Old Pulteney “Huddart” Ex-Peated AnCnoc Cask Finished Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $60) $19.99 View

Wine Enthusiast | Review Date: 12/2021

Sea air, toasted almond and subtle peat smoke mark the nose of this single malt. The palate opens assertively smoky and savory, mixing bacon and mesquite with almond, honey and spice. This was aged in ex-bourbon casks and finished in casks that previously held peated whisky. (KN).

Old Pulteney, the brilliant distillery situated on Scotland’s Northern coast, only makes unpeated malt. For this unusual bottling, they’ve finished their malt in casks that previously held heavily peated anCnoc single malt from their sister distillery Knockdhu. You get all the salty brine of Pulteney combined with the intense peat of anCnoc for a special take on the peaty, salty style of whisky more familiar to fans of Islay.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Buyer | Review Date: 12/2024

This is one of those deals where our price is so ridiculously low it gives people pause. You may remember the Old Pulteney Clipper or the Balblair 2005 that we secured earlier this year. Each one of those flew off our shelves once the word got out and I received hundreds of emails asking me if we were going to get more. It’s astonishing that we were able to work this deal, mostly because this this is still available all over the place at the much higher price. That was not the case either of the other two. But here we are. A beautiful highland malt ace’d in a heavily peated highland cask, gives us just the tiny kiss of smoke that I often crave when tasting modern Old Pulteney. I’m sad to say that this is every bit worth the $60 they want to charge for it, and I’d have been happy to continue to sell it at that price, but right we’re in a valuation creation mode and we cannot resist the opportunity to share the value that this type of deal creates for our customers. Let’s have a taste. The color is lovely restrained deep gold (0.8), likely no coloring added here although it’s not stated on the bottle. The nose offers no strong smoke or peat aromas, instead the cask finish serves to heighten the classical salty maritime character of the Pulteney malt in an extremely appealing way. With a bit of air, the sweet sea air envelopes a basket of fresh orchard fruit pear, yellow plum, lemon rind and apricot skins. Beyond that a deep base note of malt offers some savory earthy, rich nutty and sweet biscuit notes. The palate is extremely pleasurable in a very overt sort of way -the savory notes described in the critical review maybe have tamed slightly in bottle over the last several years, but a pure and linear twinge of peat slices right thru the gorgeous salty fruit on the front palate. Very subtle wood smoke, roasted heather, oily nuts, and lingering salt sits on the back palate and build toward a beautiful spice driven finish. It’s not giant bruiser or powerhouse, instead offering a complexity often lost in NAS malts and while it might put off those who absolutely HATE peat (albeit the Highland style rather than the brackish iodine of Islay), I highly doubt that anyone else will find this overly smoky or peaty in anyway. This is first-rate malt, which truly shouldn’t be available for the price we’re charging. You’ve been warned that this is not to be missed, so don’t come crying to me when it’s all gone!

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

Last minute Xmas Gifts?

Still struggling with Christmas gift ideas? Our shop beside Whiski Rooms is open right up till Xmas Eve with an array of delightfully Scottish gifts and treats.

Our gift vouchers make great gifts, so versatile and can be used in all three of our Whiski Venues so take your pick from Whiski Bar on the Royal Mile with its live music every night tor the romantic Whiski Rooms or indulge in a delicious whisky tasting in our shop or just buy a bottle of something tasty with your gift voucher – we ‘ve got it covered.

Our Whisky tastings run daily and cover our Introduction to Whisky, Whisky and Chocolate and Whisky and Cheese tastings and also for the more experienced whisky drinker we can do our Premium Whisky Tastings – something for everyone and fun guaranteed, no experience necessary !

The best thing is you can schedule your gift voucher to arrive when you want it to – all easy convenient and order online from the comfort of home.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2024 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (December 12, 2024) – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 11 years old. Comprised of barrels produced in the Fall of 2013, and bottled in the Fall of 2024, the fourteenth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the Fall edition bares a black label, consistent across each of the brand’s Fall releases. This edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $154.99.

The Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright copper color, with a nose of leather, vanilla, subtle cinnamon and nutmeg. The taste leads with crème brûlée sweetness with a bright, ginger note followed by notes of old leather and toasted oak. Its finish is warm and dry with hints of pepper and char.

