Saturday April 1st, 12-3 PM

Indian Whiskey: Paul John

John Paul whiskey is a testament to the beauty of Goa, India, the breathtaking valley in which the distillery is located. Traditionally made in copper-pot sills, without artificial colours, flavours, or chill-filtration, Paul John’s whiskies have received multiple international awards, the most recent being Gold awards at both the 2017 World Whisky and Wizards of Whisky Awards.

Distillery representative Ajay Bhoja will present this tasting of Paul John’s award-winning lineup.

Pour List:

Paul John Brilliance

Paul John Edited

Paul John Bold

Paul John Classic Cask Strength

Paul John Peated Cask Strength 

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Lindores Abbey Distillery launches its Preservation Society with opportunity to win a cask of Scotch whisky history 

Scotch’s oldest landmark sets the tone for a momentous opening year as visitor centre and distillery set to welcome the world to the site of first recorded whisky distillation from 1494.

Today (Wednesday, 15th March), Lindores Abbey Distillery in Fife, Scotland, celebrated the first of many key events set for its opening year, as it announced its Preservation Society membership sales open with the symbolic first planting of a tree in its historic orchards and the unveiling of a tantalising global whisky ballot.

‘The 1494’ members of The Lindores Abbey Preservation Society, who join with a £500 donation, will be entered into this launch ballot for a 200 litre ex-Woodford Reserve bourbon cask, which will be filled with first year of production Lindores Abbey Distillery spirit. The unique cask can then be bottled for the lucky winner at a date of their choosing, once the spirit is three years and a day old. As part of the launch ballot, the cask duty will also be paid, taking the value of the Lindores Abbey membership launch prize to in excess of £7,000.

‘The 1494’ will also have a tree planted in the new orchards in the member’s name (which they are welcome to plant with prior arrangement); they will receive a bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores  Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40% ABV); a bottle (1 of only 1494) from the first distillery bottling of Lindores Abbey Single Malt Whisky (70CL, 40%+ ABV) – sent out when Lindores Abbey’s Distillery Manager declares it ready; first offer on any other Limited Edition bottlings and rights to own a bottle number each time; a welcome pack with wooden membership card entitling free entry at the distillery and visitor centre for the member and a guest in the year of joining; annual invitation to the Lindores Abbey ‘Bear Burning’ Ceremony and party for the member and a guest; 10% discount for the online shop and at the Visitor Centre; plus 10% discount on venue hire.

Members can donate £60 to the Preservation Society to secure a bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40% ABV); early access to any other Limited Edition bottlings; a welcome pack including two tickets to visit the Distillery and Abbey and a 10% discount for the online shop.

In a taste of what The 1494 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society members will enjoy as part of the experience, today, founders Drew and Helen McKenzie Smith unlocked the gates to the historic Lindores Abbey ruins, which date back to the 12th century, and planted the first of many apple trees, as a symbol of the renaissance which will take place at Scotch whisky’s spiritual home.

Lindores Abbey Distillery will open on 1st August this year, on the site of the earliest written reference to Scotch Whisky production (or Aqua Vitae, as it was known), from 1494. It appears in the Exchequer Roll of the same year, naming Friar John Cor, a Lindores monk, who was commissioned by King James IV to turn 8 bolls of malt into Aqua Vitae.

Lindores Abbey, or the ‘Church by the Water’, is a key site in Scotland’s pilgrim and royal heritage. Founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I.

The Tironensian monks who built and populated the monastery in 1191 were masons, distillers, brewers, carpenters, blacksmiths, sculptors, painters, gardeners, beekeepers, farmers and husbandmen, and they all played a part in the work of the Abbey.

Drew and Helen Mackenzie Smith want to see Lindores Abbey flourish again as a site for research, learning, brewing, distilling, horticulture, and even beekeeping, reinstating distilling and heritage orchards and gardens.  Members of the Preservation Society will share in that vision. As part of the Preservation Society’s commitment to protect the Abbey for future generations, members will become part of a very small group of people who have directly contributed to the preservation of this historic site.

