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Hi folks. We are making a change to our terms and conditions. From the 71st auction there will be a new insert fee of £15 for non-alcohol items. Cask ends, paintings, prints, magazines, books, glasses, toys, water jugs etc will have the higher charge levied. These items are very bulky or awkward to handle and pack and therefore take up more time than bottles of whisky.
Regards from Glasgow
The SWA Team
Unbelievable Savings On Single Malt of Uncompromising Quality
($59.99)
“Is it too early in 2017 to call this the single malt deal of the year?” – David Driscoll, K&L Assistant Head Buyer
While the dollar has made serious headway against the pound over the last year, there are few retailers in a position to pass along that currency savings to their customers; namely, because few other than K&L are buying their Scotch directly. In the wake of Brexit and the increased buying power we’ve experienced since the initial vote took place, we’ve been able to offer serious single malt selections for some prices that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago. While we thought our capacity to bring sherry-matured joy to the masses had peaked this past December when we offered a 9 year old cask strength barrel of Dailuaine for a mere $49.99, it appears the whisky gods intend to smile upon us for just a bit longer.
We managed to track down an even older version of the same whisky—a 14 year old sherry-matured Dailuaine—for only ten dollars more! Given the market for sherry-aged, cask strength whisky of this maturity, one might expect a whisky of this magnitude and quality to approach three figures. Yet, due to our relationship with Old Particular and the fact that we’re going directly to the source, we’ve passed along the savings in currency to you. Expect to see a number of great deals as we move forward in 2017, but few as enticing as this one. Is it too early in 2017 to call this the single malt deal of the year?
This past December we thought we’d uncovered the deal of a lifetime when we were able to sell a 9-year-old sherry butt of Dailuaine at cask strength for $49.99 thanks to the improved Brexit dollar-to-pound ratio. Now, however, with a new shipment of Old Particular single-cask selections upon us, we may have a new contender. The only thing possibly better than 9-year-old, cask-strength, sherry-matured single-malt whisky for $49.99 is a 14-year-old version of that same whisky for a mere ten dollars more! Dailuaine is one of Diageo’s classically styled Highland whiskies used primarily for Johnnie Walker, but we’ve found over the years that the malt drinks pretty well on its own. Much like the 9-year-old edition, this version was aged in a refill butt, meaning the sherry influence isn’t quite as overpowering. In this case, it works in conjunction with the creamy malt flavors of the whisky itself. It starts with notes of dark chocolate and spiced nuts before moving forward into cakebread and flavors of sticky figs and syrup. The nose is a pure essence of caramel, and the finish dances with cocoa and candied ginger. After years of finding the best single casks of whisky Scotland has to offer, there are few hidden gems for us in today’s market. There’s really not much left we can accomplish other than to provide better pricing. The dollar-to-pound ratio has significantly upped our quality-to-value ratio, and it’s very possible we’re still far from peaking on that front.
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017
Let’s be clear: sherry-aged cask strength whisky is in incredibly high demand. In fact, it’s so popular that prices for whiskies in that style have gone way, way up, completely changing the idea of “value” when it comes to Scotch. With this cask of Dailuaine 14 year, however, we’ve outdone ourselves once again. Not so much with the selection, mind you. Anyone who tastes this whisky can tell it’s absolutely delicious. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. It’s brimming with sweet sherry flavors, a creamy mid-palate, and loads of baking spice on the finish. The real accomplishment here is the price. We’ve managed to offer a single barrel, cask strength, sherry-matured Highland whisky for less than what a standard market, water-reduced, general offering would normally cost! The Arran 14 year sherry cask edition is a hundred bucks!! That’s probably the closest comparison on the market right now. Yet, this Dailuaine is better.
Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017
This is my first taste of Dailuaine, but I know it will not be my last! This came from one special Sherry butt that yielded 602 bottles, and has the creamy richness and rancio complexity that one would expect from a 14 year old aged in sherry cask. I enjoyed it most with a good splash of water, which opened up the whisky and added layers that the fire of the cask strength hid at first. When David told me the price, I could not believe it… Nothing comes close to this quality in well-aged sherry cask malt even at double the price. Time to make room in the liquor cabinet!
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017
Sweet, rich, pretty, and powerful. The nose packs a wallop — it’s jammed full of baking spices, dried fruits, marmalade, sherry’s salty and sweet complexity, a little bit of baked apples and warm bread. Not to mention that it brings the heat. On the palate it is warm and rich, full of love and doubles up on the nose profile, but adds a small amount of cocoa that really shines when you add a little water. I loved the 9 year we had before the holidays, but this is, no joke, leaps and bounds ahead. For only $10 bucks more, it’s a true no brainer.
Alex Schroeder | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017
Great Scotch thats loaded with integrated flavors, complexity and richness. The extended time in sherry cask imparts a broad, creamy butterscotch core with nuanced flavors of toffee, orange marmalade and a little cocoa. Even at cask strength it is inviting and pleasant, and a small addition of water makes it more so, opening up the flavors quite a bit. Great Scotch priced well below its class!
