Glenglassaugh Manages Legacy 1967/2010 (40.4%, OB, Walter Grant”,  Refill Hogshead, 200 Bottles).

On the nose there’s the very welcome characteristics one always associates with old ex- American oak and it’s very, very good. Some good gentle sweetness, a little influence from the cask and some heady warmed honey or brown sugar. There’s a little sweet apple in the back ground (a warm apple off the counter not straight from the refrigerator). The taste is a good reflection of the nose but a little more concentrated but now with some leather and tobacco and then some really good dry cocoa powder. Sensational! There’s not much more to be said, it’s very good. The finish is much the same and holds together very well, some moments of the cask but it’s merely a welcome addition and does not detract for one moment. It’s not overly long but this does not detract for a moment since it holds together so very well.

Score 92 points 

$830 (~ a Macaulay Caulkin “Home Alone” face moment!)

Part three of four of Old & Really Expensive Week.

Top Picks

Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 year old Blended Malt Whisky 750ml ($55.99)
94 points Wine Enthusiast: “This maple syrup-toned spirit is a blend of Islay and Speyside malts, with no grain whisky added. The result is an effortless mix of lightly smoky and oaky caramel notes, and a smooth, velvety feel. A splash of branchwater amps up the peat quotient.” (09/2011) 89 points Whisky Advocate: “Just as complex as Johnnie Walker Gold, but fuller and more richly textured. (Not surprising, given that there are no grain whiskies in Johnnie Walker Green.) This is one of the finer vatted malts on the market. Its flavors are well-integrated. You’ll find creamy toffee and nougat at its core, which is then layered with notes of vanilla, mint, fresh brine, and even a hint of mustard seed. Excitingly fresh and vibrant on the finish. A whisky for both the blend and single malt drinker. (Vol. 14, #2) ” K&L Notes: Special order items are not in stock and are dependent upon quantity available from distribution. All special orders are final and non-refundable. Top Blended Whisk(e)y – 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The preliminary aromas are an interesting mix of paraffin, toasted cereal and dried tobacco leaf; more minutes resting in the copita stimulate fragrances of summer grass, vegetable oil, light toffee and oak. Palate entry is off-dry and a touch toffee/nougat-like; at midpalate the oiliness/oakiness noted in the latter stages of nosing come to the fore as tastes of sweet butter, oleo margarine and black pepper vie for flavor dominance. Finishes chewy and a tad honeyed.

Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

Bowmore Legend Islay Single Malt Whisky 750ml ($23.99)
The Bowmore Legend is an absolutely delicious Islay whisky. It’s got the perfect amount of smoke and the right amount of richness. At this price, we had to taste it against Johnnie Black and there’s really no comparison. The Walker Black, being a blend, is tasty enough, but it thins out at the back when the malt turns into grain. The Bowmore Legend being 100% single malt whisky is simply more exciting and smoother on the finish. Being someone who loves oily, smoky, and fruity flavors in my malt, I can’t think of a better deal for a bottle of whisky since I started working at K&L. This is cheaper than Glenfiddich 12!!! Kudos to Morrison-Bowmore for finding new ways to work with retailers and bring consumers some financial relief. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)

1995 Mortlach 17 year Duncan Taylor Dimensions Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 4 available ($134.99)
This meaty Mortlach comes from Duncan Taylor’s high quality “Dimensions” line. It exemplifies this rare and wonderful distillery perfectly. Bottled at cask strength, availability will be very limited.

United States – Bourbon and Rye

2002 Evan Williams Single Barrel #726 K&L Exclusive Bourbon 750ml ($26.99)
Our first ever Evan Williams exclusive barrel is here. Enchanting as it is affordable, Evan Williams is one of America’s great whiskies. Here we have a single barrel that we selected after combing through countless samples. While the standard Evan Williams is great and bottled one barrel at a time, occasionally you get a bottle that just out shines the rest. Trying to find another bottle from that same cask is next to impossible. What we have is an entire cask of this superior quality, one that will certainly be compared to the best offerings from this famed brand to date. It’s extremely limited yielding less than 16 cases. This is one of the more elegant Evan Williams, I’ve come across. Easy and approachable, but with tons of depth. Some tropical citrus flavors, mark the overal honey and spice. The palate shows great depth, although it’s not one of these sticky bourbons. The sweatness is balanced by a lovely exotic tea element, not bitter, but a bit tanni c. It all come together with a lovely drinkable balance and a totally lack of any heat at all. This is painfully easy to drink. Be very careful!

