forced by stockholders to sell the distillery in 1972. The rights to all of their brands were sold to Norton Simon, Inc. Later, United Distillers, who eventually ended up with the Stitzel-Weller Distillery, sold off all of the original labels around 1999.
After selling the distillery, Julian Jr. resurrected a pre-Prohibition label, the only one to which the Van Winkles kept the rights, called Old Rip Van Winkle. He used whiskey stocks from the old distillery to supply his brand. Julian Jr.’s son, Julian, III took over in 1981 when Julian, Jr. passed away. Julian III has continued with the Van Winkle tradition of producing high-quality wheated bourbon. His son, Preston, joined the company in 2001 and the Van Winkles look to continue that tradition for generations to come.
In 2002 the Van Winkles entered into a joint venture with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, Ky. All of the Van Winkle’s whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com.

KININVIE RELEASES FIRST THREE TRIALS FROM ITS KININVIE WORKS RANGE – KVSM001, KVSG002 AND KVSB003

• Kininvie, from William Grant & Sons, releases KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003; a Single Malt, Single Grain and a Blended expression – three whiskies created from different trials from Kininvie Works, near Dufftown, Scotland
• Alongside this, it has published its first technical White Paper; a theoretical hypothesis that explores a potential innovation that Kininvie Works could undertake – ‘rousing’ of new make spirit to affect flavour
• Kininvie Works aims to challenge what we know about Scotch whisky making and acts as a creative hub where collaboration, curiosity and a desire to learn are key

Kininvie Works is a collective of determined free-thinking distillers that go against the grain to challenge what we know about Scotch whisky. The ideas that they test are never constrained or informed by any commercial fulfilment plans, something that is unique to Kininvie Works.

For the first time, Kininvie has released the outputs of three of its trials. The inaugural Kininvie Works range is comprised of three makes – KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003; the result of the bravery and creativity that epitomises the work done at Kininvie Works, where invention, learning and discovery lead the way.

Each of these expressions is characterised by one distinctive technique, with the ambition to create a liquid that represents the learnings of the experiments carried out at Kininvie Works.

The new releases:

KVSM001 – For this expression, Kininvie experimented with the distillery parameters to allow a third distillation process, comparable to Irish distillation and a contrast to the normal set-up at Kininvie. Run for one week at the distillery, KVSM001 is the result of this experiment – a five-year-old Single Malt whisky that has been aged in ex-Bourbon casks with an ABV of 47%. The observation of this trial was that shifting from a double to a triple distillation resulted in a floral and fruity character with hints of pear drops.

KVSG002 – Behind this expression is an experiment to explore the different flavour profiles generated by cereals other than the usual malted barley to see if, and how, the addition of malted rye could alter the whisky’s profile. KVSG002 is a three-year-old Single Grain whisky aged in Virgin American oak casks with an ABV of 47.8%, defined by the addition of malted rye to the mash. What was observed was that the final product had a distinguished toffee flavour along with the classic spiciness associated with rye.

KVSB003 – The final release of the range is an innovation in Blended Scotch. It uses a higher proportion of malt than usual for a Blend, exploring how malt and grain drive flavour differently. KVSB003 is a blend of a three-year-old Single Grain Scotch whisky with a parcel of Single Malt Scotch whisky both produced at the Kininvie Distillery, aged in Virgin American oak & European casks respectively. It has an ABV of 48.2%. The observation was that this shift created a distinct spicy note that balances out the light floral note of Kininvie malt.To accompany the launch of this experimental range is Kininvie Works’ first White Paper – theorising a potential trial at Kininvie Works. It was written as a springboard for the whisky community to exchange and discuss ideas about potential future whisky experimentations and whether they should be pursued or not.

Titled ‘The Influence of the Continuous Rousing of Spirit on the Characteristics of New Make Whisky Spirit’, this first research work explores how the principle of aeration could be applied to whisky making in a similar way it is used to enhance the flavours of wine, and to understand the possibilities of ‘rousing’ new make spirit before it goes into casks. Developed collaboratively by the Distilling team, its objective is to champion learning and creativity in whisky making and offer a hypothesis about the future of whisky innovation.

