JAPANESE WHISKY OFFERS

TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS FEBRUARY

Since we first brought a Japanese single malt to the UK two decades ago, we at The Whisky Exchange are passionate about the exquisite and diverse whiskies of Japan. And in February, we’re delighted to bring you some truly incredible Japanese single malts and blends for exceptional prices, as part of our February offers.

Our offers include customer favourites like Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve to great drams from exciting newer distilleries like Chichibu Red Wine Cask 2023 and Kanosuke’s limited-edition Single Malt 2023, with discounts of up to £300.

 SHOP OFFERS 

Complex, elegant, and full of character, our inaugural expression is a delicious dram which unfolds in your glass, revealing itself over time, just like the island itself. Made to our carefully refined blenders’ recipe, we combine spirits which have been matured by the coastal village of Ardhasaig in selected first fill Ex-Bourbon casks, first fill Ex-Oloroso and Fino sherry butts.

We then marry these spirits in batches for a minimum of 12 weeks to bring additional harmony to the final dram. The result is an Outer Hebridean single malt of distinction we’re proud to bottle and bear our elemental island’s name.

Enjoy neat, with a small drop of water, or simply any way you like it…

MEET THE HEARACH

ORDER YOUR BOTTLE OF THE HEARACH

Bruichladdich 19YO End OF Message Wine Cask

THE REVIEW

Part two, and the final release in this weird and wonderful collection of single barrels from Bruichladdich. Bottled as a duo in a private cask purchase, just like the previous bottling, this was fully matured in an ex-Chateau d’Yquem barrel for nearly two decades! Bottled at cask strength with all of the fun things that accompany that, this is one of the reasons Bruichladdich have built such an incredible reputation for themselves. However, not every single barrel can be perfect on everyone’s palate.

This bottle sings of honeycomb, gingerbread, Bakewell tarts, glacier cherries and sweet almonds for as long as you could want. However, in a twist I wasn’t expecting we do get quite a dominant note of sulphur on this bottle. I’m unsure if this is from so long in a sweet wine cask, or if it’s Laddie’s spirit still being dominant in the mix after all of that time. Bruichladdich is known for having a very divisive new-make spirit. Some folks I’ve met in the whisky industry can barely spend more than a few minutes within the distillery as the aromas of their new make can be very butyric. It has a very acidic and almost blue cheese funkiness to it, that’s without being peated, too.

You get both cask and spirit within this and as much as it is a privilege to be able to try something as old and fun as this, it’s memorable but won’t be for everyone.

Chivas Brothers releases half year results, demonstrating resilience amidst complex market dynamics

Chivas Brothers, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, today announced its H1 FY25 (July 2024 – December 2024) financial results with organic net sales down -2%, due to a slow first quarter with gradual recovery in the second.

This modest dip reflects the complex market dynamics seen across the wider Scotch category, alongside ongoing global economic headwinds. Chivas Brothers’ strategic brand performance contrasts across key drive markets, with softening partially mitigated by the business’ broad and balanced global footprint. The company remains in growth at +5% on a five year comparison basis.

Emerging markets such as Turkey (+56%), Brazil (+8%) and India (+1%) generated positivity for key strategic brands Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s as consumers continue to seek out and trade up to premium Scotch whisky. This is contrasted by ongoing challenging conditions in other markets, with dynamics in the US (-10%) and China (-19%) particularly impacting strategic brands across the breadth of the Chivas Brothers portfolio.

Chivas Brothers’ Chairman and CEO, Jean-Etienne Gourgues, commented:

“Our H1 FY25 performance reflects the complexity of the global Scotch market, along with the agility and resilience of our organisation. While we remain realistic about short-term challenges, we’re taking a dynamic approach to investments in our brands and in our business to help navigate through these headwinds while preserving our long-term ambition.”  

Performance across strategic brands

Ballantine’s global sales saw strong growth of +8%, driven by the iconic Ballantine’s Finest which increased sales in most of its strategic markets.

Chivas Regal grew by +3%, supported by consumer appetite of its beloved Chivas 12 and Chivas 18 offerings as well as intrigue for innovative new product launches such as Chivas Regal Extra Smoky Cask, which saw strong performance in its launch market of Turkey towards the tail end of the half.

The Glenlivet global sales softened -9% as a result of challenging US and Asian market dynamics, but saw growth in South Africa and India.

Royal Salute experienced a -20% decline as a result of tightened consumer spending across key Asian markets, with the exception of Taiwan where appetite for Royal Salute’s signature blends persists.

Blanton’s Straight From The Barrel Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

(700ml)

(European Import)

