Today sees the arrival of our new addition to the Loch Fyne range! Our new single cask exclusive expression, the Craigellachie 10 Year Old, becomes the second single cask bottling from Loch Fyne.

 Next day delivery available on UK orders
Worldwide shipping

The Loch Fyne
Craigellachie 10 Year Old

Introducing the latest single cask limited edition in the Loch Fyne Whiskies range, The Craigellachie 10 year old is perhaps the most beautifully coloured whisky we have in stock, owed in part to the glorious sherry cask used in the maturation process. Limited to only 525 bottles. Distilled in 2006 and bottled in December 2016 at 46% volume. The taste is every bit as good as the colour with rich fruit notes throughout; expect to detect some burnt sugar, candy, raisins with a touch of treacle. Delicious and the perfect Christmas dram!

 £65 Buy Now
or get it engraved

1995 Glenburgie 21 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Signatory” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

This is the second cask of Glenburgie we’ve grabbed from the Signatory warehouse and it’s another winner. The whisky is nothing flashy or wildly exotic, just smooth, rich, and delicious from front to back. Any time we can sell delicious 20+ year old cask strength single malt for under a hundred bucks, we’re probably going to take that deal. Glenburgie is known more for its role in Ballantine’s blended than it is as a stand-alone single malt, but these single casks should help change that perception. Once again we’ve got creamy malt flavor on the palate, a rich layer of oak from the two decades in wood, and a lovely finish of baked apples and other Highland fruit flavors. The 54.8% ABV lifts the finish into a flurry of baking spices and malty notes that continues to linger for minutes. This is tasty, classically-flavored Scotch whisky, pure and simple.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2016
This is the most elegant of the currant Signatory selections. I t offers beautiful aromas of honey and malt. In the mouth it is rich and round while at the same time elegant and complex. There is a subtle hint of creaminess and a nuance of spice. Like all of the cask strength whiskys a little water helps soften and open up this single malt.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 21, 2016
One of my favorite things about getting to taste through the bottlings of Scotch we get from Signatory, Old Particular, and Hepburn’s Choice is being surprised by a bottle from a distillery I am unfamiliar with or has been shut down. For the four bottles of Signatory that David OG brought us this Glenburgie takes that place. White fruit, good peat, and subtle vanilla in the nose gives way to a subtle and elegant body. The white pear notes are surrounded by cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla all of which are wrapped in light layers of smoke and peat. Although there is heat on the finish from the cask strength. this is still a smooth and sophisticated bottle. A ridiculously good deal for a delicious spirit.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2016
Another stunning value from one of our favorite suppliers. 21 year old single malt for under $100 is a real rarity these days add that it’s a delicious single barrel bottled at cask strength and we’re down right rare air here. This is a true Speysider in every respect. Subtle herb, shrubby flowers and fruit notes open with some air into aromas muscovado and candied apple. A pleasing mineral earthiness, like a fresh stream in the forest, balances the wonderful pop of fruit on the palate. The finish turns up the spice with a bit of dryness on the long lingering finish.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 11, 2016
This 21 year old Glenburgie achieves exactly what its predecessor did (that 20 year old cask we bought last year): it provides high quality, no frills Scotch whisky goodness with maturity and punch for a hot price. There’s nothing out of the ordinary here, just rich vanilla, oak, malted grains, stone fruits, and a nice smooth finish. Chalk up another win for no-name single malt whisky and those who trust in it.

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Glengoyne serves up latest Teapot Dram

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky will unveil the latest batch of its coveted Teapot Dram this week, just in time to toast the festive season.

Matured in first fill Oloroso sherry oak casks, Glengoyne Teapot Dram V is teeming with brown sugar, sweet fruits and soft spices, with a natural colour of dark mahogany. Bottled unchillfiltered and at cask strength, just 3,138 bottles of Teapot Dram V will be released, available exclusively from the Glengoyne Distillery shop or at Glengoyne.com.

