Last Call on Cult-Favorite, Exclusive-Cask Rarities

2005 Ledaig 17 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600201 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky

“This is truly a special whisky … An easy slam-dunk for any peat lover and an absolute must-have for Ledaig people.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

2007 Clynelish 16 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #311259 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky 

“…if you’ve never experienced the wonder of Clynelish before, you’ll definitely want to capitalize on this rare opportunity.” — Will Blakely, K&L Spirits Specialist

We’re down to the last available stocks of two of the most compelling K&L exclusive casks we took in late last year from Gordon & MacPhail. These second-fill sherry hoggies are perfect examples of what makes these distilleries such coveted cult favorite among our Scotch clientele, and pricing remains a steal in both cases, considering the quality of what’s in the bottle.

2005 Ledaig 17 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #18600201 2nd Fill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($160.00)

K&L Notes: Ledaig Single Malt is a cherished gem from the Hebridean Isles and comes from one of the oldest distilleries in all of Scotland. Produced on again/off again since its founding in 1798 and licensed since 1823, the Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull is known primarily for its two single malt marks. Tobermory, an unpeated dram and Ledaig, with its heavily peated characteristics. Both are widely regarded as malts of outstanding quality. Both malts owe their rich character to the unusual stills that lie at the heart of the distillery—bulbous stills and curvy lyne arms offer a huge amount of reflux. Ledaig’s heavily peated malt offers a rich array of flavors from smoky to fruity to meaty and with just a whiff of green grass. Pair the malt quality with the excellent wood management and exceptional pricing from the legendary Gordon & MacPhail and we have the first entrant for Best Cask of 2024! A very active refill sherry hogshead, Cask No. 18600201 comes in at 17 years old and 54.3% ABV. Yield 310 bottles. Bottled without chill-filtration and no added color.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 02, 2024

Liquid amber in color and boasting a nose equally full of fruit, charcuterie meats, and candied smoke. This is a Ledaig like we haven’t seen in ages. Active, clean sherry without a trace of sulfur really lets the fullness of the malt shine. First the fruit: crisp apple, dried orange peel, apricots, hoshigaki, and fruit leather—it smells ripe and sweet. The meatiness is intertwined with the fruit and the smoke, an array of cured and smoked meats. Applewood smoked ham hock comes to mind almost immediately. Candied and smoked nuts make the transition into more pronounced peat smoke, which really shines once you get the whisky on your palate. The wood and malt are so evenly matched it is difficult at times to tease apart which component is contributing which flavors. The palate is thick, a blanket of fresh peat and cold ash, saddle leather, and abundant ripe fruit. A blush of cool mint and dewy grass add lift and freshness. It goes on for days, and yet you can’t help but go back for more. Salted nuts slowly candied in honey and a kiss of sea spray top it all off. Proof positive that G&M still hold some of the finest whisky stocks in Scotland.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 02, 2024

The peated malt from the gorgeous Tobermory distillery is known as Ledaig. It’s not just the same whisky with peated barley, but utilizes specific fermentation and distillation times to create one of Scotland’s most intensely flavored spirits. It’s for that reason and maybe some issues with cask management over the years that Ledaig has a bit of a love/hate relationship for some peat lovers. But when you get a great one, it’s absolutely undeniable. This is one of those barrels. Full term in high-quality (and active) refill sherry with some of Mull’s finest. Stupendous! Let’s taste it. The color is a splendid chestnut! On first nosing it’s big, meaty, sooty smoke. With a bit of air—this one needs air—we move distinctly into the old leather, kippers, sweet orange zest, marmite, apricot jam on pumpernickel, and burnt raisins. On the palate, it’s perfectly salty, savory, and sweet. Almost no sulfur but so much leathery smoke, it’s unbelievable. The long finish offers deep, billowing, ashy smoke along with powerful baking spices and nutty oloroso notes. This is truly a special whisky and highly undervalued thanks to our amazing relationship with Gordon & Macphail. Only rivaled as an exclusive Ledaig by the much more controversial and divisive Chieftain’s 21-Year, this one is so much easier to love. An easy slam-dunk for any peat lover and an absolute must-have for Ledaig people.

