OCTOMORE 12s 

Octomore defies logic. Rewards the unreasonable. It takes courage and belief. But, for the seeker of truth there is light.

The industry norm is not accepted here. Assured in its convictions, Octomore is five years old, super heavily peated and bottled at cask strength. The makers of the world’s most heavily peated spirit challenge you, like the spirit itself, to push beyond the expected and explore new realms of flavour. This endlessly alluring, delicate but powerful, supercharged single malt must be experienced to be believed.

Now entering its 12th series, Octomore demonstrates its 100+ PPM prowess with muscularity in each youthful drop. As with previous editions, the 12.1 acts as the base or control of the experimental range, as a necessary springboard for new domains of discovery. The 12.2 offers an alternative maturation to its .1 counterpart, this time in a sublimely balanced ex-Sauternes cask profile. Finally, the 12.3 explores Islay grown barley and the terroir of the distiller’s home-grown grain combined with sherry maturation for the first time in history.

The troika will appear together in specialist retail stores for the first time ever. Offering a cohesive schooling on Bruichladdich Distillery’s most experimental peat endeavours, this series will become available in October, 2021.

OCTOMORE EDITION: 12.1

PPM: 130.8

AGED: 5 YEARS

Nowhere is the dualism of the Octomore super heavily peated series more pertinent than in the .1 edition. Never as expected, delicate but powerful, this is unadulterated heavy smoke balanced with vivacious and dynamic, fruity and floral distillate.

While Octomore in itself does not conform to tradition, Head Distiller Adam Hannett is inclined to mature Octomore .1 editions solely in ex-American oak casks for 5 vibrant years. Octomore 12.1 is the necessary control for the rest of the series, as experiments within an experiment, but this baseline should not be underestimated.

Mainland grown Scottish barley is distilled in a patient and considered trickle. The stripped back maturation profile allows a sensory conversation that highlights the cereal-rich, malty notes of this barley-forward single malt. Vanilla, citrus and fudge culminate in an enigmatic challenge to received whisky wisdom.

OCTOMORE EDITION: 12.2

PPM: 129.7

AGED: 5 YEARS

Octomore 12.2 follows in the footsteps of previous Sauternes legends. The now infamous Octomore 4.2 (Comus) became one of the most acclaimed and sought-aſter whiskies in our distillery’s portfolio, confirming that heavy peat smoke combined with sweet dessert wine of Sauternes is an incredible pairing.

This Octomore 12.2 would spend three and a half years in ex-American oak casks, building a solid foundation of fruity and floral spirit in our lochside warehouses before being recasked in to impeccable quality Sauternes casks.

The pivotal role of the Sauternes casks would add 18 months of supercharged fruit. Melon, white peach, honeysuckle and coconut add a real twist and sweetness to compliment the peat smoke of this heavily phenolic malt.

OCTOMORE EDITION: 12.3

PPM: 118.1

AGED: 5 YEARS

Octomore 12.3 is single vintage, single field, single malt. Raised in Church Field on Octomore Farm by farmer James Brown, this Islay grown barley was trickle distilled through tall narrow necked stills just two miles from where it was grown.

The terroir-driven spirit would take two separate journeys before being combined; 75% was filled into ex-American oak casks, while the remaining 25% spent five years maturing in genuine Pedro Ximenez Solera casks from Jerez-based bodega Fernando de Castilla.

This Islay barley spirit has breathed slowly and delicately for five aged years, its salty citrus marine note is an ode to where the barley was grown and the warehouse’s proximity to the sea. The Pedro Ximenez casks contribute sweet dried fruit notes which highlight the rich dry peat smoke of Octomore.

We know many of you share our delight in the details of whiskymaking. So as we launch Orchard House, we’d like to dive into some of the geekier aspects of its story. The fruity, spirit-forward style of Orchard House is a result of key decisions we’ve made in the whiskymaking process, as well as changes in barrel profiles over time. Here’s our whiskymaker James Saxon to explain more…

Finely judged filling strengths
Many years ago, the late, great Dr Jim Swan inspired us to begin filling spirit at 58% ABV, rather than the industry standard 63.5%. Research had found more sugars – many derived from the breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose – can be drawn from the oak at strengths below 60% ABV. Orchard House is a great example of this, and with nearly two-thirds filled at the lower strength, you get added vanilla creaminess and citrusy sweetness. Also, once maturation is completed, less water is required to reach bottling strength and the finished whisky experiences less dilution.

