Distillery life begins early each morning as the whisky-makers and production men and women take the long and winding roads from their home villages to work. Our northerly latitude (around the 58th parallel – the same as Alaska) means that the slide into the dark months is a swift one and their daily drive to Tarbert is now well before dawn.

The young distillers are sometimes rewarded with a special sunrise, as the windows of the Spirit Hall look out across East Loch Tarbert. But, more often than not, it’s lashing rain that greets their peers through the glass.
Visitors and regular Journal readers will know our distillery fire well, a beacon of warmth which welcomes visitors who come through our doors, particularly at this colder time of year. Each day the guest team build a beautiful blaze with locally cut peat and both the flames and sweet smoky scent of this traditional fuel soon warms both hands and heart.

With the clocks here in the UK have gone back we’re plunged a little deeper into the depths but there’s beauty to be found even with the arrival of winter.

Empty beaches and bracing walks in the wild Harris winds are well rewarded with warming drams. Just wrap up well and ensure something worth pouring awaits your return home as we enjoy the last of the light…

Read on for more stories and have a great weekend wherever you are in the world…

Le gach deagh dhùrachd,

Mike Donald, Chief Storyteller

The Hearach single malt is a complex and elegant whisky, full of island character.

We encourage you to spend time in its company, and explore the scents and sensory experience from a personal point of view.

To help things along, here are the official tasting notes from our distillery blender, Shona Macleod, from the village of Carragreich:

“ I get a gentle peat smoke on the first sip which reminds me of island home fires burning when I was growing up. It comes along with a toasted maltiness. I can also taste homemade apple sauce and smell machair flowers, particularly white clover which springs up on our west coast every summer. Mixed spices appear, and an old-fashioned sweetness from things like candied ginger, vanilla, and honeycomb. Finally, there’s a long, clotted-cream note, mixed with a lasting sense of new leather.”

Let us know your thoughts on the flavours you find, and the memories they evoke, next time you enjoy your dram…

Order your bottle and open to discover more…

ORDER YOUR BOTTLE OF THE HEARACH

Our November 2024 collection schedule has now been finalised. Lots collected in this run will be included in our final auction of 2024 which begins on 29th November. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service. We can collect lots for up to three auctions.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 11th November 2024.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point. Although we do have four collection points in London.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis. It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box.

A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

High West “A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 12″ 98.6 Proof Limited Edition Whiskey Utah (750ml) $169.99 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

ralfy review 1050 – Caol Ila 8yo @57.1%vol: (Wilson & Morgan)

Introducing Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve: A unique expression selectively finished in premium sake casks* fusing Japanese craftmanship and Scotch Whisky expertise

1Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve has been created in collaboration with ‘Masuizumi’, the internationally renowned sake brewery.

Blended Scotch whisky Chivas introduces Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve, a 12 Year Old spirit drink marrying the unique and delicate flavours of Japanese sake with the rich, smooth, and generous taste of Chivas Regal.

As a pioneer in innovative blends, Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve is a celebration of innovation, a fusion of cultures, and a testament to Chivas’ commitment to creating an exceptional liquid that redefines drinking experiences for enthusiasts around the world. Launching exclusively in Asia, this is not the first time Chivas Regal has worked with ‘Masuizumi’. In 2018, Pernod Ricard Japan partnered with the distillery to launch ‘Link 8888’, a premium sake aged in ex-Chivas Regal American oak barrels.

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve builds upon this unique collaboration by taking an unconventional approach to the blending process. After the ex-Chivas Regal barrels used for Link 8888 were returned to their home in Scotland, a bespoke portion of Chivas Regal exclusive to this launch was finished in these casks that previously held premium sake, creating a unique spirit drink that brings to life the essence and unique flavours of both sake and Scotch whisky. The result is a velvety, rich flavour accented by the delicate freshness of juicy pears, offering a sweet and crisp note. Hints of cloves and nutmeg add a warm and aromatic complexity, resulting in a perfectly balanced liquid with a nuanced fruity influence in each bottle, making it a rare and coveted expression for those seeking a truly exceptional experience.