2007 Clynelish 16 Year Old “Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur’s Choice” K&L Exclusive Cask #311259 Single Refill Sherry Hogshead Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Highlands Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($180.00)

K&L Notes: The historic Clynelish distillery offers some of the most unusual spirit in Scotland. Distinctly waxy, as many old malts were, it is one of the few distilleries to have maintained this characteristic in the modern era. Long ferments and tons of copper contact lead to a surprisingly fruity flavor profile to accompany that mysterious waxy note. The combination is beguiling, and once bitten by the flavors, you’ll join the Cult of Clynelish in a hurry. Pair it with a subtle yet active refill sherry hogshead, as we have here from the legendary Gordon & MacPhail, and you have a surefire winner at 16 years old and 55% ABV natural cask strength. Expect toffee, stewed red fruits, baked apples, dark cherries, and candle wax. Sweet spices and candied citrus peel round out the rich palate and finish.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: January 20, 2024

16-year-old Clynelish from a beautiful, refill sherry hogshead that has transformed the whisky but not overpowered it. My first nosing immediately reminded me of Hawaiian Punch—a veritable fruit salad of red. Further passes yielded toasted granola and honey. A few minutes later the nose is all sweet milk chocolate followed by darker cocoa nibs. Coming back to the whisky after a few more minutes, jolly rancher hard candy in all the red flavors. While Clynelish is well known for its fruit, this one is particularly heavy in the cherry and raspberry realms. Many minutes in the glass will coax it all out. On the palate, soft ripe plums and other stone fruits come through, and the toasty granola of the nose stands out in a big way. It shows off the grain mixed with roasted nuts and fresh-baked shortbread cookies. A little sweet herbaceousness adds a fun twist, as alfalfa and licorice come to mind. Cinnamon makes a big appearance here along with candied citrus peel. The finish shows a little of that appealing Clynelish waxiness mixed in with the spicy cinnamon notes, like a Red Hots candy, all caramelized sugar and paraffin. With water, the nose moves into more crunchy green apple territory, and the palate shows more waxen with a bent towards graham crackers. At 55% ABV, it has lots of room for additions and experimentation. This is a bottle that will be fun to drink to the last drop and another excellent example of Gordon & MacPhail’s impeccable wood management.

Will Blakely | K&L Spirits Specialist | Review Date: January 19, 2024

Clynelish remains a favorite and highly sought-after distiller among single malt aficionados, and this bottling gives a compelling case as to why. The refill sherry cask was fairly active here, though you might not think it from the color. Even the nose is fairly restrained, offering only an oxidative, nutty, and yeasty tone on top of the pungent, sweet aromas of white flowers, cut hay, cherry compote, and ripe plum. On the palate is where it really sings—sumptuous, mouth-watering texture delivers wave after wave of dark, dried fruit, Christmas cake, and cocoa, all adorned with juicy blackberry and raspberry and just a hint of singed orange peel. This dram absolutely loves air and needs some healthy, hearty doses of oxygen to reach its full potential. The wealth of fruit and spice that come from sufficient time in the glass perfectly counter the savory, waxy character of Clynelish’s distinct malt combined with the rich, nutty sherry. For those missing the magic of our Signatory bottling a few years ago, this may be the closest thing we see for some time. And if you’ve never experienced the wonder of Clynelish before, you’ll definitely want to capitalize on this rare opportunity.

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
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ADELPHI SINGLE CASKS

Highly regarded and even more highly sought after, the latest releases of Adelphi Single Casks have arrived at Inverurie Whisky Shop and we’re delighted to have them on our shelves. These are very limited releases with only a handful of each available. With some brilliant Sherry Cask releases amongst the line up, as well as a few exciting releases from our neighbours in England and Wales, and beyond the British Isles, there’s sure to be something in the line up to tantalise your tastebuds.

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The Loch Fyne Fynest Springbank 22 Year Old

A stunning addition to our Loch Fyne Fynest Range! This superb expression was distilled in November 2000 and has been aged for 22 years, bottled at 44.3% abv in February 2023 and limited to just 242 bottles – cask reference #663. The liquid hails from much sought-after Campbeltown distillery, Springbank, and was bottled exclusively for our Loch Fyne customers.

£515.00

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ralfy review 1033 Extras – Learning from Experience.

BERRY BROS. & RUDD EXPLORES A SENSE OF PLACE IN

NEW SPIRITS RELEASE

Berry Bros. & Rudd, the oldest wine and spirits merchant in Britain, has launched a new spirits collection exploring “A Sense of Place”, drawing inspiration from iconic and vibrant landscapes across the world and their impact on flavour. The 2024 one off collection which is part of an annual release of curated spirits is divided into two parts: Glens & Valleys and Coast & Shores, with each bottling reflecting the essence of their surroundings.

