Ralfy has some reservations about the experience with Whisky Review 607 – Glendronach 23yo cask 564 @ 58.9%vol

The last part of the series! Apologies for the rather abrupt ending to this video, I got a bit over enthusiastic about what’s coming up in the next few weeks for you all! Islay, big, smokey, robust and renowned for it’s no-holds-bard approach to flavour and style. However, I have chosen to sample whiskies that aren’t the usual suspects. Bruichladdich are the definition of punk rock for me, they stick to the rules but they experiment with whatever they can and however they can. Bunnahabhain is a softer and richer approach to west coast whisky, tasting like a Highland or Speyside rather than that of a salty, smokey, renegade nomad from a rough cut west coast Island.  Enjoy folks!

Bruichladdich: The Progressive Hebridean Distiller

Three new limited editions have just arrived at Loch Fyne from each of Bruichladdich’s three whisky labels: Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte and Octomore. Ranging from unpeated to super heavily peated, these second limited editions showcase every side of Islay’s whisky-making. Only available while stocks last!

Bruichladdich The Laddie Ten Limited Edition

Port Charlotte 10 Year Old Limited Edition

Octomore 10 Year Old Limited Edition

Pre-order now – stock arriving this week

Loch Fyne Whiskies
tel: 0141 427 2919
info@lochfynewhiskies.com
www.lochfynewhiskies.com

Many of you may have noticed that the Asian whisky market is on fire. Japanese whisky has become all but extinct and the category continues to garner multinational accolades. While the fervor builds for the ever elusive Japanese Single Malt, a little distillery in Yuanshan in Western Taiwan has quietly been cranking out award winning whisky after award winning whisky. The special distillery in this rural township was only built in 2005, but is already bottling world class whisky. Named for the native people of the island, the distillery was built to exacting standards and features a Scottish style double pot still set up. With the quiet and confident Master Distiller Ian Chang at the helm the distillery has received several of the whisky world’s highest honors. Of their many offerings, the most special are their single barrel cask strength offerings (known in the rest of the world as Solist Casks). Here in the states a trademark dispute prevented the use of that moniker, but the whisky is no less special.

Of all the Solist offerings, the Sherry Cask (drawn from Spanish Oloroso Sherry Butts) is arguably the most delicious. Since its release two years ago we’ve not received more than 75 bottles in total from their importer. Each shipment has sold out within minutes of arriving on our shelves. For that reason we’re extremely lucky to be able offer you unlimited access to a very special single cask from Kavalan (Solist) Sherry Single Cask. It is the darkest and most powerful sherry cask from Kavalan we’ve ever seen and while stocks are open at this time, they will not last long.

Kavalan “Sherry Cask” Cask Strength Single Barrel Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Elsewhere $300) ($199.99) – Arriving In Two Weeks

After so much time spent merely reading about the great single malt whiskies from Taiwan’s Kavalan distillery, we can finally get our hands on them here in the states! This is the elusive Single Sherry Cask, known in every other market as the Solist Sherry. This particular cask was purchased exclusively for the Southern California Artisanal Group and represents a huge chunk of the total US allocation. It’s extremely rare because it’s rightfully regarded as one of the world’s great sherried malts. Rated 97 points by the BTI, 5 time double gold SFWSC and the winner of the coveted “Supreme Champion” title from the well respected Malt Maniacs Award, it’s no wonder connoisseurs around the world scramble to get their hands on this stuff when available. This particular cask #S100127022A is the DARKEST sherry from Kavalan we’ve ever seen. It maybe the darkest sherried whisky we’ve ever had in the store period and that intense color translates to monster flavors.. If you like big sherry and big malt this is the whisky for you. Color: Dark Raisin Nose: Multi-layer dried fruit, nuttiness and spice with marzipan and vanilla as well. Palate: Rich, oily and full with dense dried fruit and spices that linger into a fine coffee finish. We’ve secured a healthy chunk of this special cask but it won’t last long once our competitors notice that it’s available. Expect higher prices as it trickles through the market or secure your bottle right now.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 29, 2016

If you’re a fan of the heavily-sherried Karuizawa whiskies, then this whisky is going to light your fire. It’s a total sherry bomb, dark and dense, and loaded with big, heavy Oloroso flavor. It’s totally concentrated as well, despite only seven years in the butt. That’s that Taiwanese heat, I guess. I don’t know how else to explain it. It’s not youthful or hot or out of whack. It’s the real deal — lots of cakey baking spices, dark fudge, and rich decadent sherry action.

