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Yellowstone “K&L Exclusive – The Perfect Proof” Single Barrel #12065 ~ Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey News

Yellowstone “K&L Exclusive – The Perfect Proof” Single Barrel #12065 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

Our first visit to Yellowstone’s distillery was one of our most memorable appointments from our May 2023 Kentucky tour. Steve Fontaine, the host of our visit, is one of the biggest characters in the wide world of whisky, and an afternoon spent tasting with him is an outrageously hysterical way to spend a few hours. The tasting itself is also one of the most unique in Kentucky. It is not only a barrel selection, but a proof trial. While many purists will argue that all single barrel programs should just be bottled at cask strength, the fact is, very few distilleries actually offer that option. Most lock you into a specific proof with your barrel. The end result: even if you’re tasting freshly pulled barrel samples, you’re not tasting the final product the way your customers will taste it. Yellowstone, really lets you dial it in – a tasting of four different barrels at three different proofs, partially blind (with respect to the barrels, but you taste in proof groups), ensures you get the best tasting option, not just the barrel with the craziest specs. With DOG, AW, and Blakely at the table making the selection, and remarkably, a consensus between the three on which barrel and which proof was the finest in the lot, we’re pretty damn sure you’re going to love this whisky.

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

Harris Is Back! – Scotch Whisky News

Almost eight weeks have passed since we launched The Hearach single malt and revealed our first historic whisky to the world.

From the raising of ‘The First Dram’ among friends at the distillery to ‘The First Release’ online and here in Harris, the launch weekend unleashed a whirlwind of which the dust is just now settling.

On release day, over 25,000 eager purchasers joined the online queue to secure our first 8 batches until supplies were exhausted in under five hours .

At the same time, over a thousand people queued happily outside the distillery to buy a first release bottle, travelling from as far away as Canada for the occasion.

Since then, we’ve release many more bottles to stockists across the UK which have also sold out in record time, with any last remaining bottles few and far between for those who hunt hard enough.

And, we’ve been bringing our island dram to over 20 countries across the world as our intrepid team travel far and wide to launch our dram at special gatherings from New York to New Zealand.

The story is just beginning however, and early 2024 will bring forth more batches of The Hearach single malt whisky as well as some special elemental explorations and expressions for you to enjoy.

Meantime, a heartfelt thanks to you, and those like you, who have made all this possible. Only in our wildest dreams did we imagine the ongoing successes of this special moment.

Slàinte mhor, and here’s to the best of Harris spirits!

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

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We make The Hearach single malt whisky in batches of around 12,000 bottles, each to the same recipe. However, there will be subtle, natural variations between them which reflect the casks chosen and the length of time we ‘marry’ the vatting.

There’s a special combination of letters and numbers on every stopper seal which helps you to learn more about the dram in the bottle you’ve bought or plan to buy. Each code has an accompanying ‘batch sheet’ to help you learn about the way your whisky was made, read tasting notes from an islander, and enjoy a short story from Harris…

DISCOVER YOUR BATCH

We are pleased to work with Uig Lodge Smoked Salmon again this year, by adding our historic first single malt whisky, The Hearach, to their exclusive smoked salmon hampers. They already offer our Isle of Harris Gin with its winning combination of maritime flavours, and this has been a popular gift for many, so we are delighted to grow the partnership with our whisky. Enjoy this lightly-peated, elegant island dram with its spirit of complexity and character while hand-prepared smoked salmon brings another element of deliciousness just in time for the gifting season!

Save £15 on Ailsa Bay Batch 1.2 🔥 – Loch Fyne Whisky News

Ailsa Bay 1.2
£15 off

Developed by Master Distiller Brian Kinsman, this is the only Scotch whisky to undergo ‘micro-maturation’. This unique process involves maturing the new-make spirit in small ex-bourbon casks for six to nine months, giving an intense, accelerated maturation, before being transferred to virgin, fist-fill and refill American oak casks for a number of years.

£59.00

£44.00

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Our Hamish has had a sip and jotted down his thoughts.

Nose: fresh wood smoke and heather, followed by an oaky vanilla sweetness and candied orange peel.

Palate: peat and rich vanilla in perfect balance, with smoke, fruit and creamy toffee mingling with toasted oak.