The first release in the series ‘Glens & Valleys’ includes 10 exceptional Scottish whisky distilleries, each rooted in landscapes as rich and varied as the spirits they produce. Scotland’s rugged glens and serene valleys are carved by ancient glaciers and centuries of history. Many distilleries are strategically nestled in these locations, where access to pristine water sources is abundant. These waters, essential for the distilling process, play a crucial role in defining the character of each whisky.

From the foothills of the Grampian mountains to the Valley of the Garioch, the Glens & Valleys series recognises some of Scotland’s most scenic destinations and celebrates the heritage and artistry of the different distilleries. The second release, ‘Coasts & Shores’, will be released in Autumn 2024 and will explore a selection of whiskies and rums from iconic coastal landscapes around the world.

Felix Dear, Spirits Curator at Berry Bros. & Rudd, said: 

“This release is a testament to nature and craftsmanship. As you explore these whiskies, you embark on a sensory expedition through some of Scotland’s most cherished and secluded spots.

“You’ll find whiskies that epitomise the distinctiveness of their respective distilleries, alongside the landscape they reside in; while others have the additional influence of flavour through varied cask finishes. These special editions have been infused with distinct flavours from casks sourced through our long-standing relationships with world-class producers.”

The 2024 Glens & Valleys collection will be available from 20th June 2024 and includes 25 bottlings from 10 distilleries.

Blair Athol 2011, Glen Garioch 2011, Dailuaine 2010, Glen Ord 2007 and Glenlossie 2011 will be available exclusively at www.bbr.com

Blair Athol 2011, Glenburgie 2008, Glendullan 2011 and Linkwood 2010 will be available exclusively in selected UK retail partners.

The following bottlings will be available exclusively in selected international retail partners – two sister expressions of Blair Athol 2009, Glen Spey 2009, Linkwood 2010 and Glendullan 2011 and single cask expressions of Dailuaine 2010, Glen Garioch 2011, Glen Ord 2007 and Glenlossie 2011.

The following casks will be split between selected UK and International retailers – Blair Athol 2010, Glen Elgin 2012, Glen Elgin 2008 and a Glen Garioch 2011 sister cask.

TASTING NOTES 

Blair Athol, 2010, Sauternes Finish Cask #30323

Blair Athol Distillery sits in the foothills of the Grampian mountains – the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The distillery’s ancient water source flows from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, into the Allt Dour Burn – “The Burn of the Otter”.

Tasting notes:

Ripe orchard fruits drenched in honey vie with vanilla, caramel and a subtle oak spice. The palate tells a tale of complexity and refinement: stewed apples and peaches, softened by the sweet caress of Sauternes, dance with ginger warmth and a hint of nutmeg. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving echoes of sweet fruit and luscious honey.

ABV: 56.3% | RRP £105 

Blair Athol, 2011, Pedro Ximenez Finish Cask #304166

Blair Athol Distillery sits in the foothills of the Grampian mountains – the gateway to the Scottish Highlands. The distillery’s ancient water source flows from the slopes of Ben Vrackie, into the Allt Dour Burn – “The Burn of the Otter”.

Tasting notes:

On the nose, stewed plums and ripe figs emerge, accompanied by a hint of polished oak and warming spices. The palate unravels with layers of dark chocolate, raisins, and a subtle hint of mint, all beautifully integrated with Blair Athol’s distinctive malty core. The finish is long and luxuriant, leaving a lingering sweetness reminiscent of a treacle tart cooling on a windowsill, with a concluding whisper of orange zest and clove.

ABV: 57.7% | RRP £100

Glen Elgin, 2012 Cask #807729

Located in a valley beside the Speyside hamlet of Fogwatt, Glen Elgin was the last Scottish distillery established during the Victorian era. It draws its water from the nearby Millbuies Springs, a source it shares with Linkwood distillery.

Tasting notes:

The nose opens with white sugars sprinkled atop warm, homemade shortbread. Split vanilla pods reveal their seeds, intertwining with a gentle breeze of orchard freshness. Tasting reveals a note of green apple and pear, adding a crisp edge to the creamy texture. A sprinkle of white pepper introduces a medium finish, where the initial sweetness gently recedes, leaving behind a hint of floral honey.

ABV: 59% | RRP £75

Glen Elgin, 2008, Moscatel Finish Cask #805333

Located in a valley beside the Speyside hamlet of Fogwatt, Glen Elgin was the last Scottish distillery established during the Victorian era. It draws its water from the nearby Millbuies Springs, a source it shares with Linkwood distillery.

