ralfy.com buys blended scotch for a change with ralfy review 744 – Hankey Bannister 12yo Blended Scotch @ 40%vol:

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY BRING GLOBAL MEMBERS TOGETHER WITH VIRTUAL TASTING

Members of the iconic whisky club will sample the same five drams from the Society’s flavour spectrum

In celebration of its 35th anniversary, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) will be bringing their spiritual home in Edinburgh, The Vaults, to members across the world through a unique virtual tasting.

The tasting will be streamed live on the SMWS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk) at 7pm (UK time) Monday 24^th September with members invited to join in the tasting of five special drams from across the Society’s flavour spectrum. To get involved, visit http://bit.ly/2MHPrOF 

Join in the live tasting from around the world

Limited edition five-dram Discovery Packs are available to members for £35 to ensure that everyone taking part, regardless of where they are in the world, will taste the same hand-selected drams during the live tasting hosted by Master Brand Ambassador John McCheyne.

SMWS are also offering these Discovery Packs as part of an exclusive membership offer, which includes the five-dram 35^th Anniversary pack and Society membership, for £89 here: http://bit.ly/2MHRZMq

This is the first time that the SMWS will be hosting a tasting event that will encompass all of its global members, therefore creating a rare opportunity for like-minded enthusiasts worldwide to have a shared whisky experience and interact directly.

SMWS Master Brand Ambassador, John McCheyne, said: “It’s not often we get the opportunity to bring our global members together, so we’re really looking forward to having this experience and celebrating the last 35 years.

“Creating a community of whisky lovers was something that the Society was founded on and we continue to pride ourselves on that. This virtual tasting is a fantastic opportunity to see the scale which that community has grown over the years.”

Experience the event in person

There is the opportunity to experience this historic moment first hand, by attending the tasting live at The Vaults in Edinburgh. The price of the event ticket includes the five-dram Discovery Pack.

The tasting will also be streamed simultaneously to the Society’s Queen Street and Greville Street Member’s Rooms in Edinburgh and London respectively, giving people the opportunity to enjoy this historic experience in the company of fellow members. For more information on screenings of the event see here: http://bit.ly/2MCnG9T

Separate tastings will take place to allow to different time zones and will be screened to members in other countries, including Australia.

Members taking part in the virtual tastings are encouraged to join the conversation and share their experience of the event using #SMWSat35. 

35^th Anniversary Virtual Tasting Discovery Pack includes;

29.249 Sweet black tea in the surgery • Heavily Peated • 2nd fill ex-PX hogshead • 21 years

35.214 Without pretence • Sweet, Fruity & Mellow • 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel • 22 years

63.49 In the dark of the abyss • Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits • Refill ex-oloroso butt • 11 years

93.94 The final trawl • Oily & Coastal • Refill ex-bourbon barrel • 15 years

135.6 Cones vs crones • Spicy & Dry • 2nd fill ex-bourbon hogshead • 10 years

For more information on membership including a special offer on membership and the 35^th Anniversary Discovery Pack, visit https://www.smws.com/whisky-club-membership

Twitter: @SMWSUK  

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club that bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The Society only ever bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 135 distilleries in its history
• The Society releases a new batch of around 30 single cask, single malt whiskies every month
• The Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and Shop has over 200 whiskies on offer and is open to everybody
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see https://goo.gl/vX5yQA
• For more information about the Society, visit https://goo.gl/vX5yQA

CHIVAS WELCOMES TOP BARTENDER, RHYS WILSON, TO THE TEAM

From Chivas Masters UK champion to Global Brand Ambassador 

September 13^th 2018 – Bartender, whisky aficionado, and UK winner of the 2017 Chivas Masters Cocktail Competition, Rhys Wilson, has joined Chivas as Global Brand Ambassador. Rhys steps in to a leading role where he will share his passion for Scotch whisky on the global stage and bring to life Chivas’ belief that blended is better, in life and in Scotch.