The changing face of Bourbon barrels
Orchard House uses whiskies aged in ‘water-rinsed’ first fill ex-Bourbon barrels, Oloroso Sherry-seasoned butts and our French oak custom barrels. Water-rinsing barrels after they are emptied of whiskey in the US before shipping to Scotland has become widespread in recent years. This process extracts the maximum amount of alcohol from the barrel to the benefit of the American distillers, but also removes a degree of the oak’s intensity.

The sweet spot between first and second fill
This is serendipitous whiskymaking. We thought we were sourcing classic ‘first fill’ barrels, but the maturation profile of the casks falls somewhere between first and second, offering comparable quantities of vanilla and honey notes with less intense oily spice and creamed coconut flavours. This has opened up a whole new world to us, perfectly preserving and enhancing the fragrant nature and syrupy texture of our sourced spirits, enabling the delicate deliciousness of Orchard House to come to fruition.

Share & Enjoy!

James Saxon
Whiskymaker

P.S. You can buy Orchard House in Europe and other select regions now and from mid-October in the US. Please get in touch if you need any help finding your nearest stockist.

SAVE 15% ON SPECIALLY SELECTED BOTTLES 

GREAT GATHERING GIVEAWAY 

We’ve enjoyed exceptional whiskies this month, in the company of our members around the world – a huge thanks to everyone who got involved. Now, as an exciting finale to our Gathering celebrations, we’re offering great savings on some extra special whiskies.

There’s still time to enjoy our Gathering celebrations, and from now until Thursday, 30 September we’re offering members these juicy savings.

SAVE 15% ON SPECIALLY SELECTED BOTTLES 

Never be without something wonderful in your whisky glass. Use our Great Gathering Giveaway coupon code online to enjoy a 15% saving on Society bottles priced £80 and over.

COUPON CODE: GATHERINGGIVEAWAY15 

Apply coupon code to your online basket, your discount will be applied automatically against bottles priced £80 and over. Coupon code can be used multiple times. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, applied retrospectively or exchanged for cash.

Available online until Thursday, 30 September

BROWSE ALL BOTTLINGS

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

Single Malt Saturday Returns!

Weekly In-store Tastings featuring Single Malt Whiskies

Saturday, October 2nd,

12PM-5PM:

Glengoyne

Established in 1833, Highland distillery Glengoyne creates wonderful, award-winning drams through Scotland’s slowest distillation. Their unhurried approach to whisky begins with exclusively air-dried barley, never heated or peated, contributing to the whisky’s smooth, sweet taste. Discover the whiskys yourself at this expert presented tasting. We’ll have a variety of Glengoyne’s award winning drams poured just for you!

Click Here to RSVP

(or email us at info@whiskyshopusa.com)

As per city ordinance, we are now required to ask all guests for Proof of Vaccination before attending our tastings. Please be prepared to provide this when you arrive. More details can be found HERE This is a San Francisco ordinance – The Whisky Shop does not have control over this rule. If we don’t implement the new laws we face the possibility of being fined, shut down, or losing our business license. Thank you for your patience & understanding! We look forward to sharing a dram with you.

Collectible Gems: Limited Availability and New Releases

Collectible spirits don’t have to be sold out to be special. We have a few absolutely brilliant examples that speak loudly to this, from George Dickel’s award-winning 13 Year Old to Daftmill’s treasured “Summer Batch.” For a piece of history, don’t miss Leopold Bros’ amazing Three Chamber Rye crafted around pre-prohibition era recipes.

