TOP PICKS…

• 1970 Macallan 40 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Speymalt Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 12 available ($699.99)
Another stupendous Macallan from the Gordon & Macphail stocks. Easily the best ultra-high end value available in Macallan. When the distillery bottling 25 year is $800, the 30 is $1200, and a 40 year sells for $10K, this just seems like a steal. The quality is second to none as Gordon & Macphail have great access to top quality wood and were, in fact, the official bottlers of Macallan until modern whisky times. Enjoy this wonderful whisky knowing that you’re one of the lucky few…

• 1964 Bowmore 46 year “Fino” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 1 available ($13,999.99)
A legend is born. Only 72 bottles made, 8 Bottles for the US. One bottle for K&L. This is one of the finest liquids to ever pass through my lips. I’m not just saying that because I’m obsessed with 60s Bowmore. If you’ve just won the lottery or happen to be some billionaire trying to really fill out your collection this is the whisky for you. If not, you should get 25 of you closest friends, each put in $500, and split the bottle 25 ways. That’s an oz each, totally worth it. Here are my very precise tastings notes. Nose: 24 carat gold. Palate: Liquified Diamonds. Finish: Longer than a Swan 105. (David Othenin-Girard, K&L Wine Merchants)

• 1989 Bunnahabhain 22 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Exclusive Malts” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99)
Introducing our newest source for top-quality whisky at wonderfully reasonable price points – the Exclusive Malts! Our partnership with this independent bottler will bring EM expressions for the first time ever to the United States, available only at K&L. Seeing that last year’s trip resulted in almost zero Islay expressions, David and I were eager to make amends this time around. We had already committed to peated whiskies from Kilchoman, Bruichladdich, Laphroaig, and Caol Ila, so when we found a relatively mellow, laid-back, mature malt from Bunnahabhain for a bargain basement price, we figured why not just add it in with the others? The whisky is lithe and lean on the entry with lots of earthy, oily notes and hints of resin with light peat. The low proof makes the whisky entirely drinkable right out of the bottle and the intensity of the vanilla and oil goes all the way to the finish, lingering long on the back end. Complex, mysterious, and understated , much like Bunnahabhain distillery itself. A wonderful whisky at a knockout price. We expect this one to move fast. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• 1996 Caol Ila 15 Year Old K&L Exclusive Sovereign Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($119.99)
One of the most surprising visits from our 2012 trip was at Caol Ila distillery on Islay. The Diageo plant is so big, so efficient, and so sterile that our appointment was more about around professional growth and crossing another distillery off our list. We didn’t expect to be wowed. For all of the criticism Caol Ila takes as being a whisky factory, the single malt made on site is damn good. Caol Ila uses big, fat-necked stills that produce a round and fruity spirit. That soft and supple character compliments the peat smoke of Islay malts perfectly. None of their whisky is aged on the island, so the brine and salt character attributed to Islay aging never really appears. What’s frustrating for U.S. customers is that most of the expressions that showcase the depth and potential of the distillate don’t make it across the water. The 18 year old we tasted on site was one of the best whiskies I had tasted all year, but since we can’t buy casks directly from Diage o, we were going to have to look elsewhere for something similar. Last year’s visit to Sovereign resulted in a 30 year old Caol Ila cask of supreme complexity, but we were so intrigued by the 18 year that we wanted something with less age and more fruit. Tasting the 15 year old cask on the mainland in Glasgow, we found what we were looking for. Soft, supple textures, youthful campfire smoke, brandied fruit on the palate, with vanilla accents that smooth out the finish. A tasty winner that we can’t wait for you to try.