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 11 Year Old Bourbon 750ml – 6 available ($69.99)

BACK IN STOCK… (items we’ve carried in the past that have just arrived again)

Bourbon and Rye

Old Potrero Single Malt 18th Century Style Whiskey 750ml – 2 available ($69.99)
The fascinating spirit represents Anchor Brewing Company’s attempt to re-create the original whiskey of America. This release was distilled in a small copper pot still at Anchor’s distillery on San Francisco’s Potrero Hill, from a mash of 100% rye malt. Rye was the grain of choice for America’s first distillers, and using a mash of 100% rye malt produces a uniquely American whiskey. Aging in handmade oak barrels–lightly toasted in the traditional manner–imparts a wonderfully subtle flavor to this 18th-century-style American whiskey. (In the 18th century, barrels were made by heating the staves over a fire of oak chips, allowing them to be bent and formed into a barrel shape. During this process, the inside of the barrel would become toasted–but not charred.) For aging, Anchor chose several uncharred oak barrels–both new and used–to achieve the balanced complexity that complements this whiskey’s unique heritage.

Scotland – Blended Scotch

Black Bottle Blended Islay Scotch Whisky 750ml – 11 available ($19.99)
Black Bottle is the staff favorite for a peaty style blended whisky. Seven Islay distilleries all in one bottle, how can you go wrong and for this oustanding price! In 1879 Gordon Graham of Aberdeenshire created Black Bottle whisky for his own pleasure. It almost immediately changed his life. Not only did he now have a splendid blend to enjoy in his evenings, it was so outstanding that he became famous throughout his village, and then Scotland. He soon abandoned his regular tea making and blending business to concentrate on fine whisky. Black Bottle is a unique and accessible tribute to the much-revered Islay malts bustling within it. Smooth, bold and balanced, it is uncompromising and flexes its rich credentials at every sip. And its muscular physique hasn’t gone unnoticed: Black Bottle has been described as having a “quite brilliant array of Islay-iodine and smoke notes”, in Jim Murray’s Classic, Blended Whisky. Color: Rich gold Nose: Warm, smoky and peaty Body: Clean and round with profiles that marry the nose. Finish: Intense Peatiness – 5 Sweetness – 7

Johnnie Walker Gold 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml ($75.99)
93 points Wine Enthusiast: “This amber blend of 15 whiskies, each aged at least 18 years, yields a mellow, balanced mix of sweet caramel, raisin and smoky notes, all lingering and pleasing.” (09/2011) Whisky Advocate: “An example that older, more expensive isn’t always better, this 18 year old gem is as good as many blends twice its price. The foundation of Johnnie Walker Gold is delicate, clean, and honeyed, along with a fresh sea character (from Clynelish?) that provides a youthful zing. Notes of vanilla, shortbread, tropical fruit, freshly cut hay, marshmallow, and even a hit of peat, round out the palate. Its finish is subtly complex and nicely balanced. The blend has improved nicely over the past several years. (Vol. 15, #2)”

 Scotland – Single Malt Scotch

Tobermory 15 year old Unfiltered Island Single Malt Whisky 750ml – 6 available ($129.99)
Tobermory 15 Year has the prestigious distinction of being the only single malt ditillery on the Isle of Mull, 70 miles north of Islay on Scotland’s west coast. The name Tobermory is a Gaelic word meaning “well of Mary.” The distillery was built in 1798 in an area known as “Ledaig” (pronounced “Lechig”) which means “safe heaven.” This new release is produced from Scottish unpeated malted barley, un-chill filtered, natural colour and 46.3% alc/vol. 90-95 points and Highly Recommended Wine Enthusiast: “Fragrances of butterscotch, brown butter, toffee, dried pears and apple, as well as salt and old oak notes. Palate entry is toffee and butterscotch laden; midpalate is concentrated, toasty, buttermilk-like and full-weighted. Ends up heavily in the marzipan/light caramel/toffee “sweet zone” which, while not for everyone, works for me.” (12/09)

United States – Bourbon and Rye

Michter’s 10 Year Old Single Barrel Bourbon 750ml – 5 available ($89.99)
Good ol’ Michter’s 10 year old. Back in stock for a limited time.

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

The Bunnahabhain 40 year old is available to pre order now!

The Bunnahabhain 40yo is a one-off release of 750 individually numbered, hand signed bottles presented in bespoke packaging. According to the distillery the whisky was discovered by Master Distiller Ian MacMillan, who found the casks listed in the distillery ledgers. “It was an exhilarating moment to stumble on such a special find,” he said. “There are very few 40yo Islays and unlike any other, Bunnahabhain’s taste is considered unique because the distillery does not heavily peat the fine malted barley.” Nose – Fragrant notes of sweet oak, hazelnuts, citrus peel and chocolate with hints of light smokiness.

