•1991 Cambus 21 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Whisky 750ml ($109.99)
Here we go! After two years of hunting for a replacement to our wildly successful single grain Girvan, we’ve finally found a cask of grain worthy of our discerning customers. Cambus is among the most difficult-to-find grain distilleries, for a couple of reasons: it’s been closed since 1993, and it’s rumored to be at the heart of the Johnnie Walker Blue bottlings. No surprise that it’s difficult to find–if Diageo is relying on this whisky to produce one of its most sought-after blends, it will certainly be controlling as much stock as possible. Occasionally, small lots slip out of the blender’s grasp and into our glass! Here we have a super-high quality grain in all its awkward splendor. This nose is all oak spice and vibrant fresh fruit. Clove, coriander, freshly grated nutmeg, apple skins, under-ripe mango. On the palate, the fruit takes over, plus vanilla cake frosting, and the baking spices remain subdued, with a bit of coconut and som e fresh oak notes. A perfect example of why sometimes, we must not blend all of the grain. (David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer)

•1997 Laphroaig 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Signatory Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($115.99)
We love Laphroaig. Everybody loves Laphroaig (if they don’t hate it). Not a lot of people on the fence regarding Laphroaig. That’s why it’s really hard to get. It’s really expensive as well; this is both cause and effect. We’ve seen prices go up, while quality has remained consistent. We took on a middle-aged Laphroaig last year and sold it for what seemed like a reasonable $140. Now we have another cask of Laphroaig and it’s difficult not to oversell it. If we’re always so effusive about every whisky we taste, people start to question our judgment. So, I’m just going to say that this is top-tier Laphroaig. It’s in that prime moment between the intensity of a young Laphroaig and that depth of the older offerings from this legendary distillery. This was the whisky that we spent time wringing our hands about because we were expecting to be paying the same price as our 18 year from 2012, but somehow we were able to get the pri ce down to something far more reasonable. It won’t last, and it will go down as a hot deal in our single barrel history. Don’t miss it! (David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer)

•Faultline Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750ml ($39.99)
We’ve been doing gin and single malt for years, and now rum, so why not throw our hat in the Bourbon pool? One of the obstacles that kept us from making a Faultline Bourbon earlier was availability: the current demand has made the extra barrel a thing of the past. One of the only distilleries that would sell us a cask for a private label was the old LDI distillery in Indiana, but with the already overcrowded LDI market (Bulleit Rye, Templeton Rye, High West, etc) we didn’t think our product would be different enough, or of the quality we desired, for the Faultline name. That’s when John Little from Smooth Ambler stepped in and said he’d be happy to help us do something special. If we were going to work with LDI casks, then we needed the capability to blend something special to taste – the specs wouldn’t sell this baby. John had some incredible 10 year old low rye formula that we used in conjunction with some 7 year high rye. We kept tastin g and tasting until we found the sweet spot at 100 proof. It’s FAR better than I ever thought it would be. I hoped we could provide something fun and different, but the final whiskey is phenomenal. It’s rich, with sweet fruit right on the entry, a full-bodied mid-palate, and a long, rich, spicy finish. It tastes like it came from Four Roses or somewhere fancy and at 50% it pops in all the right places. I hope we can make another batch like this because this Bourbon is the new king of K&L. Taste it if you don’t believe me. (David Driscoll)

•Four Roses K&L Exclusive OBSV Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon 750ml ($59.99)
When I was having trouble finding a cask of Four Roses single barrel I liked, their distiller Jim Rutledge sent me an email saying, “What’s up?” I told him that all of the samples they had been sending out were good, but that I was being picky. I was waiting for the gut feeling I get and the excitement that goes through my spine when I taste something superlative. Jim told me, “Well I’m going to drive out to the warehouse tomorrow and pick your samples myself. I’m sure I can find something that will excite you.” And so he did. And now that whiskey is here. There’s nothing out of the ordinary or unique about this whiskey, no ripe banana notes or soft cherries, and nothing new. This OBSV cask is simply straightforward, classic, and honest — much like Rutledge himself. Creamy vanilla, a healthy dose of spice, lots of sweet wood on the finish with a touch of burnt sugar. It’s a whopper, too, at 61.6% and 10.5 years of age. It’s not a Bourbon you absolutely need to have — there’s nothing collectable about it and it’s not something we haven’t seen before. It’s probably a Bourbon that you’ll want, however. I want one, at least. (David Driscoll, Spirits Buyer