• 1994 Caperdonich 18 Year Old K&L Sovereign Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($125.99)
We love finding great casks of whisky from “lost distilleries,” single malt institutions that are no longer in operation making their whisky more collectable and difficult to find. While the buildings at Brora and Port Ellen still stand today 30 years after their closure, Caperdonich, closed forever in 2002, was completely gutted and destroyed just recently. Nothing remains from the former Pernod-Ricard facility other than the single malt already sitting in cask. Much like its demolished cousin Banff, which we featured in last year’s K&L single malt lineup, Caperdonich has a distinct and understated character that doesn’t jump out of the glass immediately. It needs to be coaxed out. Our single barrel of 18 year old malt is a tease at first – hinting at supple fruit on the nose, yet lithely avoiding any serious concentration on the palate. Water is a must with the cask strength in order to temper the heat and bring out the nuance. With the alcohol in check comes the classic character of the distillery – grass, hay, and notes of pepper with more stonefruit. It’s a keenly interesting whisky that offers a chance at understanding a fallen soldier. Again, the Banff comparison will be key. Some people thought last year’s cask was underwhelming, others thought it was the best they had ever tasted. This year’s Caperdonich barrel will likely polarize drinkers much the same, wowing those who appreciate delicacy. Like the distillery itself, it will be missed after it’s gone.

• Faultline 10 Year Old North Highland Single Barrel 100 Proof Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($54.99)
In a single malt market where “value” is becoming a loosely defined word, we at K&L are working harder than ever to find new and interesting whiskies that everyone can enjoy. While many of our exclusive Scotland casks can be quite pricy due to the scarcity, age, and the high alcohol percentage, David and I really wanted to find a few great options that came in well under $75. Part of the problem, however, is that even young whiskies from single barrels are expensive, which is why we often opt for the older ones. It was David OG’s intuition, however, that took us outside of Glasgow to a small producer’s warehouse full of great whiskies at remarkable prices. Inside this tiny storage unit was a refill-sherry butt full of classically-flavored malt from one of the Highland’s most distinguished distilleries–one from which we practically never see independent offerings. After tasting the whisky, we were very impressed, but we felt that, at cask stren gth, the alcohol simply overpowered the flavor. A few drops of water really mellowed out the heat, bringing forward the fruit and highlighting the grain. The whisky is perfect at 100 proof. The nose offers fresh stone fruit and light vanilla, the palate is deceptively rich with a faint oiliness and incredibly subtle sherry tones that masterfully tame its youthful vigor. What we have here is good old-fashioned Scotch for people who like great whisky at a great price–exactly what the Faultline label is all about. (David Driscoll, K&L)

