1994 Miltonduff 24 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($129.99)

The strikingly underappreciated Miltonduff distillery is unique in so many ways. Built on the site of an old mill for the Pluscarden Abbey, the distillery’s old stone buildings hide one of Speyside’s most delicious malts. Originally a Priory founded by King Alexander II in 1230, the area became renowned for illicit distillation. Originally licensed in 1824, the name, Milton, was taken from a still that operated on the property. The Duff family owned the lands surrounding the abbey, hence the name Miltonduff. The malt became an important component of the renowned and still well-regarded Ballentine’s blend. Small quantities are released via trades to independent bottlers, but the new owners (Chivas Regal) haven’t made an effort to market the malt as a standalone whisky. Its quality and rarity mean that bottlers often charge a premium and we’ve seen countless young offerings for over $100, but when this cask of full matured Miltonduff came our way we knew we couldn’t say no. Just a few months shy of that magic 25 year old age statement which would have added a solid 40% to the price tag, this is one old Speysider you can’t afford to miss. The older Ballentine’s blends are regularly awarded high praise from the critics and Miltonduff is a big part of that story. This old elegant whisky is the most approachable of the 20+ year old single casks that we’ve brought in this year – full of fruit, malt and unprecedented purity.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 13, 2018

Pour little Miltonduff. Nobody seems to want to admit that this stuff is world class. Critics ignore it, amateurs are unaware of it and aficionados dont even pretend to understand it. It took us a while to sell the last exclusive Miltonduff because most people wouldn’t get on board. When they finally got around to tasting it, the stuff flew out the door. This cask might sadly suffer a similar fate. Waiting on our shelves to be discovered, but the lucky few who dip their toes in without bias, will be rewarded handsomely. Quite an old school nose, with hints of citrus, wisps of clean smoke, marzipan and savory herbs. The somewhat subdued nose is in total contrast to the massive intensity of the palate. It’s all citrus, cake frosting and herbs again though, none of the smoke. A bit of camphor and warming minty green tea finish. With water, it just explodes with flavors offering an absolutely stunning bouquet of aromatic complexities. It’s a terrible shame that more people arent jump all over this beauty, but if you don’t act soon you might just miss the malt of your dreams. Once the geeks get a hold of this one I think theyll be hoarding it.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 10, 2018

We don’t get to see a lot of Miltonduff which is ashamed. It offers a wonderful flavor prospective to the single malt selection at K&L. The nose has bright nice pear fruit like aromas that have wax and honey undertones. In the mouth the entry is sweet, followed with concentrated flavors that have dried fruit nuances. There is a long finish. I thought the Miltonduff 24 was enjoyable with and without an addition of water.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 01, 2018

An especially clean and pure spirit, even at such an age. Miltonduff is most well known for being the top dressing malt for Ballantine’s wonderful and elegant blends. It’s quite a rare thing to see it bottled on its own as a single malt, and we’re supremely happy to have had the chance to do it. There is lots of butterscotch and Werther’s Original cream and caramel notes to this malt. A bit of buttered popcorn and a fine drizzle of melted milk chocolate round it all out. For those who normally drink the classic malts of Glenfiddich and Glenlivet, this is a luxurious rise to the top of that style ladder without paying the premium associated with the very old bottles from those illustrious distilleries. Not a hint of smoke here, just a little dried nuttiness and faint herbal note round out everything with a slight savor. At the natural cask strength of 50.8% ABV, this is utter perfection.

After the release of the Johnnie Walker White Walker blended Scotch in late 2018, It proved to be a prelude to the main event of HBO and Diageo collaborating on the Game of Thrones Single Malts Collection – a series of eight limited edition single malt whiskies all paired with one of the iconic Houses of Westeros, as well as the “Night’s Watch”.

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Banff
37 Year Old 1971
Dead Whisky Society
$753.27

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Banff 37 Year Old 1971 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask #633 bottled August 2008 by the Dead Whisky Society for the Rare Old series. 565 numbered bottles.

The Mill of Banff Distillery was established by Major James McKilligan at Mains of Colleonard Farm just south of Banff in 1824 but closed in 1863 when Simpson’s son built a new distillery on a site at Inverboyndie and named it Banff Distillery. In 1983 Banff Distillery closed, was partially demolished in 1985 and most of the rest came down during a fire in 1991. Banff is a lost Highland malt whiskey distillery with rare examples from the Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old series of bottlings, and all highly sought after.