“Heaven Hill Distillery’s Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a masterclass in tradition and craftsmanship,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “At 11 years old, this release celebrates a first-class legacy within the Bottled-in-Bond category. As the 14th release in this prestigious series, it reaffirms Old Fitzgerald’s place at the pinnacle of American whiskey, honoring both its storied past and the continued excellence that Heaven Hill brings to every bottle.”

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the company’s American Whiskey portfolio. The legendary Old Fitzgerald line, which was acquired by Heaven Hill in 1999, is well known for its distilling pedigree and its history as a luxury brand first sold in the finest rail lines and steamships. The packaging was inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter and pays homage to the history of the brand being traditionally bottled in artistic decanters of all shapes and
sizes. The black label features the time-honored graphic of a key, commemorating an important element in original labels and the brand’s slogan since the 1940’s, “Your key to hospitality”.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

We’re very pleased to present the 2025 Victoria Whisky Festival. The Victoria Whisky Festival will run through Thursday the 16^th, Friday the 17^th, Saturday the 18^th and Sunday the 19^th of January 2025 at the 5-star Hotel Grand Pacific located on Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour. To order tickets please contact Frank Hudson at info@victoriawhiskyfestival.com

With the goal of bringing you the highest quality spirits at the best possible prices, this selection wows with both value and rarity. Featuring single barrel Scotch and Bourbon from some of the world’s most historic and renowned distilleries under the K&L Exclusives label, a 12-year-old single malt from Suntory, and a bottled-in-bond 16-year-old from quintessential American distiller Hotlings, these bottles are highly collectible and completely gift-worthy—especially for those who seem to already have it all!

2008 Port Dundas 15 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive Refill Oloroso Sherry Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Lowland Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml) $54.99 View

2007 Glengoyne 16 Year Old “Old Malt Cask” K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (700ml) $109.99 View

Blue Run “K&L Exclusive” Cask Strength Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $139.99 View

Suntory “Yamazaki” 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $159.99 View

2005 Secret Orkney (Highland Park) 19 YO “Signatory” K&L Exclusive #DRU 17/A63 #28 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Cask Strength Non Chillfiltered Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $179.99 View

Hotalings 16 Year Old “Old Potrero” Bottled In Bond Single Malt Rye Whiskey (700ml) $179.99 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

Douglas Laing’s Gift Guide

Big Peat Anniversary

This exceptional Islay Whisky Blended Malt, matured in hand-selected Red Wine Casks, is more than a bottle – it’s a story. Presented in a beautifully crafted, gift-ready carton, it’s designed to delight with 15 discoverable insights about Big Peat, the Isle of Islay, and the artistry behind this unique Whisky. Whether for seasoned collectors or first-time Whisky explorers, it’s the ultimate way to share the spirit of Islay.

Discover Remarkable Regional Malts – limited-edition whiskies celebrating Scotland’s finest regions. Thoughtful, unique, and gift-ready, they’re perfect for sharing the warmth of the season.

SHOP NOW

THE MACALLAN
A NIGHT ON EARTH JEREZ

70cl | 43% ABV

A Night on Earth in Jerez is inspired by New Year’s Eve in the home of Sherry wine, Jerez de la Frontera. Here, the celebration goes by a different name – Nochevieja, the “Old Night” – and is full of meaning and tradition. This limited-edition release is matured in exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks, and evokes the nostalgic flavours of home to make it the perfect gift for someone you love. This limited edition single malt whisky was created in collaboration with acclaimed Jerez-born artist Maria Melero.

£104.95

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TASTING NOTES:

Nose
Honey coated Pestiños, sweet raisins, cinnamon, anise, rich oak & vibrant citrus.

Palate
Sweet pastry, white grapes, honey glazed almonds, vanilla, balanced spices and hints of fresh rosemary.

Finish
Sweet, vibrant and warming.

ralfy review 1085 Extras – Recalibrating our ‘malt-mission’ for another year.

Kentucky Distillers’ Association Announces

New Board Officers & Directors

2025 BOARD READIES SIGNATURE INDUSTRY FOR GLOBAL GROWTH, CHALLENGES

FRANKFORT, KY.— The Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) today announced that Ken Lewis has been elected Chair of the 144-year-old non-profit trade group that unites, promotes, and protects the signature Kentucky Bourbon and distilled spirits industry.