• Kilchoman K&L Exclusive 100% Islay Single Sherry Barrel Cask Finish Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($119.99)
Our single sherry cask of standard Kilchoman was an easy choice. The malt was simply brilliant, so good that any Islay fan could easily fall in love with its power and complexity. It was the other barrel, however, sitting in the corner of the warehouse that brought out the whisky geeks in David and me. We had heard rumors that Kilchoman was sitting on a small batch of sherry-finished 100% Islay single malt, their ultra-delicious and incredibly-limited whisky made from a small crop of barley grown and malted entirely at the distillery. It’s no secret that the rest of Islay buys their barley from Diageo’s Port Ellen malting facility, but circumventing that route is difficult, not to mention costly. Is it worth it however? The answer to that question is a resounding “YES!” The spice on Kilchoman’s all-Islay whisky is totally different from the standard make – think blanco tequila meets smoky mezcal, with lots of citrus. When you add a sherry barrel t o that equation the spice turns to cinnamon red hots, the fruit tropical and hedonistic, the peat to a sweet and vibrant tang. At cask strength, the malt overwhelms the palate, almost like a giant party in your mouth. We had to push hard for this cask, but when you see two young buyers jumping up and down and hugging each other in your warehouse after tasting it, it’s probably hard to say “no.” (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• 1991 Linkwood 21 Year Old K&L Exclusive Sovereign Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($135.99)
Diageo’s Linkwood distillery is generally considered one of, if not the best of, the Speyside distilleries that are not sold stateside. We’re lucky to find a delicious, independently-bottled expression from time to time and we’re always on the lookout for something special. While most Speyside distilleries use heavy amounts of sherry, Linkwood’s elegant, fruity style stands on its own when aged in hogshead barrels as an alternative. Unfortunately, getting that delicate nuance of fruit and vanilla takes time and we haven’t seen older expressions of Linkwood very often. Our friends at Sovereign dug deep into their inventory, however, and surfaced with exactly what we desired: unsherried Linkwood with more than two decades of time in the barrel. Graceful, playful, and light with flavors of stonefruit, with the vanilla from the wood acting as a backbone. Because it’s bottled at cask strength, water is key to toning down the proof and releasing the potential for more flavor. A few drops helps balance the power and brings out notes of baking spice, resinous oils, and more richness from the wood. This is a whisky we expect many to pass over in favor of our other, more exciting casks, before coming back around later to realize they’ve overlooked a true gem. The sleeper of the older expressions we’ve had bottled. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• 1992 Longmorn 20 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Exclusive Malts” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99)
Introducing our newest source for top-quality whisky at wonderfully reasonable price points – the Exclusive Malts! Our partnership with this independent bottler will bring EM expressions for the first time ever to the United States, available only at K&L. David and I had a field day working through the various casks available in the tiny warehouse outside of Glasgow. Although we had already selected a younger Longmorn expression from Signatory, the distillery has such a great reputation amongst enthusiasts for quality and we were open to bringing in a more mature cask if it tasted great. The nose of this whisky is classic Speyside – that heady mix of vanilla, malted grains, and rich stonefruit. The palate is more of the same: sweet grains, lots of wonderful vanilla and caramel, a finish of soft fruits with a hint of banana. Great Longmorn often doesn’t do a whole lot, but it does what it does very well. There’s not supreme depth or insane complexity goi ng on with this whisky, but there’s a whole lotta deliciousness. Longmorn just simply hits the spot and sometimes that more than enough. Considering the 16 year old distillery bottle sells for well over $100 here in the states, getting this 20 year old single cask at full proof is quite the deal indeed. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• 1982 Port Ellen 30 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Sovereign Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($599.99)
Whoever said that persistence pays off was so freakin’ right. The only reason we ever got a hold of this baby was that we’ve built some great relationships in Scotland. So when we asked at Sovereign, again, eyebrows raised, “Do you have anything you could offer us?” They offered. We tasted. We loved. They bottled. And it’s a true glory. The nose shows soft, earthy peat and struck match igniting pipe tobacco. The palate is all weathered leather tempered by sweet, mellowing dark wood. This long and powerful malt turns the phenols back up to 11 for a spicy, peaty finish. We’re not sure we’ll see another one of these. Diageo has been buying the few remaining casks back from bottlers well above market price for their 12th annual Port Ellen release, which retails for over $1,000. They bottled nearly 3,000 of those; there will only be 150 of ours. (David Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer)

NEW ARRIVALS

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• 1990 Aberlour 21 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Exclusive Malts” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99)

BACK IN STOCK

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• Benromach 10 Year Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($41.99)
• Bruichladdich “Laddie Classic” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 4 available ($59.99)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Buffalo Trace Experimental Collection “Oat” Bourbon Whiskey 375ml ($49.99)
• Leopold Bros.Maryland Style Rye Whiskey 750ml ($46.99)
• Willett 6 Year Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($49.99)
• Willett 8 Year Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml ($64.99)

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

Loch Fyne Whiskies Stocks, ‘Balvenie 17yo Double Wood’

Balvenie 17 year old DoubleWood 43% abv

£69.00 inc vat
£57.50 ex vat

Loch Fyne Whiskies
david@lfw.co.uk

GlenDronach 1993 Single Cask #26 UK Exclusive

19 Year Old single Pedro Ximenez Sherry Butt released exclusively for the United Kingdom market. 614 numbered bottles. Bottled at natural strength 57.1% ABV

Buy – $94.40

BALLANTINE’S CHRISTMAS RESERVE IN DEMAND AHEAD OF FESTIVE SEASON

Ballantine’s, the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, is rolling out Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve Limited Edition to more markets than ever before this year, due to increased demand from markets looking to capitalize on the lucrative festive season.

The third edition of Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve will now be available in fifteen markets – including France, Germany, Poland and China – following the success of the limited edition seasonal expression since 2010.

To support this year’s release, the brand is launching a new Facebook app that invites users to virtually ‘pass the parcel’ to their friends, with a chance of winning a bottle of Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve. To further engage consumers with the festive blend, the app provides seasonal recipes made with Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve, including mince pies and Clementine Bauble cocktails.

Peter Moore, International Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments: “The festive period is notoriously competitive for retailers, so we’re delighted to be offering Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve to more of our customers around the world this year. This special edition provides consumers seeking the ideal festive gift with exceptional quality and excellent value.”