Rhys brings an incredible blend of industry knowledge, experience and success to the role. Formerly General Manager at London’s Happiness Forgets, winner of Best International Cocktail Bar at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, Rhys will be drawing on his 10 years of industry experience to deliver captivating experiences and tantalising serves for Chivas.

Speaking for the first time as the new Chivas Global Brand Ambassador, Rhys comments: “Taking part in the Chivas Masters was a huge turning point in my career, helping me learn a lot about myself, Scotch whisky and the path towards achieving success as a team. Perhaps most importantly though, it gave me the opportunity to become part of the Chivas family and really be inspired by the brand and its values. I’m honoured to now have the opportunity to help bring these values to life and work with the Chivas community around the world.”

Richard Black, Global Marketing Director for Chivas, adds: “We are delighted to welcome Rhys to the team as we have witnessed his charisma and dedication to the brand through his involvement with the Chivas Masters and believe he will bring a fresh new perspective to the role. We’re looking forward to working closely with him as he helps to strengthen our relationships with the bartending community and showcase our award-winning portfolio as we move from strength to strength globally.”

Notes

About Chivas

Chivas believes that blended is better, in life and in Scotch. The original luxury blended Scotch whisky, Chivas’ belief in blending was instilled by founding brothers, James and John Chivas, who pioneered the art of blending in 19th century Scotland. Since then, Chivas has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide – by bringing together the best malt and grain whiskies to create something extraordinary.

Chivas believes in the power of blending in life, as well as in Scotch. In bringing people together to create a greater whole – which is why Chivas is proud to be the global spirits partner of Manchester United, the world’s biggest football club; and in blending ambition with generosity and using success to enrich the lives of others – which is why the Chivas Venture supports social startups with $1m in annual funding.

Chivas blends its home in Speyside, Scotland, with more than 100 countries across the globe, who together have made Chivas the global success it is today, selling more than 4.2 million 9L cases every year. The Chivas range blends timeless classics with modern innovation, including: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas XV, Chivas Mizunara, Chivas 18, Chivas Ultis, Chivas 25, Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend.

Chivas. Success is a blend. www.Chivas.com

Four Roses K&L Exclusive OESF (9 Years Old, 4 Months) Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $69.99 View

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

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

Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

ABERFELDY 25 YEAR OLD 1993 CONNOISSEURS CHOICE

$545.78

ABV: 58.8%, AGE: 25 Year Old, VINTAGE: 1993, CASK TYPE: First fill Sherry puncheon, BOTTLER: Gordon & MacPhail, REGION: Highland

Aberfeldy 25 Year Old 1993 vintage Highland single malt Scotch whisky. Single cask First fill Sherry puncheon bottled June 2018 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series. 444 bottles. Brothers John and Tommy Dewar established Aberfeldy Distillery in 1896 and commenced distilling there two years later in order to guarantee a supply of quality Scottish malt whiskey for their John Dewar & Sons range of blended scotch. Aberfeldy is a Highland malt whisky distillery situated in the heart of the Perthshire countryside and these days produces malt whiskey for its Aberlour 12 Year to Aberlour 21 Year Old range of single malts. This Highland malt whisky distiller’s four copper stills produce both un-peated and mildly peated whiskey. Aberfeldy’s old malt barns house Dewar’s World of Whiskey visitor centre.

https://youtu.be/SbukBruX9L4

NEW OLD PULTENEY! The Huddart, in some ways, a classic example of the OP brand, in some ways, not. It has character elements of the 12, it’s layered with vanilla, salt and a nice dollop of lemon/natural yogurt smells. The place where it changes up is the use of finishing the whisky in a peated cask. A cask from a distillery that has held peated spirit. Using this opens up different and new elements of OP that may have been missing over the last few years. Cheers!