Sandy Hyslop, Director of Blending at Chivas, commented:

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve represents new territory for Chivas, pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship to deliver a coveted spirit drink that blends the rich heritage of Scotch whisky with the diverse, internationally inspired palette of flavours found in premium sake. Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve is more than a spirit drink; it’s a symbol of the power of collaboration and shared values, inviting enthusiasts to experience the magic born from the unity of tradition and innovation.

Chivas Regal Takumi Reserve is available to purchase in Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, and Cambodia from September 2024. For more information, and to stay up to date with all the latest Chivas news, visit www.Chivas.com or follow us on Instagram @ChivasRegal.

* Ex-Chivas oak casks are filled with premium sake from Japan, before arriving back in Scotland to finish a portion of this exclusive spirit.

dekantā ushers in a new era for the home of Japanese whisky

The world’s largest retailer of specialist Japanese whisky unveils its new look and digital home, reimagined to engage the next generation of whisky enthusiasts.

Founded by visionary entrepreneur Makiyo Masa in 2015, dekantā emerged at a time when Japanese whisky was still a hidden gem, known to a few but inaccessible to many. Despite its unmatched quality and rich heritage, this exceptional spirit was underrepresented on the global stage.

This presented an opportunity to change that narrative. The birth of dekantā was fueled by a strong passion and desire to showcase its craftsmanship, and to bring the finest Japanese whiskies to enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. As Japanese whisky began to garner numerous awards and international acclaim, dekantā became the go-to destination for those seeking the best of what Japan has to offer.

In an industry traditionally dominated by men — where the craft, leadership, and even the consumer has been male-centric — Makiyo’s drive to push boundaries has helped position her as the leading female entrepreneur in Japanese whisky.

Now, as dekantā prepares to enter its tenth year, it proudly hosts the world’s largest online inventory of Japanese whisky and has recently pioneered the birth of its cask market. This extensive collection, featuring over 3,000 bottles and an unrivaled selection of casks, includes global favorites from renowned brands like Suntory and Nikka, old & rare gems and innovative expressions from emerging Japanese distilleries, all meticulously curated for whisky aficionados.

In a spirited move to redefine the online whisky shopping experience, dekantā has unveiled a fresh new look and a revamped digital home. This transformation goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about delivering an unparalleled luxury shopping experience tailored to the sophisticated tastes of today’s consumer. The new and improved marketplace is testament to dekantā’s commitment to excellence, ensuring that every interaction is as seamless and refined as the whiskies themselves.

From its humble beginnings as a passionate startup to becoming a leader in the global whisky market, dekantā’s success is rooted in its loyal client base. The brand remains dedicated to continuously enhancing its offering and shopping experience, always evolving to meet the needs of its discerning customers.

Reflecting on the journey, Makiyo Masa, Founder and CEO, shares her thoughts:

“As we celebrate a decade of dekantā, my heart flows with gratitude for the unwavering support our community has shown us. Their trust and enthusiasm has been the driving force behind everything we do. It’s been an honour to share the world of Japanese whisky with our customers, and I’m excited to welcome them back time and time again.

With each visit, we aim to surprise and delight with new liquid, releases and offerings alongside a constantly improving shopping experience. Our goal is to continue bringing joy to your whisky journey, ensuring every encounter with dekantā is filled with discovery and satisfaction.”

As dekantā looks to the future, it remains committed to delivering the finest Japanese whiskies and, ensuring the next generation of whisky lovers can explore and enjoy the rich heritage and innovative spirit of Japanese whisky, one bottle at a time.

About dekantã

dekantā is a specialist retailer of fine and rare Japanese whisky, proud to have the world’s largest such online inventory.

dekantā’s range covers premium, rare bottles for collectors, small batch and local whiskies from Japan’s young distilleries, and entry-level releases from the most popular Japanese whisky brands.

In 2022 dekantā was named ‘Japanese Independent Bottler of the Year’ thanks to their creative and impressive whisky bottlings that showcase top quality whisky, alongside intriguing aspects of Japanese culture, allowing customers to experience the upper echelon of Japanese whisky while gaining a better understanding of the centuries of hard work that made it possible.

