www.ralfy.com gives an obscure blended scotch a chance with Whisky Review 525 – Usquaebach Reserve and Time

The Best Whisky and Bourbon Documentaries

Bourbon enthusiasts rejoice! Whisky and bourbon has made a comeback recently in full force. From whisky themed bars and restaurants to underground speakeasies to references in pop culture, the effects are everywhere. With its rich history and significant taste, it’s no wonder this alcohol has come into the spotlight.

In the the past few years, a number of interesting documentaries have been released that stand out as high quality stories of the liquid that is, as the Irish say, “Uisge Beatha” or the Water of Life. For those interested in not only consuming whisky, but also its historical and cultural significance across time and location, these are the best whisky and bourbon documentaries out there.

Great Scotch Whisky (2006)

This documentary takes the viewer on a tour of Scotland to appreciate the legends of whisky in the place that invented it. The fantastic cinematography allows you to travel through the famously beautiful and lush Scottish countryside while learning about the subtle tastes and variances that go into the legendary Scottish whiskies like Glenfiddich, Bowmore, Lagavulin and more. For those who want to uncover the complexity of Scottish whiskies, celebrate their own Scottish heritage, or just want to get taken away to the romantic British Isles, this documentary can make an expert out of a novice.

Addicted to Pleasure: Whisky (2012)

In this one-hour episode of the BBC’s Addicted to Pleasure series, Brian Cox explores not only the way that scotch whisky gave Scotland pride and cultural identity, but also caused great struggles with alcoholism and abuse during the rapid urbanization following the industrial revolution. For those interested in human history and sociological-type topics, this documentary explores the making of a national identity through industry, joy, and pain.

Bourbontucky (2015)

One of the newest additions to the story of alcohol across the world comes in a documentary about Kentucky Bourbon and the people who make it. Bourbontucky made its debut on Direct TV’s Audience Channel in late January in 2015, after an exclusive premiere event at a secret Los Angeles Speakeasy. The documentary centers on the culture and craft of Kentucky Bourbon and the distillers and historians who take pride in their work. It has become more than just a job to them, however – it’s now a way of life.

Whisky: The Islay Edition (2010)

This 2010 hour-long documentary is for those who are especially interested in the process of making whisky itself, and takes the viewer to the world-famous distilleries on Islay Island in Scotland. Called the “Capital of Whisky”, Islay Island is home to eight distilleries that produce some of the highest quality whiskies in the world. This film details the unique processes in each distillery and also introduces viewers to the little known island.

Made and Bottled in Kentucky (2003)

Kentucky bourbon has a rich history beginning in the 18th century when immigrants to the United States began distilling. This film explores the history and process of making Kentucky Bourbon what it is, from the ruins of destroyed distilleries to the functioning distilleries of today. Originally filmed to celebrate Kentucky’s Bi-Centennial, it was released on DVD nationally in 2003.

Rumrunners, Moonshiners and Bootleggers (2002)

This History Channel documentary explores the Prohibition era with a special focus on oral history. Individuals once participating in rum-running and crackdowns on illegal production of alcohol provide personal accounts of one of the most tumultuous times in American history. For the crime history enthusiast and prohibition-era buffs, this documentary offers a peek into the history of alcohol like no other.

It’s a great time to be a whisky drinker, and all this informative entertainment is a great sign that we’ll continue to see interest in this spirit soar in the near future. Much like interest in craft beer has spread to TV shows and other media, increasing public interest and thus the proliferation of more and more breweries in the US, it seems craft bourbon and whisky makers could also soon benefit from this groundswell of attention. Cheers!

Is the World Really Running Out of Bourbon-Whiskey?

By Mai Bantog

With the news of an impending bourbon and whiskey shortage to happen in the next few years, it has been reported that bourbon enthusiasts have resorted to hoarding large stockpiles of their favorite drink inside their basements in order to protect themselves from the expected dearth.

They might have good reason to do so, of course, as domestic sales of bourbon from Kentucky alone, home to 95 percent of the world’s bourbon production, have increased by 36 percent in the last five years. The US Distilled Spirits Council also noted a rise in exports by 56 percent from 2010. Though bourbon suppliers have so far been able to keep up with demand, fears of scarcity continue to persist because of bourbon’s required years of aging—at least four years for regular bourbons, longer for premium ones.

The demand from the international market is also driving the prices up for this whiskey variant that was once dubbed as a ‘Southern gentleman’s drink.’ According to The Guardian, Maker’s Mark has considered watering down its bourbon in 2013 to meet rising demand, though the management eventually changed their minds. Even industry experts from Tennessee remarked that bourbon sales were outpacing production by two to one. Based on these facts alone, the feared bourbon shortage seems, from the outside, to be imminent and inevitable.