BOWMORE® ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY RELEASES BOWMORE® 27 YEAR OLD PORT CASK — THE THIRD AND FINAL RELEASE OF THE BOWMORE® VINTNER’S TRILOGY 

Crafted in One of the World’s Oldest Scotch Maturation Houses, The Full, Collectible Trilogy of Luxury Whiskies is Now Available in the U.S. 

Islay, Scotland (September 11, 2018) – Bowmore, the oldest licensed distillery established in 1779 on Scotland’s isle of Islay, has released Bowmore® 27 Year Old Port Cask, the third and final expression in the Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Vintner’s Trilogy. Available as of September 2018, the 27 Year Old Port Cask joins Bowmore® 18 Year Old Double Matured Manzanilla and Bowmore® 26 Year Old Wine Matured, both released in November 2017. The now-complete Trilogy was created and matured in the distillery’s famed No.1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest Scotch maturation houses, imbuing the brand’s signature flavor with attributes of the finest ex-wine, ex-sherry and ex-port casks.

The Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy is the result of generations of distilling expertise and the unique, sea-buffeted atmosphere of the No.1 Vaults. The whiskies within the Trilogy have been meticulously aged in manzanilla sherry, port, wine and bourbon barrels, imparting complex layers of flavor to the signature smoky Bowmore profile to produce this range of premium, collectable whiskies.

“We are thrilled to release Bowmore 27 Year Old Port Cask to complete the Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy,” says Kale Schnettler, Director Super Premium Whiskey at Beam Suntory. “Steeped in nearly 240 years of heritage, coupled with our No. 1 Vaults aging warehouse has made this brand one of the world’s most coveted Scotch whiskies. This Vintner’s Trilogy exemplifies the expertise of our distiller and blender to produce three distinctly different, wine-matured whiskies meant to be sipped, savored and certainly collected.” 

THE HIDDEN GEMS OF BOWMORE’S VINTNER’S TRILOGY: 

BOWMORE 27 YEAR OLD PORT CASK

Released this September 2018 in the U.S., this exceptional limited-edition Scotch whisky is double matured, first for 13 years in ex-bourbon barrels, then for 14 years in port pipes, resulting in a deep mahogany coloring with flavors of sultanas, sugarplums and salted caramel added to Bowmore’s signature sweet and salty notes with a touch of smoke. To preserve the full flavor, this expression is non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength (48.3% ABV) for a suggested retail price of $520.00.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, peaty and medicinal with a strong toffee, herbal and spicy character followed by heather and a hint of rosemary and old Port wine notes are complemented by raspberry coulis and red berries. The finish develops into earthy carbolic notes, with salted dates, dried herbs, sweet tobacco, sweet dried cranberries and a touch of white pepper.  

BOWMORE 26 YEAR OLD WINE MATURED

Available as of November 2017, Bowmore 26 Year Old Wine Matured spent its first 13 years in ex-bourbon barrels before a second maturation of 13 years in wine barriques, which gives the whisky a burnt amber coloring. In this expression, the brand’s signature earthy smoke mixes with redcurrant jam, camphor oil and cherry pie. This full-bodied whisky finishes with a hint of salt, resulting from the influence of Bowmore’s maturation warehouse being one of the only, in the world, that is below sea level. This expression is bottled at cask strength (48.7% ABV) and available for a suggested retail price of $540.00.

Tasting notes: On the nose you find spiced oak, papaya and mango and a honeyed sweetness. On the palate, the flavors develop into oak spiced smoke and rich dark chocolate with a long finish.

BOWMORE 18 YEAR OLD DOUBLE MATURED MANZANILLA

Also released in November 2017, Bowmore 18 Year Old is first matured in ex-bourbon barrels and then goes through a second maturation in ex-manzanilla sherry barrels. The sherry aging imparts an antique, gold coloring, while providing layers of fruity blackcurrants, spicy citrus and vanilla fudge to Bowmore’s legendary peat smoke. This expression is bottled at cask strength (52.5% ABV) and available for a suggested retail price of $127.00.