He continues, “Our customers rightly expect fresh thinking from Ballantine’s so we hope our new Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve Facebook app will be well received and will help spread some festive spirit this Christmas.”

Available from October to December 2012, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is presented in a superior white presentation box, decorated with snowflakes and elements of gold foil. The design adds a premium festive feel and ensures maximum shelf stand-out for Ballantine’s during the busy sales period.

With its luxury seasonal aromas including cinnamon, orange, raisin, candy apple and pear, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is ideal served on its own over ice or as the base for seasonal cocktails.

To access the Facebook app, consumers are asked to visit: Ballantines facebook 

 Notes:

*The facebook app is available to consumer in the UK, Poland, Bulgaria and Germany

About Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve
Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is available in Switzerland, France, Mexico, Netherlands, Vietnam, Poland, Denmark, Bulgaria, China, Thailand, Germany, Slovenia, Taiwan, Croatia and Hong Kong.

On the nose, Ballantine’s Christmas Reserve is rich, deep and fruity with hints of moist raisin fruitcake and sweet candy apples perfectly balanced out by caramel toffees and soft ripe pears. It tastes sweet with succulent tangy orange and a superb liquorice root and ginger flavour. The finish is very long, round and sweet.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling more than 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com

Introducing three NEW and exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies from Auchentoshan, Bowmore and Glen Garioch.  All bottled at cask strength, all limited editions, all launching in the next few months as noted below, some in time for the holidays (in case you’re looking for a special gift or working on a gift guide).

Auchentoshan Valinch 2012 Limited Edition Vintage – Launch date: November 2012
Often referred to as the cellar master’s best friend, a ‘valinch’ is a tube that is extended into the cask to get samples for tasting to determine if the whisky is ready for bottling. An apt name for this malt since the spirit is cask-strength. This is the 2nd bottling of this limited edition. As Scotland’s only triple-distilled malt, Auchentoshan is incredibly velvety and smooth yet Valinch has a distinct kick due to its cask strength.

SRP: $59.99 (750ml; 57.2% ABV); 1,300 bottles for U.S.

Glen Garioch 1986 Vintage – Launch date: November 2012
A new introduction from this small Highland distillery, Glen Garioch 1986 is very limited with 3,000 bottles available for the entire world. It is the fifth expression in Glen Garioch’s Vintage range to date – 1978, 1990, 1991 and 1994. It’s a liquid gem from a Highland distillery, a perfect dram for the whisky connoisseur.

SRP: $249.99 (750ml; 54.6%), 250 bottles for U.S.

Bowmore Dorus Mor Small Batch Release – Launch date: January 2013
This cask-strength, 10 Years Old Bowmore can be found throughout the world by a more ‘tempestous’ name that can’t be used in the U.S., so only here it’s known as Dorus Mor, a name chosen by the brand’s Facebook fans. A heady and strong whisky from the magical island of Islay, Bowmore Dorus Mor tastes of the very sea itself, bursting with the soul of the untamed Scottish weather and shows Bowmore’s trademark peat smokiness. This formidable tour de force is worthy of its strong name.

SRP $ $119.99 (750ml; 55.1% ABV); 2,400 bottles for U.S.

Winter Outturn – Holiday Parcel Offerings  

Mouth-wateringly sharp and sweet 

Cask No. 9.62                                      $85

Speyside, Spey

The nose started out really fresh – laundry flapping on the line, lemon, pineapple, strawberry and polished wood, but changed to caramel, toffee and cinnamon; then later, to leather and musk. The palate was spicy, oaky and astringent – suggesting chilli heat or spicy boiled sweets (aniseed balls, clove balls). The reduced nose offered soft spice, butterscotch, some wood shavings and plasticine (‘a carpenter’s workshop’) with lemon spikiness. The reduced palate became mouth-wateringly sharp and sweet (like Moffat toffees) but also had little flickering flames of gentle drying spice – Fisherman’s Friends, cinnamon. The distillery has a secret dram safe in the gardens.