The Teapot Dram was created in tribute to an old Glengoyne Distillery tradition: for over 150 years, workers would be given three fingers of whisky, three times a day. The less seasoned workers would, to save face, discreetly pour some of theirs into a copper teapot on the windowsill. Their older colleagues – veterans of the dram, one and all – would intersperse official drams with unofficial “cups of tea” from the teapot, ensuring none went to waste. Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Glengoyne, said: “There’s a great affection for the Teapot Dram among Glengoyne enthusiasts, and we are sure this edition will be warmly received. It’s a whisky with a great story behind it, and one that’s very special to everyone at Glengoyne because it brings to life the history of the Distillery and the whisky-makers who preceded us.

“With Christmas and New Year around the corner, this would make a really special gift for whisky lovers – and with just 3,138 bottles in this batch, it’ll be an exclusive one too.”

Glengoyne Teapot Dram V is bottled at 59.6% and, because the daily dram would never be taken from an old cask, this is a deliberately young and bold malt. It will retail at £90.

Glengoyne Distillery is owned by one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. Glengoyne runs the slowest stills in Scotland to build up fruity richness and fill the finest Oloroso Sherry casks.  No one takes more time and care.

www.glengoyne.com

TASTING NOTES:

Appearance

Dark mahogany

Nose

Porridge topped with brown sugar; rum and raisin ice cream; strawberries with a sprinkling of pepper

Taste

Initially sweetness gives way to rich, spicy oak, cinnamon swirl and walnuts

Finish

Massively long. Oak gives way to pepper then, after a considerable period, fresh pears wish you a fond farewell.

Notes to Editors:

Glengoyne, being uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the rich, bold flavours for which the brand is known. The Glengoyne Highland Single Malt range is matured in the finest oak casks from within its traditional dunnage warehouses.

With seven new wonderful whiskies to choose from, picking the perfect present may be puzzling. Focus on the flavour profiles and dig deep into the tasting notes and you’re sure to find the perfect gift for giving – especially to yourself!

AND FOR EVERY BOTTLE PURCHASED UNTIL DEC. 24, WE’RE DONATING $10 TO BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS CANADA!

CASK No. 7.139  SALSA VERDE

11 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.5%; Young & spritely

Fresh and green; eucalyptus and melon-cucumber smoothie followed by buttered croissants, whilst strawberry, basil and mint whizzed through the mouth neat. Water turned the aromas and flavours more herbal, crème de menthe and salsa verde with cayenne pepper in the finish.

CASK No. 64.75  FEAST OF FRUITS

12 years old; 1st fill barrel; 60.8%; Spicy & sweet

Three fruit marmalade, strawberry banana milkshake and fruit flavoured herbal shisha tobacco were followed on the palate by watermelon with ground pepper, salt and lime. Water changed the aroma to American pancakes with blueberries and the flavour became a mango banana juice.

CASK No. 55.38  FLAMING RED WINE PUNCH

15 years old; 2nd fill Sauternes hogshead; 58.1%; Spicy & sweet

Boozy rum baba, seriously sherried jelly berry trifle and a Feuerzangenbowle (flaming red wine punch!) made the taste fruity and spicy. Water added sweetness in the form of a spicy sponge cake and a Planter’s Punch to finish. This whisky previously inhabited an ex-bourbon refill hogshead.

CASK No. G8.6  JAZZED UP BANANA SPLIT

26 years old; refill hogshead; 59.7%; Juicy, oak & vanilla

The nose suggests sawdust on soft fruits (plum, peach, pineapple) and baskets of dried flowers, then buttered popcorn, potpourri and sumptuous banana splits. The palate balances sweetness (butterscotch, toffee, candy necklaces) with chili jam, tree bark and menthol vapour rub.

CASK No. 1.190  SMOKY CHIPOTLE BLOODY MARY

21 years old; refill hogshead; 56.2%; Spicy & sweet

Eccentricity at its best! Aromas of beef mince curry, crayfish cocktail and sweet herbal sausages were followed by a hot/cold sensation in the mouth. With water everything changed; prawn cocktail chips and crab cakes with sweet chili sauce.

CASK No. 53.236  CULINARY CANNONBALLS

16 years old; refill hogshead; 64.1%; Lightly peated

The flavour cannon, loaded with dark fruits soaked in rum, flambéed banana, prawn tempura and toffee, was lit by a fuse of muscovado sugar. A sweet smoke explosion shook the ground filling the air with ash, chewy soot, gunpowder remnants, rye bread and spun sugar.

