K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

TOP PICKS

• 1988 Littlemill 25 Year Old K& ;L “Exclusive Malts” Single Barrel Cask Strength Lowland Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($139.99)
  In the pantheon of closed distilleries, Littlemill definitely falls short of top-tier status. Collectors see names like Port Ellen or Brora and they get excited, even reverent about the possiblity of tasting Scotch whisky royalty. Littlemill, however, has never seen its reputation balloon in the new age of romanticism. It’s maintained a more working class status, while other lost distillery bottles continue to double and triple in price. This is fitting, however, when you visit the site where the distillery once stood. The hamlet of Bowling, where Littlemill once operated, has built affordable housing on the ghostly grounds. A bit of ruins still remain, but there’s nothing left to let you know of their importance other than a street sign that reads “Littlemill Place.” You would drive right by it without noticing if you weren’t looking for it, which is exactly the case with this 25 year old cask of Littlemill whisky. If you weren’t lo oking for delicacy and subtle nuance, you could drink this single malt down quickly and think it was cask strength Jameson. But the drinker who appreciates the pure malt flavors on the palate, the little hint of vanilla on the back, and the burst of richness that tickles the finish, will understand its merit. Littlemill will never be recognized like Port Ellen because its flavors and attributes aren’t obvious. This cask is a last gasp at greatness from a name soon to be forgotten; a good-bye gift to whisky lovers who long for the past.

Suntory Whisky Production Equipment Expansion

— Hakushu Distillery Sees Expanding Whisky Market —

Let’s hear it for the girls – Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival declares International Women of Whisky Day 

Whisky lovers around the world are being asked to raise a dram to the women who are shaking up the industry and breaking into the boys’ club. 

The first ever International Women of Whisky Day has been declared on May 3 to recognise the growing number of women working in the industry and sipping Scotland’s national drink. 

The global day of celebration has been organised by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is doing its bit by hosting a number of events with some of the most influential women in the business. 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell hopes that whisky drinkers will mark the day no matter where they are in the world. 

Mr Campbell adds, “The perception of whisky being a man’s drink has been completely altered over the past decade – it’s now estimated that nearly one-third of whisky drinkers in the UK alone are female. 

“We are also seeing a growing number of women taking on key roles in the industry, from production managers to brand ambassadors. Women are now hugely influential and we felt it was about time that we celebrated the contribution they are making. 

“It seems fitting that Speyside should be the focus for the very first International Women in Whisky Day, since it is home to Cardhu which was founded by Helen Cumming in 1824. To this day it is still the only malt whisky distillery pioneered by a woman.” 

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place in Scotland’s most prolific whisky producing region from May 1 to 5, and will host a day-long programme led by women on May 3. It takes place at The Aberlour Hotel in Aberlour and will be complemented by other events led by women during the five day Festival. 

The day kicks off with Introduction to the Sensipedia of Whisky with Johanne McInnis, a Canadian whisky writer and judge known as Whisky Lassie. She will be teaching people how to use all five senses to appreciate and enjoy Scotch. 

Alwynne

Another Canadian – Alwynne Gwilt – will be leading a whisky and chocolate pairing session. Alwynne – also known as Miss Whisky and now based in London – is the current Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador of the Year in recognition of her efforts to educate people about Scotch whisky. 

Renowned whisky writer Annabel Meikle will be shedding light on tasting notes by exploring the language of whisky, explaining where the aromas come from. Participants will then be tasked with creating their own tasting note after a blind taste test. In addition to writing about whisky, Annabel has her own consultancy, The Whisky Belle. 

Master blender Angela D’Orazio from Mackmyra Distillery in Sweden will be introducing revellers to the unique whisky expression at her event. She will be sharing the story behind the distillery, and will be sharing some of the Mackmyra drams.

Anne

 Ann Miller is international brand ambassador for Chivas Brothers and is also one of the directors of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. She will contributing to the programme by running a guided walk – the James Fleming Trail – looking at the story of the man who founded Aberlour Distillery, and a tasting which deconstructs Aberlour’s double cask maturation. 

