Scotland
Kilkerran “Work In Progress” #7 Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml $74.99Buy
Kilkerran “Work In Progress” #7 Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky 750ml $64.99Buy
K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com/
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES LIMITED RELEASE OCTAVES EXPRESSION
GlenDronach’s reputation for creating superb whiskies of uncompromising quality is underscored once again with the release today (September 4, 2015) of its new Octaves expression.
Master Distiller Billy Walker has selected five Pedro Ximenez Sherry Octaves from GlenDronach’s Aberdeenshire distillery to be bottled as the GlenDronach 20 Years Old Octaves.
An octave cask is made from staves of a previously used sherry butt and is approximately one-eighth the size of a butt. A smaller cask allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky a greater depth of flavour and aroma in a shorter period of time. This means a bold, complex dram with astonishing multi-dimensional character, making each and every bottle a sublime example of Highland whisky at its very finest.
Distilled on September 23 1994, this unique full-flavoured whisky was first matured in sherry casks and thereafter finished in Pedro Ximenez Sherry Octaves. The result is a rare combination of heavyweight sherry Octave maturation and robust rich Highland whisky characteristics.
This is a very limited, exclusive bottling, with only 371 bottles produced. Individually numbered by hand, each bottle is a one-off and truly unique.
Appearance: Rich, red maple leaf in dark amber.
Nose: An intense concentration of chocolate fondant, candied ginger and glacé cherries, all perfectly balanced with a warming grind of black pepper, rich oak spices and a slight touch of liquorice.
Palate: Full-bodied sherry characteristics give dark molasses, enriched Christmas cake, sour plum syrup and delightful cigar box spices. A subtle combination of dark espresso and a nutty dryness gives the finish tremendous depth.
Conclusions: A rare combination of heavyweight sherry Octave maturation and robust rich Highland whisky characteristics capturing the darkest depths to the most delicate spice.
For more information, go to http://www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk/
BENRIACH EXTENDS ITS NEW HEAVILY PEATED RANGE WITH 18 YEARS OLD LATADA
From the heart of Speyside, BenRiach today (September 3, 2015) launches Latada, a brand-new limited edition 18 years old peated single malt finished in Madeira casks.
It’s the Elgin distillery’s third offering in its range of peated wood finishes, joining the BenRiach Albariza and Dunder on the shelves.
Bottled at 46% abv, at natural colour and non chill filtered, Latada is distilled from peated malted barley matured in American oak casks before enjoying a finishing period in fine Madeira casks selected by Master Distiller Billy Walker.
The unusual name comes from the traditional “Latada” or trellised vine system on the island of Madeira where the vines are laid out horizontally above the ground on low trellises.
This unusual single malt cleverly combines the distinct and contrasting aromas and flavours associated with richly-peated malt whisky and the elegant style of wood selected for final maturation.
Tasting notes:
Colour: Rich antique gold.
Nose: Torrents of campfire peat smoke infuse heather honey and ripe pear. Hints of cantaloupe and candied citrus add to a luscious, crisp balance.
Taste: A mouth-watering sweet peat character floods through delicious ripe fruit syrup. Dried apricots combine with warm oak spices and gentle citrus zest, giving a contrasting depth to the long finish.
The heavily peated range continues to be warmly welcomed worldwide, showing there is strong demand for our innovative peated cask finishes.
In this case, the Madeira casks bring remarkable depth and balance to the whisky; Latada intriguingly pairs the earthy, smoky notes of peat with delicate hints of pear, honey and citrus, making a stunning, luscious dram. It’s one to savour on a cool autumn evening, perhaps accompanied by some fine dark chocolate.
With only 4,001 bottles in this unique bottling, BenRiach Latada will be available from whisky specialist shops.
For more information, go to http://www.benriachdistillery.co.uk/
(Lebanon, Ky.) September 1, 2015 – Limestone Branch Distillery introduces Yellowstone Limited Edition, set to hit the market in October. With only 6,000 bottles produced, this ultra-premium bourbon is the marriage of a seven-year rye, a seven-year wheated and a 12-year rye – a combination that creates an exceptional depth of flavor and complexity.
