New Exclusive “Old Particular” Release – Craigellachie 21 Year Old Single Barrel Cask

The Final Single Malt From Our Recent “Old Particular” Container 1995 Craigellachie 21 Year Old “Old Particular” ($89.99) “It’s the whole package and it’s here for a price that destroys any competitor on the market.” – David Driscoll, K&L Assistant Head Buyer.

There was a time at K&L when we had to explain to our customers where Craigellachie distillery was and what kind of whisky was made there. A few years ago, after prices for single barrels of single malt began to explode and availability for mature sherry-aged whiskies became scarce, we turned to the Dewar’s-owned distillery to replace some of the more popular brands on our shelf when we felt the prices were out of reach. Craigellachie is located in Scotland’s Speyside region and makes a rich and unctuous sherry-matured malt in the style of Macallan, Glenfarclas, and Glendronach, albeit for a fraction of the price. Now, however, after Craigellachie recently won “Best Single Malt in the World” from Whisky Magazine for its prized 31 year edition, we’re getting calls right and left about the distillery. Our clandestine source of finely-matured Scotch is no longer a secret! Luckily, we bought this cask a while back and have been sitting on it, waiting for the right time to release it to the market. For less than $100, this Craigellachie 21 year—bottled by the trustworthy Old Particular label—offers Speyside fans all the richness of Oloroso-aged single malt, at full proof no less, for a price that’s almost too good to believe.

With Bacardi’s Craigellachie taking home “Best Single Malt in the World” from Whisky Magazine for its 31 year old expression, the world’s attention is now on one of the Speyside’s lesser-known distilleries. Unless you’re a K&L customer, of course, in which case you’re probably aware that we’ve been bottling sherry-aged delights from Craigellachie for years now. While we’ve done a few stunning 18 and 19 year old editions recently, this 21 year old single cask edition not only takes the cake, it puts the cake in cakebread. Loaded with rich sherry flavor, at 53.3% cask strength the richness is accented by layers of caramel and sweet Oloroso character that are lifted by the higher ABV. The real shocker is that we managed to maintain the same price as the 18 year old editions, but for an even old whisky. Considering the official Craigellachie 23 year edition sells for nearly $250, we think our customers are going to be pretty jazzed about the sub-$100 price tag. Seeing that the distillery is well on its way to establishing a wider reputation, this might be the last time we locate this kind of hot deal.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 27, 2017

This is the last single malt from our most-recent Old Particular container! No more bottles scheduled now until mid-Summer at the earliest, so take advantage of this deal as we’ve saved the best for last. 21 year old single barrel sherry-matured Craigellachie at full proof! As brands like Glendronach and Glenfarclas have priced their single casks for similar whiskies at more than double the price here, we’ve turned to the Speyside distillery for our bargain-priced needs. It’s everything you love about Oloroso-aged Speyside Scotch: cakebread, fudge, cocoa, caramel, richness and weight. It’s the whole package and it’s here for a price that destroys any competitor on the market.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 26, 2017

This is another one of those bottlings we get from time to time that just seems to good to be true. For those who love the richness that sherry can offer to Scottish whisky and want something that has age and elegance, but do not want to spend hundreds of dollars I would normally say that you are out of luck. Then I get to taste something like this and I am still a little surprised at what is in the bottle and what we are selling it for. Warm rich fruit in syrup on the nose with some almond and vanilla lead to a big rich palate. Dried fruit and brown sugar with warming spices that start and slowly grow as the Scotch sits golden on the tongue. Long finish with growing heat that never seems to overwhelm even at cask strength, all of this and it is under $100. I mean it just seems silly, but oh so drinkable.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 27, 2017

This barrel packs a punch. An inviting rich caramel nose leads to a rich and mouth coating single malt that is packed full of sherry barrel influence, with dried fruit and caramel flavors leading the way. It is full bodied and has a round mouth feel.I tasted this Craigellachie with a splash of water.

INTRODUCING HIGHLAND PARK VALKYRIE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

For Viking Warriors, death was not an end but a glorious beginning and it began with the Valkyries…

HIGHLAND PARK is proud to introduce VALKYRIE Special Edition single malt Scotch whisky.

In partnership with renowned Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, VALKYRIE is the first in a series of three VIKING LEGEND releases inspired by rich Viking history and mythology.

Having once been part of Denmark and Norway, Orkney became the raiding headquarters for Norwegian Vikings in the 8th and 9th century, shaping a unique past for the island. Magnus Eunson, who founded Highland Park in 1798, was a direct descendent of those first Viking pioneers. Even today, 1 in 3 Orkney islanders bear Scandinavian DNA and share a fierce pride for the rich Nordic ancestry woven into the islands’ traditions and culture.

It is this enduring culture and legacy that is the inspiration for VALKYRIE, set to launch in April 2017.