Daniel Maas | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 16, 2016

Sure, most of us probably think of Japan as the eminent whiskey producing country in Asia, but just wait. If you’re like me, you will find yourself reconsidering that ideology upon tasting this ultra-rare cask of super-sherried KAVALAN! Easily the finest example of the Taiwanese distillery’s offerings I’ve had, this takes power to a new level with a myriad of spices, creamy-vanilla, and a subtle nutty essence. It’s all wrapped up nicely in a plush, full bodied malted texture that easily holds the immense level of sherry character. Bottled at a full-proof 57%, this beast remains quite drinkable and carries with it a lingering finish that left this PEAT-HEAD simply mystified. Could it be? Have I finally become a sherry lover? Yes.. Friends, we are truly in a new world. AND I LIKE IT.

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637) Email: wine@klwines.com

K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Loch Fyne Range

Here in our workshop on the shores of Loch Fyne we do just one thing, and we do it very well. That’s to know what people like in a whisky. You’ve told us everything we need to know and we’ve heard you, because, like whisky, the skill of listening improves with age.

Old Forester “1920 Prohibition Style” Kentucky Bourbon Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

As one of the few distilleries allowed to remain operational during Prohibition, Old Forester is celebrating this part of its history with with its Whiskey Row series. According to the distillery: “The 115 proof expression represents a barrel sample that company president Owsley Brown I would have batched at the beginning of Prohibition. The nose is an intense medley of cherry preserves, drippy caramel, dark chocolate, thickened maple syrup and seasoned oak spiciness. Dark caramel coats layers of malt nuttiness and sweet graham cracker all warmed by green peppercorn and coriander spice brightened with a hint of cedar. Tart apple crispness gives way to a long smoky finish full of toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker sweetness.”

Lagavulin 25 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($1,149.99)

Brora 38 Year Old Limited Edition Special Release Single Malt Whisky (750ml) – 3 available ($2,199.99)

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)

Email: wine@klwines.com

K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA

San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Christmas all wrapped up

The countdown is on: only 39 days until Christmas. You may think it a bit early to start thinking about gifts but then you may end up running around like a headless chicken on Christmas Eve! Fortunately, whichever tactic you favour, The Whisky Shop has the perfect solution. With a range of gift packs covering the major Scotch Whisky regions and some for the American whiskey lovers among us, giving the perfect gift could not be easier!

Worldwide delivery available

12 Drams of Christmas

Brand new from our elves’ workshop, a set of 12 world class drams for your true love (or you!) to enjoy over the 12 Days of Christmas. Encompassing a range of styles, including some wisely chosen Whisky Shop exclusives, each 3cl dram can be hung on the Christmas tree to keep the surprises coming right through to January 5th. The perfect gift for any whisky fan this Christmas!

Click here for a full list of the drams

£70 Buy Now

Andy at Malt Box reviews the new Tamnavulin Double Cask

https://youtu.be/tyoXlROv20g

FUR THISE THAT WANT A DIFFERENT VIEW…

With Christmas just around the corner, Glen and Turret have been helping us get into the Christmas Spirit as they lend a helping paw in the Famous Gift Shop picking out our best gifts this festive season.  Turret found himself quite attracted to the bottles of Smoky Black Famous Grouse; a cat after our own hearts!

Read on to find out what else Glen and Turret have picked out for this festive period…

A FAMOUS EXPERIENCE

We know Christmas is a stressful time and finding the perfect gift is far from easy. This festive period, let us take the hassle out of Christmas. Treat the whisky lover in your life to an experience that they won’t forget in a hurry. Find out more here.

MUST HAVE HAMPERS

This festive period, we’ve got some fabulous Christmas Hampers available from our Famous Gift Store. These hampers have been earmarked by Glen and Turret as the ‘must have’ gift this Christmas time so be sure to get yours before they sell out!

www.ralfy.com meets up with an old pal with Whisky Review 606 – Glenfarclas 12yo @ 43%vol