SUMMER CLOSEOUT SPECIAL

While it’s typical to see things like Pinnacle Cinnabon flavored vodka on the usual sale sheet, we’ve got some great deals to show you today. Grab ’em while they last:

I’ve got too much Double Cask! Nothing wrong with it, just too much. Help me, so I can continue to help you!

Macallan “Double Cask” 12 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $55) ($39.99) – Macallan’s latest release is a 12-year-old “double cask” malt, meaning the whisky spent time in both sherry-seasoned new American and European oak. The result is a rich and cocoa-laden malt that encompasses the sweeter and more decadent flavors of the sherry while still maintaining the malt’s inherent flavors at the core with the spice of two different woods. The result is quite splendid. Macallan fans will revel in the Double Cask’s richness, its intensity and weight, and the creamy goodness of its palate. The flavors are dark and supple with plenty of cakebread, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. Fans of fine Scotch whisky will appreciate the price and the age statement, especially given the current trend of young whisky being sold at higher costs.

Ditto with the West Cork 12 year olds. These are great whiskies, I just need space for more whiskey. MORE! There’s always more!

The West Cork distillery started as a pet project by John O’ Connell, Denis McCarthy and Ger McCarthy in 2003 in Union Hall, West Cork. In 2013 after much expansion WCD moved to a larger distillery in Skibbereen, West Cork where it now resides. It now operates as only one of the few independent distilleries in Ireland. A trio of limited 12 year old releases has just trickled into the U.S. and we’ve been told this will be it as far as inventory until late in 2018. Each finished in a different type of cask (port, sherry, and rum), the soft and creamy Irish whisky takes on just a bit of the character from the barrel it was matured in.

West Cork 12 Year Old “Port Cask Finish” Limited Edition Single Malt Irish Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $60) ($39.99) – The port cask release offers a subtle tinge of red fruit and sweet dessert flavor on the finish, but the influence is very delicate and refined.

West Cork 12 Year Old “Sherry Cask Finish” Limited Edition Single Malt Irish Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $60) ($39.99) – The sherry cask finish takes the subtle sweetness of Oloroso and melds it into the easy-drinking character of the whisky, adding just a bit of chewy richness to the soft vanilla.

West Cork 12 Year Old “Rum Cask Finish” Limited Edition Single Malt Irish Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $60) ($39.99) – The rum cask release has a creamy and textural palate of sweet grains with just a bit of that sweet molasses that you would associate with a Caribbean rum.

And, believe it or not, I pulled a few more cases of this out of our import warehouse and I don’t feel like explaining these all over again. Let’s just let ’em fly!

1964 Sovereign 51 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel (44.6%) Cask Strength Blended Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($199.99) – While it’s commonplace today for a Scotch distillery to blend their whiskies together and then re-barrel the resulting recipe, it’s rare to find a marriage of whiskies that were blended and barreled from day one. You’d have to go back to the 1960s to find an example of such a process, which is exactly what we did one morning in Glasgow when we came upon three mystery casks at one of our favorite suppliers. “No one knows for sure what’s in them,” our agent told us, “all we have is the date: December of 1964.” It was exactly this uncertainty that helped these barrels fall through the cracks, year after year. No one knew what was in them, or what to do with them, so they sat in the warehouse, getting older, and older, and older until we gave them a home. This 51 year old blend is comprised of various grain whiskies, but drinks like one singular entity working in complete harmony. As grain whisky ages it becomes soft, mellow, mild, and creamy in nature, so after five decades in wood this mystery blend is as smooth as they come. There’s not much of a noticeable difference between the two casks we’re currently offering, but tasting them side by side this particular blend has a bit more wood and more of a pure grain flavor, almost like you can taste the husks in between the sweetness of the oak. There’s a flurry of spice on the finish that tingles your taste buds just before the soft wave of texture washes away. What this whisky lacks in complexity, it makes up for in pure grace.

Auchentoshan American Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $33) ($25.99) – One of my favorite mid-priced single malts, so easy to drink and enjoyable with the Bourbon cask aging. Now sub-$30! Are you kidding me? Buy a case!