The distillery is in its final phases of construction, created by converting and enlarging the old Abbey farm steading, which was built from original Abbey stone and most recently used as a dairy. Organic Architects have been responsible for the design and delivery of the distillery buildings, which champions local sustainability and low carbon footprints with Denmylne wood and stone from nearby Clatchard Quarry. Visitor experience experts Bright 3D are responsible for the innovative interior design.

Renowned fabricators, Forsyths of Rothes will complete the Lindores Abbey Distillery copper stills, and fermented wooden washbacks will come from Joseph Brown of Dufftown. Distilling will flow this year from the very same water supply as was first used in 1494, with the glass-fronted stillroom looking directly out over the Abbey grounds in full recognition of the incredible historical prestige of the revival of Scotch Whisky’s oldest location.

Founder of Lindores Abbey Distillery, Drew McKenzie Smith said:

“Casks from the first year of revived production at Scotch whisky’s oldest landmark will be special indeed, and we are excited to offer this unique whisky ballot for enthusiasts around the world in our opening year.

“As custodians of Lindores Abbey, we have made a sincere commitment to protect this important landmark for future generations. We are building a Single Malt distillery in the grounds of the former Abbey, and reinstating the heritage orchards and extensive gardens, which were first introduced here by the Tironensian Monks in the 12th Century.

“Our Preservation Society members will support the revival of so many ancient crafts and traditions, as we return Scotch Whisky’s oldest landmark to its former glory. The 1494 members of the Preservation Society will play a vital part in the story of Lindores Abbey Distillery, as we see life flourish here once again, as will all whisky fans and future pilgrims to this most special of places.”

 Notes:

1. Images from today’s launch will be available here from 11am. Images of Lindores Abbey are available for download here. More information can be found on the Lindores Abbey Distillery website.
2. The £500 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society membership will be limited to the first 1494 members. It includes: Donation to the Preservation Society and a tree planted in the new orchards in the member’s name (which they are welcome to plant with prior arrangement); A bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores  Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40%ABV); A bottle (1 of only 1494) from our first distillery bottling of Lindores Abbey Single Malt Whisky (70CL, 40%+ ABV), ready and sent out when our Distillery Manager declares it ready; First offer on any other Limited Edition bottlings and rights to own bottle number each time; A welcome pack with wooden membership card entitling free entry at the distillery and visitor centre for member and a guest in the year of joining; Annual invitation to the Lindores Abbey ‘Bear Burning’ Ceremony and party for member and a guest; 10% discount on Online Shop and at the Visitor Centre; 10% discount on venue hire.

• The £60 Lindores Abbey Preservation Society membership includes: Donation to the Preservation Society; A bottle from the first Limited Edition bottling of Lindores Abbey Aqua Vitae (50CL, 40%ABV); Early access to any other Limited Edition bottlings; A welcome pack including two tickets to visit the Distillery and Abbey; 10% discount on Online Shop

• Lindores Abbey Distillery will open on 1st August 2017, with a limited number of Lindores Abbey single malt casks for private ownership released after distillation commences.

• The Lindores Abbey Bear is a depiction of the stone statue taken from the Abbot’s Abbey lodgings at the time of the Reformation. Each year Lindores Abbey Distillery will burn the bear into the ground to toast the past and future of this historic location.

• Lindores Abbey was founded in 1191 by David Earl of Huntingdon, on land overlooking the Estuary of the River Tay, given to him by his brother King William I. It was visited by Kings and Queens (including Edward I of England, John Balliol, David II, James III and IV), warriors and statesmen. William Wallace even took refuge with 300 of his men after their victory over the English at the nearby Battle of Black Earnside.

• Lindores Abbey Farm was bought by Drew McKenzie Smith’s grandfather in 1913. Drew now holds the title of ‘Custodian of Lindores’.  Along with his wife, Helen, Drew has spent the past two decades tirelessly researching, planning and campaigning to bring a distillery back to Lindores Abbey.