Tasting notes: On the nose, treacle, salted caramel, ripe blackcurrants, soft stone fruits, spiced Seville oranges with subtle hints of menthol and chamomile. On the palate, bitter oranges and a burst of smoke. 

ABOUT BOWMORE®

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest licensed distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore adheres to traditional production methods which helps to shape the character of its single malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its peaty overtones, the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults, one of the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouses, is where some of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall. They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon and sherry, gradually developing rich and mellow flavors. It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

Bowmore domestic product range: Bowmore 12 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old and 25 Year Old.

www.bowmore.com; Facebook | Twitter | Instagram: BOWMORE 

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Malt Messenger Bulletin – Fall Tasting Schedule & Whisky Advent 2018

The Kensinton Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar 

Early Bird Pricing in Effect – SAVE $35 Until September 30th, 2018

25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky is Back! SAVE $35+gst, by pre-ordering your Kensington Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar before October 1st. This years edition features 25 all new whiskies, with a high proportion of single casks, and independent bottlings. The bulk of the Calendar is single malt Scotch whisky, with a few single malts from Canada, England and France. We will also have a Japanese whisky in the 2018 edition for the first time!

The KWM Whisky Advent Calendar consists of 24 50ml premium whiskies, one for each day of Advent. There is also a bonus 25th bottle, a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask strength, single cask, single malt Scotch whisky. This year’s Society whisky will only be featured in the Calendar. You can follow along on social media with us, as well as on the KWM Blog, as we highlight the day’s whisky and its producer. The Whisky Advent Calendar also includes a discount card, giving you the chance to save on any must have bottles…

The  KWM 2018 Whsky Advent Calendar will be ready for pickup around the beginning of November. We are taking pre-orders now, including a $150 deposit. The balance of payment will be applied a week before the Calendars are ready for pickup. Order a KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar for yourself or as a gift before October 1, and you will be able to take advantage of our $35 early bird discount.

You can order the Kensington Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar in-store, by phone 403-283-8000 and  online.

The Fall 2018 KWM Whisky Tasting Schedule 

Why Bother Trying to Resist

Our Fall Tasting Schedule has been online for about a week and a few of the tastings have al ready sold out, including last week’s “Introducing GlenAllachie” tasting with Alasdair Stevenson and this coming week’s “Rare Cadenhead” tasting. Our ever popular and legendary Fall Single Malt Festival has also sold out. No surprise there, it is always popular and one of the first tastings to fill. But fret not, we have added a second festival night, Thursday November 15. The whisky featured both nights will be equally impressive. Here is the tasting schedule:

