Cragganmore 12-year-old Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($45.99)
90-95 points Wine Enthusiast: “The succulent aroma develops with aeration in the sweet forms of barley, cream, light caramel, and a trace of tropical fruit. Palate entry is round, borderline plump, breakfast-cereal sweet, and honeyed; at midpalate, there’s a slightly oily peat smoke. Sweetly concludes with the focus on the malt.” (04/2004) Whisky Advocate: “This oft-overlooked Speysider has been frustratingly variable in the past, but now seems to have hit greater consistency. Worm tubs and weird stills combine to give a complex malt, but one that needs help from oak to blossom fully. There are hedgerow aromas: black currant leaf, hawthorn berries, and lots of honey. A chestnut note continues on the tongue where, on the finish, a hint of smoke lurks. (Vol. 21, #2)” K&L Notes: Barley is naturally a major crop, and the presence of Scotland’s fastest flowing river – together with peat from the uplands to the south – was the reason original Cragganmore owner ‘Big’ John Smith felt that it would be the perfect place for the perfect distillery. And who could argue with his genius? Successive managers of Cragganmore have strived to continue his vision to deliver the sweetest, most complex malt whiskies: fruity, honeyed notes are often found. And many a taster of has talked lyrically of fruitcake and toffee flavours. “One of Speyside’s greats. Elegant and austere. Gradually, almost reluctantly, reveals itself. The most fragrant of whiskies: delicate, herbal, flowery. A palate blossoming with flavours, and a long, lingering, finish.” Michael Jackson, whisky writer and expert.
Laphroaig “Quarter Cask” Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($54.99)
91 points Whisky Advocate: “The whisky begins sweet and creamy, with notes of vanilla, honey, and ripe malt (reminiscent of a malting floor). Then the Laphroaig signature peat smoke, seaweed, tar, and medicinal notes emerge. Bottling at 48% and without chill-filtering keeps the whisky from being dulled down. A whisky that is very dynamic. Nicely done. (Vol. 15, #2)” K&L Notes: Two hundred years ago, malt whisky was carried through Scotland in small casks that were easily transported on the backs of pack horses. As transportation methods improved, Scottish distillers turned to more economical larger casks, which became today’s uniform standard for maturation. Until now. Realizing that using the original small cask maturation process would be an innovative way to add new character. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is handcrafted to deliver a new expression of Laphroaig’s powerful, smoky flavors with smoother, creamier and more complex notes. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is initially matured in American oak bourbon barrels, and then is transferred into new, specially produced quarter-casks for a final seven-to-eight month period. As a result, the maturing spirit receives 30% more contact with wood than other single malts aged in larger, more commonly used barrels. The additional wood influence imparts a very special character to the spirit . The result is a single malt with the unmistakable peat smoke that is so unique to Laphroaig, and a creamy, coconut-like nose with a soft sweetness, a hint of salt.
W. L. Weller 12 year old Bourbon 750ml ($25.99)
Whisky Advocate: “A “wheated” bourbon, meaning that it doesn’t have the spicy rye notes found in a more traditional “ryed” bourbon. A pleasantly sweet, easy-going, well-balanced experience. Creamy vanilla, caramel, candied corn, and ripe berried fruit , along with more subtle notes of glazed orange, cocoa powder, and wood shavings. If I were going to ease a new bourbon drinker into the category, I might pick this one. ” K&L Notes: “From its deep, bronze color to its initial aromas of lanolin, almond oil and creamed corn, this tipple delights! A second sniff highlights the oily grainy quality that’s firm and pungent, this one’s a high-spirited, lusciously toasty, and animated bouquet that has top-notch Bourbon written all over it. The dry, complex, and toasty palate entry is reminiscent of the Centennial 10 Year Old’s. The mid-palate flavor profile is heavily wheated (like Wheat Thins crackers), oily, layer, moderately sweet and sap-like. The finish is long, sweet, oaky, and intensely grainy; follows in the footprints of the legendary Centennial and delivers the goods, all for an unbelievable price.” (Paul Pacult, The Spirit Journal
Scotland – Irish and Blended Scotch
Johnnie Walker Platinum 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml – 11 available ($84.99)
Scotland – Single Malt Scotch
2002 Glen Grant 10 Year Old Gordon & Macphail, Single Malt Whiskey 750ml – 2 available ($45.99)
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