CASK No. 3.270  SURF N TURF IN A CAMEL’S SADDLE BAG

18 years old; refill butt; 55.8%; Oily & coastal

The nose has odd combinations – honey-coated kippers, toffee Pavlova, Fisherman’s Friends, syrupy campfire waffles, surf and turf and camel saddle bags. The palate has barbecued prawns, treacle toffee, ginger cake, prunes, leather, cigars, dark rum – and big sherry and smoke.

SMWS Canada

Glenfiddich Experimental Series

Extremely popular since its release a few months ago, the Glenfiddich Experimental Series has flown off shelves as quick as we could stock them! Fortunately, we have just received more stock of both the IPA Experiment and Project XX, so you can grab a bottle in time for Christmas – if you’re quick!

Orders will be dispatched from the beginning of next week, 19th December, so you can expect delivery before Christmas.

Next day delivery available on UK orders Worldwide shipping

Glenfiddich Project XX

£50.00

Glenfiddich IPA Experiment

£45.00

Purchasing unique barrels of cask strength single malt whisky isn’t a process that particularly lends itself to everyday value, mainly because of the added costs that bottling whisky at full proof and in small quantities entails. We hear from K&L customers all over the world on a regular basis who would love to participate more often in our exclusive whisky program, if only the costs were a bit more in line with the regular brands. The sad truth is, however: there simply isn’t much cask strength juice out there for under $75 and when we do manage to locate more value-priced selections they’re usually in the 5-7 year range, and often quite youthful in their character. With the three-tier distribution system set up the way it is in the United States, there’s really no way around that price point. But that’s why you shop at K&L, right? Because we know how trim down those margins, cut out those middlemen, and bring the booze directly to you for a more reasonable price!

We’ve performed a few magic acts over the years. We’ve located some rare whiskies, pulled out a few stops, and managed to drop the price on many an interesting spirit here and there, but we can’t remember having ever put together a Scotch deal like this one: two single barrels of cask strength, sherry-matured, dark and delicious Highland single malt whisky for less than fifty bucks. We’ve been sitting on our hands and biting our tongues, hoping to keep this deal a secret until December when we knew single malt shoppers would appreciate it most. Not only are these two sherry-matured whiskies sure-fire gift options for your Macallan or Balvenie-loving whisky drinker, they’re both loaded with flavors of shortbread, toffee, Christmas cake, and dark chocolate. Never in our store’s history have we been able to offer whisky this rich and this delicious at full proof for under fifty bucks. Buy a few for your loved ones, or buy a few for yourself; just don’t miss out on this offer. We think it’s the best single malt whisky deal of the year.

2005 Glenallachie 11 Year Old “Hepburn’s Choice – K&L Exclusive” Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($49.99)

Glenallachie is a Pernod-Ricard-owned distillery that sends most of its whisky to the blended Chivas Regal, but after our customers get a taste of this super-saturated sherry-matured delight, it’s going to be a household name at K&L. This 11 year old first-fill sherry bomb is like a darker, sweeter, older, richer, better version of another Pernod-Ricard classic: the Aberlour A’Bunadh. But whereas the A’Bunadh sells for $70 a bottle, this decadent Glenallachie comes in at a cool $49.99. For the age, quality, and concentration of the sherry here, this is right there with the Dailuaine 9 year old cask as one of the best single malt whisky deals we’ve ever offered. The nose is brimming with burnt vanilla, toasted nuts, and cakebread. The palate is a 59.8% beast of savory sherry, sweet pudding, candied citrus, and dark chocolate. If you’ve been dreaming of the 22 year old Mortlach sherry bomb we offered years ago that is still the stuff of legend today, this is the baby version of that whisky. We could probably sell this for $99.99 and few people would complain. We’d recommend buying this one by the case. Only 600 total bottles available.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2016

This is a delightful bottle of whiskey even without the sub $50 price tag. The nose showcases the traditional nutty richness from the sherry cask, but there is a more savory, almost touch of earth note alongside it. Amazingly smooth on the palate, like the nose, this Scotch brings an almost savory element to the sweet richness of the sherry influence. Hints of bitter chocolate, earth, and almonds mean that this will be perfect to warm up the many cool evenings that this time of the year brings.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2016