Lewis, founder of New Riff Distilling, will begin his term as Chair beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and will serve through December 2025. He succeeds Jessica Pendergrass, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for Heaven Hill Distilleries, who is finishing her second turn as Chair.

“It is an honor to serve as Chair of the KDA. I’m proud to have been a part of all the work KDA has done over the years to grow our industry into a $9 billion economic engine,” said Lewis, who retired this year as President and CEO of New Riff and is now its Operating Owner.

“As I enter this new leadership role, I have eyes wide open to the opportunities and challenges our industry will face in the coming months and years. We’ve always found success when we work together as one distilling family, and I look forward to building upon that legacy.”

KDA President Eric Gregory, who is finishing his 17th year leading the historic organization, said he looks forward to working alongside Lewis and the entire Board as they continue to build upon the strategic plan to strengthen the KDA as the Worldwide Voice for Bourbon™.

“We are blessed to have a visionary and engaged Board of Directors that has perfectly positioned the KDA and our members to confidently advocate for Kentucky Bourbon and American Whiskey on a global scale,” Gregory said.

“This coming year will bring many opportunities and challenges for our signature spirit. With Ken leading our dynamic Board of Directors, we are poised to elevate Kentucky Bourbon even further across the world, both as a leading beverage and a thriving tourism behemoth.”

Alongside Lewis, the Board also named Gigi DaDan, General Manager of Louisville Distilling Co., as Vice Chair; Kaveh Zamanian, Founder, Whiskey Maker & CEO of Rabbit Hole Distillery, as Secretary; and Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus at Brown Forman Corp. as Treasurer.

Other Board officers include Pendergrass as the Immediate Past Chair; Wally Dant, President and Distiller of Log Still Distillery, representing “Proof” level members; and Jeremy Buchanan, CEO and Owner of Hartfield & Co., representing “Craft” level members.

Other Board members for 2025 include:

·     Bardstown Bourbon Co.: Mark Erwin, President and CEO

·     Castle & Key Distillery: Will Arvin, Co-Founder

·     Diageo North America: Antoine Smith, Vice President of Distillation and Maturation North America

·     Four Roses Distillery: Ryan Ashley, Chief Operations Officer

·     Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.: Robert G. Downing III, Senior Corporate Counsel

·     Lux Row Distillers: Erika Lapish, Vice President of Human Resources

·     Michter’s Distillery: Andrea Wilson, Chief Operating Officer & Master of Maturation

·     Suntory Global Spirits: Crady deGolian, Director of Public Affairs

·     Whiskey House of Kentucky: David Mandell, Co-Founder and CEO

·     Wild Turkey Distillery: Marco Barassi, Campari Government Relations and Sustainability Director, North America

·     Willett Distillery: Britt Kulsveen, President

·     White Dog Trading & Storage: Tyler Harris, President

About Ken Lewis: 

Ken Lewis of Cincinnati, Ohio, is a spirits expert and groundbreaking policy leader, Lewis graduated college as a trained English teacher, but left shortly into his young career for the world of spirits retail. He championed efforts for Sunday sales and initiated litigation that allowed retailers to use credit cards for sales, eventually building The Party Source megastore, the first of its kind in the country. Learning the industry from the bottom up, Lewis brought innovation and entrepreneurship as the founder of New Riff Distilling in Northern Kentucky, paving the way for the craft Bourbon boom that now counts dozens of Kentucky distilleries.

New Riff Distilling joined the KDA in 2014 and became a Heritage member in 2024. Lewis has served on the KDA Board since 2020 and this year served as the Vice Chair. Since 2022, he has served on the KDA’s Government Affairs Advisory Group and the KDA’s Bourbon Trail PAC Committee. He also has served on the Boards of Directors at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, and MeetNKY.

“This coming year will bring many opportunities and challenges for our signature spirit. With Ken leading our dynamic Board of Directors, we are poised to elevate Kentucky Bourbon even further across the world, both as a leading beverage and a thriving tourism behemoth.”

— Eric Gregory, KDA President

 Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the Worldwide Voice of Bourbon™.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR™, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL™ and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.