This first White Paper is testament to the experimentation that happens at Kininvie Works – a creative sanctuary to bend and reinvent the traditions of whisky and where creativity meet a meticulous observation process.

The three Kininvie releases, KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003 (50cl) are available to purchase online from 7th October 2019 in the UK, and from 14^th October 2019 in France on www.amazon.co.uk for £35 or 35€.

The White Paper, titled The Influence of the Continuous Rousing of Spirit on the Characteristics of New Make Whisky Spirit, and published on September 2019, can be downloaded free here: www.kininvie.com

NOTES

Where to buy and RRP
KVSM001, KVSG002 and KVSB003 (50cl) – the inaugural releases of Kininvie Works – are available to purchase on www.amazon.co.uk from 7^th October 2019 (UK) and 14^th October 2019 (FR) for a RRP of £35 or 35€.

Or via direct links below:

• KVSM001 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YCJR3CC
• KVSG002 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YCPV2K9
• KVSB003 – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07YCQ4G1P

Packaging info
The Kininvie Works range comes in 100% recyclable packaging, specifically designed for e-commerce; the bottle is flat, light and its outer box doesn’t require additional bubble wrap or safety packaging.

Social media
Kininvie can be found on social media via the links below:

• Facebook – @kininvie
• Instagram – @kininvie
• Twitter – @Kininvie
• YouTube – @Kininvie 

Product names
The Kininvie Works products names – KVSM001, KVSG002 AND KVSB003 – relate to each expression’s own experiment.

KV stands for Kininvie, the next two letters relate to the whisky type; SG stands for Single Grain, SM stands for Single Malt and SB stands for Scotch Blend. The final number – 001, 002 and 003 – relates to the experiment number of the expression.

About Kininvie
The Kininvie whisky distillery is based in Dufftown, Speyside. It is one of William Grant & Sons three distilleries in Dufftown. The Kininvie distillery was founded on 4^th July 1990. Kininvie has long been a hub for creation and innovation; and for the first time, it’s showing this side to the public with the inaugural three releases from its Kininvie Works range.

About Kininvie Works
Kininvie Works, is a collective of free-thinking distillers that go against the grain to challenge what we know about Scotch Whisky. The ideas that they test are never constrained or informed by any commercial

Award-Winning Whiskeys from a Thrilling New Distiller
“If New Riff is not on your radar, you need to follow them.
They’re one of the most exciting new distilleries in the world.” — Fred Minnick for Forbes

New Riff founders Ken Lewis and Jay Erisman have decades of experience in the spirits industry, specifically on the retail side of the business. Ken founded The Party Source—the largest independent retail shop in Kentucky. Jay was his spirits buyer—the man responsible for doing things like bottling single casks of Pappy back in the day. In 2014, eager to take the next step in their careers, Ken decided to sell the shop to his employees and build a brand new distillery in the parking lot. From day one, the vision has been to make quality whiskey. Jay and Ken, while two of the most knowledgeable people on the retail side of the spirits business, had in fact never made whiskey before. So, they hired Larry Ebersold and Brian Sprance to dial it in. Larry was the former master distiller at Seagram’s, known today as LDI and the source of the vast majority of “craft” whiskey on the market. Brian was a longtime brewing manager at Boston Beer Company. Together, these two guys have as much experience fermenting and distilling at the highest level as nearly anyone on the planet.

Available in California exclusively from K&L Wine Merchants, we are proud to partner with another fiercely independent family-owned spirits business to bring some of the best whiskey on the market to our customers.The result is a crack team of experts start to finish—production on through to marketing and sales—all with a palate for the good stuff. Their commitment to excellence goes well beyond hiring the best in the business. They have a few uncompromising values when it comes to their whiskey. It will always be unchillfiltered, and every drop is bottled-in-bond in accordance with the oldest and highest quality standard in American whiskey (unless it’s a single cask at full proof). Their first release came in the fall of 2018 when the youngest barrels were aged up to the minimum 4-year-old requirement to be bottled-in-bond. By March of 2019, they won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits competition for all five of their entrants—the bourbon, rye, single barrel bourbon, and two fabulous gins. It is the most impressive haul by a new distillery we have ever seen.

New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

The importance of what New Riff has done can’t be stated in a single review. The true magnitude of their accomplishments can only be understood when looking at the larger picture of the American whiskey industry and where they fit into it. As with any whiskey though, the story isn’t fully told until you get it in your glass and judge for yourself. I love the combination of richness and spice in the bourbon. In particular, the high (30%) rye content really amps up the experience. While the sweet vanillins and caramels of the barrel create a base for the whiskey, it’s the high toned peaks of rye aromatics that make the pour sing. Pepper and cinnamon abound, but the touch of dried alfalfa adds the savor needed to make it a complete drinking experience, not just a sweet and spice bomb. The finish lingers, both long and well rounded. Perfect at 100 proof, as required by the Bottled-In-Bond Act of 1897, you have many options for enjoying this one. Neat is never a bad idea, but the savory notes play extremely well with vermouth if you want to mix up some cocktails. There is enough punch that a little water or ice isn’t going to dilute you past the point of intense aromatics and flavor either.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

Easily one of the most exciting new distillers in KY, and we’re proud to be the partner for these incredible products. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill craft distillery, this is a proper, modern Kentucky style distillery. It’s not a tiny capacity, working on experiments and trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re just cranking out great whisky and we’re along for the ride. The flagship BIB bourbon is extremely well balanced and proof positive that craft whiskey doesn’t need to be old to be delicious. I’m not sure if they’re heat-cycling these warehouses, but they are rubbing all the edges of this little gem. A soft nose of sweet tea, deep oak, caramelized orange peel, and hints of earthy maltiness. On the palate it’s somewhat tropical, with a strawberry candy front palate building into a strong spice toward the back. It’s not a slouch and definitely has a spice backbone that’s going to suit lovers of Four Roses or Wild Turkey just fine. Despite the name, New Riff isn’t new school at all. Just great classic bourbon from an independent distillery that we’re unbelievably lucky to be a part of.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 25, 2019

This is a medium bodied bourbon with a wonderful sweet nose with caramel notes. In the mouth there are caramel and honey flavors with a pleasing dry finish. I though that it was very good with and without the addition of water. It will be great alone or in cocktails.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

Balsa wood, incense, and musky cologne emerge from the glass. Cinnamon, clove, and other earthy spices come to the fore and dominate the nose of this bottled-in-bond bourbon that’s woody and peppery enough to make one wonder if it’s a rye. There’s just enough caramel to keep things in bourbon territory though, with freshly sliced vanilla bean and nutmeg creeping in and making the nose a bit more rich and voluptuous. It’s woodier on the palate with more bold spice character as well. This is definitely a great whiskey for lovers of high-rye bourbons.

New Riff Bottled-In-Bond Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($44.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

When you start a new distillery, it’s not uncommon (for the savvy operators) to hire a longtime industry pro to make sure the setup of the facility is up to snuff. If you’re really dedicated to making great whiskey, you hire the best. If you’re dedicated to making great rye, that means you find the man who has a reasonable claim to having distilled more rye whiskey than anyone on earth. Larry Ebersold spent 40+ years making whiskey at what is today known as MGP—at one time the largest whiskey distillery on the planet—and he is responsible for making an enormous portion of the bourbon and rye available on the market today. The investment in great people has paid off in a big way for New Riff. They let Larry order up the “small” distillery of his dreams and implemented a few new ideas he had that were not in the cards at a massive facility like MGP. A bit unusual in that it is 100% rye (95% rye and 5% malted rye) this is a dissertation on why rye is such a compelling distillation grain. It’s both spicy in flavor and plush on the palate. There is a small floral and grassy component that is intense but not perfumy or overly sweet. The cinnamon and pepper that is so clear in the high-rye bourbon, counterintuitively melts into the core of this 100% rye. Bottled-in-bond, this Fall 2019 bottling is a masterpiece and rightly deserves to be where New Riff hangs their hat.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

