Attention Scotch whisky drinkers! Our latest container of K&L exclusive single casks of whisky has recently landed and with it has come an amazing assortment of mature, mouthwatering, and delicious options for prices that are well below what we’re used to seeing in this segment of the market. Buying whisky directly as a retailer not only gives us control over our selection, it also allows us access to better pricing and deeper deals and on this year’s trip our whisky team managed to dig deep into the archives of Glasgow’s finest warehouses. The proof is evident in this first release of ultra-mature single casks. Not only were we able to secure another elusive barrel of 50 year old Scotch, a rare delight that sold out in a heartbeat last time around, our buyers managed to bolster that bounty with two twenty-plus year old gems from the Highlands and Islay. As if the prices weren’t shocking enough, the quality and complexity on display in each expression is perhaps even more exciting. Our staff was absolutely overcome with anticipation for the arrival of these whiskies and now we understand why.

In a category that’s been struggling to find value over the last few years, we’ve recommitted ourselves to that search at all price points. Our efforts are now here for your enjoyment.

1991 Glen Keith 24 Year Old “Hepburn’s Choice” Single Sherry Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)

This single sherry butt cask of Glen Keith is another K&L “refill” selection, meaning we purposely looked for whisky that had been matured in sherry casks that had been used previously. The result of refill aging is that the whisky still takes on some of the richer, fruity, sherry-esque flavors, but much more mildly, helping to maintain the integrity of the inherent malt character. In looking for delicious Scotch whisky that tasted like old-fashioned Scotch whisky, we came upon this outstanding Glen Keith: a Speyside distillery that’s part of the Chivas portfolio. The whisky is classic Highland in style. The nose explodes with cereal grains, apricots and pear, vanilla, and the faintest hint of almond. The palate shows a bit of rich Oloroso character briefly before giving way to the more standard dried stone fruit flavors and supple, malty deliciousness. It’s the price, however, that really grabs your attention: 24 year old, cask strength, single barrel, Speyside single malt for $89.99??!! Sherry-aged, no less! Thank goodness it was a big barrel because we’re sure this is going to be quite popular.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 18, 2016

This is a joyful and delicious single malt. In the nose there are rich and soft malty aromas. This leads to juicy and pretty flavors. The sherry aging is integrated and does not dominate but adds complexity.

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 11, 2016

Despite the whiskey’s quite light in color appearance the refill sherry notes are very apparent as soon as you nose the glass; there’s cake spice, fudge and subtle rancio tones. On the palate the sherry wood is there too and the maturity of the spirit comes to the forefront. Nutty shaved oak, liquor soaked dates, some salty, marsh like complexities. This is serious whiskey and 24 year old under $90…what!?

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 11, 2016

Our goal this year was to definitely shock the market and get people excited about old fashioned Scotch once again. I think this is about as exciting of a deal as we can offer: 24 year old cask strength, sherry-aged Highland single malt for less than a hundred bucks! Here we get nothing out of the ordinary, just rich grains, hints of sherry, sweet vanilla, and soft fruit. If you thought top shelf Scotch had been priced out of reach, we’re back to save the day.

1990 Bunnahabhain 25 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($149.99)

In what will surely go down as one of the great single malt deals of the year, we bring you the K&L exclusive cask of Bunnahabhain 25 year old single malt Islay whisky: a malt that appears to be even more of a deal considering the new $900 price tag the distillery is asking for the official release. This particular iteration is like a tropical daydream on the nose, fresh peach and sugar cane float lazily across the surprisingly sweet palate. Aged in hogshead, however, there’s no sherry and little to no smoke in this expression. Its brilliance nonetheless is a testament to the inherent fruit of the whisky and the benefits of slow, steady maturation in fine cooperage. The finish is all sweet grains and malted barley with touches of salt and the sea. Islay fans will be thrilled. Bunnahabhain fans won’t want to miss it. And you get all of that goodness at cask strength for $149.99 thanks to our direct import pricing.

Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 23, 2016

I liked this whisky when I first tasted it, and having just revisited it, I am simply astounded by this bottle. This has so many things going on in its favor that it is almost hard to begin. On the nose there is a salted fruit note that combines hints of green apple with white peach and honey. Then into a smooth, elegant body with the complexity that only happens when whisky has been sitting in barrel for this long. Baking spice finish with sweet grain notes and some peat and smoke that just keep going. Basically this is delicious, then you look at the price, look away, and look again to make sure we are not fooling you. Yes, this amazing 25-year-old cask strength, single barrel whiskey is $150. Buy one, you are welcome.