She says, “International Women of Whisky Day is a fantastic way to recognise the contribution made to the industry by women not just in Scotland but all over the world. 

“It will also help to underline the opportunities that exist to develop a career in the whisky industry, which is no longer the once male-dominated place that it used to be. It is essential that we encourage new blood – whether female or male – into the Scotch whisky industry to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength. 

“The programme taking place at Aberlour is one of the most anticipated events of the Festival – each of the women participating is an authority of whisky in her own right and although these events are hosted by women, they are not just for women, but for everyone.” 

“The inspiration for this day came in part from the enormous influence of whisky writer and expert Martine Nouet, who has been a regular participant of the Festival for over a decade. She has led a range of not to be missed events over many years and this year Martine will host a number of events at Glen Rothes Distillery.” 

A Twitter hashtag has been set up for International Women of Whisky Day – #IWOWD. There are events led by women taking place throughout the Festival, including distillery tours and whisky tutoring. 

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is now in its 15^th year, takes place at venues across the region and boasts a programme of over 30 events. A signature event for Homecoming 2014, it will start Whisky Month – a four week national celebration of Scotland’s world class food and drink. 

It will also launch a brand new event this year – The Spirit of Speyside Sessions – which aims to put to spotlight on the area’s traditional music heritage with concerts and ceilidhs being staged in venues closely linked to the whisky industry. 

Tickets for all events in the 2014 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme, including the roving judging sessions, can be bought via the website – www.spiritofspeyside.com The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. 

Picture captions: 

Ann Miller: Chivas Brothers international brand ambassador for Chivas Brothers. 

Alwynne Gwilt: Miss Whisky – Canadian writer and whisky lover, Alwynne Gwilt.

Notes

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, 1 May – Monday, 5 May 2014.  Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival  or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners 

EventScotland: EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, 

Year of Homecoming Scotland

Scotland will welcome the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014- providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games . The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country.  Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage. 

Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners. To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY LAUNCHES TV COMMERCIAL 

The proudly South African and internationally awarded Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has launched its first television commercial. The powerful and majestic advertisement is currently flighting on selected DSTV channels. It was shot in the Bainskloof Pass, one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions, and the inspiration behind Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky. 

The commercial creates a sense of mystique when it challenges viewers to ask the right questions to unlock the secret of the Cape Mountains. The natural beauty of the mountain peaks and the crystal clear purity of the water lead to the inspiration and essence of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky.  

Produced by Egg Films and TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, the commercial captures the area’s magnificent peaks, its cool, sparkling streams and the unmatched wealth of indigenous fynbos. The team shot the commercial during the winter of 2012; a time when the light and air were crisp and waterfalls were abundant, creating the perfect backdrop. 

Eliska Botha, global marketing manager for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, says the commercial exudes the sense of purity associated with this whisky. 

“Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is naturally pure and is inspired by its place of origin – the awe-inspiring Cape Mountains – an area renowned for its majestic mountain peaks, indigenous fynbos and the purest of water. The commercial brings this to life in a visual form and allows the viewer to experience this purity.” 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted at the James Sedgwick’s Distillery in the Boland town of Wellington, at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass. This whisky pays tribute not only to one of the most picturesque and magnificent passes in South Africa but also honours Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering engineer who planned and built the Bainskloof Pass in 1853. 

Only the finest South African grain and the purest of water are used in the production of this whisky. Using a unique double maturation process, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is first matured for three years in casks previously used for Bourbon. After this it is revatted into a fresh set of ex-bourbon casks for a further maturation period. The result is the exceptionally smooth and unique taste. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has received a number of awards from the most prestigious international whisky competitions and was named World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards, competing against the best from Ireland, Scotland and the USA. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R220.

Glenglassaugh releases first batch of single cask bottlings

GLENGLASSAUGH has released its first batch of single cask bottlings. 

Revived from the dark and hand-selected by Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker, there are eight phenomenal malts in Batch 1 which range from 45 to 28 years. 

