Tormore 30 Year Old 1988 TWB Exclusive

Single cask hogshead selected exclusively for The Whisky Barrel for the First Editions series. Flavours of toffee ice-cream, apple pie and spices. Just 144 bottles from the Speyside distillery founded in 1958. Tormore 30 Year Old 1988 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whiskey. Single cask refill hogshead #15453 bottled December 2018 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the First Editions series. Selected and bottled exclusively for The Whisky Barrel. 144 bottles. A nose of caramel, citrus fruits, and vanilla. The palate is light and sweet with toffee ice-cram, lemons and apple pie. The finish is long, with a subtle kick of spice.

Buy – £129.95

New Year’s Greeting from the SWA Brand Ambassador, Kate Johnston. 

‘It’s been a real joy to meet so many of you this year. My first six months in the job have been non-stop, but the welcome I’ve received has been nothing short of warm. Seeing the auction grow to just short of 10,000 bottles in November was quite astounding. A particular highlight of mine from 2018 was hosting our food and whisky provenance evening at Cafe Strange Brew, in Glasgow. Amazing food and amazing whisky!!

One really lovely part of my job is getting to meet so many of our lovely clients from across the country. We’re so grateful for all of you and from both Tam and the whole team we want to thankyou.’

So what’s new for next 2019?

‘Well we will have plenty to keep us busy with a few new schemes up our sleeves, as we creatively strive to make your experience better. I’ve quickly learnt we don’t like staying still at SWA, stagnation being somewhat of a forbidden word – that just makes it all that more exciting doesn’t it! Happy New Year One all!!’

Have you enjoyed using SWA this year? Why not tell the world and leave a wee comment on our Facebook Page (the link is at the bottom of this email). Alternatively, if you’ve got constructive comments we would love to hear them too. Drop us an email with the subject ‘2019 improvements’ to mail@scotchwhiskyauctions.com.

The Whisky Exchange is honoured to be conducting a ballot for the sale of this special single malt on behalf of the charity The Prince’s Foundation. Distilled in 1988 and bottled on The Prince’s 70th birthday, 14th November 2018, this 30-year-old whisky is one of the oldest ever single-cask releases of Royal Lochnagar single malt, and is bottled at cask strength, 52.6% abv.

184 bottles of this 30-year-old Scotch whisky are available, priced at £1,470. To ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to own this piece of whisky and royal history, we are conducting a ballot.

The ballot will run until 27 January 2019, and you must enter before then for a chance to purchase one of the bottles. All proceeds from the sale will go to The Prince’s Foundation charity.

ENTER NOW

A Hibiki-21 year old Ceramic Collection

BONHAMS ONLINE WHISKY SALE LEADS WITH CERAMIC COLLECTION ARITA & KUTANI

Hong Kong – Bonhams headlines its upcoming online Whisky sale in Hong Kong with a Hibiki-21 year old Ceramic Collection Arita & Kutani. Paying tribute to the art of traditional Japanese ceramic, Suntory release this limited edition every year in handmade ceramic bottles from the Arita and Kutani kiln containing Hibiki-21 year old whisky. It is a very rare opportunity to acquire a full set of the collection from the first release in 2001 to the latest in 2014. The collection includes 28 ceramic bottles and is estimated to fetch between HK$600,000 and HK$800,000.

Bonhams online sale will start on 24 December 2018 and end on 20 January 2019, and will feature a collection of 440 lots ranging from HK$3,000 to HK$600,000, offering a price point for all level of collectors.

The sale presents a Macallan Lalique-55 year old estimated at HK$500,000 – 650,000. This 55 year old Macallan in a Lalique decanter was released in 2007, with only 420 individually numbered decanters made available worldwide. Inspired by Lalique’s classic Paquerettes tiara perfume bottle, this decanter is a nod back to the designing power and influence of Rene Lalique in 1910. Made in varying amber coloured crystal to reflect The Macallan’s natural colour, the decanter stopper embodies Lalique’s mastery of crystal and is one of the most difficult colours for crystal makers to achieve. 

Over 20 bottles of collectable single malts from the late legendary bottler Silvano Samaroli are featured in this sale including a bottle of Glen Cawdor-1964, one of 360 bottles and estimated around HK$80,000 – 110,000. Inspired by the reference to the Thane of Cawdor in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Silvano used the name for some of his bottlings without revealing the real distillery. According to his memory, it is believed to be a Springbank 1964.

Other notable highlights include:

• Macallan-1972 by S.Samaroli, one of 460; estimated at $50,000-70,000
• Yamazaki-1979-#RF1037, one of 294; ; estimated at HK$90,000-130,000
• Bowmore-1964-38 year old-Bourbon, one of 300; estimated at HK$90,000-140,000
• Balvenie-50 year old-6^th Release, one of 110; estimated at HK$320,000-380,000

Auction Details
Whisky sale
ONLINE ONLY
24 December 2018 – 20 January 2019
Specialist: Daniel Lam, Director of Wine & Whisky, Asia
Tel: +852 2918 4321; E: winehk@bonhams.com

About Bonhams 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

The Verdict Is In: Peated Whiskies Win!