2007 George Dickel 13 Year Old “2021 Release” Bottled In Bond Tennessee Whisky (750ml) $44.99 View

Wild Turkey “Rare Breed” Small Batch Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

Calumet Farm 15 Year Old “Single Rack Black” Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $119.99 View

2009 Daftmill “Summer Batch Release” Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) $229.99 View

Leopold Bros. “Collector’s Edition” Bottled In Bond Three Chamber Rye Whiskey (750ml) $249.99 View

ralfy review 895 Extras – The Bruichladdich Album

WATERFORD WHISKY LAUNCHES BIODYNAMIC: LUNA – THE WORLD’S FIRST BIODYNAMIC WHISKY

Waterford Whisky is pleased to announce BIODYNAMIC: LUNA – the world’s first whisky made from biodynamic barley.

As part of its pioneering quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours, Waterford Distillery has introduced the radical biodynamic farming philosophy, as lauded by many of the world’s legendary winemakers, to the conservative whisky industry.

The bottling is the latest whisky in the distillery’s Arcadian Series, which showcases the flavours produced by forgotten ways of farming and rare barley varieties.

BIODYNAMIC BARLEY

For the Demeter-certified BIODYNAMIC: LUNA three Irish growers – Trevor Harris, John McDonnell and Alan Mooney – stepped up to the challenge of applying unusual agricultural practices to growing barley. They run their farms according to esoteric principles derived from a 1924 series of lectures by the Austrian polymath Rudolf Steiner.

Steiner created a codified agricultural system for post-WW1 farmers, who were worried about the industrialisation of agriculture, the degradation of the land and the loss of millennia of farming know-how – bios meaning life, and dynamos energy.

Having been adopted by many of the world’s greatest wine producers seeking the ultimate of pure and intense flavours, biodynamics today stands at the cutting edge of regenerative agriculture. Some say it is an advanced form of “über-organic” farming, in which each farm is its own self-sustaining organism where elements including soil, crops, animals, people and the ‘spirit of place’ are all interconnected. For Waterford, it is the ultimate expression of their terroir discoveries.

The approach includes an array of seemingly controversial practices such as burying manure-packed cow horns to ‘ferment’ underground; the creation of simple plant treatments and natural compost fertilisers to stimulate microbial activity; all following the natural rhythms of the lunar calendar. The purpose is to produce vibrant, chemical-free living soil.

As barley makes malt whisky the most complex spirit in the world – the very source of its flavour – biodynamics will contribute to an even purer and more intense expression. Indeed, to create the ultimate natural whisky.

Mark Reynier, Waterford Distillery CEO, explains: “During the 1980s in the vineyards of Burgundy and Alsace, following decades of agro-chemical excess and the race for yield over quality, I witnessed the renaissance of terroir and modern winemaking. Out of this, biodynamics blossomed – a new philosophy that at first seemed outlandish, but after tasting the results increasingly proved its worth.

“Biodynamics is, after all, merely a self-contained farming system, but one that consists of the culmination of 16,000 years of agricultural optimisation – trial and error, life and death – before the vicissitudes of industrialisation and intensification dumbed down individuality.

“During my career I’ve had the fortune to taste the world’s greatest wines, it’s no surprise to see the ever-increasing adoption of biodynamics in the search for intensity and purity of flavour. If for the grape, why not the grain?”

THE ARCADIAN SERIES

BIODYNAMIC: LUNA is matured in a combination of 35% first-fill US oak; 17% virgin US oak; 26% Premium French oak; and 22% Vin Doux Naturel oak.

Tasting notes: apricot jam, lemon drizzle cake, milk chocolate with almonds, earthiness, bread pudding, brown sugar, tea, with intense spices, dark chocolate, a vibrant maltiness and extreme flavour persistence.

21,000 bottles of Biodynamic: Luna are available worldwide, with a RSP of approximately €85-95/$125/£89.95 (varying by location).

In addition to Luna, a new bottling of ORGANIC: GAIA has been released, drawing from the 2016 harvest. This has been matured in a combination of 39% first-fill US oak; 17% virgin US oak; 19% Premium French oak; and 25% Vin Doux Naturel oak.

Tasting notes: Orange peel, fresh soil, bread crust, brown sugar, milk chocolate, fresh fruit salad, fig roll biscuits, lavender, white pepper, grapefruit, liquorice, and cherries, with a dry, spicy finish.

30,000 bottles are available worldwide, with a RSP of approximately €75-86/$115/£77 (varying by location).

ABOUT WATERFORD WHISKY

Waterford Whisky is on a quest to unearth whisky’s most natural flavours.

