Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel Select – exclusive to The Whisky Exchange

American whiskey is on the up. While Irish whiskey may be the fastest growing in the world, the USA is gaining ground as the connoisseurs choice. Whiskeys like the Van Winkle range are snapped up in seconds and appear at auction for thousands of pounds, but there are still loads of great-value special releases, many of which are now making their way to the UK. We’re very please to have grabbed one for ourselves – a single-barrel release of Eagle Rare 10 Year Old.

Eagle Rare is one of the many whiskeys produced by the folks at Buffalo Trace, a 10-year-old bourbon that’s picked up loads of awards since its first appearance back in the 1970s. It’s changed a bit over the past 40 years, with the name moving between a number of different whiskey producers, but the current incarnation has been in the hands of Buffalo Trace since the end of the 1980s.

The regular Eagle Rare 10 Year Old was, until a few years ago, a single barrel bourbon, with every bottle from just one barrel. These days it’s a small-batch release, giving us the chance to fill the single-barrel gap with our exclusive whiskey.

The thing which stood our for us in this single cask was the fruitiness. Eagle Rare is an intense whiskey, with layers of oaky spice and rich sweetness, but this also had the kind of fruity character that we love in whisk(e)ys from all over the world. Once we tried it, we had to have it:

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel Select

Nose: Toffee, raisins and marzipan. Caramelised brown sugar follows, along with fruity bread pudding. Under the layers of sweetness are touches of spice and fresh fruit: toffee apples and overripe pears.

Palate: Creamy in texture with bittersweet burnt sugar up front. Apple sauce and raisin sweetness follows, with cinnamon sugar and malt loaf richness. Some apple-skin sharpness floats around the edges along with balancing barrel-char bitterness. A hint of Ribena blackcurrant builds through the middle.

Finish: Hints of mint and menthol fade. Sugar sandwiches appear: brown bread, butter, golden Demerara.

Comment: Well balanced and easy drinking, with spice, fruit and classic bourbon sweetness all coming together perfectly.

The Whisky Exchange exclusive Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Single Barrel is now available online and in our London shops – Covent Garden and Fitzrovia. You can find more exclusives on our Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange page.

Saturday, November 3rd, 12-3 PM:

Westland Distillery

Whiskey Ambassador Trent Simpson presents a variety of Westland’s award-winning releases!

Made from natural and local ingredients, each Westland expression honors the traditions of distilling and adds something new and distinctly American. Every whiskey is underscored by Westland Distillery’s signature house style – a sweetness and ease on the palate accompanied by a fruity and complex but ultimately grain-focused finish worthy of distinction among single malt whiskey.

More Details & RSVP

ralfy.com considers a less-eventful malt-moment with . ralfy review 750 – Balvenie 21yo Portwood @ 40%vol:

https://youtu.be/_AN996vDTLU

CRAIGELLACHIE LAUNCHES WORLD’S MOST UNCOLLECTABLE WHISKY

Hamilton, Bermuda, 26^th October 2018 – CRAIGELLACHIE’s latest whisky has waited 51 years to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

But, CRAIGELLACHIE 51 is not bottled in a fancy crystal decanter and it doesn’t have a silly price tag.

This whisky has been resting in oak for 51 years. It doesn’t need to sit on a shelf for another 51 years collecting dust.

Over the next 12 months CRAIGELLACHIE 51, will be made available for whisky lovers at special tastings around the world, in four key markets.

Global Ambassador Georgie Bell comments: “We wanted to do the unthinkable. We wanted to make a typically collectable Scotch more accessible.”

Adding “We want to give as many people as we can, the chance to try this incredible whisky, because how often does a whisky of this age and calibre actually get tasted?”

Malt Master, Stephanie Macleod says of the liquid “51 years encased in oak is an extraordinary length of time. Starting life in 1962 as an aggressive beast, the whisky over five decades has developed a softer side yet still retains the distinct umami, muscular note that CRAIGELLACHIE is known for.”

From November 26th – November 28th, CRAIGELLACHIE will host a tiny pop-up called Bar 51, a bar within a bar. Over three consecutive nights, this mini bar will be located in London’s oldest whisky shop, Milroy’s of Soho. Bar 51 will debut in London before travelling to Australia, South Africa and the U.S throughout the next year.

Reservations for Bar 51 go live at 9am on Monday 29^th October, 150 tickets will be given away for free*, chosen at random. For a chance to drink Craigellachie 51 go to www.craigellachie.com/bar51

Notes

*all guests must be of legal drinking age. 