It’s that time of year when we look back and reflect on our achievements, and this year has given us a lot to be thankful for.

Whisky Advocate has compiled a list of their Top 20 Whiskies of the year, and two ImpEx expressions have earned spots!

In addition, a number of ImpEx expressions have won prestigious medals from renowned competitions.  Check out some of the highlights below.   <

While Penderyn Myth won a Gold Medal in the ‘Best In Class’ category, Celt won a Silver Medal in the ‘Malt Peated Medium’ category from Whiskies Of The World, placing at #17 on Whisky Advocates Top 20 list, where it earned 91 points! 

Check out Jonny’s tantalizing description below the image.

“Blender Aista Jukneviciute finishes Celt in peated Islay quarter casks that enable the sooty charcoal smoke and maritime notes to sink their claws into the fresh lemon, mandarin, and buttery, toasty aromas.  Sweet citrus, dark fruits, chocolate, and spicy smoke linger on the finish. Forget Daenerys, this is the whisky of dragons.” ~ Jonny McCormick

Coming in at #15 with 91 points, Kilchoman Loch Gorm, the yearly limited release fully matured in Sherry casks made the grade!  

At the intersection of Sherry and peat, this dream-of-a-dram delivers on both in a way that appeases any peat-pleasured palate.

“The first edition of Loch Gorm appeared in 2013, and it remains the distillery’s only whisky to be fully matured in Sherry casks. The 2018 iteration comprises the contents of nineteen oloroso Sherry butts filled in 2007, 2008, and 2011, the oldest of which are some of the first Sherry casks filled at Kilchoman. These rich, confident aged whiskies converge in the best Loch Gorm to date, showcasing the expression’s trademark blend of succulent Sherry, cooked fruits, and earthy peat, along with flavors of honey, ginger, sultanas, and spice.” —Gavin D Smith

To top it all off, Kilchoman Sanaig – the core expression matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Sherry casks won  ‘Best Peated Whisky’ at the 2018 Whisky World Cup!  

‘Kilchoman has outclassed the opposition in the previous rounds. Giants like Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Bowmore have disappeared. It was only a matter of time until these Islay icons were to be replaced. And having the new smoke champ from the same island proves that Islay remains the centre of peated whisky in the world.’ ~ Henrik Aflodal, Whisky World Cup orgnaniserAnd finally we would be remiss if we didn’t mention how well received Port Askaig 33 has been this year.  Prominent bloggers distant parts of the world gave this expression really high marks in their reviews.  The two of note that we’re sharing with you are 91 and 92 points, from Dave Broom of ScotchWhisky.com and Ruben Luyten from WhiskyNotes.com, respectively.  

“There’s no sense of things being forced here, just nature being allowed to gently take its course. What a lovely way to end the year.” ~ Dave Broom

Thanks again for being part of our family and enjoying these fine whiskies with us.  We truly appreciate all of our supporters and everyone we do business with.  It means the world to us when our whiskies are enjoyed in good company.  So Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones, and may the peat keep you warm this winter 🙂

We look forward to bringing you more excellent whiskies in 2019! 
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Please feel free to reach out for more details on the bottlings: office@impexbev.com

Miltonduff
34 Year Old 1982
Old & Rare
£396.56

Miltonduff 34 Year Old 1982 vintage Speyside single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask refill hogshead bottled June 2016 by Hunter Laing & Co. for the Old & Rare Platinum collection. 196 bottles. This golden whisky has a sweet and fruity nose of pears, green apples, butterscotch and crème caramel. The creamy palate has notes of soft fruits, butter toffee and vanilla custard. The finish is long and slightly dry, with a gentle oak aftertaste. Miltonduff Distillery was established by Andrew Peary and Robert Bain in 1824 on the site of an old meal mill which once belonged to Pluscarden Abbey. In 1964 a pair of Lomond stills was installed and operated until 1981 at which time they were sliced and diced and partially incorporated into new pot stills. Whilst the whisky produced from the pot stills at Miltonduff is called Miltonduff the malt whisky produced by the Lomond stills is called Mosstowie. Miltonduff Distillery is a Speyside malt whisky distillery and a contributor to Ballantine’s blends of scotch.

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A Year of Whisk(e)y in Review

2018 has been a very exciting year for whisk(e)y at K&L. From our direct-import exclusives to rare one-off bottlings and everything in between, our shelves have been graced with an impressive bounty. With the year coming to a close, we thought it a perfect opportunity to revisit some of our top whiskey offerings of 2018. Whether you are a whiskey maven from way back or are just beginning to explore, the selections below are sure-fire winners and welcome additions to any collection.