Finish: oaky sweetness and a dry peat note.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society “THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS GIFTING” – Scotch Whisky News

THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS GIFTING 

Are you searching for the ultimate Christmas gift this year? Well, your search ends here! Our very own Santa’s little helper, Mads Schmoll, has the ideal presents in store. Discover a selection of hand-picked introductory sets and educational resources that will not only kindle their passion but also serve as a guide through the enchanting world of whisky.

GIFT GUIDE

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

The Whisky Exchange: Six Years of Whisky of the Year 🥇 – Scotch Whisky News

WHISKY OF THE YEAR
SIX YEARS OF WINNERS

This week a group of industry experts and whisky enthusiasts attended our Whisky of the Year blind tasting at our Great Portland Street shop to vote for the next standout dram to take the crown for 2024.

The votes are in and we have whittled down our shortlist of six whiskies to one winner. Keep your eyes peeled to find out our Spirits of the Year 2024 in the next few weeks and in the meantime, here’s a look back on the excellent whiskies that have been awarded Whisky of the Year over the years, along with special discounts until the end of the month.

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Tormore 40 Year Old – 1983 | Cask 8025101 | Private Collection BY GORDON & MACPHAIL – Abbey Whisky News

Tormore 40 Year Old – 1983 | Cask 8025101 | Private Collection

£1,480.00

Distilled in 1983 this luxurious 40 year old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky was matured at the hidden gem distillery that is Tormore!

Distilled 15th June 1983, this incredible malt spent it’s entire life slowly maturing in a refill sherry puncheon. Bottled 15th August 2023 from cask #8025101 at natural cask strength and colour.

Released by Gordon & MacPhail as part of the prestigious Private Collection range.

Last remaining bottle…

Free UK Shipping on orders over £95

Fast EU & Worldwide, Tax Free Shopping

Slàinte

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Get a Head Start on Your Holiday Shopping! – Whisky Magazine News

Our 2023 Whisky Magazine Christmas special.

Perfect for anyone on your Christmas list!

This Christmas, give the gift that any whisky enthusiast would love – Whisky Magazine! Whether you want to treat yourself or surprise someone special, we have an exclusive offer just for you.

For a limited time only, enjoy 3 ISSUES of Whisky Magazine for just $5! That’s right, three jam-packed issues filled with the latest news, expert reviews, and captivating stories from the world of whisky. But that’s not all -as an added bonus, you’ll also receive a Whisky Tasting Journal and Tasting Poster absolutely FREE.

But wait, there’s more! As we approach a significant milestone, we want you to be a part of the celebrations. We have exciting plans for 2024, including big competitions and amazing giveaways. By subscribing to Whisky Magazine today, you’ll be joining us in the festivities and not miss out on any of the incredible experiences we have in store.

Don’t miss out on this incredible offer – it’s the perfect opportunity to share the joy of whisky this Christmas.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Great Reasons to Subscribe

• Enjoy 3 Print issues

• Receive FREE Whisky Tasting Journal & Tasting Poster

• Full access to every digital edition of your subscription via your desktop, iOS or Android device

• Receive FREE magazine delivery direct to your door

• Automatic Entry into 25th Anniversary Competitions

The English Distillery “Our Christmas Shop is Open” 🌲 – Christmas Whisky News

 

The Legend Continues: Mark Littler Ltd Releases Second Instalment In Their Johnnie Walker Video Series – Iconic Scotch Whisky News

The Legend Continues: Mark Littler Ltd Releases Second Instalment In Their Johnnie Walker Video Series 

In the new video, Mark Littler takes a deep dive into Johnnie Walker’s core range. 

Johnnie Walker is the biggest blended Scotch whisky brand in the world, and in 2022 the brand saw a 34% increase in net sales, as well as a 63% growth in Johnnie Walker Blue Label. To understand the impact that the brand has had on the development of both blend and single malt markets, Mark Littler is releasing a three-part series on his YouTube channel, delving into the history, the core range, and tasting reviews of the famous Johnnie Walker brand. The videos feature fun-facts, detailed histories, and reviews from some special collaborators.

Part one, How Johnnie Walker Conquered the Whisky World (JW Series Part 1) is all about the history of the brand and the people that built it, including the eponymous John Walker. Walker and the Johnnie Walker brand came from humble beginnings and became one of the drinks giants of the world. Find out how by watching part one of Mark’s series on Johnnie Walker.