All are crisp, fresh, sweet Highland malts that hit the palate with the power of complex fruit bombs – from apples, bananas, pineapples, grapefruit, prunes and plums to lime, cantaloupe melon and caramelised orange! 

The oldest, cask # 1601, 45 years old, was distilled in May 1968. Bottled at 44.3% vol, this autumn gold veteran is long and luxurious. On the nose, heady red candy apples balance with delicate spiced orange softening to distant pineapple juice. And on the palate, crisp oak spices soften to reveal elegant waves of fresh green apple and wisps of ripe banana. Delicate hints of passion fruit, cedar wood and lime zest bring a fantastic depth to the long finish. 

As a contrast, the youngest in the batch is a 28 year old distilled in February 1986.

This rich amber beauty, cask # 2101, was bottled at 43.7% vol. On the nose, gentle heather honey holds warm cigar box spices. Crisp, freshly-ground barley surrounds soaked raisins and sultanas. And on the palate, a toasted white oak spice runs through Demerara caramelised orchard fruits which mellow to dried apricot and hints of vanilla in the long subtle finish. 

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We took over Glenglassaugh last year and were thrilled to discover a treasure trove of old and rare spirits slumbering in the warehouses. Revived from the dark, selected by Billy Walker for their excellence and personality and bottled last month, this is an extraordinary collection of rare casks which will be warmly welcomed by connoisseurs worldwide. Taken together, they are stunning examples of Glenglassaugh at its finest.” 

All eight are presented in a beautiful golden box. 

The batch details are: 

1968 cask # 1601 / 45 years old / Finished in the finest Sherry Hogshead / 44.3% vol

1972 cask # 2114 / 41 years old / Matured in the finest Sherry Butt / 50.6% vol

1973 cask # 6801/ 40 years old/ Finished in the finest Manzanilla Sherry Puncheon/ 52.1% vol

1975 cask # 7301 / 38 years old / Finished in the finest Oloroso Sherry Hogshead / 40.7% vol

1975 cask # 7801 / 38 years old / Finished in the finest Moscatel Hogshead / 42.4% vol

1978 cask # 1803 / 35 years old / Finished in the finest Sherry Hogshead / 41.6% vol

1978 cask # 1810 / 35 years old / Finished in the finest Port Hogshead / 42.9% vol

1986 cask # 2101 / 28 years old / Finished in the finest Hogshead / 43.7% vol

www.ralfy.com explores the quiet malt with a big conversation with Whisky Review 445 – Hazelburn 10yo Rundlets & Kilderkins @ 50.1%

Find out what wine and whisky can do for each other

April 14, 2014, Sidney Pier Hotel, 7:00 PM

“Wind Down With Wine-finished Whiskies”
A little bord-eaux-d with your whiskies? Why not explore a new terroir? Whisky distilleries are starting to stretch their legs and experimenting with what our favorite grape-blessed barrels can do. The whiskies are definitely rising to the occasion! Join us to nose and taste the results of this exciting blend of industries. This event will be led by an aficionado of fine wines and whiskies.

3 course dinner, 4 whiskies

Members $60 – Guests $70 – Designated Drivers (Dinner only) $50

Please RSVP by email
Payment prior to the event can be made by mailing a cheque payable to:

Sidney Peninsula Companions of the Quaich
502-5350 Sayward Hill Crescent, Victoria, B.C. V8Y 3H9

We are delighted to announce the arrival of the first three expressions in our Limited Edition anCnoc Peaty Collection.

Aiming to unravel the mysteries of peated whisky for modern drinkers, this new collection from our Knockdhu Distillery features anCnoc’s classic light, easy-drinking style but with a dark, distinctive and smoky twist.  Click here to shine a light on your dark side and discover the anCnoc Peaty Collection.

To celebrate the launch of the new collection we are giving you and a friend the opportunity to win a trip to Scotland to visit Knockdhu Distillery and enjoy a whisky masterclass with our Distillery Manager.  Visit our website to enter before the 30th April for your chance to win.