Highland Park approached Danish designer Jim Lyngvild, himself a modern day Viking and expert in Norse mythology, to design striking new packaging for the three special edition whiskies.

Valkyrie’s unique one-off design is inspired by two important Nordic sources – a typical Viking pendant from around 300-700AD discovered in Uppland, Sweden and the ancient Hammar Stone of Gotland which details the epic journey of the Valkyries,

In his distinctive style, Lyngvild has interpreted the ancient legend of the Valkyries – avenging horse-backed angels who combed the battlefields for the bravest of their fallen warriors – in an expressive, story-telling illustration for Highland Park.

Noticeably different from the traditional black and silver Highland Park packaging, the re-imagined design maintains the distillery’s ongoing references to Viking design whilst updating the graphics with a bolder, hand-drawn aesthetic.

Using embossed metallic detailing, he represents the Valkyries as shield-maidens of Odin, offering their god a drink of mead from a curved horn. The larger illustration features a winged Valkyrie with coiled hair and a necklace that pays homage to the goddess Freya’s magical Brísingamen torc (necklace).

Designer, Jim Lyngvild commented: “I am fiercely proud of my Viking ancestry and connection to the islands of Orkney. Working with Highland Park on the new Viking Legend series has been an honour and a unique opportunity to depict the ancient Norse myths and legends, so revered in Viking culture to a new, contemporary audience.”

Jason Craig, Highland Park brand director, added: “We’ve enjoyed delving deeper into Orkney’s history and heritage for the Viking Legend series, culminating in this exciting new collaboration with bona fide 21^st century Viking Jim Lyngvild. Jim’s knowledge about Viking history and the Viking way of life is rich in detail.

“The whisky itself, created by our Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, dials up more of our smoky notes by incorporating more of our heathery peated malt. This creates a richer, fuller phenolic note that has balance due to the sweeter, heathery character of our moorland peat but it is a slight departure from our core 12 Year Old whisky.”

Notes to editors:  

1. Highland Park Valkyrie will launch in over 15 markets from April 2017.
2. RSP: £55.00 (70cl and 75cl)
3. Valkyrie is the first in a series of three Viking Legend releases. It will be followed by Valknut and Valhalla in 2018/19.

Tasting notes

Appearance:      Natural colour – bright, amber hue

Nose: Sharp tang of sweet green apples and ripening lemons

Palate: A bewitching mix of oriental spices. Driven by European Oak sherry seasoned casks, American Oak sherry-seasoned casks and Bourbon casks, the flavour profile is creamy vanilla with spicy, sweet, preserved ginger and lingering smokiness with hints of liquorice.

Finish: Exquisitely balanced, the long and lingering finish delivers waves of warm aromatic smoke and richly ripened fruit.

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

www.highlandparkwhisky.com

Please enjoy our brand responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

Macallan Masters of Photography:  Steven Klein Edition

The sixth edition in the Macallan Masters of Photography series, this Speyside Highland Single Malt celebrates the work of Steven Klein in a limited edition of only 1,000 bottles. A truly awe-inspiring whisky, each component of Steven Klein’s art is reflected in the master whisky maker’s vision, creating a very specific and unusual whisky that mirrors the art itself.

Each of the Steven Klein Editions are presented in a stunning black leather presentation box. Within each box is a signed Steven Klein print, a distinctive black horse’s head bottle stopper designed by Klein, and a range of alchemic glassware including a dropper, an aroma still, an infuser, a cocktail class, a highball glass and a tumbler.

The nose has sweet berries to the fore, hints of chalk and light vanilla moving to dried fruits and period oak, with caramelised ginger, orange and a wisp of smoke. The palate has a lingering sweet spice, opening to the briefest subtle smoke, before dark chocolate, orange zest, oak and a late wood smoke. The finish is soft and rich, ending in wood smoke.

£27,500 Order Now

Set of 10, each with a different Steven Klein print

Single Grain Scotch

Single grain whiskies have their own different styles and are now highly prized by the whisky enthusiast. We’ve got lots to choose from including some very well aged whiskies from the 1960s, 70s and 80s alongside some very keenly priced expressions from lost Scottish distilleries including Cambus, Port Dundas and Dumbarton.

SHOP GRAINS NOW

BENROMACH LAUNCHES UNIQUE EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASK TO MARK VISITOR CENTRE SUCCESS

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has launched a visitor centre exclusive single cask at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival to celebrate a successful year for the distillery and visitor centre.

Benromach 1976 (ABV 53.5%), cask number 2393, is a dark golden malt, matured in a Refill American Hogshead, with an exceptionally rare character of succulent fruits, with smooth, peppery hints followed by sweet aniseed.