$209.99

View

While we’re committed to offering rare bourbon at standard mark up, we’re also not blind to the fact that the market is on fire for these special products. While our competitors charge north of $150 for the standard expression of Blanton’s, we’re still only asking $55. That’s while it can feel so hard to get some of these rare bourbons at K&L. So when the opportunity came up to purchase these re-imported stocks, I insisted that we do so in a fair an equitable way. Of course we could charge $400 a bottle for this special bourbon and likely still sell most of it, but it just goes against my ethos of what a great wine and spirits store should be for their customers. So while these stocks are above standard price for this US version of this product, they’re being offered at our standard mark up, well below market price. It’s a small price to pay for access to these special stocks, especially when considering what the market seems to be comfortable charging for the standard release. In any case, this is dang good bourbon and never disappoints. Like all Blanton’s it’s aged in the famous warehouse H and is the high rye mashbill. This bottle is drawn from barrel No. 397, which was dumped on February 7th of 2022 and bottled at 63.05%. Your bottle will almost certainly be different, so please be aware of the unique character of each barrel. The nose is absolutely explosive with rich aromas of caramel sauce, orange peel, Tahitian vanilla, cherry compote and vibrant woody spice. The palate starts extremely sweet and creamy before the rye and barrel spice begin to wallop the mid-palate. The intense spice and old school woody character balances the heavy woody sugars perfectly and while exhibiting plenty of the Kentucky Hug that bourbon lovers enjoy, it doesn’t feel burn-y or ethanol like at all. The long chewy palate gives way to a rich oxidative finish full of nutty sweet chocolate and dried red fruits. A few drops of water add more fruit and tame the spice a bit, but I like this best right out of the bottle. There’s no question that the price of entry on this one is high, but if you’re prepared to spend this kind of dough on any other modern bourbon this should be a contender for top dog!

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

Highland

Timorous Beastie Meet the Beast

ABV: 54.3% | Vol: 70cl

The latest Timorous Beastie ‘MEET THE BEAST’ limited edition is here and more monstrous than ever! This new release features an incredible, innovative ‘Illusion’ pack which brings this special bottling to life! Using specially designed glasses, included in pack, get ready to MEET THE BEAST lurking.

£38.00

Regular price £65.00

The original Timorous Beastie, immortalised in Robert Burns’ famous Scots poem “To a Mouse” was a timid, little field mouse. Echoing our national bard’s wit, ours is most certainly not for the fainthearted! Inside there’s a medley of vanilla, malted barley, meringue, honey and citrus flavours just bursting to be unleashed… Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

Maltstock Tickets

Get relaxed now and secure your Maltstock tickets in our shop!

 MALTSTOCK SHOP

Maltstock is an all inclusive whisky weekend. This means you can eat, drink, and sleep at the Maltstock venue and these things are included with our standard ticket. Administrative and transaction costs are also included in the ticket price. Click on our FAQ section below or have a look at our “Program“ and “What is Maltstock“ sections for more information about what is included. All tickets are all inclusive and for the whole weekend. We do not sell day tickets. Prices per person. Maltstock tickets are put to name, and issued on a per person, non-transferable, non-refundable basis. Please note that the 14-day legal right of withdrawal is not applicable for this purchase. If, for any reason, you want to exchange your tickets with someone else you can only do so after permission by, and through the Maltstock organisation.

The Good Dram Show – Episode 583 ‘Clonakilty Distillery’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at the range of spirits produced at the Clonakilty distillery in Ireland. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 583 Say Hello And Whey’ve Goodbye..!

Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

Clonakilty Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (Batch 2) 46%
Clonakilty Double Oak Blended Irish Whiskey 43.6%
Clonakilty Galley Head Rhum Cask Blended Irish Whiskey 40%
Clonakilty Galley Head Single Malt Irish Whiskey 40%
Clonakilty Port Cask Blended Irish Whiskey 43.6%

https://clonakiltydistillery.ie

Springbank Da Mhile Single Sherry Cask #231 Whisky 20 Year Old · 1992 Vintage

Welsh distillery and independent bottler Dà Mhìle (pronounced da-vee-lay) was established in 1992, when co-founder John Savage-Onstwedder commissioned the iconic Springbank distillery to make him the first organic whisky of the modern era. The name was inspired by that initial bottling; specially made to celebrate the millennium, Dà Mhìle translates to ‘two thousand’ in Scots-Gaelic.

Allowed to patiently mature for 20 years in a single second-fill sherry cask, only 261 bottles were produced of this exceptional single malt. It is a rare thing to have the opportunity to taste a 20 year old Springbank – this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Tasting Notes 

Nose: On the nose the aromas are initially sweet and buttery, developing into soft dark fruits thanks to the sherry influence.

Palate: Despite weighing in at a punchy 52.8% ABV, it is remarkably soft on the palate; it opens with an oiliness that coats the mouth, bringing forward marzipan and a slight hint of ginger, this is followed by a delicate wisp of wood smoke.

Finish: It is wonderfully creamy and sweet on finish, lingering with a very subtle hint of smoked spices.

£299.95

Buffalo Trace Milroy’s Barrel Pick #18-054 40% 70cl

We’re delighted to share our second barrel pick from celebrated Kentucky bourbon maker, Buffalo Trace! Exactingly selected by our in-house whiskey experts in collaboration with the distillery team, this 2015-distilled bourbon offers a deliciously fascinating take on longer-aged bourbon. Buffalo Trace has been making whiskey for over 200 years, so the team knows a thing or two about crafting flavour. The high-corn signature mash bill packs in a rich sweetness, while the cask influence over nine long years has woven through deep oak spices and even tobacco notes. We’re proud of offer all 252 bottles of this remarkable whiskey as a Milroy’s exclusive.

Tasting notes: 

Nose: Warm butterscotch, toffee and honeyed orchard fruits jump from the tasting glass first, ahead of cinnamon, cumin and a subtle dash of herbal mint. Freshly rolled cigars provide a sumptuous backdrop.

Palate: Thick, dense and treacly, there’s a touch of aromatic oak in with a rich nuttiness and a shelf-load of baking spices. Milk chocolate, coconut and vanilla custard build through the elegant texture, while liquorice, rye bread, and an earthy menthol note add complexity.

Finish: Long and gently warming, with lingering woody spice notes.

£26.63

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as 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 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022. Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Buffalo Trace Distillery also has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.