Part two, The Complete Guide to Johnnie Walker: Unveiling the History of Each Bottle (JW Series Part 2) is now available to watch on Mark’s YouTube channel. The second instalment in the series looks in detail at each bottle in the Johnnie Walker core range, its history and its packaging, with interesting insights about the blended whisky market and Johnnie Walker’s marketing strategies.

Part three will be released on a date as yet unconfirmed. But, keep your eyes on Mark’s YouTube channel and don’t miss the conclusion to this fascinating series featuring tasting reviews from some of your favourite whisky YouTubers.

About Mark Littler Limited

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Each week he publishes new videos on his YouTube channel about topics such as cask investment fraud (and how to avoid it), the history of distilleries and bottles, debunking whisky investment myths and much more. For more information visit www.marklittler.com

If you are interested in the Distillery Maps or would like to chat to one of the team about our other services, please get in touch.

Email: whisky@marklittler.com

Telephone: 01260 218 718

A Rare Opportunity: Loch Dhu & 1920s Macallan Samples Available Now – Scotch Whisky News

 

A Rare Opportunity: Loch Dhu & 1920s Macallan Samples Available Now 

Mark Littler Ltd is selling 10ml drams of Macallan-Glenlivet 22 Year Old Whisky Liqueur distilled in the 1920s, as well as drams of the infamous Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky. 

The opportunity to try rare and expensive whiskies is increasingly scarce, thanks to the rising prices and increasing rarity of prized whiskies. However, much to the excitement of whisky lovers, Mark Littler Limited has bottled 10ml drams of two rare whiskies for you to taste in what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Macallan-Glenlivet 22 Year Old Whisky Liqueur 10ml Dram – £100 

This Macallan-Glenlivet 22 Year Old Whisky Liqueur was distilled in the 1920s and bottled in the 1940s by Row & Company Distillers Ltd for export to the USA. The importation into the USA followed the Prohibition, the Wall Street Crash, the Great Depression, and World War II.

The whisky-making process at Macallan, as well as the barley varieties used, would have been very different in the 1920s. This is one of the oldest bottles of Macallan on the market, and so is one of the only chances to sample authentic 1920s Macallan, distilled in the same era as the iconic Macallan 1926 60 Year Old.

The Macallan-Glenlivet 22 Year Old Whisky Liqueur was tasted and reviewed by Angus MacRaild at WhiskyFun, who awarded the whisky an astonishing 93 points. The tasting notes, also drawn up by Angus, feature notes of bitter marmalade, crystalised ginger, and fir on the nose. On the palette, drying peat smoke, cocktail bitters, and eucalyptus. The finish is long with notes of crystalised honey, saltiness, and old-school sherry.

Each dram comes with a tasting note card showcasing Angus’s tasting notes so that you can drink along with one of the experts. Can you pick out the flavours in this dram?

Only 30 of these drams are available. Don’t miss out! 

Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky 10ml Dram – £15  

The Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky is one of the most polarising and controversial whiskies on the market. The whisky was created in the late 1990s and was something of a marketing gimmick on the part of Mannochmore.

The deep black colour is produced by a very high amount of spirit caramel, which itself is a very controversial topic in the whisky industry. Spirit caramel, or E150a, is the only additive legally allowed in Scotch whisky. It is most often used to create colour consistency and brand familiarity both in blends and in single malts and, in small quantities, it does not affect the taste or mouthfeel of a whisky (or does it?).

Whilst some hail the Loch Dhu as a sweet and smooth whisky, some describe it as a car crash with an overwhelming taste of burnt caramel. Serge Valentin of WhiskyFun gave the whisky 49 points, describing the palate as “catastrophic”.

The question is: just how bad is it? Is the Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky the worst whisky in the world? Or do you find it palatable? There is only one way to find out.

Each Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky dram comes with a postcard showing Serge Valentin’s tasting notes so that you can drink along. They also come with complimentary Tic Tacs just in case you think Serge is right!

The Loch Dhu 10 Year Old The Black Whisky 10ml Dram is available now on the Mark Littler Shop. Perfect for satisfying your own curiosity or perhaps a great secret Santa gift for that one relative or colleague…

 

About Mark Littler Limited

Mark Littler is an independent whisky broker, market analyst and consultant with over a decade of experience in the industry. Each week he publishes new videos on his YouTube channel about topics such as cask investment fraud (and how to avoid it), the history of distilleries and bottles, debunking whisky investment myths and much more. For more information visit marklitter.com.

Email: whisky@marklittler.com

Telephone: 01260 218 718


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