Whisky is here!

With the final season of Game of Thrones coming in April this year, HBO & Diageo have brought together eight single malts, one for each of the iconic Houses of Westeros as well as one for the Night’s Watch.

Each of the eight whiskies from the limited edition collection are from a different distiller and four expressions in the collection feature completely new liquid bottled especially for the series with the Royal Lochnagar 12 Year Old and Cardhu Gold Reserve rebottled and available in the UK for the first time. Take a look at the full collection below.

Game Of Thrones Collection

CARDHU GOLD RESERVE GAME OF THRONES HOUSE TARGARYEN

CLYNELISH RESERVE GAME OF THRONES HOUSE TYRRELL

DALWHINNIE WINTER’S FROST GAME OF THRONES HOUSE STARK

LAGAVULIN 9 YEAR OLD GAME OF THRONES HOUSE LANNISTER

ROYAL LOCHNAGAR 12 YEAR OLD GAME OF THRONES HOUSE BARATHEON

TALISKER SELECT RESERVE – GAME OF THRONES HOUSE GREYJOY

SINGLETON OF GLENDULLAN RESERVE GAME OF THRONES HOUSE TULLY

OBAN BAY RESERVE GAME OF THRONES THE NIGHT’S WATCH

JOHNNIE WALKER WHITE WALKER

Orkney
15 Year Old 2002
Cask #3
$84.49

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Highland Park 15 Year Old 2002 vintage Orcadian single malt Scotch whisky. Single sherry cask #3 bottled 2018 by Berry Bros & Rudd exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. 180 bottles at cask strength. This sherry butt has archived the tricky balance of peat and sherry beautifully. Aromas of cigar box, leather and honey abound. The palate delivers a near perfect orcadian whisky, combining dried figs, dates and runes with peat smoke and complex floral notes. The is superlative whisky finishes with clove rock and more rich fruit.

Mystery single malt that don’t want to reveal their true identity. Rummage around and with a bit of investigation you are sure to find a rare unspecified bottling from independent bottler.

LIP-SMACKING SEDUCTION
CASK NO. 135.4
CASK: 2nd fill barrel
AGE: 17 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Sweet, fruity & mellow

COOL AS A CUCUMBER
CASK NO. 70.26
CASK: Refill barrel
AGE: 9 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Young & spritely

MAKING A HAZEL BOW
CASK NO: 9.134
CASK: Refill barrel
AGE: 11 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Juicy, oak & vanilla

RELAXING IN A SAUNA
CASK NO: 46.57
CASK: Refill hogshead
AGE: 24 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Spicy & dry

BEESWAX ON A CELLO
First release from distillery 68 for SMWS Canada
CASK NO: 68.12
CASK: Re-charred hogshead
AGE: 8 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Deep, rich & dried fruits

A MASCULINE ENIGMA
CASK NO: 93.90
CASK: Refill hogshead
AGE: 16 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Lightly peated

SMOKED SALT ORANGE PEEL
CASK NO: 53.250
CASK: Refill hogshead
AGE: 11 years
FLAVOUR PROFILE: Lightly 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

EVOLUTION OF THE JAMESON BOTTLE AND LABEL

IS SET TO CONTINUE THE SUCCESS STORY OVER 50 YEARS ON

– First introduced in 1968, the new smooth pack contains the same triple-distilled Jameson that has made it the world’s No.1 Irish whiskey – 

Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled an evolution of its iconic bottle and label design 50 years after it was first introduced. The refreshed look highlights the brand’s provenance, triple-distillation production method and premium quality cues to whiskey drinkers as it looks to strengthen its position as the world’s leading Irish whiskey.

Created by Stockholm’s Pond Design agency, the designs introduce a bold visual identity that has stand-out appeal and further drives differentiation in the dynamic Irish whiskey category. The bottle shape now features a tapered body and a more generous shoulder curve, while a distinctive embossed label ‘eyebrow’ and heel at the base make the bottle more tactile and memorable to hold. The distinctive green glass bottle and easy-to-pour neck remain in place, in line with feedback from market research among bartenders and Irish whiskey drinkers.

The refreshed label is printed on textured paper and reinterprets key elements of the design – most notably the Jameson family crest – while still retaining the most recognisable features to create a more timeless and cohesive look. Messaging on the bottle has been streamlined to emphasise the triple-distilled production method of Jameson, which crafts its renowned smooth taste, and its Irish provenance. The update is underpinned by a more vibrant colour palette designed to stand out and includes a brighter red cap and fresher greens and creams on the label.