•Clear Creek McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt Whiskey 750ml ($53.99)
The new Fall 2013 release of McCarthy’s is here! Highly anticipated and sure to sell fast. Whereas the last batch carried more new oak richness and little smoke, the peat is back this time around, but with another dose of big oak. Both are equally in check and work together quite lovely. One of the best batches we’ve tasted yet. Much improved over the last one for sure.

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

Whisky Tasting Thursday 21st November

Phil Huckle, Chivas Regal brand ambassador, comes to the N&P cellars to present a range of Aberlour’s and Glenlivet’s finest offerings…

 Glenlivet 18 Year Old
Glenlivet 21 Year Old
Ballantines 30 Year Old
Royal Salute 21 Year Old

Phil will also bring Miltonduff 1970 cask sample (43Year Old). Refill bourbon. Miltonduff is owned by Pernod Ricard but isn’t released as a Single Malt. It is one of the two key malts that go into Ballantines (Glenburgie being the other)
This cask would probably go into the Ballantines 40Year Old.

A spendid evening which will include fresh foods to match with the delectable whiskies.

Great value at just £20 per ticket
Starts 7.30pm
Further details from david@nickollsandperks.co.uk

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #65

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries the BenRiach 1997 from the Creative Whisky Company, run by David Stirk. It is bottled at 45% and proved to be a nicely fruity summer dram.

http://youtu.be/Ll4Nn3uCvi0

DISCOVER THE WORLD’S BEST WHISKIES AT THE FNB WHISKY LIVE FESTIVAL 

If you didn’t know that South Africa makes the best whisky in the world, head to the 2013 FNB Whisky Live Festival at the UJ Campus in Soweto, from October 24th to 26th and to the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton on November 6th to 8^th, to discover these award-winning, proudly South African whiskies.

Taste Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky at both the Soweto and Sandton festivals – a whisky that was awarded the prestigious accolade, the 2013 World’s Best Grain Whisky at the World Whisky Awards held in London –  competing against the very best from Scotland, the USA and Ireland.

At the Soweto event Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky will be sharing its mixability, smoothness and richness whisky in the Shisa Nyama zone which will be open to all ticket holders.

At the Sandton festival, master distiller, Andy Watts, who has for the past 22 years created many firsts for the South African whisky industry, will be conducting an exclusive workshop where you will have the rare opportunity to taste the limited edition Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt – a whisky you will be lucky to get your can get your hands on, as only a limited number of bottles were released – 8000 to be exact. Andy will also share a few samples of interesting whiskies which he and his team have been developing as part of their ongoing innovative approach to whisky-making. The workshops have very limited seating available and take place on Thursday, 7 November at 20.00 and on Friday, 8 November at 18.45. The cost is R110 per person and lasts an hour.

If you are unable to find a seat at this workshop you can book a private tasting with Andy at both festivals in the Whisky Live Festival Tasting Room. The tasting will include Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old (title holder of the World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2012 World Whisky Awards), Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish (which took gold at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge) and Three Ships Select (rated 81 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible).

Bookings for these tastings are free of charge and will be on on a first-come-first served basis. Bookings will open on the night of the Festival at selected times to be announced at the show.

And to keep your love for whisky alive, join Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky at the following venues for the after-party:

24 October – Wandie’s Place, Soweto with Three Ships

25 October – Choc’s Place, Soweto with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky

26 October – Mabutho’s Pub, Soweto with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky

6 November – Katzy’s, Rosebank with Three Ships and Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky

7 November – The Sands, Sandton with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky

8 November – Metro, Bemore Shopping Centre with Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky

Visit www.whiskylivefestival.co.za for more information and to book for the workshop which has limited seating available.

Time to Celebrate the Millennium and Raise More than Glasses 

Award-winning Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has just unveiled a very special charity whisky made at the turn of the millennium.

Produced on 31^st December 1999, the Millennium Casks edition captures a landmark moment in time and is sure to be a hit with whisky fans across the world.

A memorable mix of 35 bourbon barrels and 10 Sherry Hogsheads, the new release will reach shelves in the UK on 28^th October with just 7,800 bottles available worldwide.

The Master Distiller behind the new release, James MacTaggart, said: “With this spirit we tried to create something really unique to reflect upon the importance of a period of time that none of us will experience again.

“Bottled without chill-filtration, the malt has a zesty nose with an edge of spice. Arran fans will be able to detect our hallmark flavours of orchard fruits and baked apples, which are complimented by a sprinkling of vanilla and cinnamon.

“This whisky is delicious served with a splash of water, which helps to expose the layers of creaminess in this unique dram. As with most of our malts, this whisky is unpeated.”

The packaging features the God of beginnings, endings and transitions from the ancient Roman myth Janus. This God, depicted with two faces, was able to look back into the past and ahead into the future and prompts drinkers to reflect as well as enjoy the spirit.

Euan Mitchell, managing director, added: “We produce whiskies which are consistently high quality and this new edition holds genuine appeal for drinkers as it reflects the importance of the past as well as the future.”

Retailing at £64.99, a donation from every bottle sold will go to the Arran Trust, a conservation charity which funds projects that look after the beautiful landscapes and environment of Arran.  One such project is the footpaths on the island which lead to Loch na Davie – the pure water source which is an essential ingredient in the Arran Single Malt.

Euan added: “We want to help maintain the island for future generations and this new whisky release will help us to raise money for charity. We always work closely with the Arran Trust as we have a shared interest and passion for looking after our beautiful corner of Scotland.”

Notes: 

The Arran Millennium Cask Edition will be available in the UK, and throughout Europe.

In the UK it retails at £64.99 and is available online at www.arranwhisky.com as well as in specialist whisky stores.

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

For more information on the Arran Trust visit www.arrantrust.com

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012. Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013.

New videos: Part VI – Grant’s 25 Year Old

Hello,

It’s been a fun week, but all good things must come to an end.

In our final video I introduce our oldest blend to date, Grant’s 25 Year Old. To create this superb dram, our Master Blender chose our rarest whiskies and blended them with the very first batch produced at our new distillery in Girvan…(Please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK  

Kind regards,

Ludo

Glen Grant 1953 / 60 Year Old / Rare Vintage

A very impressive 1953 vintage from Glen Grant distillery that’s been matured in refill sherry casks for an astounding 60 years! Bottled in 2013 by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Rare Vintage series.

£718.00
(£598.33 ex vat)

Click here to buy Glen Grant 60 Year Old 1953 Rare Vintage

UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews Mackmyra Moments Glod Whisky.

http://youtu.be/kKmlZ7V4FFQ

http://Facebook.com/whiskytube

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS INNOVATIVE 1824 SERIES

Range inspired by the colourful world of The Macallan

The Macallan has unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour. The luxury single malt whisky brand, distributed by Beam Global Australia, is delighted to launch three expressions in October including Amber, Sienna and Ruby.

Grounded in an unwavering commitment to sourcing the very best oak sherry casks, the most expensive in the industry, The 1824 Series showcases the signature style of The Macallan, embracing the defining elements which have made it one of the world’s truly great single malts.

Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker, has created expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Amber, Sienna and Ruby, all names reflecting the actual colour of the whiskies in the range, but also describing naturally occurring mineral and metals.

This innovative approach to whisky making is the first to derive the final character from the natural colours drawn into The Macallan from the oak sherry casks over the years of maturation. It has allowed Bob Dalgarno to assess the broadest range of casks delivering an unrivalled range of natural colours. The casks chosen for the range deliver a gradation of colour from light to dark, with the wood character defining each expression’s flavour, moving from lighter, lemon citrus to richer, dried fruit notes. As the whiskies become darker and richer, so the pool of casks able to deliver this character becomes smaller and rarer.

Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said, “The Macallan world of colour is the true inspiration of the 1824 Series. Using colour to drive and define a whisky differs dramatically from the conventional age approach, allowing us to explore different casks and take a more flexible approach to our stock. We have been able to work creatively with the full range of matured stock available, rather than working to a pre-determined character based on age. For me, the key thought in this range is that great single malt doesn’t need to be 30 years old to taste like a 30 year old.”

By drawing on his broadest range of skills in cask selection, Bob has been unshackled by the need to draw on casks selected first and foremost for their age. His expert skills ensure consistency through the effective management and selection of the casks which provide the spectrum of natural colour and character essential to The Macallan.

Commenting on this latest innovation, Ken Grier, Director of Malts, Edrington said “

As some 60% of the aroma and flavour of The Macallan derives from the oak maturation casks, this new range is a genuine opportunity to demonstrate the critical role of these exceptional casks and also to challenge perceptions about bottling at arbitrary ages. Taking colour as the basis for shaping these whiskies, an industry first, is testimony both to the innovative approach to whisky making and to the long experience of our Whisky Maker. This truly is Bob’s work at its very best.”

Cheryl Tang, Brand Manager, Beam Global Australia states

“The 1824 Series showcases its signature style of The Macallan, embracing the defining elements of natural colour and exceptional sherry casks which have made it one of the world’s truly great single malts. The series is one of the most anticipated new releases in whisky times and we are excited to introduce the Amber, Sienna and Ruby to the Australian market.”

The Macallan 1824 Series will be available in major liquor outlets and leading bars nationally from November 2013. RRP for the 700ml series are; The Macallan 1824 Amber, $105 per bottle, The Macallan 1824 Sienna, $160 per bottle and The Macallan 1824 Ruby, $220 per bottle.

TASTING NOTES

Amber –

A floral, citrus sweet nose gains presence, commanding a chorus of sweet vanilla notes over freshly harvested grain. Raisin, sultana and cinnamon look on as toffee apples and candy floss step into the limelight. On the palate, fresh green apples and lemons mingle with cinnamon. Ginger notes hover as fruit takes over, with subtle oak lingering. The finale is light to medium, with soft fruits and cereal, slightly dry.

Sienna –

A warm opening with a subtle vanilla nose, persistent yet not overpowering. Orange arrives, turning zesty and sharp, though tempering green apples add freshness and balance. Next comes white chocolate truffles, chewy and sumptuous, with elegant oak notes. Dates, figs and raisins lead the palate then make way for nutmeg and ginger with a splash of oranges and apples, before vanilla returns. The final fanfare is gentle, smooth and warming.

Ruby –

Spanish Oak piques the nose before reluctantly admitting rich, dried fruits and an edgy trickle of treacle. A hesitant sweetness enters, then oak returns, burnished and mature. On the palate a rush of ginger, nutmeg and resin herald orange, sultana and raisin with their restrained but pervasive sweetness. Clove is here and gone, leaving oak the undisputed maestro. The finish of this ruby-red spirit is long, lingering and reflective.

ABOUT BEAM INC.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavoured Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fuelling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. Beam Inc. Australia distributes Macallan on behalf of The Edrington Group in Australia.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.

For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit: www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

EVERYONE HAS A HOME, OURS INSPIRED
A GOLD MEDAL-WINNING RANGE.

We are all shaped by our home, it defines our character, values and ideals. The Glenrothes is no different. In celebration of this, we are proud to introduce the Manse Brae Reserves; our very first range of whiskies developed exclusively for Travel Retail that pay tribute to our home, The Manse, at The Glenrothes Distillery in Speyside.

View the range

Watch the video