Drinking tip: A good digestif

Colour: Yellow gold                                         Date distilled: August 2002

Cask: First-fill barrel                                          Alcohol: 62.1%

Age: 8 years                                                    USA allocation: 149 Bottles 

Not for wee boys 

Cask No. 29.104                                               $140

Islay

A big nose with lots going on. Carbolic soap, sticking plasters, treacle, hot smoked salmon, burnt heather and liquorice root added to the anticipation. Then a youthful woody spiciness together with jerk chicken sauce (rosemary, thyme, cloves, honey). The palate was massive with concentrated flavours and bitter woodiness. Water brought out prunes, raisins, lemon juice and old camp fires. A musky aroma accompanied some lighter floral notes. A brief hint of struck matches to taste gave way to tannins, burnt heather, liquorice sticks and lots of sweetness. It benefited from some water to calm it down. Of the three Kildalton distilleries, this is the one closest to Port Ellen.

Drinking tip: When you aren’t planning on sampling another whisky that evening

Colour: Pale straw                                           Date distilled: October 1990

Cask: Refill Sherry butt                                     Alcohol: 58.2%

Age: 20 years                                                  USA allocation: 120 Bottles

Glazed cashews and lemon lollies 

Cask No. 27.97                                                $110

Campbeltown

Stunning for its age! Creamy fudge, condensed milk, Golden Syrup on hot buttered toast; Caramac toffee/chocolate; ‘Dolcé de Leché’ (Argentinian pastries). A very sweet taste, then mouth drying, with a thread of smoke in the finish; caramelised cashew nuts and fresh kindling wood. A drop of water musters crushed rosemary, beurre noir, ‘lemon lollies in warm sand’, sea-salt and a trace of struck matches; the taste smooth and viscous, with a light sweetness balanced by dry tannins; allspice, leather and tobacco in the finish. A classic old-fashioned example of the make from Campbeltown’s leading distillery.

Drinking tip: In a beach hut

Colour: Deep amber; cream sherry                            Date distilled: May 1998

Cask: Refill gorda                                                        Alcohol: 57.6%

Age: 13 years                                                  USA allocation: 180 Bottles 

Straightforward, sweet and spicy 

Cask No. 42.10                                                $85

Highland, Island

Yes it was young – but perfectly enjoyable – we nosed dried grass, flowers, herbs, creosote and soft tar (perhaps in a farmyard context?); also lemon sponge, vanilla, pepper and chocolate Easter eggs in boxes. The unreduced palate was pretty straightforward, sweet and spicy; specifically milk chocolate and white pepper, along with grass and paper. The reduced nose offered green grapes, melted vanilla ice-cream, some salt and a ‘scorched boiler-suit’. That simple balance (don’t look for much complexity) also inhabited the reduced palate – plum jam, syrup, MDF furniture, ‘licking a TV screen’ and some spicy warmth to finish. From Mull’s only distillery.

Drinking tip: When you need a ‘quickie’

Colour: Pale wood sap                                                Date distilled: March 2005

Cask: Refill barrel                                                         Alcohol: 62.7%

Age: 7 years                                                                USA allocation: 60 Bottles

A vaudeville act

Cask No. G2.2                                     $250

Grain

Once the largest grain whisky distillery in Scotland, it was closed and dismantled in 1983. Its make was never bottled by its owner and is very rare in indie bottlings. Jaunty for its age: ‘red patent-leather dancing pumps’ came to mind. A school art-room, with poster paint, Gloy glue, ink, vinyl and coated card – all behind vanilla fudge. Sweet and oaky to taste, with vanilla, coconut and light liquorice. With water it became a newly crafted coffin, wax-polished and resinous. A light texture and a short finish, with a hint of Murraymints and strong, lorry-drivers, tea, and condensed milk.

Drinking tip: While watching a school tap-dancing class

Colour: Bright gold                                          Date distilled: November 1976

Cask: Refill barrel                                             Alcohol: 53.6%

Age: 35 years                                                  USA allocation: 60 Bottles

Please visit the Scotch Malt Whisky Society of America at http://www.smwsa.com/ for further information on their single cask bottlings.

Japan – Single Malt Scotch

• Nikka 12 Year Old Taketsuru Pure Malt Japanese Whisky 750ml ($59.99)
Malt whiskies matured for 12 years or more at the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries are blended in vats to produce this outstanding pure malt whisky.