1. Introducing GlenAllachie – Tuesday September 11, 7PM -Billy Walker’s sale of BenRiach and GlenDronach to Brown-Forman was not his swan song. He had another act to stage; the birth of GlenAllachie as a single malt brand. Join the KWM team as we introduce you to their fabulous new core range of whiskies. – $20 – SOLD OUT
2. Rare Cadenhead Single Malts – Tuesday September 18, 7PM – We get an amazing range of single malts from Cadenhead. Take Small Batch release #20 for example. We’ll work through a range of 7 whiskies distilled between 1989 and 1997. That’s seven whiskies 20 to 28 years of age, 180 years total… for $50! – $50 – SOLD OUT
3. Classic Single Malts – Tuesday, September 25th, 7pm  – Forget regions, they are meaningless! Our introduction to the world of Single Malt Scotch Whisky is all about flavour. Are you ready to explore? – $35
4. SPEY Single Malt – Tuesday, October 2nd, 7pm  – The Speyside Distillery’s whisky, to avoid confusion with the Speyside region,  trades under the name SPEY. We will work our way through the distillery’s range up to and including the legendary Lord Byron! – $20
5. Making Bourbon Great Again -Thursday, October 11th, 7PM – Trump might be an a–hole, but we still love Bourbon in spite of a less than great US President with no taste! We’ll take you on a trip down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and to other parts of America, all in search of Great American Whiskey! – $30
6. Very Rare Cadenhead – Tuesday, October 16th, 7PM  – We will dig into some real curiosities at this tasting, including a 1973 blend, a 1989 Bunnahabhain and a 1992 peated Irish single malt from Cooley! – $80
7. Glorious Grains – Thursday, October 18th, 7PM – Looking for an old whisky that is also excellent value? There are some glorious old grain whiskies out there and you need to give them a closer look! – $50
8. The Ginessaince – Tuesday, November 6t, 7PM – Gin is well into its new Golden Age. We’ll highlight some of the best local, craft and extremely small batch gins, and dabble in a few gin cocktails. Plus we’ll have a special expert guest! – $30
9. Fall Single Malt Festival I – Thursday, November 8th, 7PM – Our world famous, ever popular, Fall Single Malt Festival is back. Limited to 100 participants, we will feature nearly as many whiskies. Oh, and it includes a KWM logo Glencairn glass! – $65
10. Fall Single Malt Festival II – Thursday, November 15th, 7PM – This event is so popular, we had to offer a second night…  The evening is limited to just 100 participants and will feature nearly as many whiskies. Oh, and it includes a KWM logo Glencairn glass! – $65
11. Masters of Malt – Thursday, November 29th, 7PM – Nothing but the oldest, rarest and most special whiskies are showcased at this tasting. Truly the Masters of Malt! – $125
12. Merry Mex-mas – Tuesday, December 2, 7PM – We’ll celebrate the approach of Christmas like other Canadian Snowbirds by heading south! Join us in Oaxaca – beat the cold and stay festive with Mezcal and Mezcal cocktails. Feliz Navidad! – $35 

You can register for the tastings by phone 403-283-8000, in-store and online! 

Blow Out Pricing on WM Cadenhead 

SAVE 15-25% on 12 Cadenhead Small Batch Whiskies

We have 11 new Cadenhead Small Batch whiskies (next section), but before we can bring them all in, we need to clear out some of the old ones first. We have identified 12 Cadenhead Small Batch releases to blow out. They are on sale for 15-25% off.

Here is the list, descriptions and tastings notes are on the KWM Web site:

1. Cadenhead Small Batch Strathclyde 1989 – $230 – SAVE 25% – 3 Left
2. Cadenhead Small Batch Tullibardine 1993 – $215 – SAVE 25% – 3 Left
3. Cadenhead Small Batch Linkwood 1992 – $225 – SAVE 25% – 2 Left
4. Cadenhead Small Batch Port Dundas 1988 – $230 – SAVE 20%
5. Cadenhead Small Batch Strathisla 1997 – $170 – SAVE 20% – 4 Left
6. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Grant 1992 – $225 – SAVE 20% – 1 Left
7. Cadenhead Small Batch Glendullan 1996 – $175 – SAVE 20%
8. Cadenhead Small Batch Speyside 1991 – $225 – SAVE 20%
9. Cadenhead Small Batch North British 1985 – $260 – SAVE 20%
10. Cadenhead Small Batch Caledonian 1987 – $365 – SAVE 15%
11. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenrothes 2002 – $130 – SAVE 15% – 5 Left
12. Cadenhead Small Batch Burnside 1987 – $320 – SAVE 15% – 4 Left

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

ABV:48.0% Blended Grain 46 Year Old 1971 vintage Scotch whisky. Single cask #1 bottled 2018 by Berry Bros & Rudd. Just 58 bottles. The nose affords wonderfully enlivening, deep-scented perfume from the olf school. Passion fruit and mango come to mind. The palate has a silken delivery and builds with an unctuous, mouth coating jammieness. Blended Scotch whiskies are produced by blending whiskies distilled at two or more different Scottish distilleries and the whiskies may be single malt whiskies, single grain whiskies, or single malt and single grain whiskies.

