Lot 40 2012 Release Canadian Rye Whisky 750ml ($59.99)

Voted Canadian Whisky of the Year by the Whisky Advocate, Lot 40 is considered by many to be the quintessential Canadian rye whisky, garnering heaps of praise and a cult-like following. Distilled by Hiram Walker, now run by Pernod Ricard, it was briefly discontinued in the early 2000s, which set off a Pappy-esque manhunt by consumers who knew of its excellence (not in CA, however, where we were deprived of its presence). Now that it’s been relaunched by Pernod, we’re lucky enough to start getting a healthy supply in the U.S. It’s clear after tasting it why the Lot 40 has the reputation it has. The flavors of rye are unbelievably pure, while the palate remains soft and creamy underneath. It moves from rye bread into a peppery note so intense that it almost transcends into sweet citrus before finishing rich and floral. It’s the most exciting rye we’ve seen hit the shelves in more than year. We think it’s going to be a HUGE hit. Esteemed Canadian whisky writer Davin de Kergommeaux calls it “a contemporary masterpiece, seven generations in the making. This is one powerfully flavorful whisky that boldly mingles the galvanizing piquancy of distilled rye grain with the soaring floral fragrance of malted rye, and a fruitiness that comes with age.” We call it the best rye whiskey we’ve tasted since stalwarts like Sazerac 18 and older Willett bottles became dreams rather than reality. This is can’t-miss stuff. This is the kind of whiskey where you buy three bottles rather than one.

Mike Barber | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 20, 2014

Now that’s some good drinkin’! This rye is rich and delicious, with vanilla and chocolate notes over classic rye leather and cracked pepper–perfect on its own or for all your Manhattan needs. Not as sweet as some of the LDI stuff coming out of Indiana, not as dry as some of 100% rye Rittenhouse styled whiskeys in our store–it’s just right.

Mahon McGrath | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 20, 2014

Unctuous and rich, this Canadian Rye packs in an intriguing array of flavors that stays true to the character of the grain. Style-wise, it skews to the sweeter side of things, with a fat mid-palate, and a supple, seamless texture. This is definitely the best new addition to the–of recent days–rather un-crowded field of contemplative, sipping Rye Whiskeys that I’ve had occasion to sample.

Sarah Covey | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 15, 2014

All the spice and flash of Rye that I love, with a vanilla, caramel, clove and cigarbox undernote with a soft, sweet finish. AWESOME!

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 15, 2014

Like other “American” rye whiskies, such as Whistle Pig, Masterson’s, and Jefferson’s, the Lot 40 showcases more of that great Canadian-distilled rye whiskey backstock. I was blown away by this whisky when I tasted it. Then I read Davin de Kergommeaux’s amazing review and learned about the story behind the brand. This has been one of the most talked about whiskies by Canadian and European collectors for years. For the entire back story, check out Davin’s post here: http://www.canadianwhisky.org/reviews/lot-no-40-2012-release-43-alcvol.html

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 15, 2014

Great rye whiskey is not easy to come by at any price and great Canadian rye is even harder to find. This Lot 40 is clearly the best rye in the store and one of the best that I have tasted in a decade. With a wonderful bouquet of Christmas spice and a complex array of flavors, this Canadian will please the pickiest of whiskey fans. The fact that it still comes across as easy going and moreish even with the wild rye flavor and layers of complexity made a big impression on me. I will make room in my cabinet!

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 discovers how unpeated can be peaty with Whisky Review 429 – Caol Ila 14yo (unpeated malt)

UK vlogger Joe Ellis from Whisky Wednesday reviews Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2006 

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Highland Park Freya

Famous Grouse 40 years old in decanter

Just 276 decanters of the 40 year old product, the whisky house’s oldest blend to date, have been made available, of which Amsterdam airport (AMS) got the first six from mid-August until the end of September 2013. The elegant decanter … Continue reading →

The Glenrothes have always been universally acclaimed by blenders as an exceptional Speyside Malt. Only a small number of vintages have been released, such is the exceptional quality required. Each vintage is, by definition, rare and finite. Each has its own unique personality. – Glenrothes Distillery

Discounted Items

Glenrothes 1988 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky $139.99

GlenRothes 1998 Single Malt Scotch Whisky $59.99

Glenrothes 1995 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky $79.99

Glenrothes Select Reserve, Single Malt Scotch $43.99

A silence of the drams tasting; January 2014, Dundee. 

Aitken wines, Dundee, 30 January 2014. WHISKY TASTING EVENING

Hosted and whisky by; Peter MacKay, Carn Mor Independent bottlers, Bankfoot, Perth. 

These notes were taken/written by Shona Gillespie, attending were Paul McLean and Liz Gillespie – amongst 20 others.

The evening started at 7pm in Dundee, as we arrived we were given a dram of Old Perth Blended Malt 43%. It started very casual, we were still all standing mingling! As we took seats Peter started his chat. He told us about the company, his father, and what they do. Old Perth; I thought it was fizzy, sharp and very Grouse like, it has added colour. 4 malts make up the blend, no grain, two of them are Glenfiddich & Bruichladdie. Old Perth originally started back in 1913. It was ok. 

Next; Carn Mor Tomatin 18 year old 1994 46%. Taste/nose – apples, basil, pear and lemon meringue, it was quite nice. No chill filtration, bourbon barrels enlarged at cooperage. 

Third dram; Carn Mor Glen Moray 17 year old 1995 46%. Snickers! Caramel, toffee peanut, smells like jelly beans (candy). Paul liked this one. 

Fourth; Carn Mor Clynelish 16 year old 1997 46%. Part of the Diageo group, This is the core malt for Johnnie Walker Gold. A waxy character, Cadbury’s fruit and nut! 

Fifth; Carn Mor Glen Elgin 17 year old 1995 46%. Nice as a first sip. NO. (Shona then passed the glass to Paul). 

Six; Carn Mor a Cheo straight from the cask  Dailuaine 16 year old 1997 52.9%. (Shona) pronounced dal – euan. Yes!

Warm finish, gets better as it goes on, at first tastes nice, ends up like dust! Diageo flora and fauna range. 

Final dram;  Tamdhu 22 year old 1991 Oloroso finish 49.8%. different casks used Tio Pepe and Bristol Cream, creates finer whisky transforms flavours. Nice and warming, sticky toffee pudding – but I didn’t like it, gave it to Paul. (Paul’s note; a sherry finish? I think they just showed the whisky to a sherry bottle, no much sherry finish here. Priced at £90 per bottle on offer, I resisted – easily – and bought a Aberlour A’Bunadh at the end of the evening, 60.4%, batch 46 for £35! Superb).    Shona; overall, Speyside whiskies are quite similar and too bitter for my taste, not enough depth of flavour and a cheap texture, nothing tonight jumped out at me. The haggis neeps and tatties after dram 3 were good! 

Paul writes; Shona is 21 years old and daughter of MCLEANSCOTLAND owner Liz Gillespie. Shona is at university and has been on tour with us, also travelled with us to USA for a Scottish highland games week. She is the youngest member of the team.  Summary; a disappointing evening to be honest, it was more of a complete beginners evening, Peter had some of his facts wrong, but was personable enough. What utterly shocked me however was we were give ONE GLASS for 7 drams! I had to ask for water to swill out my glass each time, no the done thing! Never attended ANY tasting with one glass! Only whisky events and festivals, even then you have water! The fact we were surrounded by wine in the warehouse did not really add to the atmosphere. Not a very professional approach methinks. Carn Mor are based near Paul in Perth, they also produce creams and liqueurs for themselves (own label) and Bells, Dewar’s, Grouse, all of whom originated in Perth. 

Gus (18 year old son of Liz) drove us home! After a quick chat, we all agreed, not a very good whisky tasting. I had brought some drams with me so we started into these. At first we had a sessions of “Silence of the Drams”, Method; we nose and taste the drams, SAY NOTHING, write down what you think, do not let anyone see what you write. At the end of the tasting we compare notes. Using this method, no one is influenced by the others and we get true tasting notes. We had the frenzy by now! So out came Aberlour and Balvenie, followed by chutney and cheeses, Glengoyne, Connemara and Irn Bru ended the day! By now Denis (a latecomer to the session) was dancing in the kitchen, Liz was bumping off the walls, Paul – well sad to say, I was ok – note to myself; start drinkin less. At 2am we called it a day, Denis had disappeared 1 ish, we headed to place a head on a pillow. What started off as a let down, ended up as a thrill seeker! I think the empty glasses and bottles proved it. 

Paul and Liz are; www.angelswhiskyclub.com and www.mcleanscotland.com

Glen Grant Five Decades

A single malt specially crafted by Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm to celebrate and pay homage to his 5 decades of experience with Glen Grant. “This Unique Selection of the Finest Vintages is the marriage of the most valuable Glen Grant … Continue reading →

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The Park Avenue Liquor Shop Presents, “Super Bowl XLVIII: The Aftermath”

Yes, We’d like to talk about the Super Bowl too. We’re pretty sure you’ve heard too much about the Super Bowl already. The crazy plays, the lopsided score, the commercials, the Halftime Show etc. Well, we want to talk about the post-game aftermath. Perhaps some of you out there lost a bet on your the Broncos. Or perhaps you need to send a victory bottle to a devoted member of the “12th Man.” If so, we’ve selected bottles that seem like appropriate settlements.

Either way, Congrats to the Seattle Seahawks and their fans.

Cheers!
Jonathan & Eric

The Park Avenue Liquor Shop
292 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
212-685-2442
www.parkaveliquor.com
info@parkaveliquor.com

If you lost your bet but not your love for Colorado.

Breckenridge: Colorado Bourbon Whiskey

Much like the Broncos QB Peyton Manning – Breckenridge bourbon is a major award winner. This other Colorado game-changer has taken home 6 major spirits awards since 2011. They say they owe their success to their unique high-rye mash bill as well as careful mingling of casks at each bottling and the ‘perfect’ Breckenridge snowmelt water that they use for proofing. The natural minerality of their water source ensures a luscious mouth-feel, depth of flavor, and long finish.’Super’ Fact: Breckenridge received one of only three gold medals awarded at the 2011 Int’l Wine and Spirits Competition in the United Kingdom.
Our Price: $50/btl

Stranahan’s: Colorado Whiskey

When volunteer firefighter Jess Graber responded to a neighbor’s barn fire down the road, he never imagined any good could come of it. The barn he made effort to save belonged to George Stranahan, long-time liquor connoisseur. When the fire settled, the two discovered a shared passion for the Colorado outdoors and a good pour of fine whiskey. And so Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey was born. “This 100% malted barley spent 2 years in new charred oak and boasts amber color sweet caramel scent with a touch of coconut and juicy apple and dry flavors. It has a deep cocoa and pronounced coffee finish and velvety creamy mouthfeel reminiscent of ice cream and root beer foam. ” 92 Pts Wine Enthusiast ‘Super’ Fact: Stranahan’s recent filled their 5,000th Barrel of Whiskey.
Our Price: $65/btl

TINCUP: Colorado Whiskey

TINCUP is a new American Whiskey founded by distilling veteran Jess Graber and bottled in Denver, Colorado. This high-rye bourbon is cut with pure Rocky Mountain water. Mr. Graber uses corn, rye and malted barley in this new addition to the Whiskey world. The grains are cracked to get to the starch inside and then cooked at warm temperatures under pressure, where the starches are converted to sugars, creating a unique mash. ‘Super’ Facts: The name “TINCUP” is a nod to the West’s first whiskey drinkers and miners who used these kinds of cups. The town, Tin Cup, CO is on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains.
Our Price: $33/btl

And for fans of the ’12th Man’…
A selection of 12 year olds

Cardhu: 12 Year Old

A much-loved single malt, Cardhu is an easygoing, charming Speyside dram. With clean, crisp oak and sweet malt evoking flavors of honeyed flapjacks and home-made caramel squares, this is one for the sweet-toothed among you. On the nose, full, aromas of heather, resin, nuts, and sweet honey as well as notes of spicy wood and smoke. Medium-bodied and smooth, the balanced palate is sweet and fresh with a dry, smoky finish. ‘Super’ Fact: Cardhu is one of the main single-malts that make up the blend for Johnnie Walker Black Label.
Our Price: $55/btl

Connemara: 12 Year Old (Irish Single Malt Whiskey)

Each year a small number of the oldest and most exceptional casks are hand picked to create Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt. Containing some of the first distillations of Connemara, the 12 Year Old is a whiskey of great complexity and sophistication. Accompanying the smooth malt and peat flavors is a rich layer of spice and lingering wood notes accquired from the extra maturation in American oak. ‘Super’ Fact: This 12 Year Old won the Gold and ‘Best in Class’ in the 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Our Price: $85/btl

Due to our ever changing inventory, we cannot guarantee bottle availability. Prices are subject to change. Please contact the store with any questions. We are not responsible for any typographical errors or errant passes thrown by Peyton Manning.