Gary Westby | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2016

This is old unpeated Scotch at its very best, and at an incredible price given its age. If you like the salt air and haunting complexity of the best of Islay, but can do without the oppressive peat, this satisfying malt will thrill you.

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2016

Pretty special whisky…bursting with bright fruit flavors, tropical, yellow stone fruit, lush and exuberant. The texture is where the age comes into play; perfect integration of oak and spirit, a roundness and softness without heaviness. My palate was already more than satisfied when suddenly this feisty little scotch came back again with the most delicious little hint of dark brown sugar on the back corners of the tongue a few seconds after swallowing. Lingering caramel apple / french toast notes resonate plenty long enough to get you to the next sip. This bottle really shows the pedigree of this distillery and why they can charge $1000 for their own 25 year old distillery bottling…fortunately our boys are savvy and can sniff out independently bottled bargains like this for WAY less coin.

Sal Rodriguez | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 10, 2016

A bright, lifted, tropical note (think banana custard) right off the top invites you in for a sip. Although there’s said to be a little peat used in it, I don’t notice it enough to put off anyone who might dislike peat. A rather lovely, sip-able, 25 year old scotch that finishes with a hint of sea salt. You could find other 25 year old scotches priced much higher than this, so you can consider this a real value. We should see this move rather quickly so don’t wait!

1966 Invergordon 50 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Old Particular” Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Whisky (750ml) ($279.99)

Last year we sold a fifty year old grain whisky for $300 and it sold out in less than twenty-four hours. This time around we’ve managed to shave twenty dollars of the price tag without reducing the quality or age one bit! The Invergordon 50 is alive and well after five decades with loads of toasted oak, butterscotch, marzipan, and honey flavors that ease over the palate with delicate and lithe profile. Long one of Scotland’s stalwarts for grain whisky production, casks of Invergordon are readily available, but few with this level of maturation and depth. Considering the price and the flavor profile, don’t expect this one to last long. Only 247 bottles available.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2016

The Invergordon 50 year is more than just an AGE STATEMENT! This ultra complex Grain whisky shows tons of density and a completely opulent mouth feel. Despite it’s age it hasn’t gone under 100 proof and packs tons of intensity and fleshy fruit. Powerful nutty and sweet caramel notes paired with the a big sweet vanilla remind me of pecan pie with a scoop of ice cream. The dense honey and dried nuts continue on the palate and despite the intensity and 5 decades in oak, it never feels tired or bitter at all. A totally wild addition to our exquisite portfolio of very well price, ULTRA aged spirits.

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2016

When you see a bottle of 50 year old Scotch for sale and it isn’t $5000, the main question most people ask is: is it any good? I’m happy to report that no only is this 50 year old Invergordon delicious, I think it’s the best of the annual 50 year old editions we’ve been doing over the last few years. Last year’s cask was $300 and it was fantastic. This one, however, is more complex with the integration of the oak much less dominant. There’s still fruit and life inside this whisky. By no means is it past its prime. And it’s $20 less that last year’s release, as if you needed another reason to grab this!

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2016

This is a great gift option for anyone turning 50 in 2016 as we rarely see whisky this age, especially for this price. The Invergordon is rich with plenty of spice from the oak and should please any whisky drinker with its complexity and depth.

Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 11, 2016

Single Barrel Cask Strength at 50 years of age and $279? Oh yes. Wonderfully spicy on the nose and great power – don’t wait, it’ll be gone soon!

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

Springbank 18 Year Old – 2016 Release

The 2016 release of the ever popular and multi-award winning Springbank 18 year old. Created from 80% sherry & 20% bourbon casks, bottled in limited numbers at 46%.

£86.40

Springbank 12 Year Old – Cask Strength

Bottled at 56.3%, this is the latest cask strength offering from Springbank distillery – aged for 12 years and created from 70% ex-sherry casks and 30% ex-bourbon casks.

£49.80

On Friday 5 August, we opened the doors at 28 Queen Street to unveil the newly refurbished space. 150 guests joined the team at Queen Street for the first look at all three remodeled levels with drams, nibbles and bubbly. Guests explored their flavour preferences in the Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar…

Read more on our blog >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Revealed: the world’s most daring whisky challenge

We know some people missed out on this highly limited Jura release last week. Your last chance to secure your bottle is now a click away! Available while stocks last.

Released in celebration of Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane’s 39 year contribution to the distillery, Jura One for the Road is a limited edition 22 year old expression with a Pinot Noir wine cask finish. Presented at a natural cask strength, this non chill-filtered Island Single Malt has a natural mahogany honeyed gold colour.