Weighing in at a whopping 59.8% this gem packs deep, rich, dense sherry into a garden full of fresh herbs and moist, rich humus. It’s chewy, nutty sherry with a touch of cocoa and all at an unheard of price point for cask-strength whisky in the market today. If you want a great gift for a big sherry whisky lover without dropping 100+ bucks, this is just the ticket.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2016

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of this whisky for months, ever since I first tasted it back in Glasgow this past September. Once the price of the Pound dropped and I was able to rework a little math, I knew we had a chance to offer one of the best single malt deals in our store’s history. This is like a K&L Exclusive version of Aberlour A’Bunadh, but this version comes from another Chivas distillery called Glenallachie. This one also comes with an age statement (11 years) and a discount of $20 per bottle. Sherry bomb chasers haven’t seen a deal this good in a decade. This is every thing we say it is: dark, rich, chewy, raisined, concentrated, and full of sweet sherry. It’s almost 60% at cask strength and it’s a complete animal. For $49.99, I’m not sure if I should laugh or cry.

2007 Dailuaine 9 Year Old “Hepburn’s Choice – K&L Exclusive” Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($49.99)

Dailuaine is one of Diageo’s classic Speyside distilleries that produces a classically rich, nutty, and creamy Highland malt whisky. We thought this particular nine year old sherry butt-aged expression was so fruity and delicious that we practically jumped across the negotiating table to get our hands on it. Matured in a second fill cask, the toffee and shortbread notes of the Oloroso cask are more restrained and integrated, but they’re still front and center. They meld beautifully with the inherent maltiness of the whisky and build to a finish that pops at 58.3% with spice, rhubarb, and toasted almond notes. Fans of Glendronach, Macallan, and Balvenie should go ga-ga for this. The chewiness of the sherry is just apparent enough to add body and texture, but it never takes away from the pure malt flavor. Utterly drinkable and of profound quality for the price. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best deals we’ve ever offered for any cask of sherry-aged malt whisky in our store’s history.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2016

Stunningly smooth and approachable despite being bottles at a hefty 58.3%. Tons of intense sherry, candied nuts, and richness here, but not a huge sherry bomb in the classic sense. While there is the clear stamp of Spain’s finest fortified wines, there is also an elegance and balance due to a robust maltiness with a touch of heavy cream. All for $50 bucks, this is a heck of a deal.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2016

Super fun, tasty bottle that we picked up from Hepburn’s Choice that fulfills the niche that seems to be harder and harder to fill in the whiskey world. Namely good, smooth affordable whiskey. Here the sherry casks gives this 9 year old Scotch a nutty sweetness on the nose with hints of caramel. The palate has loads of rich baked fruit and the Sherry really sings with nutty spice and rich round tones. Even at cask strength this is a surprisingly smooth whiskey for anyone looking to get into a fun bottle that doesn’t have to be special occasion only.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: December 06, 2016

While the super sherry heads all fawn and freak out over the uber-rich Glenallachie 11, the fans of more restrained and balanced sherry-aged whisky should be surreptitiously stocking up on this 9 year old Dailuaine, hoping the masses don’t catch wind of this incredible deal. This sherry-aged delight drinks like a full proof version of Glendronach 12 or the Balvenie Doublewood. It’s half creamy malt and half toasted sherry deliciousness. The flavors of sweet barley and sweet sherry meander back and forth and trade places numerous times with each sip. Sure, it’s the price as the Glenallachie and it’s two years younger, but this is the bottle you’ll come back to over and over again. This is the one you’ll really miss when all 559 bottles are sold out.

Bruichladdich 10 Year Old 2nd Edition

The Laddie Ten second release has landed just in time for the holiday season. Matured in first-fill bourbon, sherry and French wine casks, here is the classic structure of Bruichladdich Islay single malt. Bruichladdich Distillery was established in 1881 by the Harvey family of distillers based in Glasgow. Situated on the Rhinns peninsular on the island of Islay close and close to the sandy bays of Loch Indaal. Re-opened in 2001 with much of the original Victorian equipment restored to working order. The first release of Bruichladdich’s new whisky was the highly acclaimed PC5, the first release in the limited Port Charlotte range. Also producing very highly peated Octamore, Organic using Islay grown barley, and triple and quadruple distilled single malt and single cask releases. Bruichladdich distillery participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Whisky Festival

£51.79

SHOP NOW > 

International Premiere for Yamazakura’s Premium Japanese Whisky

Discerning whisky drinkers can look forward to finding a rare gem under the Christmas tree this year, as 21-year-old Yamazakura 963 is offered for sale for the first time outside of Japan. This top-tier blended whisky of the celebrated Sasanokawa Shuzo distillery is available in just a handful of shops in its country of origin and online only at dekantā – the world’s largest online store for high-end Japanese spirits.