Bourbon producers have a reason for monitoring production closely. In the 1970s, the industry ramped up production, only to have demand suddenly drop and leave unsellable bottles of bourbon in their warehouses. It took decades for them to recover, so that when sales started to pick up at the turn of the millennium, bourbon and whiskey makers have learned their lessons.

In spite of the caution bourbon makers are exercising, many craft distilleries are entering the market to sell artisanal liquors, helping curb demand in the spirits industry. A prime example is Portland-based Eastside Distilling, Inc. (OTCQB: ESDI), which recently went public and produces two award-winning bourbons called Burnside Bourbon and Burnside Oregon Oaked Bourbon. Eastside’s 96-proof Burnside Bourbon won a gold medal in the MicroLiquor Spirit Awards. The company takes their award-winning Burnside Bourbon and continues the aging process for another 60 days in a brand new 59-gallon heavy-charred Oregon oak barrel, adding new and subtle flavors to an already great-tasting bourbon.

Both large and small distilleries are also investing in various measures to expand production and meet growing bourbon and whiskey demands. In August 2014, spirit giant Diageo increased its stake in the bourbon sector by making its Bulleit bourbon and rye whiskeys at a new Kentucky distillery slated to start production in late 2016. Expansions have also occurred at Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Evan Williams, Maker’s Mark Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace.

Eastside Distilling is also planning to expand its operations, moving to a new 41,000-square foot state-of-the-art facility in the Distillery Row area of Portland, Oregon. The modernized location is planned to have 27,000 square feet of operating space to meet growing demand. “This new distillery and tasting room will reflect our passion for creating premium, master crafted spirits,” stated Steven Earles, CEO of Eastside Distilling. “It will provide the additional capacity needed for continued growth, as well as deliver favorable economies of scale as we expand.”

While whiskeys that take more than 20 years to age, like Pappy Van Winkle 23 Year Old, might disappear from the market at what might be expected to be exorbitant prices, this shortage may be speculative and will likely not affect the mid-range bourbon suppliers, as they ramp up production and invent new ways to improve the flavor profiles of younger bourbon.

Get ready for an eventful month

In like a lion, out like a…busier lion…

The holidays have long since settled, we’re braving winter’s snowy blasts (Boston, you deserve all the whisky), and now we’re just waiting for Spring to send up its first shoots. March is one of those months you usually just have to buckle down and get through, but for us things are already heating up. Check it out.

We’re going on tour

One great thing about making whisky is hanging out with you great people, so we’ve filled our calendar with you in mind. First up, it’s the Indie Spirits Expo @ Whisky Live DC. Then it’s off to NYC for Village Voice’s Choice Eats, and we’ll wrap up March with Whiskey Rebellion in Cambridge. Check out all the details here.

Come for the whisky…

When you come to visit us later this year (yes, this year!) you are going to be floored. We’ve worked for months to design a space in which you can immerse yourself in the single malt experience, from learning and seeing how it’s made, to tasting everything we have (and will have) to offer. Updates on Facebook or Insta.

Spreading like wildfire

We’ll be bringing our whisky to more of our devoted fans. We can’t announce it officially just yet, but we’re adding some new markets (yes, markets) in the next month, so stay tuned for the announcement. And remember, as we grow, you can always go here to find everywhere we’re sold and served.

A small, traditional malt whisky distillery in the heart of Virginia.

www.ralfy.com rolls out the barrel for big spenders with Whisky Review 524 – Advice on buying a cask of whisky

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #104

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, tries a young wine finished Springbank. Springbank is one of the few surviving distilleries in Campbeltown and has an ironclad reputation among whisky lovers. Mark tries a young malt, the Springbank 9 Year Old Gaja Barolo. It matured for 4 years on bourbon casks and then another 5 years on Italian red wine casks from the cellars of Angelo Gaja. It is bottled at cask strength

http://youtu.be/NnfaSAtYC7s

• Faultline Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml ($24.99) For three long years, David Othenin-Girard and I have been trying to create an inexpensive, delicious, value-driven, yet simultaneously interesting expression of blended Scotch whisky that we could feature under our Faultline label. There were many times when we thought we were close, but either the quality of the whisky or the cost of the barrels proved prohibitive. We didn’t want to make a $25 bottle of whisky just for the sake of it. If we were going to do it, then we were going to it right. Finally, after working on and off with the Laings for a year-long blending process, we hammered out a profile we were happy with. Big smoke, Ardbeg-like peat flavors, and a kiss of sweet grain was our goal and we definitely achieved it in this bottle. Unlike most big brand blends, there are no coloring agents or sweeteners in the Faultline Scotch, just a pale straw colored liquid that bursts with character and, due to the heavy malt content, finishes with richness and weight. We wanted to make sure that, upon launch, there would be absolutely nothing on the market that could match the quality of flavor, price, beauty of design, and bang for the buck. After three long years, we think we’ve done it. For $25 you get one helluva bottle of Scotch. Smokier than Johnnie Black, more complex than Chivas, and less expensive than both of them. Plus, it’s an assertive 100 proof. Try it in a cocktail, pour it over ice, add in soda water. It’s the real deal. (David Driscoll, Spirits Buyer)

• 2008 Caol Ila 5 Year Old Hepburn’s Choice K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($49.99) Don’t let the young age fool you: this five year old, single barrel, cask strength version of the legendary Islay distillery is bringing more than its share of bang for the buck. Getting a single barrel, full strength version of any single malt whisky is tough for $50, but a full-throttle Caol Ila? Forget about it. The youthful vigor of a young mezcal meets the fat-fruited, supple texture of the malt master; that’s the best way to describe this whisky. Lots of smoke and immature phenolic action quickly turns rich and round and finishes with a mouthful of stone fruit and citrus. Absolutely one of the most exciting whiskies we have on the shelf at any price and a true stunner for those who appreciate gusto. A whopping 61.1% brings the intensity!

• 1996 Craigellachie 18 Year Old Hepburn’s Choice K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99) It wouldn’t be a whisky season without some big rich sherried malt to round out the selection. Craigellachie is becoming a serious force now that the owners have finally decided it should be marketed as a single malt. This exceptional distillery was almost exclusively reserved for the blends until very recently, but the heightened profile means that procuring more in the future might become more difficult. That’s why we knew we had to jump on this spectacular sherried ‘llachie. This has everything you want in a sherried malt and nothing that you don’t. It starts with a slight flintiness (don’t worry it’s not sulfur, just a spark on the front), this quickly blows off to reveal a magnificent bouquet of dried cherries, fudgy cacao nibs, roasted coffee beans, and freshly polished sandalwood. The dark aromas translate well to the palate, but never go bitter and the malty spirit adds lift and sweetness. Here is a truly balanced sherried malt like none other on the shelf right now. Sure we all sometimes love a big hammer of sherry right in your sensory organs, but sometimes you want the sweet velvety caress of that special wine from Jerez. Balanced, yet not lacking depth or power in anyway.

• 1989 Girvan 24 Year Old Sovereign K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Whisky 750ml ($99.99) Our grain whiskies from the Sovereign label have been some of the most beloved in our store’s history, which is why we’re back with another fabulous Girvan; the William Grant Lowland distillery located in the South Ayrshire (where Ladyburn distillery was once located). Remember that grain whiskies are not single malts, but rather column-distilled whiskies usually made from corn (like Bourbon). The Girvan 24 year is full of soft vanilla right off the bat, almost like an older version of the Nikka Coffey expression, but with more pop due to the higher proof. The vanilla turns into caramel on the mid-palate and it finishes with more soft sweetness before the alcohol comes roaring in. With grain prices as low as they are, expect more outstanding values like this in the near future.

• Macallan 21 Year Old K&L Exclusive Old Particular (Douglas Laing) Single Barrel Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($249.99) We were downright shocked when Douglas Laing offered us this exceptional 21 year old Macallan as the “Speyside” representation for their new Old Particular brand being released exclusively stateside by K&L. Not only has Macallan basically become unobtainable on the secondary market, when it is available the prices you see are astronomical. So, when they suggested we try an older Mac for this year we were certain it wouldn’t fly for those very reasons. Well, for once it feels great to be wrong. This is by no means inexpensive, but Mac from a single barrel over 20 years old this is an absolute steal. Now of course, this is not the ultra sherried Macallan, but more in line with the flavor profile you might get from the “Fine Oak” series. Here we have the Rolls Royce of single malts in it’s true form. Malty richness like no other whisky, sweet oak and subtle vanilla. Slightly bruised apple skin and dark cocoa aromas, obfuscate soft floral and sweet honey notes, which come out with a drop of water. The palate is supple and round, more cocoa and a sweet maple wood tone. Great balance between sweet and spice. Warming, inviting and open out of the bottle, yet this whisky swims like a fish. Because this came from a refill bourbon cask, there were only 102 bottles produced and considering the OB 21 year sells for more than $100 more, you can expect this to disappear shortly. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