The nose offers freshly baked bread, moist walnut cake, over-ripe pineapple and vanilla with a whisper of bitter chocolate, coffee and tangy macaroons. The palate is rich in ginger, cassis, frangipane and caramelised peaches. Glazed nectarines, pears in red wine, muscovado and soft cranberry notes follow, while the finish brings Turkish delight, coffee, fig syrup and cherry cake.

Without doubt one of the most exciting limited releases of the year with only 672 bottles released in the UK. Sold on a strictly first come first served basis.

£120 Buy Now

Everything you need to know about Indian whisky

Indian whisky is big. Eight of the top 10 best-selling whisky brands in 2015 were made in India, with only Johnnie Walker and Jack Daniel’s preventing a whitewash.

Five of the best-known Indian whiskies

Want to know more? Here’s our handy guide to everything you need to know:

What is Indian whisky?

Almost all of the whisky produced in India is made by blending spirit distilled from fermented molasses (similar to what we know as rum) with either grain whisky (maize, wheat, rye or barley) or pre-blended Scotch whisky; it cannot be sold in Europe as whisky. The biggest brand, Officer’s Choice, sold an astonishing 400 million bottles in 2015!

DO THEY MAKE SINGLE MALT, TOO?

Yes. It is a growing category of Indian whisky, but as of 2016, there are just three that are readily available: Amrut (first seen in Europe in 2004), Paul John (2012), and Rampur (new this year).

Can Indian ‘whisky’ be sold in Europe?

Yes, but it cannot be labelled as ‘whisky’ and is normally called a ‘spirit drink’. One example is 8PM, the world’s 18th bestselling whisky in 2015.

How is INDIAN SINGLE MALT made?

To be able to be sold as whisky in the EU and elsewhere, Indian single malts are made in the same way as Scotch – with malted barley in pot stills and aged in oak for at least three years.

WHERE DOES THE BARLEY COME FROM?

Due to the cooler temperatures, Indian barley is almost exclusively grown in the north of the country, mainly near the borders with China, Nepal and Pakistan. For the southern distilleries (Amrut and Paul John), this means the barley has to be transported around 1,500 miles by road to the distilleries. For peated whiskies, either peat or pre-smoked barley is imported from Scotland.

Indian barley is grown in the north of the country

IS SCOTCH WHISKY BOTTLED IN INDIA?

Yes! Scotch Whisky Regulations permit imports of blended Scotch whisky in bulk to be bottled in another country. India is one of the many places this happens; for example you can find locally bottled examples of Teacher’s, Vat 69 and Black & White.

Isn’t it too hot TO MAKE WHISKY in India?

The heat isn’t as much of a problem as you may think for the three single-malt distilleries. The average high, even in the height of summer, is 35°C in Bangalore (home of Amrut) 31°C in Rampur and a degree less than that for Paul John in Goa, calmed by the maritime climate). As a guide, Kentucky bourbon and Tennessee deal with similar temperatures.

ISN’T IT TOO DRY?

The lack of humidity is arguably the biggest obstacle faced by Indian whisky producers for two reasons: it causes both the ageing process to accelerate (around six times, so a three-year-old Indian malt is similar in maturity to an 18-year-old Scotch), and for a higher ratio of water to alcohol to evaporate (the angel’s share), so the abv rises during maturation.

But is it any good?

In a word; yes. Jim Murray scored Amrut Fusion 97 points and the title of Third Finest Whisky in the World in his Whisky Bible 2010, which helped to raise awareness of the country’s whiskies. This has been followed by many more awards for both the established distilleries, including Best Asian Single Malt 12 Years and Under for Paul John Select Cask Classic at The World Whiskies Awards 2015. Asa Abraham of Paul John says: ‘The common perception about Indian whiskies is that they are made from molasses and hence not of good quality. But perceptions are changing.’

How should you drink it?

Treat it the same way you would Scotch. As with all whisky, it’s up to you. With or without water or ice, mixed or neat, however you like to drink it is best. Like many countries around the world, Indians agree that whisky is for sharing with friends, as this advert from 8PM points out:

What does the future hold for Indian single malt?

Sales are growing by around 10% per year. Abraham predicts that Indian single malt consumption will be ‘explosive’ in the near future and that more Indian distilleries will bring out single malts of their own.

Which single malts do you recommend?

If you’ve never tried Indian whisky before, Amrut Fusion is a great place to start. A mix of unpeated Indian and lightly peated Scottish barley, it’s rich, fruity, spicy and one of our favourites. What’s more, buy a bottle before 21 September and you could win a bottle of the rare Greedy Angels 10 Year Old, the oldest-ever Indian whisky. See our prize draw page for full details.

If you prefer your whisky unpeated, then Paul John Brilliance is fruity and creamy, and made exclusively using Indian barley.