Palate – A rich and complex balance of heather honey, ginger chocolate and sweet fruits.
Finish – Teasingly long with lightly spicy nutty notes and a hint of sea salt. 41.7% vol. Un-chillfiltered

Click Here To Buy

Movember at TWE

The 11th month is here and with it comes the time of Movember. A season of moustache growing, the awareness of parts of gentlemen’s bodies that we don’t generally think enough about and a bit of charity fund raising. At TWE … Continue reading >>

“Justin Vernon of Bon Iver called me and asked,
‘Hey Gordy, can a guitar be built from a whiskey barrel?’
My answer was, yes.
This is that guitar. Enjoy.”
– Gordy Bischoff, luthier

BON IVER’S JUSTIN VERNON TEAMS UP WITH HIS HOMETOWN LUTHIER GORDY BISCHOFF HANDCRAFTS A BARITONE GUITAR FROM BUSHMILLS™ IRISH WHISKEY BARRELS

GUITAR TO BE AUCTIONED TO BENEFIT THE CONFLUENCE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER IN EAU CLAIRE, WISCONSIN

October 2012: Justin Vernon, the Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter and frontman of Bon Iver, has teamed up with longtime friend and master luthier Gordy Bischoff (www.bischoffguitars.com) to develop ‘The 1608’ – a baritone guitar made with original white oak wood from BUSHMILLS™ Irish Whiskey barrels.

‘The 1608’ is Bon Iver’s collaborative release with Bushmills for ‘BUSHMILLS BROTHERS™ Since Way Back’: the initiative that celebrates the lives and close friendships of artists and creative talent across the world and collaborates with each to produce inspired content that reflects each of their passions.

A link to view and embed the official video premiering ‘The 1608’ can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNqp-AtDSqQ

From Monday, October 22 to Thursday, November 1, ‘The 1608’ will be available to take home via an online auction (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281003876062) to benefit The Confluence Community Arts Center: a community arts center in support of Vernon’s hometown community of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

“The goal is to put art back on the map in Eau Claire,” said Vernon. “Far too many artists from this area have had to leave because what we want to do with our lives just isn’t possible here. That’s what the Confluence Project is: to build a center that can be a nucleus for art here in Eau Claire.”

Vernon joined ‘Since Way Back’ in 2011 with brother Nate and close friends Kyle Frenette and Brian Joseph, all of whom form the backbone of Bon Iver as Co-Managers and Audio Engineer, and whose relationships define the ‘Since Way Back’ story of supporting family and friendship.

The guitar was revealed last week at a private event for friends and family of the band in Wisconsin. Eau Claire is home to one of the strongest and most diverse music scenes in the United States, and Vernon utilises his international notoriety to bring awareness and support to his Wisconsin community. From the initial idea to conception, everything ties back to his hometown.

The importance of supporting a community is parallel to the history of Bushmills; whiskey has been made in the Bushmills area since the original licence to distil was granted in 1608. Since the brand’s inception, BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey has a held belief in the power of timeless friendship and brotherhood.

“I was really happy to have this opportunity to work with Gordy on this collaboration,” said Vernon. “He’s an example of someone who’s stayed in Eau Claire and built an artisan career from the ground up. His guitars are not only world class, but from our area. I’ve known him for many years – he’s built a lot of guitars for us, it’s been a lot of fun to see what he came up with.”

Bischoff, a master luthier for 37 years, utilised a combination of his woodworking skills with moisture and heat to mould and soften the fibers to bend the wood into place, and develop the shape needed to create a guitar. This baritone guitar is made almost entirely out of the white oak wood from the whiskey barrels, with only a touch of additional wood added to the internal structure. The nine-pound guitar features two separate pickup systems, an acoustic transducer and two passive electric pickups, and features a neck made from hard rock maple and Ebony. The finishing touches tie the entire collaboration together, featuring BUSHMILLS bottle caps as the volume and tone control knobs, with a bit of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey added to the guitar humidor in the case to enhance the aroma of the iconic brand.

“I first met Justin when he was in one of his early bands, Mt. Vernon,” said Bischoff. “After coming in for various setups and adjustments, he eventually ordered his first custom acoustic guitar from me – that guitar went on to be featured by Bon Iver in their Grammy-nominated song of the year, Holocene. I knew I was in for a test when I got a call from Justin and he said he had two questions for me: one, could I build a guitar from a whiskey barrel and two, was I interested. It was a ‘yes’ for both.”