• 1995 Miltonduff 19 Year Old Hepburn’s Choice K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($99.99) Miltonduff is an old Hiram Walker distillery that was purchased by Pernod Ricard in 2005. It’s known mostly for its role in the Chivas Blended whiskies, but we’ve had tremendous success with the single malt version through our independent cask business. The Highland flavor is pure, simple, and to the point, often matching other more-renowned distilleries in terms of quality, but for a fraction of the price. This lovely 19 year old cask is classic malt for classic malt drinkers: sweet barley, soft vanilla, a burst of oak spice on the back end, and lovely balance of those three flavors on the finish. At 50%, the flavors are highlighted and more pronounced, offering a bit more pinache than what one normally finds in the 43% market. In hoping to find mature whiskies of 17-21 years of age for $100 or less, we’ve been turning to some of the lesser-known names of Scotland. In turn, however, we’ve been establishing those same unknowns in the minds of our customers. It won’t be long before most of our clients begin recognizing the Miltonduff name and associating it with one thing: insider value.

• 2007 Mortlach 7 Year Old Hepburn’s Choice K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($49.99) We absolutely the loved our sample of Young Mortlach when we tasted in Scotland last year. But getting back to the states with only the memory of this lovely young whisky meant that when we actually ordered this whisky, we simply weren’t certain what to expect. On paper it looks great, inexpensive, unadulterated young malt from one of Scotland’s greatest distilleries at a great price. But, every time you put a young age statement on a whisky you’re bound to have some push back. To our great delight, we now that our educated customer based will appreciate that Single Malt need to be old to be great. This little Mortlach is proof. So much complexity at such a young age, this whisky shows tons of pear and that subtle savory side. Without any sherry, the spirit is free to speak and it does so loudly! This guy definitely needs some air, but only a drop of water to open up nicely. Refreshing and clean, yet masculine and powerful. All that beefiness and sweet candied fruit all in one taught little package. Some of you will fall head over heels for this guy, guaranteed.

• 1964 North British 50 Year Old Sovereign K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Whisky 750ml ($249.99) Just outside of Edinburgh, in a south western district called Gorgie, sits the North British distillery; a joint venture owned by both Diageo and The Edrington Group. There since the 1880s, this site has long produced whisky for the Johnnie Walker, Cutty Sark, and Famous Grouse blends, but rarely is it bottled on its own. When we saw the chance to bottle a 50 year old grain whisky for a fraction of what malt prices run, we didn’t hesitate. Distilled in 1964, this ethereal North British expression still has the remarkable sweetness of a youthful spirit, but with the texture, complexity, and deep, rich character of an aged expression. Unlike malt, the older grain whiskies don’t necessarily get richer or denser, but rather quite savory with a subtle smoky character. The flavors meander from vanilla and caramel to dry herbs. It’s a wild ride from beginning to end, but well worth the price of admission. With more 50 year old single malts well into the four-figure mark these days, $250 is a downright steal. We expect this cask to be the first to go.

• 1978 Port Dundas 36 Year Old Sovereign K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Whisky 750ml ($149.99) Closed by Diageo in 2009, Port Dundas was formerly a grain distillery that operated in North Glasgow, providing the base whiskies for White Horse and Johnnie Walker. Grain whisky, made on a Coffey still from corn rather than barley, is rarely sold on its own, but this ancient cask from a silent distillery was too good to pass up. And the price! 36 years of rich, creamy, vanilla-laden whisky at cask strength for $150! Grain whisky is back in a big way, but while the rest of the market catches up we’ve been grabbing casks at bargain basement prices. This Port Dundas is a viscous beast of caramel that begins with toffee and finishes with butterscotch like a Werther’s Original. A hot deal while it lasts.

• 2004 Smoky & Peaty Tobermory (Ledaig) 8 Year Old Hepburn’s Choice K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($59.99) Nearly half of Tobermory’s production is dedicated to peated malt whisky. This is known typically as Ledaig, but for some reason that word never actually makes it onto our independently bottled offerings of this special whisky. Labeled hear as “Smoky & Peaty,” for those of you who’ve been following us for a while you’ll know that we love these young Ledaigs. This is the third young smokey Tobermory we’ve offered and shockingly the price is the same as last year’s even though this is a year old (and arguably a better whisky). The rugged peaty malt that comes out of this distillery is unlike anything from Islay. The smoke is more earthy than oceany (for some reason it’s really reminding me of Port Charlotte today). Herbaceous and intense, the dark earthy peat is balanced by a wonderful sweet malt. This is way more in balance than even our last Ledaig and feels more put together than the even the distillery bottling. Amazing what only 8 years in a refill hogshead can do when the spirit is on point.

