TOP PICKS
• Cadenhead’s 20 Year Old “Creations” Batch #1 Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml ($99.99)
The first release of Mark Watt’s highly-anticipated small batch blend has arrived — a twenty year old, sherry-aged marriage of Bruichladdich and Mortlach single malts with the grain whiskies of Cameronbridge and Invergordon. The rich malty notes come instantly in the nose and burnt sugar and sherry spices are decadent on the first sip. The bits of toasted marshmallow and marzipan linger long on the finish. The grain component is definitely palatable, so the overall experience isn’t as supple as sherry-aged single malt would be, but the blending talent of Watt is on full display. It’s a seamless blend that really highlights the strengths of each whisky. There’s not much available, but we’re taking everything we can get. Cadenhead’s resources have yet to be fully tapped, in our opinion.
• Talisker Storm Limited Edition Isle of Skye Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($72.99)
The new American release of Talisker Storm is finally here — a non-age statement expression featuring a marriage of both young and old Talisker whiskies. Still bottled at the trademark 45.8% ABV, the fruit of the Talisker is front and center, with soft vanilla and malty goodness, but the finish is much more peaty than the other Talisker malts. That’s not to say smokier, but rather peatier — earthier, saltier, and more briny. The finish is surprisingly un-storm-like, making this whisky one of the more ironic releases of 2013, but that’s not to say it isn’t delicious. Fans of the distillery will be pleased with the extra punch, but those looking for sheer power should stick to Islay. The Storm is a punchier version of Talisker, but it’s a mere blip on the weather radar for big peat fans.
• Glenfiddich 18 year, Ancient Reserve Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($69.99)
Special Order Only! Special order items are not in stock and are dependent upon quantity available from distribution. All special orders are final and non-refundable. Will take 3-7 business days to receive this product before it can be shipped. Silver medal 2007 International Wine & Spirit Competition. The Glenfiddich 18 year old has a delightfully rich aroma reminisce of ripe orchard fruit, spiced apples and robust oakiness. The palate is luxurious and warming, with dried fruit, candied zest and dates buoyed by subtle Spanish Oloroso wood notes.
• Glengoyne 17 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml (Elsewhere $100) ($49.99)
90-95 points Wine Enthusiast: “A fat, fruity and malty initial aroma; after aeration the bouquet adds alluring nuances of apple crisp, sautéed butter, honey and Sherry. The palate entry is clean, grainy sweet, and slightly oaky; at midpalate the flavor deepens and adds notes of marzipan, nougat, candied apple and bacon fat. Concludes gracefully and balanced. ” (11/2005) Whisky Advocate: “Probably the most highly-regarded malt in the regular Glengoyne lineup, the 17 year old represents a direct progression from its younger siblings. According to the distillers, “The balance has artfully changed. A more concentrated palate of flavors has emerge…” Citrus and cedar notes on the slightly grassy nose, with a hint of plain chocolate. Medium in body, with more plain chocolate notes, plus raisins, orange, vanilla, and malt. Lengthy in the finish, with milky coffee, sherry, leather, and citrus spice. (Vol. 14, #1)” K&L Notes: *4 Stars* “Glengoyne distillery is about 15 miles north of Glasgow. Unlike most other single malts, Glengoyne has been preserving the essence of its flavor for decades by using air-dried barley rather than barley dried using harsh peat smoke. The result is a more subtle, complex whisky in which all of the delicate flavors are freely allowed to express themselves. Medium golden, clear and bright color, with aromas of soft, mellow oak and apple fruitiness. On the palate, vanilla, full oak and fruit with a very long finish.” (Spirits Journal)
NEW ARRIVALS
Canada – Bourbon and Rye
• Whistle Pig “Boss Hog” 12 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey 750ml (cannot ship) – 12 available ($149.99)
Ireland – Irish and Blended Scotch
• Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskey 750ml – 1 available ($42.99)
• Tullamore Dew 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey 750ml – 5 available ($36.99)
BACK IN STOCK
• Laphroaig 25 year old Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($499.99)
• Laphroaig “Triple Wood” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($64.99)
United States – Bourbon and Rye
• George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Barrel Select 750ml – 3 available ($34.99)
• Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon 750ml (ships as 3L) – 3 available ($44.99)
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