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• 2003 Bruichladdich K&L Exclusive Peated Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($72.99)
Originally slated for Bruichladdich’s short-lived 3D3 Peat expression, this malt began its life in Bourbon casks until it was dumped into a refill Sherry butt for extra maturation. That classic Bruichladdich tang is on the nose, the briny aromas that meander between rich, earthy, and tart. The peat shows itself first, bringing bright smoke and peat moss similar to Laphroaig, before the mild dose of Sherry kicks in, finishing more like Lagavulin with some nice oak and caramel. After a disasterous recall on last year’s Chenin Blanc barrel, this new offering from Bruichladdich comes just in time for the holidays to fill the hole. Now that Remy Martin has acquired the once-independent distillery, we’re not sure if this will mark the end of the independent cask program at Bruichladdich. Is this the last time we team up with our friends on Islay, or is this just another great chapter in an incredible relationship? We hope to continue our business with Bruichladdich , but if this peated cask is the last of its kind, it’s a hell of a way to go out. Big smoke, big flavor, tons of complexity, lots of chewy richness. This is Islay through and through. It’s Bruichladdich at its smoky best. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Old World Spirits Gold Run California Rye Whiskey750ml – 11 available ($49.99)
Finally, after almost a year of hype, local Belmont distiller Davorin Kuchan is ready to release his 100% white, organic rye whiskey, giving California its first real home-made option since Old Potrero. The Goldrun is about one year old, but already has a complexity and depth of flavor that places it much further beyond many of its upstart peers. Spicy, peppery, and full of bready yeast, there’s perhaps not another whiskey out there that tastes more like actual rye bread. Getting the yeast to fully ferment the rye was a challenge (which is why most distilleries add some barley and opt out of the 100% recipe), but the result was worth the effort. Davorin has always been an eau-de-vie distiller, so the purity of the rye was more important than say the vanilla from the wood. The question now is will there be enough to supply local demand? Rye whiskey has already been short in supply this year, so the appetite is definitely there. Luckily, our close relation ship with Davorin has allowed us to get to it first! These half-bottles allow us to package what is an expensive and labor-intensive process into something more affordable for the consumer. Grab one, get a glass, sit back and sip some local rye whiskey made just down the street! Supply is limited. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

• Willett 11 Year Old Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml ($73.99)

• Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Four Wood Finish 750ml – 1 available ($89.99)
The well-regarded Woodford Master’s Collection has always been difficult to get. Here we have an interesting experiment that draws partially from previous bottlings. Their contention is that finishing in a single wood type provides only a one-dimensional change to the flavor profile. By finishing in three different barrel types, the blender is able to achieve more complexity and character, so the story goes. I’ve had plenty of barrel finished product that are certainly more than one dimensional, but I’ve never had an American whisky finished in three types of barrels. Here we get Oloroso Sherry adding nutty sweetness, ruby Port giving red berry fruit, and the maple wood providing woody sweetness and spice. This stuff is always incredibly limited and inevitably someone will be disappointed when it runs out. (David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer)

Back in stock

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

• 1988 Glenrothes Speyside Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $150) ( Price: Hidden )
Whisky Advocate: “The hue is deep amber and the nose is equally resonant and rich. This is Glenrothes in its most muscular guise, so that while you have the normal layers of fruity complexity, there is an extra weight. Think of citrus peels, sticky dates, walnuts, and fruit leather. The palate is soft and rolling with light tannin. For me, it’s at its best au naturel. ” K&L Notes: All of the creamy textures and soft sweetness of the beloved 1985 vintage in a new 1998 release. More vanilla, less sherry, with nutty toffee on the finish. Delicious.

 United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Willett 4 Year Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml – 3 available ($41.99)

• Willett 5 Year Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml – 3 available ($49.99)
This small, independent bottler is super-secretive, so there’s very little we can tell you about this specific bottling besides that it’s unique, small batch and going to sell out fast.

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

Whisky Galore @TGWS Stocking Whisky Top Trumps

New in stock:
Whisky Top Trumps, a fanastic Christmas Gift idea, they are ideal for Whisky Tasting nights, Parties and after dinners, or even for teaching the mere mortals on the values of Whisky….