The iconic green Jameson bottle that is known around the world today was first introduced in 1968, when bottling was brought in-house at the Bow Street Distillery as the era of whiskey bonding came to an end. The signature green, cream and maroon colours were inspired by the stained-glass panels in the doors of the historic distillery, installed in the late 19^th Century by then Production Manager George Jameson, and can still be viewed at the Jameson Distillery Bow street today. Over the past 50 years, the bottle has evolved with the times but key elements such as the green glass, family crest and ship have remained in place to inspire new whiskey drinkers with the Jameson story.

The bottle is constructed using pressure sensitive label (PSL) technology at Irish Distillers’ Fox & Geese bottling facility in Dublin – a new and more efficient process that allows for split labels to be applied to the glass bottles and a more premium finish. The new Jameson Irish Whiskey bottles will be available in Ireland from January 2019, and from the USA and other markets from March ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, and will be introduced across Jameson Caskmates, Jameson Black Barrel and Jameson Crested throughout the year.

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director for Jameson at Irish Distillers, commented: “Jameson Irish Whiskey is the world’s favourite Irish whiskey and is leading the renaissance within the category that we have seen over the past ten years. As such, we are committed to investing in the brand and we are confident that our new smooth pack, with the same triple distilled Irish whiskey inside is the winning combination to drive distinctiveness and relevance with whiskey drinkers and bartenders. With 29 years of consecutive of growth, our mission is to maintain momentum in key markets and accelerate growth and we believe that the subtle design evolution will help us to share the fearless spirit of Jameson with even more people around the world and continue the success story for many years to come.”

Notes 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 29 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2018. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €250m to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

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

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

Laphroaig
8 Year Old 2008
Williamson
$70.31

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Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2010 vintage Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask hogshead selected and bottled at cask strength October 2018 by Morrison & MacKay exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. 284 bottles. Laphroaig Distillery was established in 1815 on the rocky south coast of the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. This malt whiskey distillery continues to malt barley using its traditional malting floors and malt kiln. In 1994 the distiiley 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.

One-of-a-Kind Single Malt You Won’t Find Elsewhere

“There’s no reason a whisky this good and this old should be this inexpensive.”
—David Othenin-Girard, K&L SoCal Spirits Buyer

Almost never seen in the United States, Blair Athol is a rare treat for collectors of Scotland’s finest drams. The bottling featured here, a 23 Year Old that was brought up in sherry cask, counts among the best expressions we’ve ever encountered. Heady, expressive, and with a seemingly unending cascade of Amontillado spice, it is a pure delight from start to finish. Blair Athol has developed something of a cult following over the years, and based on the balanced power this 23 Year Old reveals, it’s all too easy to see why. Because of its scarcity, one might expect this scotch to cost twice the price, but that’s the beauty of our direct-import program—we are able to offer it at an unbeatable price. We urge you to scroll down and read our staff reviews, as they paint a picture of a Highland malt of the highest caliber. Previous casks of Blair Athol have sold out in no time, and we expect much the same of this magnificent expression.

1995 Blair Athol 23 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($109.99)

The exceptional Blair Athol Distillery sits just outside the picturesque town of Pitlochry at the base of the great Cairngorm Mountains. This small stone distillery has provided K&L with several of our most renowned single barrels, namely a few old refill casks from Signatory, which were dark refill sherry butts. This barrel showing up just a few years after those exquisite examples of this low-key distillery further proves that sherry and Blair Athol play in perfect harmony. Famous in the U.K. as the home of the well-regarded Bell’s Blend, it has no real no real presence in the States. Nonetheless, it’s become sought after partly due to our efforts and because more of our customers are heading over to Scotland. Since invariably a stop in the quaint little village just to the north of the distillery is recommended, every year more people coming home dreaming about it. Once you taste that flora and fauna expression, it must feel rather tragic to realize that no regular expression of this lovely malt is available in the U.S. So when this stupendous cask popped up, we knew we had to nab it. I’d happily sell this exceptional whisky, filled into a fresh sherry butt back in 1995, for $200. I absolutely think it’s worth that much. We crushed the 26 Year Old from Signatory (albeit slightly older and darker) at $180 a bottle years ago. While it might not be as unique as some of the year’s other offerings, it’s is easily the most lovable malt of the season and another insane value from OMC.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 14, 2018