Wild Turkey “Master’s Keep – Decades” Bourbon ($129.99)

The second release in the Master’s Keep series, the Wild Turkey “Decades” is a marriage of casks aged between 10 to 20 years that, in my opinion, is a huge step up from the previous 17 year old release for a number of reasons. The first: it’s bottled at a higher 52% ABV that really adds lift and vigor to the richness and spice of the whiskey. Whereas the 17 year was quite mellow and soft having been aged in a brick warehouse off-site, the Decades is bold and quite lively. Second reason: whereas the 17 year was a marriage of similar casks, the Decades is a marriage of whiskies between 10 – 20 years old, carefully constructed so that the best parts of each barrel highlight one another. Think of this as Wild Turkey’s version of the Four Roses Small Batch Limited Edition – mature casks, blended with skill to create a whiskey greater than the simple sum of its components. Everything about the Decades tastes fantastic. There’s plenty of sweetness, a roundness of fruit, loads of baking spices like clove and cinnamon, and a bold, mouthwatering finish. There’s no need to add water, but you can if you like. Perhaps the whiskey’s greatest strength is its immediate accessibility and gorgeous bottle, making it the perfect gift for any Bourbon lover. As someone who’s tried pretty much every Bourbon in the book, I’m planning on adding the Decades to my collection. But I can just as easily imagine the casual whiskey drinker being absolutely wowed by this. – David Driscoll, Assistant Head Buyer

Wild Turkey “Master’s Keep – Decades” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017

It’s no secret that I love Wild Turkey. Whether it’s the incredible commitment to quality, the wonderful people, the gorgeous new distillery (sentimentality for Old Ripy aside it’s truly a masterpiece of modern engineering), but of course the real reason we love the Kickin’ Chicken is the whisky is fabulous. And it was fitting that I got to sample Wild Turkey’s new Decades release along side the youngest member of the Russell family to join the WT team, Bruce Russell. The decades contains the oldest whisky ever released by WT and is a mile stone for Jimmy, Eddie, and Bruce (I’m going with Brucey). Bruce will soon begin learning from his Father and grandfather the art of bourbon, after several years of learning to sell whisky in Texas and I was glad to have finally met over a glass of his predecessor’s the legacy. I immediately knew that the Wild Turkey name would be in good hands for decades to come, no pun intended, and look forward to many years of tasting great whisky with this man despite however big the shoes he must fill are. Bruce is down to earth and fun, but this whisky is serious as hell. Apparently it was originally going to be a blend of 20 and 15 year old – as these old stocks had been located at some offsite warehouses. Campari only managed to digitize their whisky inventory in 2010 and experimental batches where hidden all over Kentucky. The original blend would have been made up of these old casks but for the protests of Mr. Jimmy Russell. He likes that whisky at 10 years old and felt the older stocks lack the distinctive flavor profile he expected from his bourbon. So they added a bit of 10 year (apparently about as much 10 as 20) and most of the blend is 14-16 year old whiskies. The result is something wonderfully complex and full of deep dense bourbon spice, a twinge of herbaceous mint and nutty roasted vanilla. A big bold classic WT in a way that last years 17 was distinctly not. Tons of texture at 104 proof and sweet caramel finish. I’m not surprised to love this but I absolutely do!

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017

Finding both rare and extremely good bourbon that can be a gift (for you or if necessary someone else) has become a difficult task. Good, aged bourbon is increasingly scarce in the market, and while I love just good everyday bourbon sometimes you need that bottle that will catch the eye and the imagination. Enter the Wild Turkey Decades, the new expression from Master’s Keep collection. Essentially this is a blend of carefully selected barrels of older Wild Turkey, the nose is warm, sweet and inviting with vanilla and candy corn notes. The palate shows a soft richness with rising heat and spice from the 104 proof. This bottle showcase the depth and breadth of Wild Turkey that few other places can boast, a supple smoothness that speaks to craft.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017

This Bourbon offers what a mature whiskey should. It has concentrated flavors that are subtle and delicate . It is mellow and easy to drink with caramel and honey notes that are harmonious. This Bourbon is about nuance and flavor. What really stands out is the long delicious finish.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 15, 2017

I feel strongly that this Decades bottling from Wild Turkey is the best Bourbon in the store, and I haven’t tasted anything this good in a long time. Instead of doing a series of single barrel releases to go after collectors money, Eddie Russell has put together a masterpiece by blending some of the best stuff in the vast Wild Turkey stocks. The synergy of these whiskeys is obvious at first sniff, and I have to pinch myself when I get to taste something this good at work! This has cream, caramel, and a hint of something savory that makes it beguiling to return to. If you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable bottle, look no further!