About CRAIGELLACHIE Single Malt Scotch Whisky

CRAIGELLACHIE distillery sits firm in the heart of Speyside, flat bang in the middle of Scotch territory. It obstinately stands alone on a rock overlooking the confluence of the rivers Fiddich and Spey. Speyside whiskies are known to be fruity and floral but CRAIGELLACHIE defies this with its rich and robust character.

Constructed by two whisky icons: Peter Mackie and Alexander Edward, it began production in 1891, when its whisky was first described as “old-fashioned”.

Stubbornly sticking to tradition is a hallmark of the distillery, hence the continued use of old-fashioned worm tubs to cool its spirit and its own oil-fired malt. These help to bestow extra flavour and create a muscular character to rival whiskies of far greater age. Famously challenging in style, this is a dram for daring palates.

The core portfolio comprises four CRAIGELLACHIE® single malts: the 13 Years Old, 17 Years Old, 23 Years Old and 33 Years Old.

The CRAIGELLACHIE brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.  Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies including Bacardi International Limited.

Awards

Since its launch in 2014 CRAIGELLACHIE has racked up a number of highly notable accolades. Most notably, in 2015, Craigellachie 23 Years Old won ‘Best in Show’ at the San Francisco Spirits Competition and in 2017 Craigellachie 31 Years Old surpassed other industry greats by receiving “World’s Best Single Malt Whisky” at the World Whiskies Awards. 

Most recent awards:

Craigellachie 13 Years Old

Gold Medal, International Spirits Challenge 2016

Craigellachie 17 Years Old

Gold Medal, Scotch Whisky Masters 2017

Craigellachie 23 Years Old

Gold Medal, International Wine & Spirits Challenge 2017

Craigellachie 33 Years Old

Master, The Travel Retail Masters UK 2017 

Bar 51

CRAIGELLACHIE will host a tiny pop up, called Bar 51, as a ‘bar within a bar’ in Milroy’s of Soho’s. The space will be transformed in to the world of CRAIGELLACHIE where Global Brand Ambassador, Georgie Bell will introduce CRAIGELLACHIE 51 to a small number of people*. The opening night is on 26^th November, CRAIGELLACHIES’s co-founder, Peter Mackie’s birthday. Bar 51 will run for three consecutive nights until 28^th November 2018.

*To be in with a chance of winning free entry to Bar 51, register at www.craigellachie.com/bar51 from 9am on 29^th October. 150 places will then be chosen at random and the winners will be notified one week prior to the event.

Milroy’s of Soho, London

Established in 1964, Milroy’s of Soho, London is an iconic whisky bar that specialises in rare and hard to find whiskies – both available by the dram and to buy. It completely goes against the grain of usual ‘exclusive’ whisky shops with a down to earth and team and approachable vibe.

EXPLOSIVE NEW SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB

Smokehead Sherry Bomb is a heavily peated Islay single malt that has been boldly blasted by sherry casks. It follows hot on the heels of Smokehead High Voltage, which was unveiled in April.

Priced at £64.99, Smokehead fans will enjoy a full-bodied, 48% abv peaty whisky that’s heavily influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks to create a smoky, spicy and rich flavour.

Iain Weir, Smokehead Brand Director, commented: “We’re proud of our Smokehead Sherry Bomb expression. The whisky is more explosive than an Armada cannonball. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re after a bold, peaty whisky that’s been blasted by rich sherry casks, then this is the delicious taste explosion you’ve been waiting for.”

Building on the launch of the new Smokehead brand design, Sherry Bomb’s packaging displays the brand’s iconic skull – this time in fiery red – bold typography and smoked, textured backgrounds, with each Limited-Edition black bottle presented in a Sherry Bomb tin. Smokehead Sherry Bomb is available now in the UK and will roll out globally in November.

TASTING NOTES: SMOKEHEAD SHERRY BOMB (48% ABV) 

The First Impression: Thick peat lets you know you’ve got a serious Islay single malt on your hands. Then a fruitier, creamier feel – soft rich oak, soothing custard and vanilla. But don’t get comfortable – this is only the beginning.

The Full-on Flavour: Tie yourself down and wait for the hit of oily black smoke, with a rich heavy mouthcoating peaty feel. Then along comes a sweet sticky flavour of barbecued banana, (yes, really) tangy sultanas and dried fruits. Told you it was different.

The Finale: The peat returns, just as you hoped/feared it would. This time it’s brought some authentic Spanish sherry oakiness with it, pleasingly and disturbingly sweet. And one last sharp salty reminder that you’re not dealing with the ordinary here.