A Pair of Old Particulars That’ll Scratch Your Whisky Itch

It’s been a few months since we last offered an Old Particular selection, but, as the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. In this case, we have two very good things to reward your patience. The Port Dundas 28-Year-Old and Invergordon 26-Year-Old are hand-selected picks that will leave many a whisky lover beaming. Aged to perfection, these single grain whiskies are not only a pure delight to drink, but their prices (like all of our Old Particular selections) are unbelievable good. Nowhere else will you find whiskies with age statements like these so affordably priced. Both expressions are soft and pure, revealing the subtle complexity that only 20-plus years in a barrel can offer. Both are bottled at cask strength, which means there’s some power here, but nuanced tones are the name of the game. Having arrived just in time for the fall, these are contemplative whiskies to sit back and enjoy on a cool evening. If you’ve enjoyed the single grain whiskies from Old Particular before, then you’ll certainly want to pick up this tantalizing pair.

1991 Invergordon 26 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

Invergordon is a grain distillery situated north of Inverness on the Cormarty Firth. They’ve specialized in production of grain whisky for blends, but like so many things in whisky, with a little time comes greatness. We’ve snagged this cask of 26 year old grain whisky to showcase just how complex single grain can be on its own. It is the kind of dram you can come back to over and over again and pick apart the intricacies that only two and a half decades in cask can provide. Think of this like over-proofed, over-aged bourbon, but for under $100 bucks and without the intense tannin that comes from decades in heavily charred new oak.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 12, 2018

I used to look at single grain like single malt-light. Great values and solid whiskies, but never with the oomph I was craving until they were 40+ years old. But my views on single grain have been amended in the past few years as I got more experience enjoying the delicate subtleties of our single cask selections. It’s one thing to taste and determine if these whiskies are valuable and saleable, it’s quite another to sit down and drink a bottle over the course of a few days, weeks or months. I do find that that’s what it takes for me to become intimate with a whisky and while it’s easy to tell good from bad whisky in a tasting environment, I consider an open bottle on the shelf a long term relationship. Like any relationship it evolves. I’ve found my relationship with this category evolving as well. While it’s undeniable that single malt is king, it’s really hard to argue that, for those who crave a nuanced and long term relationship with their tipple of choice, single grain offers a lot of benefits. The first thing about this Invergordon, like many great single grains, is that the first nosing is pleasant and appealing, but never grabs hold of you like a big bold Islay or chewy Highlander. But, if you sit for a while and let the whisky come to you instead of forcing yourself onto what you believe it should be, there’s so much more going on there. The easy going flavors of coconut and candied sugar evolve into a timid yet vibrant mixture of dried citrus, wet gravel, agave nectar, honeysuckle and vanilla flower. And despite all the very subtle lissome aromas on the nose, the moment this stuff hits your lips, it explodes. Rich, buttery, warm and structured, there’s absolutely nothing boring about this! Some of the citrus comes through as well the darker rock tone from the nose. Otherwise, we’re moving more toward yellow plums and cream soda. Some cracked pepper and woodsy barrel spice keep it nice and dry, but I’d avoid putting any more than the tiniest drop of water here just to open up the nose. This is esoterica for the masses, opaque, in need of a bit of teasing to open up, but with just the right amount of life to keep you coming back.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 12, 2018

K&L has championed single grain whisky for a long time. Every time we have a new cask land, this approach is reaffirmed. It’s an incredibly affordable alternative to single malt and offers a unique look at impressive age statements without breaking the bank. My favorite thing about old grain is the slightly tropical, often coconut, notes that develop around the 20-25 year mark. It’s a lovely flavor and this bottle of Invergordon has it in spades. Not to mention all of the other complexity and nuance that develops in that kind of time frame. It’s an array of vanilla and wood spice intermixed with fruits, nuts, and glazed donuts. It holds its 55.5% proof perfectly. Drink it neat or with a drop of two of water to really open things up. An ice cube doesn’t go too far if you like to cool things down. Hell, at this price, you can afford to mix it into your favorite version of a Horse’s Neck. It’s a perfect match with the spice of the ginger.