For updates on life at Lindores Abbey Distillery, visit http://www.lindoresabbeydistillery.com/ and our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages

Website now fully updated

With tickets going on sale this coming Monday March 27 at 10am, the Spirit of Toronto website has now been fully updated, including the schedule for our 2017 Masterclass Series.

For those of you attending the show for the first time, these masterclasses are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall. Seats may be reserved when purchasing tickets for the show. For full details please visit us online at http://www.spiritoftoronto.ca

Canada150: Let’s Celebrate!

For our 2017 edition we have programmed some special guests and special whiskies to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday. In addition to our Canada150 showcase, we look forward to offering previews of a number of new Canadian releases, as well as taking guests back in time as we unearth some special gems and look back at Canada’s rich distilling heritage. For lovers of history, whisky and Canada this year’s Spirit of Toronto should not be missed!

2017 Masterclass Series

The word rare is bandied about easily these days. Too easily in most cases, so let’s skip the hyperbole and simply state that this year’s headline masterclass is not one that you’re likely to attend anywhere else. On that note we ask you to extend a warm welcome to Canadian whisky ambassadors Johanne McInnis and Graham MacKenney as they take guests back to the dawn of Confederation to taste and learn more about the silent stills of a bygone era — ’nuff said.

Fast forwarding to the present, Dr. Don Livermore and Drew Mayville, two of the foremost blenders of Canadian whisky, will also be joining us to unveil the impending releases from the Hiram Walker distillery and the Sazerac Co. We also look forward to welcoming brand ambassador Chris Thompson of Forty Creek as he presents some highlights from its short but storied past and – fingers crossed – a possible sneak preview of the near future. Warning: exceptional whiskies will be tasted.

While we celebrate our whiskies past and present, we don’t for a moment forget that Canada owes a debt of gratitude to Scotland for our rich distilling heritage. On that note, rest assured that this year’s line-up offers an embarrassment of single malt riches showcasing the best of Scotland courtesy of The Balvenie, Benromach, Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, The Dalmore and John Dewar’s Fine Whisky Emporium including Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Royal Brackla.

Looking south of the border, we are excited to have Matt Jones regale guests with bourbon and lore as he presents the Legends of Bourbon, a must for fans of the late, great Booker Noe. Also to be noted is that Irish whiskey is experiencing its own renaissance and there is no better way to learn about its DNA than through Jamesons, the world’s best selling Irish whiskey, to be presented by Conor Timmons as he walks guests through a line-up that includes the latest releases.

Automatic ticket notification

Those of you subscribed to this list will receive an automatic notification the night before tickets go on sale next week.

First time purchasing tickets to the show? We’re often asked about the best way to secure your first choices for masterclasses but regrettably we can offer no guarantees as tickets will be available online, by telephone and in person, and all three purchase methods are certain to experience a queue, but do note that there is always the possibility of attending on a stand-by basis for the 7pm and 8:30pm classes—for the ins and outs of the masterclass series, please visit our FAQ.

CRAFT WHISKY CLUB BRINGS UNDISCOVERED DRAMS DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR

Based in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, the Craft Whisky Club promises subscribers the chance to discover a new generation of whisky classics with small batch and limited editions direct to their doors.

As the premier subscription-based craft whisky members club, it offers either one or two full bottles of limited edition whisky accompanied with artisan delicacies, every two months delivered direct to subscribers’ homes. The club specifically targets whisky adventurers looking to try small batch and limited edition whiskies from distilleries across Scotland, Europe and further afield.

From $49.95 per month, subscribers can expect a range of exceptional whiskies from a selection of craft whisky makers including Wolfburn, Mackmyra, Teeling Whiskey Co and Compass Box Scotch Whisky Maker. Alongside these fine whiskies are a range of specially paired delicacies including ginger oatcakes, sea salted chocolate, creamy fudge or organic oatcakes. Craft Whisky Club members enjoy free shipping on all of their subscription boxes, shipped once every two months.