The Yamazakura 963 is meticulously blended using a combination of single malt and grain whisky and has been praised for its mellow fragrance and complex flavour. Instead of making a long trip to source a rare gift, international whisky connoisseurs can order this highly sought bottle online from Japanese whisky retailer dekantā and receive their purchase in 3-10 days.

Arriving beautifully gift-wrapped in the Japanese style, dekantā’s bottles make unique gifts for Christmas. With their wide selection and worldwide delivery, dekantā offers consumers across the globe the opportunity to savour a rare and distinctive Japanese whisky, whether as part of a relaxing evening, or over dinner with friends and family.

Japanese whisky has recently experienced exponential worldwide sales growth, attracting international attention and awards. Distilled in a similar manner to Scotch, Japanese whisky-making processes are refined to better appeal to the local palate. Non-Japanese drinkers often describe the experience of sampling more sophisticated Japanese whiskies as exotic and seductive.

Consumers who would like to learn more about Japanese whisky should visit the dekantā website, which boasts the most extensive repository of information dedicated to Japanese whisky, including distillery history and tasting notes for each bottle. Bilingual concierge service is available 24 hours a day, providing expert recommendations in both English and Japanese.

Read more about the Yamazakura 963 21-year-old on the dekantā website.

Notes:

About dekantā

A family owned and run business, dekantā’s founders have been selling collectibles since 1985 and specialize in rare, collectible, and new release single malt Japanese whisky. As well as Japanese grain whisky and Japanese blended whisky, dekantā offer an extensive range of Scottish whisky released for the Japanese market only.

Stocking rare bottles not available through traditional global distribution channels, dekantā offer world-leading Japanese whiskies to an international market. With a selection of more than 1000 bottles, ranging in price from £30 to £100,000; dekantā presents options for both the avid collector and those new to Japanese whisky.

About Sasanokawa Shuzo Distillery

Originally a producer of sake and shochu founded in 1765, Sasanokawa Shuzo Company Limited turned their hand to whisky production in 1946. They were soon able to compete with large whisky-producing rivals such as Nikka and Suntory, producing fine whiskies of renown.

For more information about the Yamazakura 963 21-year-old and the wide selection of rare and collectible Japanese whiskies available from dekantā, visit https://dekanta.com/.

Follow dekantā on Twitter: @dekantawhisky                                     Like dekantā on Facebook: facebook.com/dekantawhisky/

One of the last remaining family-run distilleries, Glenfarclas is renowned for their independence and wonderful whisky. The Family Collector Series has celebrated each of the generations of Grants who have had a hand in producing this fine malt since the family purchased the distillery in the 19th centruy, and the latest 40 year old release is the final bottle in the collection.

Free delivery on UK orders over £100 Worldwide delivery available

Glenfarclas 1976 40 Year Old VI

The final limited edition release in the Family Collector Series, this 40 year old Speyside Single Malt from Glenfarclas represents the 6th generation of the Grant family, current Sales Director, George S. Grant, as he reaches his own 40th year.

Distilled in 1976 and matured in the finest sherry casks, only 1,500 bottles have been produced to bookend the series that began with the 1966 Fino Cask bottling honouring John Grant, who purchased the distillery in 1865.

£1,495 Buy Now

Gordon & MacPhail launches Speyside Collection

Leading whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail has launched an exclusive Speyside Collection, offering customers the chance to purchase six exquisite single malt Scotch whiskies from some of Scotland’s finest Speyside distilleries.

Established in 1895, the fourth-generation family business is custodian to some of the world’s oldest and most unique single malt Scotch whiskies. Allowing whisky fans the chance to savour an inimitable piece of Scotland’s liquid history, the Speyside Collection brings together 329 years of knowledge, expertise and whisky maturation.