“I hand-selected the barrels of the 12-year bourbon to add just the right notes and create a truly distinct, well-rounded flavor profile,” says Steve Beam, president and distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery. “Given our partnership with Luxco and the access they have to high-quality bourbon, we were able to hand-select ‘honey barrels’ for this small batch to find the best complementary flavors to enhance the seven-year bourbon and create just the right combination so the bourbon hits different areas of the palate for a superior experience.”
Once he found the perfect bourbons, Beam added his own distinctive spin to the final product. “Some of the bourbon was chill-filtered, some of it was not; but what makes this combination unique is that we took the 12-year rye bourbon out of its barrels, and poured the seven-year bourbon into the 12-year barrels to enrich it and extract more flavors. This process of reusing the barrels allowed the younger bourbons to pick up the more mature notes, adding a cinnamon and caramel taste as well as some smoky notes.”
Yellowstone Limited Edition, bottled at 105 proof, celebrates the 105th anniversary of Steve Beam’s great-grandfather, Minor Case Beam, selling his Old Trump Distillery to Joseph Bernard Dant, a pioneer distiller and relative from his mother’s side.
“It’s been a dream for my brother Paul and I to return the Yellowstone brand back to our family,” says Beam. “With this bourbon, both sides of our family – the Beams and the Dants – and their distilling heritage, come together. It was one of the main reasons we partnered with Luxco, to bring Yellowstone back home and begin distilling and bottling it right here at Limestone Branch.”
Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011. The distillery is known for its Moon Pie Moonshine, T.J. Pottinger Sugar Shine and Precinct No. 6 whiskey. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family, the brothers are seventh-generation distillers.
Yellowstone Limited Edition will be officially launched during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, held in Historic Bardstown September 15-20, 2015. Suggested retail price for the bourbon is $105.
For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.
BENRIACH RELEASES NEWEST BATCH OF ITS SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS
BenRiach has today (September 2, 2015) released Batch 12 of its renowned single cask bottlings.
This batch comprises nine remarkable casks from its Elgin distillery that were bottled in June this year.
Ranging from 38 to 14 years old, the magnificent nine perfectly capture the unique, award-winning BenRiach character.
The variety of expressions is utterly amazing. Sublime whiskies matured in the traditional, classic Speyside style are accompanied by expressions finished in exciting wood types such as Tawny Port, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Oloroso sherry casks as well as several peated whiskies.
Individually hand-numbered, non chill-filtered and bottled at natural colour, each single cask is truly a one-off. The new BenRiach packaging reflects the supreme quality of these single casks.
All nine casks have been hand-selected by BenRiach’s Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker who described them as “extraordinarily fine” and added:
“Every single cask bottling is an exclusive limited release. I have selected these nine casks as I believe they are especially noteworthy – highly individual, rounded, full of personality and ranging in fascinating characteristics. ”
Amongst them are some real highlights. The 38 years old whisky is from cask number 541, an excellent bourbon barrel. This peated gem suggests baked apples spiced with vanilla and cinnamon combined with a gentle, sweet peat reek to create a long barley sugar finish.
At the other end of the scale, the youngest, a 14 years old from cask number 69116, is a classic Speyside malt, balancing oak spices, green pears and ripe gooseberries combined with a crisp citrus twist and long barley grist finish.
And unusually for BenRiach, one expression – the 1998 cask number 6394 – has been triple-distilled and finished in a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon, and the taste is sensational – white pepper and crisp citrus notes soften to plum juice followed by apple sponge with a dusting of fresh ground barley.
Other expressions in the range boast the taste of “herbal bog myrtle”, “papaya and ripe melon”, “juicy cranberries submerged with crisp citrus” and “chocolate-coated rum raisins and roasted coffee beans”.
The cask details are as follows:
1976 cask # 541 / 38 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Peated / 48.8% vol.
1979 cask # 517 / 35 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Peated / 46.9% vol.
1985 cask # 10318 / 29 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Peated / 49.0%vol.
1987 cask # 3825 / 27 years old / Tawny Port Hogshead / Tawny Port Finish / 52.9% vol.
1990 cask # 4936 / 25 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Classic Speyside / 50.4% vol.
1995 cask # 74743 / 20 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Classic Speyside / 58.9% vol.
1998 cask # 6394 / 17 years old / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon / Triple Distilled / Pedro Ximenez Sherry Finish / 57.5% vol.