Tasting notes:

This is a dram that captures the colour of dawn’s first light. Its bouquet unfolds with delicate floral whispers, beautifully adorned with sultanas and sun-dried grapes. On the palate, crisp apples and juicy pears sit atop grapey undertones, enriched by the lushness of strawberries and cream. The finish is elegant, with a subtle hint of spice and the warmth of oak, perfectly complementing the light, grapey sweetness.

ABV: 55% | RRP £115

Glen Garioch, 2011, Oloroso Finish Cask #1100001332

Founded in 1797, Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. The distillery’s founders, John and Alexander Manson, chose the “Valley of the Garioch” to build their distillery as it was known for producing the best barley in the country.

Tasting notes:

As you approach the glass, the air fills with the scent of autumnal orchards, where apples and pears lie nestled amongst fallen leaves. The first sip reveals sun-drenched raisins and dark chocolate, all swathed in the warmth of seasoned oak. The Oloroso cask weaves threads of nutty sweetness and spice, atop a sprinkle of cinnamon. This is a journey through the seasons, from the last golden days of summer into the heart of a fireside winter’s evening.

ABV: 56.9% | RRP £115

Glenburgie, 2008, Marsala Finish Cask #87

Located between the Speyside towns of Forres and Alves, Glenburgie sits on a site rumoured to have housed an illicit distillery in the early 19th century. Its single cask bottlings are seldom seen, but much desired.

Tasting notes:

Stewed peaches and apricots lead the charge on the nose of this delightful whisky, with a rich undercurrent of dried fruits and butterscotch. After this initial impression, the Marsala cask’s influence radiantly shines through, with dates, prunes, and crème brûlée apparent. The finish is elegantly long, with a sweetness reminiscent of caramelised nuts and dried roses.

ABV: 59.1% | RRP £105 

Glendullan, 2011 Cask #310541

Built during the whisky boom of the late 19th century, Glendullan Distillery is based in the “malt whisky capital” of Dufftown, sitting in a glen with the river Fiddich flowing beside it. Glendullan, in Gaelic translates to “valley of the standing stone or rock”.

Tasting notes:

The nose opens with a subtle blend of vanilla and green apple, leading to an oily texture on the palate that carries through ripe pear and a hint of cinnamon. As it unfolds, a slight oakiness and a whisper of white pepper add depth without dominating, culminating in a balanced and complex finish. Initially delicate and reserved, this whisky blossoms to reveal a full-bodied and richly textured character.

ABV: 58.2% | RRP £80

Linkwood, 2010, Pedro Ximenez Finish Cask #301242

Founded in 1821, Linkwood is one of Speyside’s unsung heroes. The distillery is situated on the outskirts of Elgin, a town whose name is thought to derive from the Celtic word “Aille”, signifying a beautiful place or valley. 

Tasting notes:

A rich panorama of scents unfolds, led by raisins and accented with a subtle treacle sweetness. The influence of the PX cask is evident on the palate, providing a luxurious texture that cradles the concentrated flavours of dried fruits. Spices whisper in the background, enhancing the dram’s depth without overshadowing the foundational sweetness and fruitiness.

ABV: 54.9% | RRP £105

Berry Bros. & Rudd has been a trusted merchant since 1698 and this year it celebrates 325 years in business. It’s survived over the centuries because, as a family business, it has always operated with family values in mind. Recognised as the global destination for fine wine and spirits, Berry Bros. & Rudd still operates from its historic home at No. 3 St James’s Street and are committed to helping customers drink better now, and in the future. As it marks its 325th year, it continues to collaborate with our community of customers, producers, and colleagues to help create a sustainable future so it can confidently raise a toast to the next 325 years.

Whisky A Go Girl Exclusive Single Cask Release

Ex-Peated Irish Whiskey Cask Finish

58.6% ABV

CLICK HERE TO BUY – NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Two years ago Jenna, Whisky A Go Girl, had an opportunity to taste through a selection of Killowen experimental casks that Head Distiller and Founder Brendan Carty was working on, and she instantly knew there was something unique, yet exceptional being made. The quality of the spirit was unlike anything she had ever tasted, and the flavour compositions were out of this world.

In her own words, ‘These were literal dream whiskies, each sip conjuring a flutter of emotions that I couldn’t quite understand. Since then I have been on a mission to get to the bottom of what makes these whiskies so special, and I believe it all comes down to love. Love for the craft, the people, the land. The story-telling that comes with the enjoyment of each bottle, the love of making something for the world that brings people together. When you couple that with the brilliant minds and talents of Brendan and his team, you get once in a lifetime whiskies, worthy of immense praise and admiration.’