Please drink responsibly.

www.smokehead.com

f: www.facebook.com/smokeheadwhisky

i: www.instagram.com/smokeheadwhisky

#smokehead 

NOTES 

About Smokehead:

• Smokehead is an Islay Single Malt Whisky and has been given a bold new look by Ian Macleod Distillers.
• Originally launched in 2006, Smokehead has been labelled the wild one of Single Malt Whisky and is not for everyone.
• Award-winning premium whisky that has an attitude-led positioning and heavily peated taste.

About Ian Macleod Distillers:

• Established in 1933, Ian Macleod Distillers is one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, blenders and bottlers.
• Ian Macleod Distillers is the world’s 10th largest Scotch Whisky company, producing and selling over 15 million bottles of spirits every year.
• Ian Macleod Distillers has built up an enviable portfolio of premium quality spirits and is proud brand proprietor of Glengoyne, Tamdhu, Rosebank and Smokehead Scotch whiskies and Edinburgh Gin to name but a few.

A Pair of Can’t-Miss K&L Exclusive Barrels from Old Potrero

“Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era.”
-David Othenin-Girard

In case the news hasn’t found its way to you yet, sadly, Anchor Distilling Company and its Old Potrero brand are going away. For all the ins and outs and what’s on the horizon, check out our recent blog post. But for those short on time, the long and the short of it is that because of a change in ownership, this iconic brand will no longer be produced. However, there are still casks of these remarkable spirits to be had—at least for the time being. As longtime fans of Old Potrero, we’ve always picked up their limited production whiskeys whenever the occasion arose. Hence, we when were given a chance to select a pair of Old Potrero barrels exclusively for K&L, we knew we had to act. Never before had we been offered such an opportunity, so this, coupled with the imminent retirement of the brand, made this a proposition too good to miss. Featured here are casks No. 3 and No. 9. Both are a beautiful swan song as you’ll ever find and stunning examples of the groundbreaking work at this historic distillery. Both are unique expressions that beautifully illustrate why so many collectors have a special place in their hearts for Old Potrero. This truly is a one-of-a-kind opportunity and a chance to own part of history. Scroll below for our tasting notes and learn what makes this pair so captivating. Allocations are limited and demand is already high, so don’t miss out. We can’t think of a better way to bid adieu to this legendary brand.

Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #3” Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)

Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 3 is lights out. At 61.96% alcohol it is full throttle, no holds barred, 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on August 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 3 is punchy, intense, and spicy, like a Red Hot wrapped in a Christmas cookie. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018

Well this is it. Kind of the end of an era. And we scored two of the most special barrels I’ve ever tried yet from these guys. Both casks come a lot closer to the insane and unavailable Hotalings offerings that are sold at 10-16 years old rather than the younger offerings, which are regularly available. The power rye malt and six years in a new charred oak barrel are a heady combination. I found cask No. 3 to be the drier of the two showing tons of baking spice, minty woodsy tones, and a rich malty character that sets the Old Potrero apart from other modern ryes. Bold, spicy and dry, there’s almost nothing on the market quiet like these and they easily rank as some of the finest craft whiskies we’ve ever sold. A truly special offer that will never be available again under this label.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018

This rye smells high-octane because it is, coming in at a rather robust 123.92 proof. The nose is woody and intense with the smell of Red Hots candy. There’s a big cinnamon kick with other spice notes of clove, cardamom, pepper, and a cedar wood quality. The taste mostly follows the spicy nose but with the addition of gentle vanilla, menthol, and a hint of salt.

Sean Fernandez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 18, 2018

Scrumdiddlyumptions. A marriage of the power of a George T Stagg and the grace and complexity of a Sazerac 18. Weighty and viscous in the mouth with deep rich caramel and cinnamon. Never as hot as the proof suggests and with a warming spicy finish inviting you back for more. Wonderful item to have on hand when the Antique collection is out of reach.

Old Potrero “K&L Exclusive Barrel #9” Single Malt Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($99.99)

Old Potrero has finally begun a formal single cask program and we were so excited we bought two! Barrel No. 9 is a sophisticated, well-balanced number. At 61.57% alcohol it shows the more nuanced side of 100% rye malt. Both barrels were double distilled in traditional copper pot stills on Aug. 1, 2012 and bottled exclusively for K&L on July 27, 2018, just four days short of their sixth birthdays. Who doesn’t like to celebrate a little early? The whiskey entered its 53-gallon, extra fine grain American Oak barrels at 62% and that ABV pretty much held steady over the years. The result for barrel No. 9 is more of a baked bread character and exceptional balance. It’s warm, inviting, and you hope the glass never empties. You have two chances for barrel proof Old Potrero 100% Single Malt Rye, don’t miss!