1999 cask # 8687 / 15 years old / Oloroso Sherry Puncheon / Oloroso Sherry Finish / 56.1% vol.
2000 cask # 69116 / 14 years old / Bourbon Barrel / Classic Speyside / 56.3% vol.
All nine casks will soon be available at retailers worldwide.
Another knock-out line up of whiskies!
Enjoy the brief bottle notes below and visit http://www.smws.ca/ for the full tasting notes.
Cask No. 26.105 Bumblebees by the sea
29 years old; refill butt; 57.6%; Light & delicate
Dark runny honey over crackers, salted lemon and kiwi fruit. Citronella candles burning in a damp pine forest. Juicy Fruit gum and white peppery heat. Aspen bark and spearmint washed up on a seashore. Dunnage warehouses and green Starbursts.
Cask No. 123.14 Playful spices buzz the mouth
9 years old; 1st fill barrel; 57.4%; Spicy & sweet
The nose has sweet woody spices – (humbugs, cinnamon apple pie, Liquorice Allsorts), leather, dead leaves and spearmint. The palate has a playful buzz of exotic spices, oriental wood, After Eight mints, gin, blackcurrant and fermented honey. Curious but playful and enjoyable.
Cask No. G13.1 A complete revelation
4 years old; virgin oak puncheon; 58.3%; Juicy, oak & vanilla
Luscious mango and pineapple juices accompany lychees, Bounty Bars and fragrant lemongrass. Fresh and fruity with toffee, marshmallows and damson jam. Gingerbread spice, creamy milk chocolate and “impossibly rich vanilla custard”. With water, cherryade, butterscotch, orange oil and fruit cake are entwined in seemingly endless complexity.
Cask No. 73.69 Dark side eclipsed by sweet joys
22 years old; refill sherry butt; 52.9%; Deep, rich & dried fruits
The nose is a tapas and dessert menu (tortilla, hazelnuts, sherry, crème caramel, apple granny cake). The palate oozes sweetness (amaretto, vanilla, panna cotta, Nutella, carrot cake), but with a gamey, bittersweet darker side of Hoisin duck, figs and burnt cake.
Cask No. 27.107 To the manor born
16 years old; refill gorda; 56%; Deep, rich & dried fruits
Thick vanilla ice cream with tinned peaches, creamy yogurt and sherry trifle, then polished leather in a variety of scents and rich fruit cake. Sweet then tannic to taste, with bitter chocolate and sandalwood. Water raises treacle toffee and sticky toffee pudding, hazelnut praline. An elegant taste with dark chocolate and macadamia nuts.
Cask No. 53.210 Fantastic stuff
24 years old; refill hogshead; 53.3%; Peated
The nose has peat smoke, sea breezes, bandages, tea chests, tobacco, puff candy and smoked salmon; caramel, tawny port and pork crackling with water. The palate delivers good smoke, toffee apples, liquorice, five-spice powder, salt and vinegar chips and smouldering sawdust.
Cask No. 127.43 Kissing a smoker
12 years old; refill barrel; 65%; Heavily peated
A damp shed with oil paints and then roasted meats on the nose. Oily overalls and linseed oil on reduction followed by duck in hoisin sauce. Lots of peat, ashy on the palate with lasting cigarette smoke on the finish. Epic!
Do you want to know whisky?
New online companion is the perfect beginners guide to world of whisky
Whisky has entered the digital age with the launch of a new interactive gift experience which teaches whisky drinkers everything they need to know about Scotland’s amber nectar.
Designed and created in Edinburgh, and endorsed by whisky guru and Master of the Quaich Charles MacLean, I want to know whisky is an inspiring online journey through the culture, crafting, tasting and serving of Scotland’s national drink.
I want to know whisky has been named ‘Whisky Gift of the Year 2015’ by The Whisky Shop and Whiskeria magazine.
Priced at £24.95 and developed by hospitality group Montpeliers (Edinburgh) Ltd and Flow Hospitality Training, I want to know whisky is the perfect stocking filler for whisky fans this Christmas or a pre-festive season treat.