Unashamedly influenced by the world’s greatest winemakers, we obsessively bring the same intellectual drive, methodology and rigour to barley – the very source of malt whisky’s complex flavour.

Extolling a hundred exclusive farms of Irish-grown barley, we search for natural flavours via three paths: our Single Farm Origins pursue the individualism of terroir-derived flavour; our Arcadian Series expresses the intensity of flavour from alternative philosophies and long-forgotten varieties; whilst our Cuvées revel in the ultimate sophistication, where the whole is greater than the sum.

For more information, visit waterfordwhisky.com.

• Waterford Distillery is certified by Demeter, and follows a rigorous auditing regimen each year. Biodynamic: Luna is also certified by Demeter.
• The distillery has produced around 500 barrels of spirit made from local biodynamic barley, and annually incorporates biodynamics as part of its ongoing ambition to create the most flavoursome and natural expressions of whisky imaginable.
• A recent study by Professor Magali Delmas at UCLA analysed tasting scores given to more than 128,000 French wines from 1995 to 2015, discovering that biodynamic wines scored 11.8% higher compared to conventional or sustainable wines.
• Many of the world’s greatest winemakers follow biodynamic principles. Burgundian legends of Romanée Conti, Leroy, Leflaive, Trapet and Sauzet. Alsacians Zind Humbrecht, Faller, Ostertag, Kreydenweiss, Deiss, and Zusselin; And increasingly the mighty Bordeaux chateaux such as Latour, Lafite, Yquem, Climens, Pontet Canet, Angelus and Palmer .
• Waterford Whisky is the first producer to bring biodynamic spirit to the market, following Mark Reynier’s tentative trials of English-grown biodynamic barley whilst at Bruichladdich Distillery, Scotland.

Pioneering yet another Indian Single Malt revolution – Amrut Distilleries launches the ‘Single Malts of India’ bouquet with Neidhal

Bangalore, India

Amrut Distilleries, the pioneers of the Indian Single Malt revolution and makers of iconic brands such as the Fusion, Spectrum, Naarangi and Amalgam have embarked on a new venture to further cement their repute as the pioneers of Indian Single Malt Whiskies. While Amrut is revered the world over for their obsessive dedication to the art of the craft, the distillery has yet again pushed the boundaries of how Indian Single Malts can be enjoyed.

Amrut has now conceived and launched a new umbrella brand – ‘Single Malts of India’ to showcase some of the hidden gem malts of India. The first chapter of this release, titled the Neidhal will be a limited release of 12,000 bottles across the world, with 1200 bottles being allocated for India.Ancient Tamil texts, dating back to the Sangam period (300 BC – 300 AD), classify mother earth into five regions called Tinais, each being associated with its own distinct literary style, grammar, mood, subtle as well as overt form of romance, culture and even cuisine. “Neidhal”, according to this classification comprises all Oceans and neighboring regions or in short Coastal Plains and the way of living one associates with them.

Neidhal is a single malt eponymously sourced from a Neidhal or coastal region and exhibits traits that uniquely spring from the locale – notes of tropical fruits, vanilla punctuated by soft phenols and above all sea salt on the nose. On the palate, it is fruit cocktail and mesmerising phenols with a touch of iodine. The middle ground is an essay in chewability and a finish that is phenolic with a touch of sweet vanilla.

Quote from Ashok Chokalingam, Head Distiller – Amrut Distilleries “What we have done this time, is dug deep and discovered an uncut gem. We have then procured the gem, carried it to Amrut, caressed it with our touch and polished it with our expertise. What you discover bottled, is truly an amazing whisky showcasing it’s real potential. Watch out, we as an organisation are now sailing into unchartered waters of independent bottling”

About Amrut:

Founded in 1948 by the late Shri. Radhakrishna Jagdale, the history of Amrut Distilleries is as old as independent India itself. The journey started under the name and style of ‘Amrut Laboratories’. In the early years, Amrut was a leading manufacturer and supplier of Rums, Brandy and Whisky for domestic consumption.