Sal Rodriguez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: January 17, 2017
We enjoy getting worked up about some great Scotch, if you haven’t noticed. Here is one such Scotch. Rich, powerful, and expressive! There’s no shortage of minerality and sherry butt influence here. If you’re a fan of spicy, rich, flavorful, toasted maple, then this is your next bottle. And at about 50 bucks, this can easily be your nightly “go-to” bottle of Scotch. Act now, ’cause this is another bottle that’s sure to go quickly.
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
Morning, everyone! Old Islay whiskies are something to be thoroughly enjoyed by all. There’s something very distinctive about having that smoke element die down and allowing those big, exotic, oak driven fruit flavours to shin through. This one specifically has that in bucket loads.
Caol Ila may be the largest distillery in Islay, and a lot of it’s stock gets used for blending, but what is bottled is always fantastic! When it’s above the age of 18 years old, it’s something to be put on a plinth and celebrated in as many ways as possible. Enjoy!
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Irish Distillers to invest €10m in production capacity at Midleton Distillery
– €10.5 million investment to support the Irish whiskey industry growth target of 300% by 2030
– Investment will see Irish Distillers’ single pot still Irish whiskey capacity increase by over 30%
– Three new copper pot stills to be commissioned and operational by June 2017
– Project to support 60 jobs in Midleton during the construction phase
Dublin, January 18th 2017 – Irish Distillers, Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys, has today announced plans for a €10.5 million investment at Midleton Distillery, Cork which will see the company increase its single pot still Irish whiskey production capacity by over 30%. Three new copper pot stills will be installed at Midleton Distillery, ensuring that Irish Distillers continues to lead the global Irish whiskey renaissance and supporting the Irish Whiskey Association’s target of global growth of 300% by 2030. 60 jobs will be supported during the construction phase.
Irish whiskey is the fastest growing premium spirit globally and Irish Distillers has invested heavily to drive this growth. Since 2012, Irish Distillers has invested €120 million in the Midleton Distillery, €20 million at its Fox and Geese bottling facility in Dublin and is currently investing €100 million at its Dungourney maturation site. In August 2016, the company also announced an €11 million redevelopment project at the Old Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, Dublin to showcase the best of Irish whiskey to the 600,000 whiskey tourists that come to Ireland every year.
Commenting on the latest investment, Jean-Christophe Coutures, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers said: “Irish whiskey continues to enjoy phenomenal global growth, led by Jameson with sales of 5.7 million cases in 2016. Irish Distillers has been driving the growth of the category since 1988, a commitment further underpinned by investments of over €230 million since 2012. With this additional investment of over €10 million at Midleton, the home of Irish whiskey, we will ensure that we are positioned to meet growing global demand and support the growth of Irish whiskey in the international spirits category.
“We are seeing growth accelerating across Jameson and the wider Single Pot Still Irish whiskey range and we will continue to direct our focus for growth here. With our increased production capacity, we are confident that the category will hit the ambitious targets set by the Irish Whiskey Association – increasing exports to 12 million cases by 2020 and 24 million cases by 2030.”
Paul Wickham, General Manager of Midleton Distillery added: “Single pot still Irish whiskey is the quintessential style of Irish whiskey which Irish Distillers saved from virtual extinction in the mid-1900s. Since then we have been investing to protect this traditional Irish whiskey and today’s announcement will help us grow Irish whiskey even further over the next 30 years and beyond.
“This investment will also see us increase our support for the wider Cork economy. All our barley comes from farms located within 100 miles of Midleton Distillery, supporting families who have produced barley for centuries. Using unmalted barley is a long-standing tradition of Irish whiskey and one which Irish Distillers continues, believing it contributes to the smooth characteristics of our products. At present, we spend €60 million annually on cereals, energy, capital projects and payroll in the local economy and this will increase with the installation of these new stills.”
The three copper pot stills, handmade by master coppersmiths Forsyth’s of Scotland and weighing a combined 24 tonnes, were delivered to Midleton Distillery this week. Installation has now commenced and the stills will be operational by June 2017.
Notes
About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth.
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.
We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s No. 2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard Pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.
Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
The Gallery are hosting a special Whisky 101: Siren of the Glen tomorrow night (Tuesday 24th January) as an early Burns Night celebration to get Londoners clued up on whisky (and the best beers to drink with it) before Burns Night. ‘he Gallery have invited the seductively dangerous, Siren Craft Beer Co., and The Glenlivet, an iconic distillery from the Scottish Highlands, for a night of beer and whisky exploration. This ‘Whisky 101’ event will feature a menu showcasing the effect of barrel ageing has on beer and whisky.
@TheGalleryNW6 #BurnsNight
Laphroaig
Join us Tuesday the 24th for a Laphroaig tasting, presented by Simon Brookings, whisky expert and ambassador of Laphroaig distillery. Recently awarded “Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year” by Whisky Magazine, Simon Brooking is renowned throughout the whisky world for his extensive expertise and engaging presentations.