Order yours in time for Christmas: WHISKY TRUMPS

Remember we also ship internationally, so don’t delay – order today for Pre Christmas Delivery (Before 1st December)

GlenDronach Single Cask 26 / 1993 / 19 Year Old 3rd UK Exclusive

The third UK exclusive from GlenDronach distillery is finally here, and it looks like they have released yet another superb tasting dram. Single cask 26, a 19 year old single malt whisky, laid to rest in 1993 in a Pedro Ximenez sherry butt before being bottled in 2012.

GlenDronach Single Cask 26 Tasting Notes

Appearance
Rich ruby – mahogany.

Nose
Chocolate, figs and spices in abundance.

Palate
Layers of dark chocolate and orange in harmony with nutmeg, raisins
and delicate spices.

£70.50 (£58.75 ex vat)

Click here to buy GlenDronach Single Cask 26 UK Exclusive

Abbey Whisky
enquiries@abbeywhisky.com
www.abbeywhisky.com
0800 051 7737

SPRINGBANK SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

Greetings Society Members

Winter is fast approaching with dark cold mornings and days when you donʼt know what the weather is going to be doing. As you all know Campbeltown can go through all four seasons in one day!!

Things usually slow down in Campbeltown over the winter but we are still busy here, there are still quite a lot of visitors to the distillery, this year we have had quite a few larger groups coming to the town and more and more are using the Tasting Room, enjoying a few drams with local produce to compliment our whisky. We include a little smoked salmon from our local smokehouse, a taste of our local cheese with oatcakes made by a local baker and of course a wee bit of chocolate (not locally made unfortunately).

This year we have had quite a few Society Members visiting us and it was really nice to be able to meet them and put a face to the email!

SOCIETY BOTTLES

We have now started to send the Society Bottles to the Cadenhead Shops in Europe, members still have to order by contacting Campbeltown so that we know how many tosend. Hopefully this will work out and all future Society bottles can be sent this way. We still have some of the Longrow 10 y/o and the Springbank 14 y/o available.

If you would like to order either of these Society bottles please let me know. The bottles can be sent to the shops in Europe with their next orders, following the same procedure aswe have just done. We would take orders here for the bottles, you would stipulate which shop you would like your bottles delivered to then when they are on their way an email would be sent to you advising of the phone number of the shop so that you can contact toarrange payment and dispatch – or to check when you can call in to the shop to uplift your bottles.

The next Society bottling should also be able to go to the US as the new importer there is now established. A lot of waiting to get things going and I do apologise for this but now that we are ʻon the moveʼ and more importantly legal, things should improve.

We can now start to look for another cask to bottle for Society Members, Frank and Gavin will be “on the case” and weʼll get a few samples together to pick the best. Perhaps this time we will send out a few samples to members to see which one they prefer. It would only be a few members, so a “lucky dip” to pick the winners.

We have just taken delivery of the new Springbank Calvados in the shop today, itʼs a 12y/o which has been 6 years in a bourbon cask and 6 years in a Calvados cask, strength 52.7% and costs £58.

Tasting Note:

Colour – Golden syrup

Nose – The influence of the Calvados casks is immediately apparent, with notes of greenapples, citrus fruits and sweet toffee showing themselves in the beginning. Vanilla essence, pears and some gentle spice come later.

Palate – A very lively dram at cask strength. Black pepper and rhubarb give way to demerara sugar, green grapes, a touch of cinnamon and a little bit of home-made fudge. This is an oily whisky for sure.

Finish – Orange marmalade, gooseberries and a pleasant, dry, peatiness leave a lasting impression

The staff up at the distillery have been working very hard both inside and outside and the place is looking very smart and tidy. There have certainly not been any “idle hands” overthe past few months. Our Distillery Manager, Gavin, is very neat and tidy and this must be rubbing off on everyone else, I think.

SPRINGBANK WHISKY SCHOOL

The whisky school will run next year from week beginning 6th May until week beginning 8th July, 10 weeks, arriving here on the Sunday and leaving on the Friday. Places are starting to fill up but we still have plenty to fill. There are only six places each week so thatwe can ensure that everyone has a chance to work in all aspects of the Distillery and spend as much time as possible with the Distillery staff. The staff are all very friendly and enjoy the Whisky School, being able to pass on their skills to people who are obviously so interested in what they do. Frank is busy making up new information for next yearʼs pupils and we are hoping to present them in booklet form which will be a reminder of your time spent with us here in Campbeltown.