Founder and Managing Director David Nicol, said: “Introducing the Craft Whisky Club to US subscribers is a major step forward in our business evolution. We know how much interest and passion there is around craft whisky in the States and are confident our innovative approach will appeal to these consumers.

By bringing together these specially selected limited edition whiskies and carefully matched delicacies, we have been able to curate taste experiences, which offer real value. Importantly the club also allows us to showcase less-known distillers and enable our subscribers to explore and discover the craft side of the whisky industry.”

www.craftwhiskyclub.com

About Craft Whisky Club

Craft Whisky Club is the Number 1 craft whisky members club, based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Members benefit from experiencing the best small batch, artisan blends and whisky expressions.

The club offers either 1 or 2 bottles of limited edition whisky accompanied with artisan food items every two months delivered to your home. The service is specifically for whisky adventurers who are looking to try whiskies from small batch and limited edition distilleries from around the world.

www.craftwhiskyclub.com/

Old Forester “1920 Prohibition Style” Kentucky Bourbon Whisky (750ml) ($59.99)

91 points Wine Enthusiast: “The perfect proof. Rich in color, aroma, and flavor. It begins with powerful caramel, baking spice, chocolate, cherries, cinnamon, and toffee. Then nuance and complexity. Honey, jalapeño, rosemary, crème brûlée, malt, and fruit, from the spicy citrus of grapefruit to prunes and dried apricots. Hard to believe this is over 100 proof, as you never sense the strength challenging you to find whats next amidst the subtlety. Extremely long finish with cherry, cinnamon, and caramel. Value Pick.(FM, Winter 2016)”

K&L Notes: As one of the few distilleries allowed to remain operational during Prohibition, Old Forester is celebrating this part of its history with with its Whiskey Row series. According to the distillery: “The 115 proof expression represents a barrel sample that company president Owsley Brown I would have batched at the beginning of Prohibition. The nose is an intense medley of cherry preserves, drippy caramel, dark chocolate, thickened maple syrup and seasoned oak spiciness. Dark caramel coats layers of malt nuttiness and sweet graham cracker all warmed by green peppercorn and coriander spice brightened with a hint of cedar. Tart apple crispness gives way to a long smoky finish full of toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker sweetness.”

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 03, 2017

The Old Forester 1920 is as fabulous as it is frustrating. Yes, it’s no age statement! Some of the marketing has alluded to it being an old expression, but nothing concrete can be found. The mashbill remains a mystery, though we can assume it’s the modern Old Forester recipe (72%, 18% Rye, 10% Malt), Brown-Foreman isn’t above experimenting. All we know about this stuff is that it’s high proof, it’s got something to do with Prohibition and it’s absolutely delicious. Big powerful nose of pepper and rye spice unfolds into caramelized apples and dark exotic spice. The spice takes front and center on entry, but brings in some red fruits and burnt sugar as it lingers toward a long soft finish of nutmeg, cloves and green apples. The only other fact we know for sure is that we’ll all be kicking ourselves when we finish our bottle and realize we should have bought more.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: February 03, 2017

This was my favorite single Bourbon release of 2016 and I’m thrilled we were able to get another large allocation of it. Regardless of whether you want to get wrapped up in the story about how this was based on the Prohibition era recipe, there’s no doubt about it: this is a delicious bottle of American whiskey and it easily stands out from the crowd of currently available options. There’s a weight and a richness that coats the palate and the 115 proof brings plenty of punch with a flurry of baking spices. I love the graham crackery goodness as well. I don’t taste a lot of Bourbons these days that really have a deeply concentrated flavor of dark grains. This has it in spades. Add this to your short list of new and exciting Bourbons right now.