The Glenrothes UK Exclusive Single Cask Series

Three UK exclusives released in 2017 as part of the 1st batch of The Glenrothes UK Exclusive Single Cask Series… A 1976 vintage Glenrothes, aged in single cask #2677 for an incredible 39 years and two big sherry bombs, from 2000 & 2006..  Proving to be very popular, we’re struggling to keep these in stock…

Buy Now

https://youtu.be/_izrL08-c8c 

Welcome to Texas! Where what doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger! That’s certainly how I feel about this absolute monster of American whisky making. 

Balcones have always been very cool, in my eyes. Ever since the first time I tried the regular, True Blue and the Brimstone, it’s a distillery that has always had a nurturing attitude towards it’s products and when nothing is bottled at less than 50% ABV, you really get a feel for that.

This whisky is a wash with some of the most splendid and exotic dessert smells, all backed up by a rodeo of spice and a finish that’s drier than a Texas scrub fire. All of this combined makes for a true American adventure on the pallet, it’s something that you won’t forget in a hurry and I don’t intend to let this bottle out of my sight! Cheers!

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Whisky and food pairing guide: cupcakes

When you think of food and whisky pairings, cheese, chocolate and meat may come to mind, but cupcakes? Elements of Islay international brand ambassador Mariella Romano hosted a whisky and cupcake evening for our Covent Garden shop’s Ladies Night tasting.

Mariella Romano from Elements of Islay was our guide for the evening

Believe it or not, those bundles of spongy, iced goodness are a very good match with whisky. Mariella paired a variety of cupcakes with Elements of Islay whiskies, a range of single malts from Islay packaged in laboratory-like bottles. This is what we tried:

Elements of Islay Br6 with pistachio

With a core line of vanilla running through this Bruichladdich whisky, the pistachio was a harmonious, nutty accompaniment. The spicy and fruity notes in this whisky were well balanced alongside the savoury notes that the pistachio bought to this partnership. Definitely a pairing for people who enjoy the savoury side of life.

Elements of Islay Ma1 with Peanut Butter & Jelly

As Bunnahabhain’s heavily peated sister, Margadale needs something sweet to accompany it, so what better than the good old-fashioned American staple: peanut butter and jelly. The cream and acidity of the cupcake cut through the smoke but also created a creamy, luscious pairing.

Cupcakes and whisky – not the most obvious match, but it works!

Elements of Islay Peat Full Proof with Lemon Meringue

Lemon meringue pie is one of my favourite desserts, so I was looking forward to this one. The cupcake had a dollop of meringue on top and lemon infused throughout the sponge, with the citrus cutting through the highly smoky Peat. My favourite pairing!

Elements of Islay Bw4 with Lamington

Lamingtons are traditional Australian cakes made from squares of sponge coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut. I hadn’t tried them before but they worked really well with the tropical Bowmore in glass number four. The coconut topping enriched the pineapple and mango, culminating in a smoky finish – a match made in Caribbean heaven.

Elements of Islay Lp7 with Nutella

What goes well with chocolate? Salt. The smoky Laphroaig with notes of seaweed and salt was teamed up with nutty and creamy chocolate. The medicinal quality of the whisky needs a rich flavour to balance it out and the Nutella cupcake was the perfect partner.

Elements of Islay Oc3 with Red Velvet

Oc3, an Octomore, was the smokiest whisky we tried. The red-velvet cupcakes offered silky-smooth, rich flavours which really held their own against the waves of smoke. Rather than fighting the smoke, the cupcake worked really well with it, creating a beautiful pairing.

I would highly recommend anyone to get out of their comfort zone and try some cupcakes next time they pour a dram. People are becoming ever more adventurous and I really believe that whisky and food pairing will be in the same position as wine and food matching in a few years – watch this space.

GlenDronach Cask Strength Batch 6

Our malt of the month for June is from the stunning cask strength series from GlenDronach distillery. Already priced extremely well, we’re now offering a further £4 off Batch 6, until the end of the month…

BUY NOW

Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

This is the modern interpretation of the Macallan style for which the distillery is so well known – refined, rich, and rounded with plenty of sherry cask influence. Very definitely a dram to be enjoyed with friends.