Keep Up with Bushmills at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bushmills1608
Twitter: @BushmillsGlobal

NOTES

About The Confluence Project
The Confluence Project is a public-private partnership to redevelop a blighted area at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers in the heart of the Eau Claire, WI, downtown district. The centerpiece of the project is the construction of a community arts center that meets a significant need for the local arts community. The Confluence Project combines philanthropy with private, state, county and city funds in a true collaboration. In addition to revitalizing prime real estate at the heart of the community, the Confluence Project builds upon existing competitive strengths, further establishes the distinctive artistic nature of the Chippewa Valley and strengthens the creative community as a viable economic development driver. For more information, head to www.eauclairearts.com/confluence.

About BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey
BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey is hand crafted in small batches for a smooth taste at Ireland’s oldest working distillery, in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. The brand portfolio includes six award-winning whiskies: BUSHMILLS, BLACK BUSH™, BUSHMILLS 10 Year Old Single Malt, BUSHMILLS 16 Year Old Single Malt, BUSHMILLS 21 Year Old Single Malt and our anniversary edition, BUSHMILLS 1608. Whiskey has been made in the Bushmills area since 1608, when the original grant to distil

About Diageo
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

GlenDronach 39yo 1972/2011 (49.8%, OB for KWM, Oloroso Sherry Butt, C#711, 300 Bts.) 

A label you can read, what a concept. A bottling done exclusively for Kensington Calgary. Coca-Cola on the nose and those Coca-Cola candies from a way back, remember them?? Some good solid meatiness followed by rich Christmas cakes, all very nice and with time spent in the glass some leather and tobacco arrive which soon dissipates leaving the Christmas cake in splendid isolation. The taste is spicy and sweet at first and then it becomes quite dry and zesty with some lemon notes complimenting the sherry which is Omni present. The finish is more of the lemony and sweet tobacco (just after it’s been cured) and very long and quite dry, like a dry sherry.

Well done Kensington.

$350 & sold out it would seem….

Score 88 points

Part two of four of Old & Really Expensive Week.

Taste single malt Scotch in Atlantic City, Wyoming

We’re testing something new on

Friday, November 9, 2012

Miner’s Delight Inn, November 9, 2012, 6 – 9 p.m.

Call to let us know you plan to attend: 332-0248

Here’s what you get for $40:

♦ Jazzy hors d’oeuvres to cleanse your palate between pours and

♦ 5 half-ounce pours of single malt Scotch whisky:

♦♦ Sample 3 top-shelf single malts, including a Malt of the Month * (10% off)

♦♦♦ Benromach 2001 Cask Strength * (from 7 bourbon casks)

♦♦♦ Arran Sherry Cask 1996 (a USA exclusive single-cask bottling)

♦♦♦ Bruichladdich Port Charlotte PC7 (a peaty limited edition)

or

♦♦♦ Glenmorangie 18 year old Extremely Rare

♦♦ Pick 2 Connoisseur’s Choices from our single malt menu

Don’t wear perfume or cologne at tastings because scent plays a key role in whisky enjoyment.

Bruichladdich became the biggest whisky story of the year when Rémy-Cointreau paid £58 million for the Islay distillery in July. However, the new owners are keen to stick to the template that made the independent ‘Progressive Hebridean Distillers’ so successful.

The Whisky Exchange shop at Vinopolis is delighted to welcome Craig Johnstone from Bruichladdich to take us through the distillery’s myriad styles, from Organic spirit and whisky made entirely from Local Barley, through the recently-released 16yo and 22yo Laddie Classic expressions and Jim McEwan’s devilish Black Art III to the uncompromisingly bold Port Charlotte, now fully mature. As is traditional, Craig will also have a secret little surprise with him for the lucky attendees.

The tasting will take place on Tuesday 20th November at 7:30pm at The Whisky Exchange Shop at Vinopolis in London.

£30 per ticket, on sale now.

As ever, tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are limited to two per customer.

To book your ticket call us at 020 7403 8688  or visit our shop

http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/nlv/nl-05-11-2012-tasting-bruichladdich/

Glenfarclas 105

Best bang for your Buck!
Full strength Glenfarclas back in-stock

Buy – $55.87

Snowbound at the Distillery

Hi all,

As the cold weather settles in Scotland and we start discussing whether winters are getting colder, wetter or milder, I thought I’d share with you the story of a night in 1965, when 60 employees got snowbound overnight at our Girvan Distillery.

There’s no mention of how much whisky was consumed that night, but I…(please click on the link below to read the remainder of the article)…

THE LINK

Kind regards,
Ludo