While everyone is talking about the New Riff bourbons, I think it’s the rye that’s secretly their most exciting product. New Riff bourbons are high rye already, but they follow sort of the standard Kentucky process. With the rye, New Riff is actually riffing a bit on the classic Larry Ebersold Seagram’s mashbill that’s made the rye from the distillery down river so famous. This is 100% rye with 5% of that being malted rye. The resulting whisky is earthy and complex. It doesn’t have the obvious mint qualities of some other 100% ryes, instead replacing those with a dark underbrush aroma that’s really appealing. Still, an evergreen quality and some sweet oak give this an obvious forest essence that I think will become a hallmark of New Riff’s wonderful ryes. The palate is very forgiving without relinquishing the savoriness, but offering tons of flambeed citrus, roasting herbs, Manuka honey and a round creamy texture. This one loves a bit of water.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

This bottled-in-bond no chill-filtered Kentucky rye has a gorgeous and incredibly aromatic nose. It’s so floral at the start, but not without spicy and fruity notes. This is a bit of a slow-burner rye, where you almost expect it to be a softy push-over, but rest assured that this grows bolder the more you sniff. After the fresh-cut flowers, apple and cinnamon come out strong. But for me, it’s not like a friendly baked apple pie – no, this is fresh ground cinnamon powder dashed onto just-cut green apples. This is intense. There’s more spice on the palate that lights you up without blowing your head off. Charred oak meets fresh cut wood with incense before getting spicy again with a dose of cooling mint to spare your tongue from the burn. This is a fun little trip of a rye.

New Riff “Single Barrel #15-4076” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($49.99)

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

Distilled in the fall of 2015 and bottled in the fall of 2019, barrel #15-4076 clocks in at 112.4 proof. More than one of our staff members muttered impressed profanities under their breath upon tasting this barrel. It’s jammed with expanding flavors ranging from caramel, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, to sandalwood, mint, tangy apples, cracked pepper and varnish. The proof is high, but the heat is remarkably restrained. It’s an easy sipper even at cask strength. Of course like all of their whisky – it’s bottled without chill filtration. Just raw, unadulterated whiskey goodness. Selected for exceptional quality and bottled one barrel at a time, the single barrel SKU never gets old. Each one is a unique, but complete expression of the quality New Riff produces every day.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 26, 2019

While the bottled in bond stuff has proved to be superlative at this new distillery in Northern Kentucky, it will surely be the wonderful single barrels that seal the deal with so many whisky fanatics. These barrels deliver so much depth and complexity, I’m always shocked that we’re able to sell them for so little. So few of Kentucky’s great distillers are offering us cask strength single barrel and going forward we’ll be scouring New Riffs warehouses for the very best cherries. This barrel shows a very different character than the standard BIB right now. The nose explodes out of the glass with exotic aromas: sandalwood and white flowers, grilled stone fruits, and surprisingly low spice on the nose. On the palate here comes the oak spice and vanilla! Long, warming cinnamon, and slight hints of roasted corn. A pretty tidy package filled with tons of flavor and wrapped in a silk ribbon.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 25, 2019

This barrel is elegant and layered. The nose is soft and inviting. In the mouth it is light and on the sweet side. With a splash of water it really opens up with the bright sweetness and delicate flavors coming together.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2019

Cinnamon, clove, and burnt sugar waft up from the glass on this deceptively easy to drink cask strength bourbon. I’m pretty used to drinking high-proof whisk(e)y, but this is dang friendly and I’m not sure I would peg it as cask strength if it was handed to me blind. Spearmint and eucalyptus create a lovely relaxing balm with other herbal and medicinal notes. The palate is fairly earthy and herbal with tea notes that then go in a creme brulee direction. Adding water offers exciting changes to the whiskey with more florality emerging and snappy spices. Pepper, dark caramel, and toasted oak spice linger in the very long finish.