Attention Scotch whisky drinkers! Our latest container of K&L exclusive single casks of whisky has recently landed and with it has come an amazing assortment of mature, mouthwatering, and delicious options for prices that are well below what we’re used to seeing in this segment of the market. Buying whisky directly as a retailer not only gives us control over our selection, it also allows us access to better pricing and deeper deals and on this year’s trip our whisky team managed to dig deep into the archives of Glasgow’s finest warehouses. The proof is evident in this first release of ultra-mature single casks. Not only were we able to secure another elusive barrel of 50 year old Scotch, a rare delight that sold out in a heartbeat last time around, our buyers managed to bolster that bounty with two twenty-plus year old gems from the Highlands and Islay. As if the prices weren’t shocking enough, the quality and complexity on display in each expression is perhaps even more exciting. Our staff was absolutely overcome with anticipation for the arrival of these whiskies and now we understand why.
In a category that’s been struggling to find value over the last few years, we’ve recommitted ourselves to that search at all price points. Our efforts are now here for your enjoyment.
| Vintage |
Item Name |
Retail |
Link |
| 1991 |
Glen Keith 24 Year Old “Hepburn’s Choice” Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) |
$89.99 |
View |
| 1990 |
Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) |
$149.99 |
View |
| 1966 |
Invergordon 50 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Whisky (750ml) |
$279.99 |
View |
1991 Glen Keith 24 Year Old “Hepburn’s Choice” Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)
This single sherry butt cask of Glen Keith is another K&L “refill” selection, meaning we purposely looked for whisky that had been matured in sherry casks that had been used previously. The result of refill aging is that the whisky still takes on some of the richer, fruity, sherry-esque flavors, but much more mildly, helping to maintain the integrity of the inherent malt character. In looking for delicious Scotch whisky that tasted like old-fashioned Scotch whisky, we came upon this outstanding Glen Keith: a Speyside distillery that’s part of the Chivas portfolio. The whisky is classic Highland in style. The nose explodes with cereal grains, apricots and pear, vanilla, and the faintest hint of almond. The palate shows a bit of rich Oloroso character briefly before giving way to the more standard dried stone fruit flavors and supple, malty deliciousness. It’s the price, however, that really grabs your attention: 24 year old, cask strength, single barrel, Speyside single malt for $89.99??!! Sherry-aged, no less! Thank goodness it was a big barrel because we’re sure this is going to be quite popular.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 18, 2016
This is a joyful and delicious single malt. In the nose there are rich and soft malty aromas. This leads to juicy and pretty flavors. The sherry aging is integrated and does not dominate but adds complexity.
Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 11, 2016
Despite the whiskey’s quite light in color appearance the refill sherry notes are very apparent as soon as you nose the glass; there’s cake spice, fudge and subtle rancio tones. On the palate the sherry wood is there too and the maturity of the spirit comes to the forefront. Nutty shaved oak, liquor soaked dates, some salty, marsh like complexities. This is serious whiskey and 24 year old under $90…what!?
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 11, 2016
Our goal this year was to definitely shock the market and get people excited about old fashioned Scotch once again. I think this is about as exciting of a deal as we can offer: 24 year old cask strength, sherry-aged Highland single malt for less than a hundred bucks! Here we get nothing out of the ordinary, just rich grains, hints of sherry, sweet vanilla, and soft fruit. If you thought top shelf Scotch had been priced out of reach, we’re back to save the day.
1990 Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)
In what will surely go down as one of the great single malt deals of the year, we bring you the K&L exclusive cask of Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt Islay whisky: a malt that appears to be even more of a deal considering the new $900 price tag the distillery is asking for the official release. This particular iteration is like a tropical daydream on the nose, fresh peach and sugar cane float lazily across the surprisingly sweet palate. Aged in hogshead, however, there’s no sherry and little to no smoke in this expression. Its brilliance nonetheless is a testament to the inherent fruit of the whisky and the benefits of slow, steady maturation in fine cooperage. The finish is all sweet grains and malted barley with touches of salt and the sea. Islay fans will be thrilled. Bunnahabhain fans won’t want to miss it. And you get all of that goodness at cask strength for $149.99 thanks to our direct import pricing.
Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 23, 2016
I liked this whisky when I first tasted it, and having just revisited it, I am simply astounded by this bottle. This has so many things going on in its favor that it is almost hard to begin. On the nose there is a salted fruit note that combines hints of green apple with white peach and honey. Then into a smooth, elegant body with the complexity that only happens when whisky has been sitting in barrel for this long. Baking spice finish with sweet grain notes and some peat and smoke that just keep going. Basically this is delicious, then you look at the price, look away, and look again to make sure we are not fooling you. Yes, this amazing 25-year-old cask strength, single barrel whiskey is $150. Buy one, you are welcome.
Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2016
This is old unpeated Scotch at its very best, and at an incredible price given its age. If you like the salt air and haunting complexity of the best of Islay, but can do without the oppressive peat, this satisfying malt will thrill you.
Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2016
Pretty special whisky…bursting with bright fruit flavors, tropical, yellow stone fruit, lush and exuberant. The texture is where the age comes into play; perfect integration of oak and spirit, a roundness and softness without heaviness. My palate was already more than satisfied when suddenly this feisty little scotch came back again with the most delicious little hint of dark brown sugar on the back corners of the tongue a few seconds after swallowing. Lingering caramel apple / french toast notes resonate plenty long enough to get you to the next sip. This bottle really shows the pedigree of this distillery and why they can charge $1000 for their own 25 year old distillery bottling…fortunately our boys are savvy and can sniff out independently bottled bargains like this for WAY less coin.
Sal Rodriguez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2016
A bright, lifted, tropical note (think banana custard) right off the top invites you in for a sip. Although there’s said to be a little peat used in it, I don’t notice it enough to put off anyone who might dislike peat. A rather lovely, sip-able, 25 year old scotch that finishes with a hint of sea salt. You could find other 25 year old scotches priced much higher than this, so you can consider this a real value. We should see this move rather quickly so don’t wait!
1966 Invergordon 50 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Whisky (750ml) ($279.99)
Last year we sold a fifty year old grain whisky for $300 and it sold out in less than twenty-four hours. This time around we’ve managed to shave twenty dollars of the price tag without reducing the quality or age one bit! The Invergordon 50 is alive and well after five decades with loads of toasted oak, butterscotch, marzipan, and honey flavors that ease over the palate with delicate and lithe profile. Long one of Scotland’s stalwarts for grain whisky production, casks of Invergordon are readily available, but few with this level of maturation and depth. Considering the price and the flavor profile, don’t expect this one to last long. Only 247 bottles available.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2016
The Invergordon 50 year is more than just an AGE STATEMENT! This ultra complex Grain whisky shows tons of density and a completely opulent mouth feel. Despite it’s age it hasn’t gone under 100 proof and packs tons of intensity and fleshy fruit. Powerful nutty and sweet caramel notes paired with the a big sweet vanilla remind me of pecan pie with a scoop of ice cream. The dense honey and dried nuts continue on the palate and despite the intensity and 5 decades in oak, it never feels tired or bitter at all. A totally wild addition to our exquisite portfolio of very well price, ULTRA aged spirits.
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2016
When you see a bottle of 50 year old Scotch for sale and it isn’t $5000, the main question most people ask is: is it any good? I’m happy to report that no only is this 50 year old Invergordon delicious, I think it’s the best of the annual 50 year old editions we’ve been doing over the last few years. Last year’s cask was $300 and it was fantastic. This one, however, is more complex with the integration of the oak much less dominant. There’s still fruit and life inside this whisky. By no means is it past its prime. And it’s $20 less that last year’s release, as if you needed another reason to grab this!
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2016
This is a great gift option for anyone turning 50 in 2016 as we rarely see whisky this age, especially for this price. The Invergordon is rich with plenty of spice from the oak and should please any whisky drinker with its complexity and depth.
Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 11, 2016
Single Barrel Cask Strength at 50 years of age and $279? Oh yes. Wonderfully spicy on the nose and great power – don’t wait, it’ll be gone soon!
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Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
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