30 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER 2017, 11.30AM – 6.30PM
OLD BILLINGSGATE, LONDON

THE WHISKY EXCHANGE
WHISKY SHOW 2017:
EARLY-BIRD TICKETS END SOON!

Our reduced-price early-bird deals on Sunday and weekend tickets must end on 31 March! From 1 April they will go up to £99 and £175 respectively, so grab one now before the price increase.

WHISKY SHOW GIFT PACKAGES

The Whisky Exchange is offering gift packages, combining a Sunday ticket to the show with a bottle of whisky, a glass or hip flask and a Whisky Exchange Tasting Book – the perfect present for the whisky lover.

SATURDAY TICKETS: £99

BUY NOW »

SUNDAY TICKETS: £99
EARLY BIRD DEAL: £80!

BUY NOW »

WEEKEND TICKETS: £175
EARLY BIRD DEAL: £165!

BUY NOW »

WHISKY SHOW GIFT PACKAGES

The Whisky Exchange is offering gift packages, combining a Sunday ticket to the show with a bottle of whisky, a glass or hip flask and a Whisky Exchange Tasting Book – the perfect present for the whisky lover.

Tastings, tastings, tastings..!

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BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES

COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR, JR.  FOUR GRAIN 

BOURBON WHISKEY 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 14, 2017) – Buffalo Trace Distillery continues its homage to former Distillery owner Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. with a special release bourbon whiskey made using four grains in the bourbon recipe.  This 100 proof, Bottled-In-Bond, small batch recipe bourbon was aged for 12 years and is a limited edition release.

            Made from a distinct bourbon recipe using corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley, this bourbon was distilled in 2005, entered into the barrel at 104 proof, and has a distinctly different flavor profile from the typical rye and wheat recipe bourbons made at Buffalo Trace Distillery.  These four grains were chosen since they are the four grains E. H. Taylor would have had access to when he set up shop at Buffalo Trace in the late 1800s. During the 1860s, Taylor traded in grains and learned that they can vary tremendously from different farmers and harvests. Taylor consistently wanted the products produced in his distillery “of upmost class,” right down to the grains.

The impetus behind this multi grain recipe was based on the success of Buffalo Trace’s existing rye and wheat bourbons, harkening back to Taylor’s thinking of using the best of the best. “We wanted to extract everything we like from both the rye and the wheat mashbills we currently use and combine them to see how they react,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “Not surprisingly, it added complexity to the finished product.”

Tasting notes describe this bourbon as “opening with an inviting aroma, with the first sip bringing a lot of character.  Caramel notes are touched by sweet vanilla and caramel corn, then underwritten by slightly smoky flavors and oak tannins. It maintains a smooth evenness between the four grains interacting with the charred oak barrel.  Overall, quite different yet very balanced.”

The Colonel E. H. Taylor, Jr. collection was first released in early 2011 and several subsequent releases have followed.  This Four Grain Bourbon is the ninth and latest release in the collection of  E. H. Taylor, Jr. whiskeys, rounding out the collection of Old Fashioned Sour Mash Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving Bourbon, Barrel Proof Bourbon, Straight Rye Whiskey, Small Batch Bourbon, Cured Oak Bourbon and Seasoned Wood Bourbon. The Sour Mash, Warehouse C Tornado Surviving, Cured Oak and Seasoned Wood Bourbons were one time only releases and are no longer available.  Another release of the Four Grain Bourbon will be released again in Spring of 2018.

Like some of the previous releases, this limited edition will be hard to find. Also consistent with past releases, the Four Grain Bourbon displays a vintage label and is offered inside a distinct canister reminiscent of Taylor’s whiskey package from over one hundred years ago. These six bottle cases will again be shipped in an impressive wooden box first used for the Cured Oak release.  The boxes are modeled after the wooden crates used by Taylor to transport goods during the days before Prohibition.

            Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely considered one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry, fighting for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, nearly three decades after he purchased the distillery that is known today as the Buffalo Trace Distillery. During his time, Taylor implemented several innovative methods still used today by Buffalo Trace, such as climate controlled aging warehouses. In addition to his bourbon interests, Taylor had political ties. He was the great-nephew of President Zachary Taylor and elected the mayor of Frankfort, state representative to the Kentucky General Assembly and a member of the State Senate.

            This special bottling of Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon Whiskey will be available starting in April in limited supply.  The suggested retail price is $69.99 per 750ml bottle.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

R&B Distillers – 10 year membership to an exclusive whisky club – Na Tùsairean Club

R&B are building the first distillery on the Isle of Raasay in Scotland. Na Tusairean Club members are given the opportunity to invest in an evolving craft whisky brand and to add rare and exciting new drams to their personal whisky libraries. Members will receive an annual supply of single malt including:

• 1 bottle (annually) of rare whisky from the first 100 casks of Raasay single malt which will be bottled from 2020.
• A bottle of lightly-peated Raasay While We Wait – a preview of the flavours of Raasay whisky to come – until the Raasay whisky is available to drink.
• Two miniatures of every full bottle received, enabling Dad to sneak a dram without breaking into his valuable collection.

Membership also entitles the drinker to exclusive use of luxury members’ lounge and accommodation on Raasay (one night’s stay per year of membership). Featuring five en-suite bedrooms – three with striking views of the Cuillin mountain range on the neighbouring island of Skye and two rooms looking directly onto the distillery itself – aficionados will be able to experience the rugged beauty of the island as well as witness the fascinating distilling process in action.

Membership is valued at £1990 worth of benefits for 10 years but is priced at £999 (one of payment) or £55 a month over 18 months.

New Releases From Old Particular: Dynamite 20 and 33 Year Old Selections

Since we started working with the Old Particular brand back in 2015, we have unveiled one outstanding find after another. It has been a thrilling ride and one we hope to continue in perpetuity as these selections offer that often sought but rarely found combination of scarcity and quality, while at the same time remaining affordably priced. Those who have been following this program since its inception will already know the range and depth of whiskies offered is impressive. Our most recent finds from Arran and the now shuttered distillery of Carsebridge very much continue in this tradition of exceptionalism.

On the more nuanced side of the spectrum is the 20 Year Old Arran which offers delicate flavors on a frame that is never too brusque or overpowering. An ideal pick for those who enjoy a scotch that reveals its inner intensity through restraint. The 33 Year Old Carsebridge for its part reveals layer upon layer of complexity. Notable for its smooth approach this is one of those scotches that goes down almost too easily. Both can be had for under $100 which is almost an unthinkable price given their age and pedigree. Historically we have sold through our “Old Particular” releases in a flash and expect much the same from these.

1996 Arran 20 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

Arran has been one of our favorite independent producers at K&L for some time with its versatile line-up of Island malts with a bit more Highland character. While the standard Arran editions can vary from sweet sherry to subtle peat, this 20 year single barrel from our Old Particular label is classic Scotch through and through. The key components in the flavor profile are vanilla, sweet barley, soft stone fruit, and just a little bit of salt. Fans of balanced, complex, and easy to drink mature malts are going to fall on their faces for this whisky. It’s round on the palate, but the 52.7% ABV adds an extra lift with hints of oak spice and a flurry of sweetness on the finish. It’s another classic Scotch for a fantastic price due to our relationship abroad and the current advantage in the dollar to pound ratio.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017

Arran has captured the hearts of whisky fans everywhere who DON’T want intense, overproofed, or heavily-polarized expressions. For people who want their Scotch to taste like Scotch (just really, really good Scotch), Arran has become a ballast in a sea of saturation. The classic flavors of vanilla from the oak and sweet malt from the whisky itself are mellowed perfectly from two decades of maturity in cask. The extra proof adds a little zip at the back, but this is an utterly drinkable whisky. It begs you for more after each sip is finished.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 12, 2017