The lovely Blair Athol distillery is the spiritual home of the Bell’s Blend, which gets a bad rap from some whisky geeks, but when we see the excellent distillery in the warehouse we take note. Very few things are more appealing to me than an extremely affordable Blair Athol charged from a sherry. One whiff and we knew we had to have this majestic barrel. The nose has a big note of Oloroso, but also some complex malty fruit in the background. With a bit of water, dark fruit compote, exotic spices, and a subtle, almost Amontillado-like savory quality, emerge. On the palate it’s wonderfully textured with big taffy notes and a woodsy herbal quality—although much cleaner after water than the Ben Nevis, it still has a bit of funk to start. This is a total no brainer—an ultra-balanced, but overtly sherried malt in what might be arguably its perfect state of maturation. You barely notice the high proof, but it does love a little dollop of spring water, which opens it up in the most impressive way. Those that love the balance between dark sherry tones and rich maltiness will want to load up on this while it’s still around. There’s no reason a whisky this good and this old should be this inexpensive.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 11, 2018

Once again we have Blair Athol on the shelves! It has been far too long and I’ve fielded too many customer requests from people hoping for a bottle of our previous casks to pop up. While a touch younger and nowhere near as dark in sherry color, this wonderful cask shows off all of the splendor of sherry-aged Blair Athol with more sophistication than our previous bottlings. The chocolate fudge and spice cake of the sherry butt is more deeply integrated and the nutty texture and earthy flavors of the malt shine through. Don’t let that gentle sounding description fool you. The nose is just as robust as the first fill sherry monsters of yesteryear, but the palate doesn’t attack you, it lulls you into a false sense of security instead. At nearly 60%, for all its grace, this malt still packs a wallop. With a water addition it softens (a little) and exposes more of a dried orange peel and caramelized candied almond profile. A big malt for those who want power in their glass. And all for a pittance in comparison to the pair of 1988s we’ve offered in the last couple of years.

William Beare | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 25, 2018

It’s a cold and blustery evening here in Redwood City as I take my first few sips of the Blair Athol 23. The days are getting shorter and the winds are picking up. But in a large, deep glass, just the nose on this feels like a space heater for my soul. There is a small handful of fire in each inhale, but such a seductive, sweet fire that you feel dared to keep breathing deeper. The palate is filled with sweet honeycomb wax—unbelievably textural with a healthy dose of orange zest and a nutty finish. Well worth the price tag, and way too easy to drink for your own good.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 25, 2018

There’s big fruit on the nose with notes of syrupy brandy cherries coming in first, followed by orange zest, kumquat, and apricot. Nice bright caramel and rock candy scents come through next, then just a little earthiness and a whisper of smoke. The palate is initially dominated by salted caramels and stone fruit flavors, but then there’s a bold transition to cherries, spices, and some leather in a nicely long finish.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2018

This cask offering from Blair Athol is unapologetic in the way it presents itself. When first poured into the glass, notes of iodine, peat, astringent, leather, and oak are apparent—stereotypical but then a honeyed apricot and Nilla wafers come in to soften those hardened players. On the palate that sweetness at the end of the nose comes through on the tip of your tongue, hitting you with sweet cashew brittle and green apple undertones. The finish is long and you get a little spice and heat on the end, while that sweetness keeps its promise to the end, drawing out notes of pencil shavings after it..

Anthony Russo | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2018

This is a highlight of what Scotland’s Highland region can achieve. This whisky typically goes into a bottling that does not reach the United States, so just the opportunity to taste it is incredibly special. The nose is wildly interesting, loaded with all types of fruits and spices. The palate definitely follows up nicely with a flavor I did not expect: a touch of malty sweetness that keeps the finish long. I am very excited about this release, especially at the price/cask strength ABV.

White Walker: by Johnnie Walker 

 “This limited edition bottle utilizes thermochromic ink to give fans a frosty surprise message when frozen. With flavor notes like caramelized sugar, vanilla, and fresh red berries, White Walker by Johnnie Walker makes for a delicious serve. The new blend is best served ice cold, inspired by the White Walkers beyond The Wall.”

PRICE: $39/btl 

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PLEASE CONTACT THE STORE TO ORDER 

 
We are not responsible for any typographical errors or why Sansa and Arya Stark look nothing alike. Please contact the store with any questions.

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