Top Collectibles

The Scotch boom continues to plow full steam ahead with age-statement bottlings garnering the greatest attention. The confluence of demand and the inherent scarcity of these bottlings have driven prices sky high. Thanks to our close relationships with the distilleries and bottlers, we’ve tracked down more than a few of these collectibles at unbeatable prices.

1996 Linkwood 21 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $129.99 View

1996 Bowmore 22 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $149.99 View

2005 Highland Park 12 Year Old “K&L Exclusive” Refill Sherry Hogshead Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $159.99  View

Glengoyne 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $299.99 View

1965 Carsebridge 52 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $349.99  View

1984 Caol Ila 34 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $375.00  View

Old Particular

Our “Old Particular” portfolio continues to be a resounding success. With the proliferation of no-age-statement whiskies, it’s been a boon to have a seemingly unending source of single barrel exclusives that not only carry their age, but also come in a breathtaking range of styles and expressions. Consistently among the top bargains in the market, “Old Particular” is the go-to for scores of whisky lovers.

2010 Glen Garioch 8 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $49.99 View

2006 Balmenach 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $54.99 View

2007 Benrinnes 11 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $54.99 View

1995 Loch Lomond (“All Malt”) 22 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

1994 Miltonduff 24 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $129.99 View

Bourbon

When it comes to spirits in America, bourbon continues to reign supreme. Tried and true brands are snatched up with abandon, while a stream of new distillers continue to enter the market. It truly is the golden era of bourbon. Our buyers David Othenin-Girard and Andrew Whiteley have worked tirelessly to seek out the finest expressions available while leaving the others on the cutting room floor. Below is a small sampling of the fruits of their labor.

Henry McKenna 10 Year Old Bottled in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) (Elsewhere $32) $29.99 View

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) $34.99 View

Old Forester K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #0755 (Warehouse H, Floor 7) Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whisky (750ml) $39.99 View

Smooth Ambler “Big Level” Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

Booker’s “Kitchen Table 2018-4” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

Little Book 2018 Release “Batch #2 – Noe Simple Task” Blended Straight Whiskey (750ml) $79.99 View

Japan & Canada

For the discerning whiskey drinker, Japan and Canada continue to be a go-to source. Japan’s top expressions stand shoulder to shoulder with Scotland’s best, while Canada continues to be a driving force of innovation. No matter how you cut it, the whiskies from these countries have rightfully earned their place on the international stage.

Lot 40 Single Copper Pot Still Canadian Rye Whisky (750ml) $31.99 View

Helios Distillery “Kura The Whisky” Rum Cask Finished Pure Malt Japanese Whisky (750ml) $59.99 View

Nikka Coffey Still Japanese Malt Whisky (750ml) $59.99 View

Nikka “Taketsuru” Pure Malt Japanese Whisky (750ml) $59.99 View

Suntory “Hibiki Japanese Harmony” Japanese Whisky (750ml) $64.99 View

Whistle Pig “Farmstock” Rye Crop No. 002 Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

Whistle Pig 14 Year Old The Boss Hog 5th Edition “The Spirit of Mauve” Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml – 1 bottle limit, ships as 1.5L) $499.99 View

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 230: Ardbeg An Oa

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries the newest core range Ardbeg. The Ardbeg An Oa was launched in September 2017. It is named after the Mull of Oa, where you can find the American Monument. The difference with the classic Ten is significant and not just for the lack of age. This one matured on a combination of 7 cask types, including virgin oak, PX sherry and 1^st fill bourbon casks and is bottled at 46.6%.

https://youtu.be/ay-xErIiWIg

Whiskey Fest 2019 tickets are on sale!

Grand Tasting
The Grand Tasting will start at 8pm on Feb 2nd. Those of you who purchase a Masterclass ticket will also be able to attend the Grand Tasting (purchase this ticket only if you do not wish to attend a Masterclass).

Shelter Point Masterclass
Representatives from Shelter Point Distillery will putting on a Masterclass this year.

Whiskey Around the World Masterclass
This Masterclass is presented by Dale Roberts and Maureen Fritz-Roberts of the Old House Law and Notary Public.

Victoria Caledonia Distillery & Twa Dogs Brewery Masterclass
Presented by the founder, Graeme Macaloney. Seminar will be held outside in a heated area.

Blended Malts from Rare Drams Masterclass
Join Adam Bradshaw as he takes you on a tour of some limited cask strength blended malts from Douglas Laing’s Regional Malt Collection and Old Perth from Morrison & MacKay.

All Masterclasses will be starting at 7pm on Feb 2nd.

COMOX VALLEY Whisky Fest TICKETS

Proceeds from  the Comox Valley Whisky Fest support a number of charitable organizations in the valley and we’re so grateful for your support! Thank you!