SEPTEMBER PREVIEWS: VARIETY – THE SPICE OF LIFE 

Satisfy your flavour cravings and bag a bottle ahead of the rush with September’s preview releases. Luscious dried fruit treats from a sherry Gorda, an exotic spice rack from a Chenin Blanc hogshead or smoked savoury delights from Islay? Every palate is a winner this week! These popular casks wont’ be around for long – order now to secure yours…

Spicy & sweet

35.165 Variety – the spice of life

Cask: First fill ex-Chenin blanc hogshead
Age: 13 years
Price: £57.10

Deep, rich & dried fruits

30.93 Tonka Bean Crème Brûlée

Cask: Refill ex-sherry gorda
Age: 19 years
Price: £77.30

Peated

29.186 Spicy smoky seaweed salad

Cask: Refill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 16 years
Price: £106.20

Spicy & sweet

48.78 The perfect hammock dram

Cask: First fill ex-bourbon barrel
Age: 13 years
Price: £49.10

Browse Current Outturn >
Browse All Bottlings >

*Please note: This is a limited release from September’s Outturn; full release on Fri 2 Sept.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Jura One for the Road

This very limited edition Island Single Malt from the Jura distillery has just been released in celebration of Distillery Manager, Willie Cochrane’s 39 years on the island. Aged for 22 years and finished in Pinot Noir wine casks, only 672 bottles are available in the UK. Presented at a natural cask strength of 47% abv and non chill-filtered.

The nose offers notes of moist walnut cake, freshly baked bread, over-ripe pineapple and vanilla, with hints of dark chocolate, coffee and macaroon. The palate has rich ginger, cassis, frangipane and caramelised peach notes, while glazed nectarines, pears in red wine, muscovado sugar and soft cranberries emerge. There is Turkish delight on the finish, with notes of coffee, fig syrup and cherry cake.

This is one of the most exciting releases of the year and so it’s offered on a first come first served basis while stocks last.

£120 Buy Now

In stock and available for immediate dispatch

Discounted Items

Glenrothes 1995 Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky Long rich palette, round and lovely. $94.99

Mortlach 19 Year Old Alexander Murray Bottling Single Malt Scotch Whisky All the things we love about Mortlach but with a little less bite. $134.99

Springbank 21 Year Old Lombard Jewels of Scotland Bottling Single Malt Scotch A truly lovely and mouth coating whisky $314.99

D&M, 2200 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

KARUIZAWA GEISHA SERIES BREAKS HK$1MILLION MARK AT BONHAMS HONG KONG WHISKY AUCTION 

A complete set of Karuizawa Geisha Series whisky sold for HK$1,102,500

A complete set of Karuizawa Geisha Series whisky, never before seen at auction, was sold for HK$1,102,500 at Bonhams Hong Kong Whisky sale on 19 August. The sale, which featured more than 260 lots of rare Japanese and Scotch whiskies, made a total of HK$8,889,580 Other highlights included a vertical selection of The Macallan. Offered as one lot, the 29 bottles covered the years 1958-1986 and were sold for HK$514,500. A highly sought-after Macallan 50 year old bottled in a Lalique decanter also made HK$514,500 and a bottle of The Macallan 1961 was bought for HK$220,500.

The Macallan: offered as one lot, the 29 bottles covered the years 1958-1986 and were sold for HK$514,500

Among Japanese whiskies, a set of Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt Clubs flush of malts 3,7,8,9 and 10 made HK$220,500 as did a set of Hearts flush of malts 3,4,8,10 and J. A collection of vintage bottles of Yamazaki sherry wood whisky from 1982 to 1986 sold for HK$171,500. A single bottle of Bourbon Van Winkle-1967 fetched HK$46,650.

A highly sought-after Macallan 50 year old bottled in a Lalique decanter made HK$514,500

Bonhams whisky specialist, Daniel Lam commented “This was a very strong sale with keen bidding both in the auction room and on-line. As expected, the Geisha Series attracted a lot of attention and there were high prices paid for The Macallan which maintained its position as the most desired Scotch whisky among collectors in Asia.”

NOTES

Enquiries For further information and images call Andrew Currie on +44 (0) 20 7468 5871, or email andrew.currie@bonhams.com or press@bonhams.com. NOTES FOR EDITORS Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Today, the auction house offers more sales than any of its rivals. The main salerooms are in London, New York and Hong Kong. Sales are also held in the UK in Knightsbridge and Edinburgh; in the US, in San Francisco and Los Angeles; in Europe, in Paris and Stuttgart and in Sydney, Australia. Bonhams also has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.