From ‘Icons Of Whisky’:
“Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and a member of the Robertson Clan, Simon traces his roots back to the 13th Century and the Celtic Earls of Atholl. A well-known expert on Scotch whisky, Simon has worked for many of the leading Scotch distilleries, learning the art and science of distilling from the world’s foremost master distillers and blenders. For nearly 20 years, Simon has led thousands of Scotch whisky tastings for consumers, bartenders and social organisations. Informative and entertaining, his presentations have made him an in-demand spokesperson for the whisky industry. Simon’s love of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands has paved the way to his present position as the Beam Suntory Scotch Ambassador for Laphroaig, Ardmore, Bowmore, Auchentoshan and Glen Garioch Single Malt Scotch whiskies.”
Hope to see you there! As always, remember to follow us on facebook and check our website for new releases, sales, and events!
WHEN: Tuesday, January 24th
5pm – 6:30pm
WHERE: The Whisky Shop
360 Sutter Street
San Francisco
CA 94108
Tel: 415 989-1030
Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 151: Smoking Buffalo 8th Edition (Caol Ila)
Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a special peated whisky. Smoking Buffalo is a label from a Belgian bottler under which they release peated whisky to honor the local football club AA Gent. For this 8th edition, they bottled a feisty Caol Ila 2010 at cask strength, a whopping 60,5% ABV. It turns out this is the ideal winter dram. The video was shot at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
New packing for 2017, our favourite Scottish single malt Springbank 15 Year Old features a fresh new face for the New Year. Matured in sherry casks this is a must-try Campeltown malt.
£53.10
WILLIAM GRANT & SONS UK APPOINTS ALWYNNE GWILT
AS THE BALVENIE UK AMBASSADOR
11th January 2017: Independent family distillers, William Grant & Sons UK has today confirmed that whisky specialist, Alwynne Gwilt will take on the role of UK ambassador for The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch whisky, as of January 2017.
Joining William Grant & Sons UK in January 2016 as Whisky Specialist for the Ancient Reserves portfolio, Alwynne’s new role as The Balvenie UK ambassador will see her focus on generating brand advocacy and bridging communication between the brand and whisky drinkers, bars & restaurants, retailers, distributors and press.
Jonathan Cornthwaite, Head of Whisky at William Grant & Sons UK said: “Alwynne has a deep passion for whisky and the way it is made, which is why she is the perfect person to take on the UK ambassador role for The Balvenie, the most handcrafted single malt. With her wealth of unique experience, Alwynne will play a crucial role as the face of one of William Grant & Sons UK’s core brands. Alwynne will lead from the front to develop key relationships and initiatives to further enhance The Balvenie’s excellent reputation with whisky novices, enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, as well as with on-trade partners.”
Alwynne Gwilt said: “Many years ago, when I was just beginning my journey in whisky, The Balvenie distillery was one of the very first ones I visited. And because all of the processes are done on-site, it was the first time I really, truly ‘got’ whisky, the first time I understood its underlying heartbeat. I was utterly hooked! As such, I’m thrilled to be coming back to these early roots, to be able to speak about and share my love of this beautifully hand-crafted product with whisky lovers far and wide.”
Alwynne will take over from James Buntin who held the role since 2014.
Notes:
About Alwynne Gwilt
Alwynne comes with significant industry experience and is the founder and editor of whisky-focused website, Miss Whisky, named ‘Website to Watch’ in the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2016. Throughout her career Alwynne has written for numerous publications on whisky, been involved with consulting and training in the whisky sector, and run events in the UK and overseas, all of which earned her a place within the ‘Top 10 Women in Whisky’ as judged by The Drinks Business in 2014, and the title of ‘International Whisky Ambassador of the Year’ at the Spirit of Speyside Festival in 2013.
About The Balvenie:
The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master, who celebrates his 54th year at the distillery in 2016. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie.
The Balvenie is dedicated to the five rare crafts that are used to create The Balvenie’s distinctive taste. It is the only distillery that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of malts.
The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.
About William Grant & Sons
William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Tullamore D.E.W. ® Irish Whiskey and Drambuie®.
Click on www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands
The 25th January 2017 is fast approaching. That means its nearly time to don your tartan, brush up your linguistics, and get ready to ‘slay’ a Haggis! And most importantly raise a dram of Scotch Whiskey. Burns Night is upon us.
There is no need to re-hash the story of Robert Burns and the synonymy between Burns Night and Whiskey. Let’s just say they make a good pairing. And what better than our very own exclusive Burns Malt® and Burns Grain® whiskies to pair with haggis, Robert Burns and a celebration of Scottish culture. As uttered by Burns himself,
“Freedom an’ whisky gang thegither“
CLICK HERE TO READ THE REMAINDER OF THE POST