Like previous vintage exclusives, this limited-edition Speyside single malt is presented in a bespoke decanter-style bottle with the contours and copper-colour of the neck and shoulder line representing Benromach Distillery’s stills. The oak presentation box is inspired by the home of Benromach, reflecting the copper of the stills, as well as the dark, grained wood of the original washbacks and the white of the lime washed distillery walls. A beautifully written hardback book accompanies the whisky which delves into the Benromach history, as well as providing whisky fans with some fascinating stories about the people behind the whisky.

Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank continued: “This visitor centre exclusive is a great way to mark the distillery’s recent success and I’m sure Benromach enthusiasts will be keen to get their hands on one of the 32 bottles.”

“This single malt was distilled before the Urquhart family took the reins and brought Benromach Distillery back to life and now, after maturing for 40 years, it is finally time for whisky fans to get the chance to savour this treasured and exceptional dram.”

Susan Colville, Benromach Brand Home Manager, explained: “With the growing popularity of our Distillery and visitor centre with whisky fans from around the world, we carried out extensive renovations during 2015 and 2016 to really showcase what Benromach has to offer and last year we welcomed more visitors than ever before, with over 12,000 whisky fans coming through our doors.”

The growth of Benromach led to the expansion at the distillery and visitor centre 18 months ago, and included new warehouses and a larger team. The four-star visitor centre at Benromach Distillery, open to the public throughout the year for tours, now features three tasting rooms for visitors to experience, while Benromach House – the old distillery manager’s house – was also renovated to hold a new tasting room.  Refurbishment of the visitor centre toilets was completed in March 2017.

The Benromach 1976 is available exclusively at the distillery’s visitor centre with a RRP of £1250.

For more information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available, please visit www.benromach.com  

Notes

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

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

Kilkerran 12 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($64.99)

When the doors opened at the Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery in March of 2004, it became the first new distillery to open in Campbeltown in more than 125 years. Campbeltown, once the center of whisky production for Scotland, had been hit hard over the last century and had dwindled down to two distilleries – Springbank and Glen Scotia. When the SWA threatened to take away the Campbeltown appellation, Springbank was told a region needed at least three distilleries to consider itself a specific locale. The decision was then made to reopen the long-dormant Glengyle distillery located immediately next door to Springbank. Kilkerran is the name that was chosen for the single malt produced at Mitchell’s Glengyle Distillery because the name Glengyle is already used for a blended Highland malt and they also wished to avoid any possible confusion between the newest single malt to come from the Campbeltown region and a pre-existing blended Highland malt. The flavor of the Kilkerran is a little bit of everything, but it most closely resembles a more expressive version of Oban 14. If you like light, yet round; soft, yet supple; and mild, yet slightly peaty whiskies with perfect harmony and balance, this one’s for you.

Springbank 25 Year Old Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($799.99)

This is a much-anticipated new release from Springbank, the oldest independent family-owned distillery in Scotland. It’s been matured in Bourbon, Sherry, and Port casks for a trifecta of deep, nuanced flavor. From the producer: “The nose is rich with a peated Port influence. It’s redolent of the dunnage warehouse in which it was matured. Fruity too, but this time berries to the fore: blackberries, cranberries, and strawberries. The Port wine influence is perfectly balanced with flavours of sherry, plum jam, blood oranges, and pink grapefruit. The finish is long, soft and elegant, with earthy, peaty and woody qualities.” There are only 1200 bottles of this in the world, so snatch this up!

THE LOST DISTILLERY COMPANY

In the last century, almost one hundred of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries have been closed or destroyed. This accounts for nearly half of all distilleries that have ever existed in Scotland. Global economic downturn, over-production, world wars and prohibition have all contributed to the loss of so many distilleries. As a result of all of these factors, many unique and venerable brands have been lost to the world. Until Now… “The Lost Distillery Company creates present day expressions of these lost whisky legends.” Next day delivery available on UK orders

The Lost Distillery Co. Lossit

Part of the Classic Selection from The Lost Distillery Co., this marriage of 100% aged single malt Scotch whiskies aims to recreate the whisky of the now lost Lossit distillery of Islay. Operational from 1817-1867, Lossit was a farm distillery that became the biggest producer of whisky on Islay during the industry’s formative years. The nose has the characteristic peat along with pear and almond milk. The palate is elegant with a peat and pepper balance, before smoke flows to a long finish.

£49.99 Buy Now

The Lost Distillery Co. Jericho

The Lost Distillery Co. Gerston

Royal Salute 21 Year Old Gift Pack

This limited edition gift pack designed by Tom Lane, one of Britain’s foremost calligraphy artists and illustrators, contains a bottle and miniature of Royal Salute 21 Year Old. Initially produced in 1953 for the Queen’s coronation and drawing from the exceptional range of casks laid down over the years by Chivas Brothers in the Highlands of Scotland, Charles Julien, Master Blender, skilfully married the powerful flavours of whiskies aged no less than 21 years to craft a blend fit for royalty.