The first release, limited-edition, Speyside Collection hosts a range of flavour profiles, from the fruity and peppery notes of Gordon & MacPhail Smith’s Glenlivet 1948, to the long and slightly smoky finish of the Glen Grant 1949, and the exotic fruit, sherry and crushed almonds flavours in Strathisla 1953.

Showcasing whiskies from across the region, the Speyside Collection also offers Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1954, a spicy and creamy whisky, the award winning Longmorn 1967, which is bursting with warming spiciness followed by stewed fruit and citrus flavours, and Linkwood 1972, with its flavours of chilli spice, banana and dark chocolate.

Since the founding of the business, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new make spirit, before being matured under the custodianship of generations of the Urquhart family. Developing relationships with distilleries across Scotland throughout the company’s history, the whiskies in Gordon & MacPhail’s Speyside Collection are uniquely labelled using the original distillery labels.

Stephen Rankin, director and a member of the fourth generation of the Urquharts, the family who own Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Four generations of our family have passed on skills and knowledge for matching spirit to quality casks and maturing whiskies for many years.”

“The six vintages in the Speyside Collection are testament to our philosophy of producing high quality single malt. We hope malt whisky lovers will be able to enjoy and savour these special Speyside drams.”

The Speyside Collection is available to purchase from specialist whisky retailers at an RRP of £10,500 in the UK. Prices in overseas markets may differ due to local taxes and import duties. A limited edition of 75 Speyside Collections will be available for sale in this first release.

NOTES

Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch Whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new-make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 1993 Gordon & MacPhail purchased Benromach Distillery and re-equipped it before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998. 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.

Speyside Collection

• Gordon & MacPhail Smith’s Glenlivet 1948, 43% ABV – This medium-bodied ancient single malt has been distinctly influenced by sixty-two years maturing in a first fill Sherry butt. Dark amber in colour, this well rounded after dinner dram imparts a soft, fruity nose filled with banana, strawberry, and apple harmonised with the sweetness of toffee and subtle oak undertones. Pepper warms the palate with the initial mouthful; charred wood influences are smoothed by a long, fresh and minty finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Glen Grant 1949, 40% ABV – This medium bodied, greatly aged single malt has a fresh floral bouquet with delicate Sherry and vanilla notes culminating in a lingering marzipan edge. The initial white pepper heat is curbed by ground coffee, toasted almond, and the tang of grapefruit. An underlying cigar ash adds depth to the long and smoky finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Strathisla 1953, 43% ABV – A sweet and robust after dinner dram, this well-matured whisky presents potent Sherry soaked fruitcake aromas with delicate and lingering hints of charred oak and old leather. A sip of this full-bodied dark amber coloured whisky unfurls hidden layers of sweetness – starting with light Sherry influences exposing warm steeped exotic fruits, layered with crushed almonds that culminate in a long marzipan finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Mortlach 1954, 43% ABV – The first fill Sherry butt which matured this rich and complex Mortlach single malt for fifty-eight years has left strong influences. The nose of the golden amber liquid is full of Sherry impressions including dried fruits mellowed by a hint of beeswax blossoming into a fresh yet subtle peppermint edge. The full-bodied single malt is captivating; it bursts on the palate with a lovely spiciness that develops into warm tropical fruits and mouth drying cocoa but concludes with a creamy finish.
• Gordon & MacPhail Longmorn 1967, 43% ABV – Waft from the glass on one hand, delicately tempered by exotic spices and tree-plucked nectarines, whilst, on the other, intensified by sweet hints of marzipan. The initial mouthful bedazzles with a tangled mix of warming spiciness intermingled with a crisp sweetness – a beautiful medley of ground black pepper and crystallised ginger. Baked apple, stewed pear, and charred peach flavours blossom enriched by a zesty citrus edge.
• Gordon & MacPhail Linkwood 1972, 43% ABV – A perfect winter warmer, this robust yet smooth Speysider matured for four decades producing a harmonious amber coloured spirit. Festive spice medley of aromas – cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice – entwine perfectly with subtle Sherry influences and soft toffee highlighted by crisp apple and earthy almond. Chilli spice prickles the palate, mouth warming tones linger as apple and ripe banana flavours develop melding into a luxurious dark chocolate and brazil nut edge.