Last year we published a piece on facebook weekly with a photograph of that weekʼspupils (all still smiling at the end of the week) and comments from the “Headmaster” FrankMcHardy. There were no “detentions” or “punishments” handed out to anyone throughout the ten week period and everyone seemed to get on really well, during and after working hours. We even had one pupil dressed up in a kilt – you know who you are!!!!

So, if you would like to join us next year please let me know by emailing whiskyschool@springbankwhisky.com and I will send you some information and a registration form.

SPRINGBANK OPEN DAY 2013

Next yearʼs Open Day is starting to be discussed, plans being made, etc. The Open Day will be on Thursday 23rd May and as we get nearer the time all will be revealed as to whatwe will be doing. There will of course be Single Casks and Masterclasses and tours, but we will have to wait and see what else is in store for you.

Watch this space ………………………….

SPRINGBANK SALES TEAM

The Sales Team have been kept very busy these past few months, Sales Manager Ranald Watson has been jetting around the globe spreading the Springbank word, MelanieStanger has been travelling round the UK and Europe, attending shows and Tastings and our newest member John McCallum has also been out and about, finding his feet, so to speak. When we get to the Open Day next year, John will be an “old hand” by then and will no doubt be involved in some of the tastings. Melanie was involved in the Open Day this year so she has already “cut her teeth”.

LONGROW CV

We now have the new Longrow which replaces the Longrow CV, the packaging is rather eye catching I think. The tasting note for the Longrow is as follows:

Colour: Light amber with slight olive highlights.

Nose: Very creamy, vanilla custard. The smoke develops gradually, like a slow burning log fire, never overpowering butalways reassuring. Our guest taster was reminded of marshmallows toastedon a campfire – crisp on the outside and sticky sweet in the middle!

Palate: Incredibly well balanced – rich and creamy with a slight medicinal hint. The smoke is

always present, washing over the palate in waves, like the soft billows of smoke from the kiln.

Finish: The gentle smoke lingers and lingers leaving you yearning for more!

The Cadenhead shop now also has Longrow 5cl £5 and Hazelburn 12y/o 5cl £5 in stock, as well as the Springbank 10y/o and 15y/o 5cl. These have proved to be very popular since being introduced recently.

St Andrew’s Night

The Tasting Room at Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop, Campbeltown are hosting a St Andrew’s Night on Saturday 1st December. There will be a 3 coarse dinner and a whisky tasting. Tickets available from Cadenhead Whisky Shop, Campbeltown at a cost of £25 per person. Time, 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm. If it is as successful as the Hallowe’en night we held recently it promises to be good.

Hallowe’en Night

We held a Hallowe’en night on 27th October in the Tasting Room and although fancy dress was not compulsory everyone joined in and came along dressed in various costumes, most of which were home made. We had Dorothy and her friends from the Wizard of Oz, a giant pumpkin, Edward Scissor Hands (the winner of the competition), a girly clown and lots more. The staff were dressed as zombies with Donald as the zombie chef, Grant as a very scary zombie and Mairi, Julie, Leslie and myself as zombie waitresses.

We enjoyed a lovely warming winter dinner cooked by Donald and accompanied by cocktails rather than a whisky tasting. The evening, of course, included some games – “dooking” for apples – surprised there wasn’t any mess for this one, and throwing corks into a pumpkin to win a prize. The Tasting Room was suitably dressed for the occasion with spiders webs, skulls, bones and gravestones, and spooky music playing all night (not too loudly).

This was our first Hallowe’en “function” and hopefully not our last.

Society & Canada

Our Sales Team have been working away in the background trying to set up something for Canada so that our Members there can enjoy the benefits of the Society without having to have their Society bottles delivered to the UK. We should soon be able to ship to Alberta in Canada if things go according to plan, but more news on that when it has been finalised, hopfully not too long!!!

That’s about all of our news for the minute, but as soon as Frank and Gavin have earmarked a few possible casks for the Society bottle I will let everyone know.

Meantime we wish you all well.

SLÁINTE!!!!

Janet

Please visit http://www.springbankwhisky.com/ to join the Springbank Society