• Tobermory 18 Year Old K&L Exclusive Old Particular (Douglas Laing) Single Barrel Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($109.99) Tobermory is kind of hot right now. While this distillery is often listed as a highlander, it is actually from the majestic and mystical Isle of Mull. There the picturesque hamlet of Tobermory, contains one of the Scotland’s most underappreciated malt producers. Their current flagship 15 year old is now on the market for a staggering $150 a bottle and while it’s a fine malt, we’ve always found it to be slightly over priced. Now this wonderful 18 year old expression from a refill sherry butt, makes a mature version of this fun distillery available to all. Tobermory has a unique character and this expression is no different. The nose is creamy oak and rich vanilla – the sherry notes are very faint – it’s a contemplative malt for sure. When it hits the palate a wonderful herbal rush powers out the sweet oak aromas, this is followed by a strong pepper and then the tiny hint of nutty sherry. On the end a briny note builds, giving depth, but also ke eping it lively. The aromas in the glass after that last sip are almost as impressive as the whisky itself. A fun, if not quite different malt, that should definitely be a benchmark for the unusual and interesting distillery.

• Caol Ila 12 year old Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($59.99) 90-95 points Wine Enthusiast: “**Best Buy** A seductive brininess and waves of oily peat-reek greet the olfactory sense. The palate entry finds a surprisingly buttery-creamy leaning along with the peat-reek; at midpalate the flavor becomes concentrated, oily, malty sweet, and only moderately peaty. Ends on a sweet malty note. Builds from stage to stage, each phase being better than the last.” (06/2006) Whisky Advocate: “Funny to think how recently Caol Ila was an Islay giant that was kept pretty much under wraps by its owner. These days it has cemented its reputation as the island’s Mr. Consistent. This version shows its character the best, a nose that mixes seashore and grass with a distinct hint of smoked bacon. The peatiness isn’t dominant, but flows throughout the palate, scenting, lifting, and subtly changing the mix. A delicious oiliness makes it a great food whisky. (Vol. 21, #2)” Wine Spectator: “A very balanced Islay, with a flowery sweetness on the nose that gives as good as it gets against the insistent peat and salt. The peat increases on the palate, but once again the whisky counters with honey and bread dough to maintain equilibrium. Then come sweet spices that get more vibrant on the finish as they’re joined by smoked salmon. Blend drinkers should note that this is where Johnnie Walker gets much of its peat.” (02/2011)

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

This week Joe Ellis reviews Forty Creek Confederation Oak Canadian Whisky.

http://youtu.be/C2IxalOKm-Y

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United States – Bourbon and Rye

• Russell’s Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #2043 Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($59.99) We’re back with more hand-picked K&L barrels, directly from Wild Turkey’s Lawrenceburg warehouse where our spirits team visited and tasted with legendary distiller Jimmy Russell. Barrel 2403 is a gentle whisper of a whiskey compared to many of the monsters we’ve secured over the years. One would never think 55% upon tasting this delicate Bourbon. The aromas are classic burnt sugar and toasted wood and those notes translate into a creamy and supple mouthfeel on the intial entry. The palate then turns into herbaceous notes of pepper and dried underbrush before finishing with leaner flavors of pencil lead and savory spices. Those who just want a bottle they can pour and enjoy without the addition of water or ice will love this whiskey. It’s lovely sipper that drinks beautifully right from the get go.

• Russell’s Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #2087 Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($59.99) We’re back with more hand-picked K&L barrels, directly from Wild Turkey’s Lawrenceburg warehouse where our spirits team visited and tasted with legendary distiller Jimmy Russell. Those looking for the bright spice and youthful vigor of the Russell’s Reserve will want to go with barrel #2087. A vertiable explosion of pepper, baking spices, dried herbs, and savory goodness takes off right from the first sip. While not exhibiting the power of something like Four Roses cask strength or George Stagg, the higher than normal alcohol level definitely helps bring the spices to the forefront and accent them on the palate. Bright cinnamon and clove carry through for at least five minutes on the finish. A lovely whiskey.

• Russell’s Reserve K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #554 Kentucky Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)

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

www.ralfy.com give practical and realistic views with Whisky Review 523 – Advice on buying whisky privately.