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 17, 2018

The Old Potrero brand is venerated particularly among California spirits geeks. For years the stocks were so small that we couldn’t even get the standard releases consistently. When I saw it out at bars, I ordered it. When the supplier had it, we bought everything. Over the last several years a lot has changed at Mr. Maytag’s old distillery, but they’ve always made this idiosyncratic single malt rye that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Now they’re starting to have enough stock to sell barrels outright, usually cask experiments, but we knew we had to jump on the new charred oak barrels as soon as they came up. With the recent sale of the Anchor Beer brand to the Japanese, the distilling component is moving away from the old branding, so these will be the very last Old Potrero barrels we’ll ever see. And what a way to go out. Barrel No. 9 is showing less minty rye and more deep dark malt, cacao and savory spice. Textured and full bodied, this stuff is truly palate coating. Not for the faint of heart but an impressive example of why the Old Anchor Distilling Company was one of the great craft distillers of the modern era. A new chapter begins.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 02, 2018

This is another intense, full-throttled rye, but it’s not as spicy as the No. 3 barrel we also have here at K&L. The spice is still bold, but it’s tempered by luscious caramel and cream. With a touch of water, additional notes of buttered toffee, cocoa, and leather emerge. This dram has a nice, long, and woody finish.

OCTOBER 2018 AUCTION LIVE

Port Ellen 1981 Casks of Distinction 37 Year Old #1297 / Bottle No. 5

This incredible expression, numbering 174 bottles in total, is one of the oldest Port Ellen ever released. The whisky, bottled at 48.9% ABV, has been drawn from single cask #1297, which is part of Diageo’s ‘Casks of Distinction’ series, a range of unique individual casks each of extraordinary quality and character.

Glendronach Finest Highland Malt 1930s

A stunning example of pre-WW2 Glenrdronach. Likely aged around 12 years it is one of the earliest officially bottled single malts or “perfect self whisky” as the label reads. A rare opportunity to try an older style of whisky, made distinctive by the traditional methods and ingredients that went into its production.

Karuizawa 1964 Single Cask 48 Year Old #3603 / Wealth Solutions

An exclusive bottling for Wealth Solutions of Poland, this extremely rare 1964 single cask is arguably one of the most sought after Karuizawa whiskies. This is bottle number 143 of only 143 released on 24th December 2012, contained within a stunning Polish black fossibl oak case.

Samaroli Collection

We never tire of featuring examples from this legendary Italian independent bottler, they are without doubt some of the finest, rarest and most interesting bottles that we see. This month is no exception with a wide range of Samaroli on offer including the outstanding Scapa 1958, considered to be one of the best Scapa ever bottled.

Bowmore 1961 50 Year Old

The oldest publicly available Bowmore, distilled in December 1961 and matured for a half century in two ex-bourbon hogsheads. One of only 200 bottles released, a combination of glass artists, a woodsmith and a silversmith were all commissioned to create the exquisite packaging that accompanies this exceptional whisky.

No review this week as Phil is a little under the weather………

THE ‘THREE WISE MEN’ FROM LOCH LOMOND DISTILLERY

A STAR CHRISTMAS GIFT SELECTION

Image Caption: Three Wise Men Cocktails – Loch Lomond Group

This year, The Loch Lomond Distillery has the perfect Christmas gift selection for whisky lovers with its very own Three Wise Men; a specially crafted trio of 12 Year Old whiskies, each with its own unique style and character.

Traditionally, the ’12 days of Christmas’ marked the time between Christmas Day and the arrival of the three wise men; Gaspar, Balthasar, and Melchior, making this collection of 12 Year Olds the perfect way to toast the festive season.

Loch Lomond Distillery has also created a recommended serve for each expression representing each of the three gifts, to provide some added inspiration for those entertaining guests this Christmas – or perhaps even seeking a quiet moment to themselves…

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old – £39.99 – 46.0% ABV

Loch Lomond 12 Year Old has a deep fruity character of peach and pear layered with a vanilla sweetness and the characteristic hints of peat and smoke found in Loch Lomond Whiskies.

Matured in three different types of casks – bourbon, refill and re-charred – the expertly crafted iconic Loch Lomond whisky delivers a perfectly balanced single malt. 

Inchmoan 12 Year Old – £46.99 – ABV 46.0%

Inchmoan 12 Year Old is born from a combination of malt whiskies from the distillery’s traditional swan neck and unique straight neck pot stills, to create a peat character of exceptional depth, marrying smoke and spiciness perfectly.

Matured for 12 years in a combination of re-charred American oak and refill bourbon American oak casks, it imparts sweet vanilla background notes that complement the soft peat style of Loch Lomond’s unique still set up. 

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old – £44.99 – 46.0% ABV

The enchanting isle of Inchmurrin is the largest of Loch Lomond’s islands and its natural characteristics shine through in this exceptional single malt Scotch whisky.

Known as the ‘Grassy Isle’ the island is soft, rounded and wonderfully wooded, just like the whisky itself.

Inchmurrin 12 Year Old is aged in hand selected bourbon, refill and re-charred casks and then married together to create a lighter whisky with grassy notes and floral hints of pear drops, crème caramel, soft fruits, vanilla and fudge.

The whiskies are available to buy from www.lochlomondwhiskies.com and specialist whisky retailers.

Loch Lomond Sparkling Gold

Gold was gifted often as an acknowledgement of kingship. This precious gift is still a symbol of Christmas and so we have incorporated it into a drink fit for royalty;

Ingredients:
25ml of Loch Lomond 12 Year Old
15ml of Golden Honey

15ml of Ginger syrup
Prosecco
Gold Flakes (optional)

Method:

Combine Loch Lomond 12 Year Old with the golden honey and ginger syrup and chill down over ice before straining into at chilled flute glass and topping with sparkling Prosecco. To add a little sparkle, top with a pinch of edible gold flakes.

Inchmurrin Aromatic Frankincense

Frankincense is a rare aromatic resin with citrus and pine aroma and is used in incense and perfume with the name coming from an old French expression meaning “high-quality incense”.

The fruity and floral profile of our Inchmurrin 12 Year Old combined with bitter and fresh Italian aperitif Aperol and soothing sweet vermouth topped with sparking soda and orange oils.

Ingredients:

25ml of Inchmurrin 12 Year Old

15ml Aperol

15ml Sweet Vermouth

A splash of soda

Orange peel to garnish

Method:

Simply add Inchmurrin 12 Year Old, Aperol and Sweet Vermouth to a large wine glass over cubed ice. Stir these ingredients together for 10 seconds and add more ice if needed. Top with sparkling soda and gently stir together. Garnish with orange peel. 

Inchmoan Warming Myrrh

Myrrh is an opulent smokey, dark, woody and earthy resin that has long been thought to contain healing qualities.

The smoky and deep character of Inchmoan 12 Year Old combines with natural honey, cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg before being soothed with hot water, pressed apple and fresh lemon.

Ingredients:

25ml Inchmoan 12 Year Old

30ml of pressed apple

200 ml hot water

2 teaspoons of honey

3 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

A pinch of nutmeg

A squeeze of fresh lemon

Lemon peel to garnish

Method:

Add the honey to a glass mug then half fill with the hot water and stir until fully dissolved. Add all other ingredients except for the lemon peel, and stir together for 10 seconds. Finally add the remaining hot water and serve, garnished with the lemon peel.

About Loch Lomond Whiskies

• The multi award winning Loch Lomond whiskies range includes the Loch Lomond 12 Year Old which has been awarded a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2017. Other expressions in the range are the single malts Loch Lomond Original; Loch Lomond Classic; Loch Lomond 18 Year Old; Loch Lomond 50 Year Old; the Loch Lomond Island’s Collection which includes the Inchmurrin and Inchmoan ranges as well as the deluxe blend Loch Lomond Signature and Loch Lomond Single Grain.

• Loch Lomond distillery has been producing the finest single malt whisky since 1814.
• Official social media accounts are Twitter: @LochLomondMalts Instagram: @lochlomondmalts

John j. Bowman single barrel Virginia straight Bourbon Takes home gold at 2018 New York world wine and spirits competition  

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (Oct. 23, 2018) – Two spirits from A. Smith Bowman Distillery won medals at the eighth annual New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), including John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon winning Gold and Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon receiving Silver.

The NYWSC, held in August, received more than 430 wines and 340 spirits to be judged at this year’s competition, breaking all records of previous years.

“We are honored to accept the awards at this year’s New York World Wine and Spirits Competition,” said Brian Prewitt, master distiller at A. Smith Bowman Distillery. “It’s great to see our team effort pay off.”

Results from the 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition can be found at https://www.nywscomp.com/results/.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills,Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.