£55 Buy Now Was £70

Ralfy uncovers a young affordable age-stated affordable malt with Ralfy Review 659 – Kilkerran 8yo @ 56.2%vol

Taste Skye Under The Moon this August

The Birmingham Whisky Club has teamed up with Birmingham Museums, Talisker Whisky and artist Luke Jerram to present a unique lunar inspired whisky tasting experience this August.

Being held at Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, this event will give the whisky curious an opportunity to taste through six amazing Talisker drams, with the line-up being valued at over £800. Guests will be led through the tasting by renowned whisky expert and Diageo Reserve Whisky Ambassador, Colin Dunn.

This event is being held as part of the ‘Museum Of The Moon’ national tour (landing in Birmingham from 21st July) and gives attendees an exclusive chance to enjoy the installation whilst the museum is closed to the general public. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound musical composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones. Created by artist Luke Jerram, the installation uses detailed imagery from NASA of the lunar surface to create a scale replica of the moon (approximate scale of 1:500,000).

Colin Dunn, Diageo Reserve Whisky Ambassador said: “We are really excited to be working with The Birmingham Whisky Club to present this fantastic line up of whiskies in such an exceptional setting.

Talisker is the only Single Malt Whisky on the shores of the Isle of Skye, one of the most remote, yet beautiful landscapes in Scotland. I hope that presenting these whiskies alongside the moon will evoke the tidal and rugged landscape of where they’re produced and take the audience on a journey to Scotland as they taste through the selection.”

Amy Seton, Owner of The Birmingham Whisky Club said: “We are delighted to be working with Luke Jerram to showcase these amazing whiskies in an unusual and creative way. We look forward to welcoming Colin to Birmingham for this extraordinary tasting event.”

The exclusive screening and tasting will be held on Saturday 5^th August 2017 and there are two time slots to choose from (5:30pm – 7:00pm or 8:00pm – 9:30pm). Tickets can be purchased here. Prices start at £30 and include an expert led tasting through six different whiskies. Discounted tickets are available for members of the Birmingham Museums Trust and The Birmingham Whisky Club.

The Birmingham Whisky Club runs ‘dram-atically’ different events with whisk(e)y from all around the world for whisky lovers old and new. The event will be the organisers third collaboration with Birmingham Museums.

Notes

For information about The Birmingham Whisky Club please visit thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk or contact Amy Seton on 07966 266511 or email Vicky@birminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk.

About The Birmingham Whisky Club

The Birmingham Whisky Club is Birmingham’s only dedicated whisky tasting events company. We offer a diverse range of tutored tastings and whisky-themed events in and around Birmingham, including themed and rare whisky night’s, events with distilleries, whisky and food matching, and private and corporate events. We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to the more hardened whisky buff.

Visit our webpage http://www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/ or find us on Facebook. 

About Museum of the Moon and Luke Jerram  

www.my-moon.org

Museum of the Moon is a new touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram.

Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in the UK but working internationally for 20 years, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the globe. Jerram has a set of different narratives that make up his practice which are developing in parallel with one another. He is known worldwide for his large scale public artworks.

In Birmingham he has previously presented his world famous installation Play Me I’m Yours with dozens of pianos distributed across the city to play. His hot air balloon artwork Sky Orchestra launched from the Think Tank in collaboration with the Fierce Festival. The Think Tank also hosted his Dream Concert back in 2005. www.lukejerram.com

For more information on Thinktank and Birmingham Museums, visit their website.

Choosing the perfect single malt gift for Father’s Day can be a daunting task, but with no gift wrapping required, Jura’s new special edition bottles of Origin and Superstition make that decision all the easier. Each bottle is illustrated with the flavour notes that can be found within, making it all the easier to navigate the world of whisky and select that essential gift for your Dad this Father’s Day.

Known for producing a light and delicate spirit thanks to its tall stills, maturation in the sea air and careful selection of  the finest woods; Jura Origin & Jura Superstition offer something to suit all palates. Whether it be the refined flavours of honey, citrus peel and toffee of Jura Origin, which has spent 10 years in American White Oak Ex-bourbon barrels, or the lightly peated Superstition that has notes of honey, spice, peat and pine– we’ve even included a handy gift tag with each bottle to save you the trouble…

Each special edition bottle includes the chance to win a trip to Jura with your dad – a chance to discover the different sides of our unique Scottish island for yourself. Simply enter the promotional code found on each pack on our website. Good luck, and happy Father’s Day,

Everyone at the Jura Distillery