Uncover the fascinating history of whisky from its origins in the sixth century to contemporary cocktail recipes, take a virtual tour of a distillery, discover different styles of Scotch, explore the six whisky producing regions and learn how to taste and appreciate whisky like a professional.
Aspiring whisky aficionados need look no further for the perfect beginners guide to whisky.
Immersing yourself in the world of whisky, the entire interactive journey takes approximately two and a half hours and will test user’s knowledge with interesting questions and a fun final exam at the end.
Upon successful completion of the exam whisky fans will be able to download a personalised certificate from Charles MacLean.
Charles Maclean said: “A splendid introduction to whisky, very informative and useful but great fun too. Whether a whisky fan wishing to test their knowledge or a complete beginner, there’s something for everyone”
“I want to know whisky is the perfect companion for Scotch whisky enthusiasts.”
David Wither, Managing Director at Flow Hospitality Training, said: “The Scotch whisky industry has played a key role in Scotland for centuries and produces whisky admired around the world for its remarkable character and quality. Inspired by our work within the hospitality and technology industries we hope engage, entertain and enrich the knowledge of whisky enthusiasts everywhere.
“I want to know whisky has been developed by our team here in Edinburgh and we are delighted to have the endorsement of Charles Maclean, his knowledge and passion for this wonderful drink has helped shape our journey of discovery which we look forward to sharing with you”
For more information or to order I want to know whisky visit: http://www.iwanttoknowwhisky.co.uk/.
Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail Pack set for relaunch at TFWA Cannes
Ian Macleod Distillers is set to relaunch their popular Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail pack at this year’s Cannes Tax Free World Association (TFWA).
The Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail pack has been renamed The Macleod’s Six to emphasise the 6 whiskies contained in the redesigned beautifully packaged double sided, burgundy and gold gift box.
Commenting on the new design, Andy Lane, Travel Retail Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, said: “Our newly designed Macleod’s Six pack represents not only the premium quality of the product but also the journey of Clansman Ian Macleod as he travelled the length and breadth of Scotland, seeking out the finest malts and grain whiskies from each region.”
The contents of the pack reflects Scotland’s celebrated whisky regions and famed trails, explaining the intricacies that give whiskies their distinct and flavoursome characteristics. This exclusive tasting gift pack includes 5cl bottles from around the whisky producing regions including Speyside, Highland, Islay and Island single malts with a Lowland Single Grain Malt Whisky and Isle of Skye 8yo Blended Scotch Whisky.
The newly designed pack makes for a perfect gift to help celebrate any special occasion and encourage consumers to learn about and try a variety of Scotch whiskies.
Taking place between the 19- 23 October, TFWA is widely regarded as the world’s biggest duty free and travel retail association providing the industry with high-quality exhibitions, acclaimed conferences and workshops, and in-depth market research.
Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent family owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
The gift pack will be available from April 2016 and will retail at £26.00/€35.90/USD$39.95. The Macleod’s Scotch Whisky Trail pack can be found at stand number L7 Red Village at TFWA Cannes.
For more information, please visit www.ianmacleod.com.
THE DEVERON®: THE CALM FROM THE STORM
Glasgow, Scotland, 3rd September 2015 – John Dewar & Sons Ltd. has announced the release of The Deveron single malt which hails from MacDuff distillery, located on the northern edge of Aberdeenshire.
The new expressions of THE DEVERON® 10 year-old, THE DEVERON® 12 year-old and THE DEVERON® 18 year-old have never been released before now and will be available from October 2015.
Located where the river meets the sea, Macduff distillery sits near the mouth of the River Deveron, shortly before its cool waters join the restless surge of the North Sea. Sheltered from the worst of the seaboard storms and winter winds, this tranquil spot has seen the creation of The Deveron malt whisky for many a decade.
A comparatively modern distillery – its spirit first began to flow in 1960 – Macduff was brought into being mainly for the purpose of supplying malt whisky to the blending industry. It was commissioned by a consortium of four businessmen, who called themselves Glen Deveron Distillers Ltd.
Emanating from five small copper pot stills, and unusual horizontal condensers that gently coax extra character from the spirit, The Deveron is an approachable dram which has a tang of coastal air about it. The distillery is set up for a light, fruity spirit that’s replete with apple tones and nutty notes.
