2012 Port Charlotte 10 Year Old “Dramfool’s Jim McEwan Signature Collection 7.2″ First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask #2554 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Previously $370) $258.10 View
Jim McEwan
Review Date: N/A
Aromas – Opens on a beautiful combination of peat smoked barley with tantalising hints of lemon & honey then waves of heather in bloom drift by. Little notes of juniper and pine mingle beautifully with the spiciness of bourbon residue and sweetness of malt extract. It’s Islay at its best, in the early summer with the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean caressing the barley fields and depositing the salty moisture on the land that give the barley its unique flavour. Palate – The sweetness of malt extract is in harmony with the smokiness from the peat and also the spicy residue from bourbon-soaked staves, it evolves slowly creating the flavour profile that makes this spirit unique. The most important element of this spirit is that it is distilled by Islanders who simply walk in the footsteps of their fore-fathers; no computers, no chemists, no BS, just passion pride and patience.
This release was distilled on July 18th, 2012 after spending its entire 10-year life maturing in cask #2554, a first-fill Bourbon barrel from the Jack Daniels distillery. It was bottled in February 2023 without chillfiltration and no added color, at a natural cask strength of 60.6%. Only 232 bottles were produced. Tasting notes from Jim McEwan: “Aromas – Opens on a beautiful combination of peat smoked barley with tantalising hints of lemon & honey, then waves of heather in bloom drift by. Little notes of juniper and pine mingle beautifully with the spiciness of bourbon residue and sweetness of malt extract. It’s Islay at its best, in the early summer with the warm winds from the Atlantic Ocean caressing the barley fields and depositing the salty moisture on the land that give the barley its unique flavour. Palate – The sweetness of malt extract is in harmony with the smokiness from the peat and also the spicy residue from bourbon-soaked staves, it evolves slowly creating the flavour profile that makes this spirit unique. The most important element of this spirit is that it is distilled by Islanders who simply walk in the footsteps of their forefathers; no computers, no chemists, no BS, just passion, pride and patience.”
Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
2007 Glengoyne 16 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (700ml) (Previously $110) $63.13 View
David Othenin-Girard
K&L Buyer
Review Date: 09/2024
We’ve only bottled a handful of Glengoynes over the last 15 years and all but one have been 2nd or 3rd fill hogsheads. The last one we did was about the most controversial whisky we’ve ever bottled, a PX butt bottled by Old Particular. That whisky was so weird and wine-y, customers either loved it uncontrollably or were completely revolted by it. There was no in-between. This whisky, on the other hand, will almost certainly result in consensus across the board. This beautiful butt, which I assumed was first fill albeit not very dark due to its complexity and flavor, is so creamy and friendly. There may not be another more drinkable malt in the store. Let’s see! The color is a splendid burnished (1.1). Immediately on the nose we get roasted almonds, dried Seville orange peel, fresh mango with the skins, rich toffee syrup, exotic wood and a rich dried barley note. With air the sweetness and the toffee come forward, but it doesn’t forget about the fruit. The palate has tons of sweet chocolate, beeswax, sandalwood, dried apricots, and a building spice -ginger root and cinnamon. The finish is very long with a big tingly spice that pushes the sweetness of the nose and front palate out of mind until the next sip. A tiny splash of water brings out the nuts and the fruit. Now there’s tons of citrus and a strong almond butter character. The palate too has added tons of fruit, and the ginger is a lingering afterthought. This is just so good. Mostly when I’m wanting to drink scotch it’s something like this, tons of complexity, but not overpowered by any one element. The perfectly balanced whisky especially with a dash of fresh spring water. Hard to argue that this isn’t one of the best casks of the whisky season, especially for the seasoned sipper who craves balance and depth over power and intensity.
The wonderful Glengoyne distillery is always one to keep an eye. Built in 1833, it was sold by Archiball Macllelan to the Lang Brothers where it remained until 1965 when it was purchased by a predecessor organization to Edrington Group. In 2003, it was sold to blenders and bottlers Ian Macleod and they’ve rightfully made Glengoyne a worldwide brand. They’re famous for their sherried malt and it’s rare to see a butt make it out of their warehouses under anyone else’s label. That’s why we were so excited to see this pop up and when we tasted it we knew we had a real winner. The Glengoyne distillery is located in tiny town of Dumgoyne on the road to Blairquhosh, just 13 miles north of central Glasgow. It sits just beyond the imaginary line that all Scots agree is the starting point of the highlands. Despite its proximity to the lowlands, it’s very much in the classic highland style and has carved out a name for its self-providing nicely balanced sherry and rich malt character. We rarely see it bottled by independent bottlers and when we do its almost always in tired old hogsheads. This gorgeous 2nd fill butt, however, is so distinct and characterful, you might mistake it for first fill. We certainly did. A deep golden color and an explosive sherry nose filled with rich dried fruit, chocolate, and gorgeous malt. Many will second guess this one because it’s not a traditional “sherry bomb,” but one nosing is all it takes to see that this whisky is of exceptional quality.
Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
THE ANATOMY OF A HIGHBALL
As warmer months beckon, the highball is one of the easiest and most refreshing serves to reach for, day or night.
The highball is a simple cocktail consisting of a spirit and a mixer served in a tall, ice-filled glass. While not solely whisky-based, highballs are most commonly made with whisky, excelling at making the spirit even more approachable across a wider range of occasions and times of day.
So why do one? What makes a good one? How can you make our favourite one? We’re handing the reins over to our Whiskymaker (and award-winning bartender) Michael for all the answers…
WHY DO A HIGHBALL?
When we create a highball at Compass Box, it’s less about rules and more about flavour. Essentially we’re setting out to either lengthen the whisky, subtly soften its intensity, or complement its profile. A mixer can highlight what’s already happening in the whisky, or coax out nuances that might not be apparent when you drink it neat.
The choice of highball mixer opens up endless possibilities. Really great quality water adds texture; soda or sparkling water brings effervescence and sometimes salinity and mineral components; green tea delivers freshness and tannins; and coconut water gives you sweetness, particularly with a smoky peated whisky.
Like chef James Sharp talked about recently with food and drink pairings, both the whisky and the mixer need to bring something to the table. You might soften the whisky to create space for the flavours, or try to contrast and evolve its profile with shared compounds, aromatics or fruits. Ginger, for example, does this well as it’s a real enhancer, especially for warming, spicy notes.
THE ORCHARD HOUSE HIGHBALL
For me, Orchard House’s inherent balance makes it ideal for a highball as it can lead you in many directions. It possesses a dominant fruit profile, with a defined structure and depth, but you still have a lovely honeyed shortbread, malty quality and hint of citrus.
A fruity mixer will naturally complement its character, while a delicate zest of lemon over soda will render it incredibly refreshing. Both approaches will brighten the whisky while still connecting you to the flavour profile.
The crucial element to keep in mind is really your ratio of whisky to mixer. For a standard-size highball glass, with ice, I’d suggest 40ml of Orchard House rather than a full double shot as some find it a bit too boozy at 50ml. Again, have a play.
RECIPE: CLASSIC PEAR HIGHBALL
Easy to make – very easy to enjoy – our Classic Pear Highball has a crisp, layered brightness with just a touch of sweetness.
INGREDIENTS
40 ml Compass Box Orchard House
10 ml Pear Eau de Vie
10 ml Sugar Syrup
20 ml Lemon Juice
20ml Apple Juice
Soda Water
METHOD
Pour the first five ingredients into an ice-filled highball glass. Top with soda water, stir, and add a garnish of pear slices.
Old Potrero 9 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel Reserve Straight Malted Rye Whiskey (700ml) $89.99 View
Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
The last five years have been somewhat turbulent for the Scotch whisky industry. From soaring exports and distillery booms to tariff shocks and sobering post-COVID corrections, whisky writer Richard Woodard takes a clear-eyed look at the data and developments that have reshaped the industry in the first half of this decade. We’ve made the article available on our blog, as well as adding it to the Business module of our Certificate in Scotch Whisky course.📖 Read the Post
LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE
As ever at Little Brown Dog we are only able to bottle a small number of each of our releases. We choose them carefully, each one is a whisky we’d drink ourselves, each one is different, there’s something special about it, that’s why we chose it. We like nothing better than talking about whisky and answering any questions you might have, so find us on social media. All of our available releases are on our website too.
Whisky isn’t just for winter.
The long and peaceful evenings of June allow for contemplative sipping outdoors, perhaps with something complex and elegant like the Benriach 2008 we released for The Seasons: Summer collection. This single cask was chosen for its summery notes of mango sticky rice, vanilla ice cream, warm toffee and a touch of smoke. The right dram makes summer all the more memorable.
A gift that lasts all year
Some gifts say, “I saw this and thought of you.”
This one says, “I know exactly what you love.”
If your dad takes pride in knowing his whisky, discovering new stories, and enjoying every detail, then a Whisky Magazine Premium Membership might just be the most thoughtful gift you’ll give this year.
Fancy something sweeter?
The Secret Speyside 14 Years Old offers a rich, refined dram – layered with juicy dark fruits, indulgent treacle, and polished oak. The finish unfolds beautifully with notes of chocolate-dipped cherries, stewed plums, and a subtle hint of toasted hazelnut.
Elegant, complex, and unmistakably Speyside – just don’t ask us where it’s from.