£135 Buy Now

NEW TO THE PARTY

Belle Meade Bourbon Madeira Cask Finish – Last week we had a single malt Scotch finished in a Malmsey Madeira cask. This week it’s a Tennessee Bourbon (yes, you read that right), finished in a Madeira cask. The newest special selection from Nelson Green Brier, this bottling is a blend of 6 to 9-year-old high-rye bourbon barrels finished in the sun-baked Madeira casks. All of the age on the bourbon, coupled with the Madeira finish, and non-chill filtered at bottling means this juice is absolutely packed with flavor. Expect everything from traditional baking spices of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla, to honey and caramel, little hints of nuts and dried red fruit, maybe a kiss of mint and some chocolatey tones; it’s a flavor bomb. For the true whisky enthusiast, get a bottle of the Glenmorangie Bacalta to try first, and then try this after. It will be a cool study in how a Malmsey Madeira cask finish affects a single malt versus a bourbon.

Minor Case Straight Rye Whisky – From the Limestone Branch Distillery, this is a sherry finished two years aged rye. The name is a tribute to Limestone Branch Distillery’s owners’ grandfather, Minor Case Beam. Minor Case made rye whisky before prohibition. The bottle is beautiful in and of itself. It’s embossed with the Minor Case Beam crest that minor used to put on his labels.  The whisky is nice and is exactly what you’d expect from a rye finished in a sherry barrel. It is rich rye spice wrapped in red fruit.

Linkwood 37yr Single Malt – Here’s a real treat. Linkwood is a bit of a house favorite here at The Party Source. We have long recommended the independent bottlings from Gordon & MacPhail. So it is with great excitement we now have this distillery edition 37-year-old to offer you! This bottle should be nothing short of a wonderful dram and should show a lovely depth of flavor with both floral and fruit notes alike.

Royal Brackla 12yr Single Malt – Here’s the first time in a long time that we’ve been able to offer whisky from Royal Brackla. In 1835, Brackla was the first distillery to be granted the royal warrant; meaning it provided goods to the royal household. It’s an oloroso matured single malt, and undeniably so. Aromas and flavors of ginger, cocoa powder, almonds, apples abound in this delicious malt.

Bunnahabhain Single Malts – We’ve been able to offer you some fantastic independent bottlings from Bunnahabhain, and now we can offer you the distillery selections too! The Bunnahabhain 12 year and Toiteach are both excellent pours. Pronounced boon – a – ha – vin, is one of the great distilleries from Islay (pronounced eye – luh). The 12yr is a nice soft mix of smoke, vanilla, oak, and fruit (cherry?). The Toiteach, which is Gaelic for smoky, delivers a nice, well integrated but ever present gentle smokiness amidst some fruit and spice. Best yet, these are both of natural color and non-chill filtered!

There’s been a lot of interest in the latest Springbank releases so just to let you know that the eagerly awaited annual release of Longrow 18, along with the Limited Edition 8 year old Kilkerran cask strength and a luscious Hazelburn 13 year old sherrywood, are now in stock. You can find them in our New Products section, along with other whiskies that include the first two bottles of a limited edition series from Tomatin that are both affordable and tasty!

NEW PRODUCTS

HAZELBURN 2003 13 YEAR OLD SHERRYWOOD WHISKY

Matured in Oloroso casks the tasting notes for this make it sound irrestible for those of you who love a rich and sweet style of whisky.
Nose – Initially raisins, marzipan, Demerara sugar followed by treacle, sticky toffee and wood shavings.
Taste – Homemade strawberry jam, sugary and filled with cream, orange zest, brandy snaps and a white chocolate creme brûlée.
Finish – Chocolate orange, crazy coffee liqueur, buttered popcorn, cocoa beans and mocha coffee with a delicate finish of sweet orange marmalade.

Buy Online: £ 54.99

BRUICHLADDICH 1992 24 YEAR OLD BLACK ART 5.1 SINGLE MALT

The first Black Art to be created by Adam Hannet since he took over from Jim McEwan as Head Distiller at Bruichladdich.

Buy Online: £ 249.99

TALISKER 30 YEAR OLD 2012 RELEASE SINGLE MALT

We have a very limited amount of the Talisker 25 year old and the Talisker 30 year old 2012 Special Releases back in stock

Buy Online: £ 378.99

TOMATIN 1971 44 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT

The first release in Tomatin’s Warehouse 6 collection and one of only 252 bottles. Matured in an Oloroso Sherry butt, this is rather special…

Buy Online: £ 2599.99

AWARDED WHISKY MAGAZINE’S RETAILER OF THE YEAR FOR 2011