In recent times, dekantā has been at the forefront of the birth of the Japanese whisky cask market and has made strong relationships with several distilleries, allowing them to become leading players in the market. Japanese whisky casks were previously hard to come by, but through tireless work, dekantā is now the leading purveyor of Japanese whisky casks.

www.dekanta.com

The 161st auction is well underway, but there is still time to get involved.  From our experience the auction usually ends sometime after 10pm on Sunday night, which gives you plenty of time to get bids in.

We would also like to point out that for our customers in the United States, Asia and further afield this auction is the last one where we can get your bottles to you before the Christmas break, so if you are looking for that special Christmas tipple this may be your last chance.  See our update here for further details.

Linkwood 1956 60 Year Old Cask #20 Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail

First up is a supremely well-aged beauty from Speyside, this is the Linkwood 1956 60 Year Old Cask #20 Private Collection Gordon & MacPhail.  On 3rd January 1956, George Urquhart oversaw the filling of a specially selected European Oak first fill Sherry hogshead with new-make Linkwood spirit and left it to mature until 1968 when it was moved to warehouses in Elgin.  Now two generations on, this delicious looking dram has been bottled into fifty-six decanters.   An extremely rare 1956 single malt with a unique backstory, and presented in a very special display case.

Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #13 2018 Release

Staying in Speyside this is the Macallan 1950 Exceptional Cask #13 2018 Release.  Macallan’s Exceptional Cask series first appeared on the scene in 2017 and is exclusively comprised of single cask releases, using only what the distillery considers to be their finest stock.  With a wide variety of vintages the Exceptional Cask series feels like a spiritual successor to the legendary Fine & Rare collection.  This particular bottling was distilled over seven decades ago and is one of only 336 bottles released, a very special expression.

Michter’s 20 Year Old Limited Release 75cl

Now onto one of the finest bourbons on the market, this is the Michter’s 20 Year Old Limited Release 75cl.  Known as “the whiskey that warmed the American Revolution” due to George Washington reputedly visiting the distillery and purchasing supplies of it’s famous booze to fortify his troops, Michter’s has been around for a long time in one form or another.  This is one of their flagship releases, an excellent 20 Year Old which we are sure would help fortify you throughout this fast approaching winter.

Longmorn 1968 50 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Decanter

We started with a fabulously old Gordon & MacPhail Speyside so why not finish with one, this is the Longmorn 1968 50 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Decanter.  Distilled in the swinging sixties and bottled a whole five decades later in 2018 this marvelous Longmorn single malt has been aged in a 1st fill sherry butt imbuing the liquid with a rich mahogany colour.  One of only 94 bottles released and contained within a special crystal decanter this is a rather distinguished bottle of whisky.As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.Thinking of selling your bottles? 

We still offer 0% commission to all sellers making Scotch Whisky Auctions the best place to sell bottles.

Behind the most exquisite patisseries are test kitchens of invention. Places buzzing with energy where chefs obsess over every flake of fractured crust, every curl of custard cream. Part artistry, part alchemy, this is mastery at work. And when their experimentation creates a true harmony of flavour, it has to be shared. Because generosity drives this endeavour. If nectar is the food of the gods, and joy comes from celebrating with others, then we need a new word for that irresistible urge.

And that word is ‘Nectarosity’

Nectarosity contains casks that we’ve been experimenting with for the last seven years.

These casks are special American oak barrels that are deployed twice. First to impart sweet spice to grain spirit for one year, which finishes maturing in other casks; this becomes our parcel of grain whisky from The Girvan Distillery in the composition. Once ‘prepared’, the barrels age malt whisky from The Clynelish Distillery, bringing grilled apples, nutmeg and maple syrup to the party. We take these two characterful whiskies, blending them with select others to really dial up the juicy fruit and vibrant toffee notes.

Nectarosity generously combines the honeyed sweetness and soft texture of grain whisky with the big, bold flavours of malt whiskies, to create a perfectly balanced, high malt percentage blended Scotch.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA