BERRY BROS. & RUDD 2022 WINTER RELEASE BRINGS TOGETHER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS  

Berry Bros. & Rudd have today launched their latest seasonal collection. The 2022 winter release from Britain’s oldest family-owned wine and spirits merchant comprises eight Scotch Single Malt expressions, a rare Japanese whisky along with a French whisky.

This quarterly release is dominated by whiskies hailing from the spirit’s homeland of Scotland, in four varying regions, Lowland, Speyside, The Highlands and Islay. Whisky lovers can sample small batch releases such as a  Blair Athol 2012 or delve into the world of Berry Bros. & Rudd single cask category with Dailuaine 2009, Linkwood 2011 Oloroso Finish, Williamson 2013 Moscatel Barrel, Blair Athol 2008 Tokaji Gonchi Finish and Kornog 2006.

The rare Chichibu whisky comes from one of the world’s most in-demand distilleries. 

Doug McIvor, Reserve Spirits Manager, commented: 

“Every quarterly release is centred around celebrating the finest quality spirits and producers from around the world and bringing them together in a collection that covers a breadth of flavour profiles and style, giving our customers the opportunity to try new spirits with confidence. 

“Looking at the 2022 winter release, we are especially honoured to be granted access to the rare liquid that is Japanese whisky. Given its rising popularity in recent years, we were thrilled to accept a cask from Chichibu, not only for its rarity but outstanding quality.” 

The 2022 Winter Release, Blair Athol 2012 (£60), Dailuaine 2009 (£75), Linkwood 2011 Oloroso Finish (£95), Williamson 2013 Moscatel Barrel (£96), Blair Athol 2008 Tokaji Gonchi Finish (£105), Kornog 2006 (£160), Glen Garioch 1988 (£450) and Chichibu 2014 (£475), can be purchased via the website from January 5th 2023.

TASTING NOTES
 
Blair Athol 2012

Complexity and subtlety are the order of the day with this luscious Blair Athol. Maturation in refill hogsheads has allowed the distillate shine through in this bottling (generally, Blair Athol is filled into heavy first fill casks, masking the distillery’s very subtle character). The nose shows stewed apple with a touch of spice, a little vanilla, peach skins and some ground almond. A wonderfully full textured palate gives a similar ride through fruit, spice and nuttiness, with just the merest hint of wood smoke on the end. A beautiful little dram.

RRP: £60

Dailuaine 2009

This chunky Speyside wades out of the glass, offering notes of waxy honeycomb, fruit-salad chews and a pleasing floral note. The palate continues this theme, with added vibrant green fruit: Granny Smiths and pear drops, as well as dried barley, cigar papers and some beautiful waxy notes – immensely complex for a dram of this age. More fresh fruits linger on the palate, as well as a touch of spice. This is further evidence that Dailuaine is surely one of Scotland’s best lesser-known distilleries.

RRP: £75

Linkwood 2011 Oloroso Finish 

This delicate Speyside, re-racked into juicy ex-Oloroso wood, is a warren of flavour. The nose offers apricot jam, figs and under ripe peach, growing into spiced creamy carrot cairn. The palate builds beautifully from fresh fruit into rich dried fruitcake. The addition of a little water and delving deeper reveals more fresh peaches and coconut, along with further wood spice. The finish delivers a lasting medley of spices, fruit jams and hot crossed buns.

RRP: £95

Williamson 2013 Moscatel Barrel 

There’s a great Scottish exclamation to sum up the initial aromas: “jings!”. This is a massive whisky, with huge aromas of peat fires, ash and iodine. This is combined with a subtly spicy character from a glorious ex-Moscatel cask, giving notes of gingerbread, apricot and sultana bread. The palate is equally monstrous – Islay whisky at its vulgar best: peat smoke, leather and seaweed, all rounded by a hugely fruity cask which adds a luxurious mouthfeel. The thick texture adds length to the finish, giving more dried fruit and ash. It’s sudden, powerful, complex, lasting and memorable. Jings!

RRP: £96

Blair Athol 2008 Tokaji Gonchi Finish

Rich, sweet and chewy aromas rise from the glass, offering apricot, figs, almonds and zingy marmalade. This dram takes a little time to open up, but some air brings forth some ripe green apples and a little cinnamon. The palate is thick and full, giving more jammy apricot notes and some dried fruit, but with clear distillate character coming through in the form of stewed apples and pears. A long, mouth-coating finish shows baking.

£105

Kornog 2006

This cask came to Berry Bros & Rudd from the writer Martine Nouet, a long-time friend of the company. It was filled for Martine by her friend Jean Donnay of Glann ar Mor distillery in 2006. This is the oldest cask bottled from the distillery to date, and the following notes are written by Martine herself. “The nose displays an enticing fruity basket of plums and caramelised pears delicately entangled in smoke. Vanilla lusciously swirls up with a briny whiff. The palate is oily, almost velvety and brings out flavours of banoffee pie and intense fruit with a lingering finish on ginger, liquorice with vetiver. Elegant and complex, a true Celt character from Brittany.

RRP £160

Glen Garioch 1988

Highland Whisky at it’s best. This rich, turfy Glen Garioch harks back to the days of the distillery’s own floor malting and direct fire stills throwing out earthy aromas of Highland peat bogs, roasted barley, dark chocolate, honeycomb, leather and cigar leaf. Exceptional. If one manages to get past the nose, the palate gives a massive whack of herbaceous peat, resin, oak smoke and tar, moving to dried fruit, cocoa powder and dates. Spice rises on the finish giving lasting waves of smoke and turf. They don’t make whisky like this anymore, and after a dram one wonders why not?

RRP £450

Chichibu 2014

Lush aromas of ripe mango and lime juice drift out of the glass, mingling with spiced custard over apple sponge cake. A little time in the glass brings a chiselled maltiness into play along with a touch of desiccated coconut. The palate is noticeably thick, showing a wonderful mouthfeel. The character is initially of dried malt, but soon develops into fresh citrus fruits, apricot yoghurt and banana bread, with a suggestion of wood smoke on the rear palate. The finish brings spiced crème brûlée, dried apple and a mouth-watering note of ripening pineapple. This is a masterclass in Japanese whisky from one of the world’s most in-demand distilleries.

RRP £475

Berry Bros. & Rudd

Founded in 1698, Berry Bros. & Rudd is Britain’s oldest family-owned wine and spirits merchant. The brand boasts two Royal Warrants, more than 300 years of history and six Masters of Wine, resulting in a world-class reputation for exceptional wines and spirits. Not just a fine wine retailer, spirits have long been central to the business. Alongside award-winning Speyside single malt whisky The Glenrothes, the spirits portfolio includes the classic No.3 London Dry Gin, Mauritian rum Penny Blue and the unique and historic The King’s Ginger liqueur, while the brand’s acclaimed and award-winning Own Label collection of wines and spirits includes special bottlings from some of the best winemakers and distillers in the world.

bbr.com

Exceptional Single Cask Releases 

Douglas Laing’s Exceptional Single Cask range is also celebrating the Year of the Dragon with the release of three new Limited-Edition bottlings, consisting of an Old Particular Craigellachie 10 Years Old, an XOP Bunnahabhain 35 Years Old and an XOP Carsebridge 46 Years Old.

Each bottling has been distilled in the previous ‘Year of the Dragon’ and bottled to commemorate the Year of the Wood Dragon.

The intricate and beautiful illustration seen on the label, celebrating the Year of the Wood Dragon was also proudly created by designer and tattoo-artist, Milkabean.

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING & CO.

www.douglaslaing.com

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky distillery, blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill-filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay).

Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular, Xtra Old Particular and XOP Black, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

IT’S THE SOCIETY’S 40TH BIRTHDAY
AND WE HAVE SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE

Boom – it’s 2023!  Since we started in 1983, this year is a milestone. We plan to make it a year that celebrates our legacy and everything we stand for today – as much as where we have come from in those 40 years.  Expect special surprises alongside fun, friendship and endless epiphanies.  As we kick off the 40th celebrations – discover more about what’s in store for members in this year ahead.

This month’s Outturn is now online, and the first Friday drop of releases is here.  Bottles are available on Friday 6th January – and we’ve got some firework flavours to treat your senses in this dark month.

READ OUTTURN

VIEW NEW WHISKIES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Girvan Distillery 

26 Years Old #910329

The Red Cask Company

A single malt from Girvan Distillery bottled by The Red Cask Distillery. Partly matured in First Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead (cask no: 910329). Bottled at cask strength of 50.9%.

£125.00 £150.00

TASTING NOTES

Only 235 bottles produced.

Shop now

Found North 12 Year Old “Port Barrel Finished” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Canadian Rye Whisky (750ml)

SKU #1652464

Our first single barrel with the wonderful new bottler of high quality Canadian whisky, Found North, and surely not our last. Brothers Zach and Nick Taylor have a vision for a better way to drink old whisky and we’re fully on board. They’ve secured old stocks of high quality Canadian Rye, Corn, Malt and Wheat whisky, which they’ve successfully blended and bottled in tiny batches at cask strength to the delight of whisky lovers everywhere. Now they’ve developed a line of single barrel expressions and offered them to the country’s finest retailers. This exceptional barrel is a blend of whiskies from 12 to 21 years old and boasts an impressive 66% rye, 30% corn and 4% malted barley mashbill. This blend was allowed to further mature in a port pipe for an additional 8 months before bottlings without chillfiltration at a lovely cask strength of 112.2 proof. This gorgeous single cask is truly one of a kind and offers an experience similar to the high-end finished expressions from High West like Midwinter Night’s Dram. Rich and powerful with dense red fruit tempered by the gorgeous rye spice, few better whiskies will be on offer this year.

Found North 12 Year Old “Port Barrel Finished” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Unchillfiltered Canadian Rye Whisky 

$99.99 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

Maker’s Mark Private Select TWS Exclusive #5

We are proud to introduce the fifth batch of our exclusive Maker’s Mark Private Select. This limited edition bourbon was finished in bespoke barrels chosen by our team of experts here at The Whisky Shop: a stave combination of one Baked American P2, seven French Roasted Mendient and two Maker’s 46 (for those wanting to get geeky about it!). Get yours now – our online allocation is limited! Also available at your local Whisky Shop branch.

An exclusive for us, this limited edition bourbon was finished in bespoke barrels chosen by our team of experts here at The Whisky Shop. Beginning with a cask strength Maker’s Mark Kentucky Whiskey, the liquid had a final nine-week slumber in our oak stave barrel within their limestone cellar. Our barrel was crafted with a combination of one Baked American P2, seven French Roasted Mendient and two Maker’s 46 staves. Bottled at 55.3%, this is a special whisky made possible through harmonious collaboration.

On the nose, notes of creamy milk chocolate are complimented by marinated fruits. Leading into the palate, we find even more chocolate flavours, still creamy and rich. Orange peel, nutmeg and tonka bean notes follow, along with buckets of vanilla. The finish is long and slightly drying, with mouth coating fruit and nut flavours.

Discover Maker’s Mark →

LIMITED EDITION:
CAOL ILA 12 YEAR OLD FÈIS ÌLE

Just arrived from Islay, the limited edition Fèis Ìle 2021 bottling from Caol Ila. Known for its distinctively peaty whiskies, Islay hosts the annual Fèis Ìle celebration, which draws together not only the islanders but all of us who cherish the Queen of the Hebrides and her incredible whiskies.

This dram offers a twist on the distillery’s standard 12-year-old release, with a finishing period spent in ex-Moscatel-wine casks before being bottled at cask strength. The result is Caol Ila’s classically briney and smoky whisky with a sweet edge full of honey, raisins and liquorice.

SHOP NOW

UK whisky company strikes gold at World Whiskies Awards

DS Tayman, a whisky brand founded by two friends from London has won four top industry awards at this year’s World Whiskies Awards.

DS Tayman took home a Gold award for the first time for their 12-year-old Caol Ila single malt scotch whisky. After spending twelve years in a single cask, the whisky was then finished in a Syrah wine barrel from Tulip, the boutique Israeli winery in Kfar Tikva, near Haifa and a social enterprise which employs adults with cognitive, developmental and emotional disabilities.

The Caol Ila Tulip Edition was also named overall category winner.

DS Tayman picked up a Silver award too this week for its 12-year-old Linkwood single malt and a Bronze award for its 12-year-old Blair Athol, both of which are also finished in Tulip Syrah wine barrels.

DS Tayman’s Tulip range also scooped the New Product Award at Kosherfest in New Jersey last month, the largest international kosher food conference.

All of DS Tayman’s whiskies are kosher and carry hechshers (kosher stamps) from the OU (Orthodox Union), KLBD (Kosher London Beth Din) and Rav Akiva Osher Padwa of London.

DS Tayman was founded in 2020 by Danny Saltman and Saul Taylor who have been friends for some 20 years.

Dalkeith Brokerage, DS Tayman’s parent company, was recently named Start-Up of the Year at the Work Avenue Business Awards in London after establishing itself as one of the UK’s leading experts in trading whisky.

Danny Saltman, one of the founders, inspecting one of DS Tayman’s whisky barrels

Danny Saltman, DS Tayman’s Director of Malts, said: “Our whiskies are highly unusual because they are finished in specially paired wine barrels to craft special finishes that have never been available to enjoy before. We were particularly pleased to be able to partner with the Israeli winery Tulip whose extraordinary social enterprise enables local people to reach their full potential, regardless of their challenges, at every stage of their life.

“This award is the result of many years’ hard work and after winning silver awards previously we are delighted that the improvements we have made in our newest whiskies have been recognised in this way by industry experts. We are delighted to be continuing to win awards and are excited to be working on some new whiskies to be enjoyed with the people you love, value and appreciate the most.”

Jolyon Dunn, Director of Milroy’s of Soho, which runs whisky bars in London, UK, said: “DS Tayman have continued to impress with their innovative approach and quality of their Whisky. Their products have becoming increasing popular in our bars. We look forward to seeing what they come out with next.”

Notes

• DS Tayman is an independent bottler of single malt Scotch whisky. The company website is www.dstayman.com
• The World Whiskies Awards are the global awards selecting the very best in all the international recognised styles, award and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe
• Photo attached shows Danny Saltman, DS Tayman’s Director of Malts, inspecting the casks in the company’s warehouse.

Our Festive Auction ENDS SOON!

Only 8.5% buyer’s commission.

Auction ends Friday 6^th Januray.

We wish you all a very a Happy New Year!

www.highlandwhiskyauctions

A very rare old Macallan 43-Year-Old distilled in 1965!

An example of some of the unique & special bottlings available this month!

Just a small percentage of an unbeatable selection of miniatures up for grabs!

Click here to register as a user.

Looking to sell in our next auction? 0% Sellers commission & FREE* UK doorstep collections.

We offer FREE valuations to give you an idea of what your whisky may sell for at auction.

Contact us to arrange a valuation or collection.

www.highlandwhiskyauctions.com

The Top Whiskies Discoveries of the Year

Our spirits team is always on the hunt for new and exciting discoveries to take your bar or collection to new heights. From a pair of highly distinctive Japanese whiskies from a beloved yet rarely seen brand, to a trio of Speyside K&L exclusives at jaw-dropping pricing, you can’t go wrong with any or all of these one-of-a-kind winners.

Michel Couvreur “Overaged” 12 Year Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $80) $57.99 View

Belgian Michel Couvreur was an independent bottler of single-malt Scotch. After his death, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. The cellars are located in Bouze-lès-Beaune in the heart of Burgundy. There, Michel aged his single malts for years in sherry butts and then in demijohns (giant glass bottles) kept in total darkness in well-protected underground galleries. Vatted from 54 whiskies aged 12 to 27 years in oak casks, this malt has a rich amber color, a nose full of dried flowers, tobacco leaf, Jerez wine, and fat almond, plus a powerful, fruity, long finish. What a fantastic accompaniment to smoked salmon when served over ice. It is also perfect as a dinner digestive served at room temperature.

Nikka “Yoichi” Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

94 points Wine Enthusiast

‘This elegant single malt from Nikka bears a dark, vibrant gold color, with smoke and caramel aromas. On the palate, look for well-balanced notes of citrus peel, cedar and oak, and a gentle waft of smoke. An astringent sensation on the finish sets the mouth watering, leading to a full-bodied, almost oily texture. Recommended for sipping neat. (KN) ” (2/2013)

92 points Whisky Advocate

” Yoichi age statements are gone for now, but if the whisky stays this good, I can live with that. Black earthy peat, smoldering fires, a turned-out pocket of briny seashells, whole lime, lemon twist, sugared orange, ground ginger, and licorice. Silky smooth, with light, fruity sweetness developing into tangy Spangles, kiwi, and lime juice. The smoky peat is the weft woven through the fruit structure’s warp. The finish is insanely long: menthol, peat, and leather. (JM, Web-2016)”

K&L Notes

Winner of the Whisky Advocate’s 2016 “Japanese Whisky of the Year” award, Nikka’s latest release from Yoichi distillery no longer carries an age statement, but it does bring a classically Japanese whisky profile back to the market. All the delicacy, grace, and subtle complexity is alive and well in this release, buried deep in a whisper of malt for those who take the time to let it be heard. The first sip is almost ghostly, but it’s the second and third return that yield the slightest hint of peat smoke, the creamiest of malts, and the lovely roundness of sweet stone fruit. This is textbook Japanese whisky: a flavor reserved so as not to overwhelm potential food pairings like sushi or other delicate offerings, yet a wonderful depth of flavor done with the slightest of hands. Yoichi is located on Japan’s Hokkaido island where such food pairings are prevalent. It’s definitely a single malt with a sense of place. The gentle smell and flavor of the sea linger long on the finish. This whiskey meets all the criteria of “Japanese whisky” defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association. 45% ABV.

Nikka “Miyagikyo” Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $89.99 View

Nikka’s Miyagikyo distillery is back on the market with a fantastic new offering that doesn’t disclose the age, but has no problem disclosing serious flavor. The sherry integration of the whisky is utterly marvelous. It’s clearly marked by classic notes of fudge, fruitcake, and toffee, but all three profiles are so harmonious and fluid that it’s difficult to hold on to them for more than a second. Nikka’s whiskies are always delicate, and this malt is no different. The beauty is what stuns you, rather than the power or the concentration. The finish is a wonderful symphony of toasted almonds, cherry, and Oloroso richness. The new Miyagikyo should captivate an entirely new following for Nikka’s second distillery. This whiskey meets all the criteria of “Japanese whisky” defined by the Japan Spirits & Liqueur Makers Association. 45% ABV.

Elijah Craig Barrel Strength B522 and Toasty Goodness Pack (4x750ml) $159.99 View

Heaven Hill makes some of the most sought after whiskey in Kentucky. The Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Barrel Strength releases are highly allocated and nearly impossible to find at MSRP. Here you’re getting a bottle of Barrel Strength B522 and Toasted Barrel plus the Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Rye. If you add up all of the MSRPs this bundle not only gives you access to the hard to find items, but saves you $20 bucks over buying all 4 bottles separately. Hard to argue with that. Restock your bar with two of the best staples coming out of the Bluegrass State and sock the fancy stuff away for a rainy day. If you’ve got a Bourbon lover on your holiday shoppnig list this year – they’re sture to be thrilled with this box.

The Essential Hart Brothers Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Collection (3x700ml) (Previously $285) $184.99 View

This is a unique opportunity to snag three excellent Speyside Single Malts with compelling profiles at a steep discount over MSRP. With a new container of Scotch inbounding to our warehouse anyday, we need to make some serious space fast! While we don’t typically run ‘sales’ like this, the savvy Scotch drinker won’t blink at picking up these beauties for their daily drinking needs or thoughtful holiday gifting that is right around the corner. This 3-pack includes two different bottlings of Benriach – one 12 year old expression aged in a choice sherry butt and bottled at 58.2% ABV – the other a 15 year bottling aged in Port Pipe and bottled at 56.5% ABV. The 3rd bottle in the pack is a scrumptious Longmorn 10 Year old, also in Sherry Butt at a robust 56% ABV. The combined regular retail value of this pack is $285. If you choose to stock up the bar with these excellent whiskies in this one time offer all three can be yours for just $185!

1994 Tomatin 26 Year Old “Dramfool” Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $229.99 View

Jim McEwan’s fingerprints are all over this bottling. It would never have existed without him and his relationship with Dramfool. The legendary whisky maker became Dramfool’s defacto consultant when he choose Bruce and Colin as the bottlers of his personal casks – the extremely sought after Jim McEwan Signature Collection. While Bruce and Colin won’t bottle anything they don’t personally love, they do send some samples to Mr. McEwan for his 2 cents. In this case – that 2 cent investment paid massive dividends. Two 1994 distilled 26 year old casks of Tomatin (#6422 and #11210) were sent to Jim for his thoughts on a special ‘dueling cask’ release and while both casks were delicious examples of older malt from this little Highland distillery, they only offered subtle differences. With half a measure of both casks left in his glasses, McEwan, relying on his nearly 60 years of whisky making experience, blended the two together and making something that is truly more than the sum of it’s parts. This 2 cask vatting jumps out of the glass with dessert fruits in syrup, toasted granola, sweet wine, and creamy malt. Dramfool, being a small and nimble operation, then took the opportunity to bottle a very small number of bottles from each cask before vatting, and then bringing those casks together for the primary bottling. If you’re looking for a great bottle of Scotch, try this. If you want to test your blending chops, grab the single casks and have at it.

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