I love whiskey from Scotland all throughout the year, however on a warm day I find myself drifting toward lighter less peaty variations of the booze I love. Fortunately for me, and those like me, we have a new Old Particular here to help with these cravings. This 20 year old bottling of Arran smells like milk chocolate and summer hay, with a little vanilla thrown in for good measure. On the palate there is a wonderful mix of salty green apple, malts, and a touch of vanilla and spice. The salty note lingers on the finish with baking spice and some heat that definitely go the distance. Another killer cask from our friends at Old Particular.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 10, 2017

This is for those who want a rich and mouth-filling single malt. It is big, creamy and fruity with plenty of malt flavors. There are undertones of island influence with a kiss of salt. Even with all of the juicy richness there is a nice dry finish. This Arran does not have a smoky and peaty profile.

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017

This has bright fruity aromas on the nose like green apple and orange zest, which slides into a richer profile on the palate: crème brulée, vanilla, and clove. I have never had an Arran I did not love, and this 20-year-old is hitting all the right notes. It makes for an utterly satisfying Scotch whisky drink!

1982 Carsebridge 33 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($99.99)

While it closed only a year after the whisky in this bottle was distilled, just because the former Carsebridge distillery is gone forever doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy its splendor still today! Luckily for us there are still a number of delicious and mature expressions available on the independent market and this is one of them. If there’s one thing we can help take credit for here at K&L, it’s been helping to remove the undeserved stigma associated with grain whisky in the Scotch industry. This 33 year old edition distilled in 1982 should please both fans of blended whisky and single malt alike. It’s a literal definition of the word smooth as this elixir absolute glides over the palate with a richness and concentration of oak from more than three decades in wood. While it’s bottled at 45.4% cask strength, that’s a very drinkable proof that offers up full concentration without the dilution. Fans of our previous grain whisky editions will want to snatch this one up fast. Not only is it old and rare, it’s also a serious crowdpleaser!

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017

I still get a reasonable amount of requests for old whiskies from “closed” distilleries, especially the ones that went down in the early eighties due to the whisky economy at the time: Port Ellen, Brora, Banff, and others. But while those whiskies will cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars per bottle at this point, there’s another little guy that went silent from that era called Carsebridge; albeit this facility made grain whisky, not single malt. It’s because of that fact that we’re able to offer a little rarity like this at full proof for $99.99 rather than some other astronomical price. The 33 year age statement should be enough to move most drinkers as is, but that little factoid definitely helps add a bit of romanticism. Carsebridge closed forever in 1983, but the story goes on in this bottle, smooth and round with supple, soft oak flavors and a finish that’s as smooth as silk.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 12, 2017

Rich creamy deliciousness, that is what we have here in a bottling of 33 year old Single Grain. Seriously, this has oak and vanilla spice with a lemon cake layer and supple palate resplendent with butterscotch and a long dry finish. Another reason to forget the stigma against grain whiskey and delight in an old bottle that tastes good and is $100.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 10, 2017

Particularly easy to drink and enjoy. This grain whiskey has an inviting, sweet caramel nose. In the mouth it is rich and soft and smooth with a creamy mouthfeel. Everything comes together to make this whiskey interesting and fun.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017

Ancient Grains. It sounds like a breakfast cereal and in some ways it is. This 33 year old grain beauty taste like a country breakfast; it’s full of molasses and oats, fresh buttermilk pancakes smothered in ripe peaches and maple syrup. There is an array of sweet spices – nutmeg and cinnamon dominate, but cloves also make an appearance. The proof, weight, and texture are nearly perfect. No ice, no water, just pure indulgence in a glass. Let it roll around and enjoy.

Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: March 08, 2017

Only 233 bottles were made of this gem, from a distillery you probably havent heard of: Carsebridge closed down over thirty years ago! This is the most complex and interesting single grain Ive ever tasted: toffee, orange citrus, peaches, caramel and baking spices. And at just over 45% alcohol, its exceptionally drinkable without the need to water it down.