We at Killowen are over the moon to get this opportunity to work with Jenna who is a wonderful asset to the world of whiskey. We think this whiskey captures her personality in flavour, quality and branding. It really is brilliant!

The whiskey details:

Age: 8 year old

Style: Single Malt Irish Whiskey

ABV: 58.6%

Cask Types: Ex-Bourbon, Ex-Peated

Bottles: 245

Price: £90

After aging for 5 years in an ex-bourbon cask, this Cooley-born Irish Single Malt made its way to Killowen Distillery, and in the care of its brilliant team, it was transferred into an ex-peated Irish Whiskey cask from The Great Northern Distillery. It is bottled at cask strength, free of artificial coloring, and is non-chill filtered.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Rich juicy melon steeped in honey fill the nose, with notes of freshly cracked pepper and dried grass swaying in a warm breeze. A whisper of honeyed peat keeps your nose in the glass, searching for more.

Palate: A silken texture of whipped peated honey hits the palate and melts into a warm buttery mélange of fresh pancakes and melon-maple syrup, topped with a lemon – cardamom whipped cream.

Finish: Long citrus-peppery notes dance on the palate, making your mouth water for one more sip.

Killowen Distillery Ltd
29 Kilfeaghan Road
Rostrevor
Newry, County Down BT34 3AW
United Kingdom

Established in 1888, The Antiquary is one of Scotland’s oldest Whisky brands. This luxury blended Scotch has been given a new lease of life with a refreshed collection and striking new bottle design. A premium blend of Highland and Speyside malts alongside Lowland grains, with an unusually high malt content, married in fine oak casks from France, Portugal and Spain.

AGED 15 YEARS

70cl | 40% ABV

A BLEND OF FINE WHISKIES MARRIED IN RED WINE CLARET CASKS FROM THE BORDEAUX REGION

NOSE: Mahogany, polished leather, pipe tobacco, candied orange, grilled peaches and cloves.

PALATE: Rhubarb, tamarind, raspberry coulis and vanilla.

FINISH: Medium with warming fruit jam.

£44.95

AGED 21 YEARS

70cl | 40% ABV

MARRIED FOR THREE YEARS IN TAWNY PORT CASKS FROM THE SYMINGTON FAMILY ESTATES IN PORTUGAL

NOSE: Camphor, hessian, cut hay, burning heather, dark mocha, saffron and vanilla.

PALATE: Spiced plum, wild strawberries, dark chocolate, charred game and orange.

FINISH: Sea salt and red fruits.

£99.95

AGED 30 YEARS

70cl | 40% ABV

A 30-YEAR-OLD WHISKY WHICH HAS BEEN MARRIED FOR OVER THREE YEARS IN SHERRY CASKS FROM THE JEREZ REGION OF SPAIN

NOSE: Passionfruit, mango, grilled pineapple, maple syrup, hints of smoked bacon and aged timber.

PALATE: Tropical fruit, syrup and rich oak spice.

FINISH: Beeswax, heather honey and waxy tropical fruitiness.

£274.95

Congeners are an important concept to understand if you love Scotch whisky because they significantly influence the flavour, aroma and overall character of the whisky. Vic Cameron, one of our expert teachers, says: “Congeners are chemical compounds that can either provide a taste or provide an aroma, so they combine together and provide flavour. The congeners that are created all the way through the process – like during fermentation and distillation – are actually what gives your whisky the flavour. Ethanol itself has no flavour, no taste.”

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Every bottle of our historic single malt is presented in a special box featuring images of men and women from our community. The word ‘Hearach’ means a native of Harris, and we’re proud to both name our dram after them and share their stories.

Meet Kenny Macleod who was born and brought up on Scalpay and has spent over 40 years of his life working at sea with HM Customs & Excise. After taking early retirement in 2019 he returned home to start his own business running Eilean Glas Rib Tours sharing the best of island wildlife and history with adventurous visitors.

Kenny has also been involved with the RNLI for almost three decades and currently supports our local Leverburgh Lifeboat as a training coordinator and launch authority. A century or two ago any distillers on Harris would be wary of an ex-Customs & Excise man, but safe to say these days we’re happy to applaud Kenny for playing such a big part in our island community!

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HAPPY CANADA DAY, eh?