Regards,
Knockdhu Distillery

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES ELMER T. LEE COMMEMORATIVE EDITION BOURBON 

Profits from Limited Edition Bourbon going to local VFW  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April. 3, 2014) – In 1949, a slight young man fresh out of college with an engineering degree came to work at Buffalo Trace Distillery (then known as the George T. Stagg Distillery). That man was Elmer T. Lee, and little did anyone know, he would become a legend in the bourbon industry – a Master Distiller, creating the world’s first single barrel bourbon in 1984 and revitalizing the bourbon industry.

After 36 years of service to Buffalo Trace Distillery, Elmer retired in 1985, but continued to travel the world as a bourbon ambassador for Buffalo Trace. He regaled bourbon fans with stories from his past, while educating them about the history and heritage of America’s native spirit. Shortly after his retirement Elmer was honored with his own namesake single barrel bourbon. Every week Elmer visited the Distillery in which he had spent so much of his life, went to the laboratory, and personally selected the barrels for his namesake brand.

Sadly, in 2013 Elmer died just a few weeks shy of what would have been his 94^th birthday. Now, Buffalo Trace honors Elmer again with the release of a commemorative edition Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon at 93 proof, his age when he passed.

Selected from the same warehouse floors which Elmer liked to find his “honey” barrels for his namesake bourbon, the commemorative edition is packaged in the same square bottle as the standard Elmer T. Lee, but with an upscale black label with gold embossed lettering bearing Elmer’s signature. His distinctive profile adorns the front of the label while the back label details of Elmer’s life and his legacy.

“We’re remarkably fortunate to have known Elmer. His contributions to the bourbon industry, Buffalo Trace Distillery and all our lives are countless. We want to honor our friend and give back to his family and his favorite cause, the Veterans of Foreign Wars,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “Profits from the sale of this commemorative edition Elmer T. Lee Bourbon will go to local VFW Post 4075, in which Elmer was active until the end.” Elmer served as a radar bombardier in the United States Army Air Corps (now known as the United States Air Force) in World War II.   

“The barrels selected for this bourbon taste much the same as the standard Elmer T. Lee bourbon in which he was so proud. Barrels were tasted and carefully evaluated by the team at Buffalo Trace to ensure each had the smooth and balanced sweetness that Elmer T. Lee Bourbon fans have come to love,” continued Comstock.

The commemorative bottling of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon will start arriving in stores this April.  Quantities of this one-time offering are very limited. Suggested retail pricing is $34.99. Production of the standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon will continue as barrels come of age and are deemed worthy of Elmer and his legacy. 

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 1786 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 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/. 

Wolfburn Distillery Thurso,Caithness, April 2014

Wolfburn Distillery Fills Its 1,000th Cask

Wolfburn Distillery today achieved the production milestone of filling its one thousandth cask. A total of 811 casks were filled in 2013; this week the 189th cask of 2014 was filled, making a grand total of 1,000.

“It’s a huge achievement,” comments Shane Fraser, production manager. “We reached the magic 1,000 number quicker than expected – and even better, we have done it without compromising on quality.”

The spirit laid down in 2014 will only be bottled as whisky in 2017 – and even then the vast majority of casks will be held back for longer maturation. “This year we have laid down more spirit in large ex-sherry casks,” explains Shane. “They will produce really lovely whisky but it will benefit from longer aging, so we’ll keep most of it to mature for many more years.”

Wolfburn’s inaugural whisky is expected in the first quarter of 2016. It will be made from spirit laid down during the early part of 2013. “There’s still a long way to go until we start bottling,” says Shane, “but we’re ahead of projections in almost every aspect of the business and very much looking forward to being able to share our whisky with the world.”

Photograph: Production manager Shane Fraser fills Wolfburn’s 1,000th cask (No.189 of 2014) – an ex-bourbon quarter cask, which holds approximately 130 litres of spirit.

ABOUT WOLFURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until the 1860s. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by the 1870s the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011, plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 350m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as whisky.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com