Miles Philippe | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 13, 2018

A lovely, sweet vanilla nose is the first thing that greets you in this Scotch! Honey comes second, followed by baked pears glazed in sugar, fresh out of the oven with some nutmeg on top. The texture is soft and enveloping; as if you bundled up in a great big blanket made out velvety gold. The finish leaves notes of marzipan, caramel, dark honey, and baking spices that bid you farewell like old friends; one of those goodbyes that take half an hour and that no one wants to end.

Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 12, 2018

When a single grain Scottish whisky hits it right, the experience is incredible. The Invergordon 26 definitely hits the mark. Very smooth and creamy texture even at full proof, then it opens and becomes more fruity and honeyed. Non peaty and extremely high quality whisky with age, elegance and power – and at an extremely attractive price. Don’t let the single grain designation throw you, it’s fantastic! What’s not to like here?

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 07, 2018

Single barrel cask strength grain whiskeys have been very popular at K&L. This selection of Invergordon is a good reason why. It is soft, mature and mellow. Without water the nose is reserved and opens up with a splash of water showing pretty floral and caramel aromas. Without water, in the mouth it is reserved again, but really opens up with some water becoming creamy with subtle soft spice. Interesting and easy, the Invergordon is worth taking a look at.

1988 Port Dundas 28 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

Closed by Diageo in 2009, Port Dundas was formerly a grain distillery that operated in North Glasgow, providing the base whiskies for White Horse and Johnnie Walker. Over the years we have bottled a number of wonderful old grain casks for reasonable prices, and today is no exception. This 28 year old beauty is a candyland of excitement. It has flashes of sweet stone fruit and strawberry preserve. The palate jumps from toasted, candied coconut to vanilla shortbread and then back to honey granola and cinnamon sugar toast. There is a glazed nutty finish and enough punch from the 52.9% alcohol to keep everything on track and never cloying. The days of drinking closed distilleries at reasonable prices feel like they’re long gone, but in the grain whiskey sector, the dream of drinking distilleries past is alive and well!

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 13, 2018

Port Dundas has distilled some of the best single grain whisky I’ve ever tasted. What was a simple whisky in its youth has concentrated after nearly thirty years in a refill hogshead into something utterly delectable. This whisky is all about nuance, showing impeccable but slightly shy orchard fruit on the nose. With air it starts to open up, reminding me of Williams Birne eau-de-vie, a light toasty nose of creamy grain, and hints of herbs and dried leaves. On the palate, we have tons of candied apple, big vanilla bean, sprinkled with a little cocoa. I love to sell these as drier less oaky bourbon although we’ll never know if it was distilled from corn or wheat, but this is the perfect gift for someone when you don’t know their tastes, or if you want to offer something unusual without scaring off your less experienced friends. Plus-28 years for less than $90, that’s impressive on its own.

Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 12, 2018

The 28 year old Port Dundas from Old Particular shows a wonderful shortbread and apricot nose with a nice lemon rind citrus thread. It has a great grip to it at full proof or with a touch of water, but the water really opens this up to a broad fruity and slightly spicy palate, finishing with a great dose of grain and spice. It’s hard to believe this was meant for blending into JW Red or White Horse; it’s fantastic! I love the single grain whiskies from Scotland as a nice counterpoint to the single malts, showing why whisky is the king in Scotland!

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 08, 2018

Another good example of cask strength grain whisky. The Port Dundas showed best for me without water. The nose was expressive with delicate caramel notes. In the mouth this is a whisky of finesse, with delicate and layered caramel notes that are enjoyable and interesting. Addition of water continued the same flavor profile but everything was softer and lighter.