Stephen Marshall, Bacardi’s Global Marketing Manager – Single Malts remarks: “The final one. We’ve done it and it tastes great. People underestimate the quality of whisky that can be made at a comparatively modern distillery, this is really top notch stuff. Get yourself up to Macduff, or if you can’t then stick Local Hero on the telly and pour yourself a dram”.
The new portfolio consists of three age statements, each bottled at 40% ABV: The Deveron 10 Years Old (only available in France), The Deveron 12 Years Old and The Deveron 18 Years Old. Each expression has been launched in selected markets around the world including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, United States and United Kingdom.
http://www.lastgreatmalts.com/
Tasting Notes
The Deveron 10 Years Old, 40% ABV
Down by the shoreline where spindrift flies, in taverns hoachin’ with coastal folk,
Liquid rites share this tasty trove of toffee, crisp apples and creamy oak.
The Deveron 12 Years Old, 40% ABV
When billows break and haar ghosts in, then haste ye home or some bit warm,
Unwind with toasted grain and apples, seaborne spice; calm from the storm.
The Deveron 18 Years Old, 40% ABV
Made where the big river meets the endless brine, in any weather, drookit or clear,
Delve in fruity depths where nutty notes are stowed; a dram for blether and fireside cheer.
About THE DEVERON Single Malt Scotch Whisky
THE DEVERON hails from Macduff distillery, found beside the River Deveron just before it meets the North Sea. Sheltered from those restless waters and the worst winter winds, this tranquil spot offers calm from the storm; the perfect place to craft a mellow fireside malt. Distillation employs five small copper pot stills and unusual horizontal condensers which are arranged for a light and fruity spirit. The result is a rare coastal whisky which holds the tang of shoreline air alongside sturdy apple notes, dried fruits and nutty warmth.
The brand new portfolio comprises of three expressions of THE DEVERON single malt: the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old and 18 Years Old. The single malt brand of THE DEVERON is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. http://www.thedeveron.com/
About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.
John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.
The single malt brand of THE DEVERON® is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. John Dewar & Sons Ltd. is part of the Bacardi group of companies.
http://www.lastgreatmalts.com/
For more information on the new single malt expressions, the five distilleries, tasting notes, crafting, and heritage, please visit http://www.lastgreatmalts.com/
SEPTEMBER OUTTURN: DYNAMIC DUOS
Holy single cask moly, September Outturn brings 15 new whiskies with POW-factor. In the spirit of sensory adventure this First Friday, we’ve matched together a series of Dynamic Duos – contrasting whiskies with individual character and flavour for you to taste and explore. We hope you’ll discover something wonderful that you’ve never tried before…
Young & spritely
58.16 Margarita cocktail £41.80
Part of the Sweet & Salty Meaty Knight Duo
Sweet, fruity & mellow
46.32 Summertime and the whisky is easy £76.50
Part of the Lubbly Jubbly Rebellion Duo
1.194 Attractive, rounded and comforting*
Exclusive to September deals More >
Spicy & sweet
121.79 Over the rainbow! £49.20
Part of the Rainbow Pirate Duo
Spicy & dry
48.61 Concerto zenzero £44.70
Part of the Chilli Spice Crusader Duo
Deep, rich & dried fruits
7.119 Lubbly Jubbly! £51.00
Part of the Lubbly Jubbly Rebellion Duo
Old & dignified
35.137 Delightful evocation of the boudoir £92.20
Part of the Dark Voyager Duo
37.65 Bursting with interest and imaginings £124.60
Light & delicate
55.29 A barley harvest and a ‘fizzy buzz’ £48.10
Part of the Bitter-sweet Force Duo
Juicy, oak & vanilla
63.32 Bitter-sweet, eccentric character £93.00
Part of the Bitter-sweet Force Duo
Oily & coastal
4.210 Whisky Smash £61.20
Part of the Rainbow Pirate Duo
Lightly peated
66.73 Midnight feast at pony club camp £49.30
Part of the Sweet & Salty Meaty Knight Duo
3.246 The Curious Apothecary £60.00
Peated
53.227 Sweet, Salty & smoky £116.40
Part of the Chilli Spice Crusader Duo
Heavily peated
29.168 Fade to black** £63.00
Part of the Dark Voyager Duo
Browse New Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >
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