Amrut Single Malts were a consequential product of our organisation’s founding principles: Uncompromising Innovation, Unflinching R&D and the Undeterred Courage to always offer exceptional products to our customers. The initial chapters of this journey started when Rakshit was completing his dissertation in the UK; and as part of this project he conducted a market survey to check the acceptance of Amrut Indian Single Malt. The response was very encouraging to say the least – everyone who tried the malt were impressed that fortified our confidence leading to the launch of the brand.

Amrut Indian Single Malt launched in 2004 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK the heart of Scottish whiskies, creating history as the first Indian Single Malt to ever be launched outside India. The journey was extremely tough and challenging as India’s image producing quality whisky was very bad. We also had to undergo many struggles as our Indian identity did not always lead to favourable conditions in the developed world. However, we were absolutely confident about the quality we had to offer and we continued to strive and pursue endlessly our goal of bringing the Indian Single Malt to the world.

It’s been a busy old month here at Scotch Whisky Auctions, but we got there in the end, and (as usual) we’ve got a pretty tasty selection for you to peruse. I’m sure many of you are keen to get stuck in and browse the auction, but for those looking for inspiration we’ve put together a small preview of some of the expressions that have caught our eye this month.

Macallan may bask in most of the Speyside-y limelight these days (and don’t worry, we’ve got no shortage of Macallan), but our first pick for this month is this 1973, 42 Year Old single cask from Glenfiddich. Not only are single cask expressions from this ubiquitous Speysider extremely thin on the ground, but they’re also delicious. Benromach too has received plenty of praise for its recent output, and this month features a rather nice trio of 1970s distilled single casks (#2230, #1268 & #1269) that we reckon would make for a fairly monumental tasting session if you were so inclined.

For the Peat Monsters amongst you, there’s no shortage of goodies from Islay, including a bevy of older Lagavulin White Horse bottlings, some elderly Laphroaigs, and Ardbegs up to our eyeballs. The one that has tickled our fancy this month, however, represents the lighter side of Islay. This Bunnahabhain 1967 35 Year Old has long been one we’d love to spend some quality time with. Either on a windswept, west coast beach, or by roaring log fire, we’re not fussy.

Independent bottlers are also well represented this month, with a decent smattering of much sought after SMWS first releases, as well as this gorgeous Highland Park 1957 23 Year Old from Cadenhead’s.

If, like us, you’re always on the lookout for “the next big thing”, there’s plenty to choose from. The last few auctions have been in danger of being dominated by offerings from Torabhaig, Ardnamurchan and Aber Falls, but this month a lucky few of you might manage to get your hands on the inaugural expression from Irish newcomers Connacht, not to mention some exciting releases from Japanese upstarts Kanosuke and Shizuoka, who are already attracting the sort of hammer prices normally reserved for Yamazaki and Chichibu.

We could go on, but it would be a shame to deprive you all of the joy of stumbling across these gems for yourselves. So, we hope you enjoy this month’s auction. And remember… Don’t lose your bottle!

View Auction

K&L Standard-Bearers: Go-To Staples to Stock Up On

At the heart of it, we want to elevate your spirits experience at every level. While many focus on the unparalleled collectibles that are increasingly tough to find, sometimes the most rewarding purchase can be that everyday bourbon that far over-delivers for a modest price. This is exactly what you’ll find in the K&L favorites below, whether it be our pound-for-pound best value Scotch in Faultline and a Couvreur’s unforgettable “Peaty Overaged.”

Faultline Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml) $24.99 View

For years, we’d dreamed of creating an inexpensive, delicious, value-driven, yet simultaneously interesting expression of blended Scotch whisky that we could feature under our Faultline label. There were many times when we thought we were close, but either the quality of the whisky or the cost of the barrels proved prohibitive. We didn’t want to make a $25 bottle of whisky just for the sake of it. If we were going to do it, then we were going to it right. Finally, after working on and off with the Laings for a year-long blending process, we hammered out a profile we were happy with. Big smoke, Ardbeg-like peat flavors, and a kiss of sweet grain was our goal and we definitely achieved it in this bottle. Unlike most big brand blends, there are no coloring agents in the Faultline Scotch, just a pale straw-colored liquid that bursts with character and, due to the heavy malt content, finishes with richness and weight. We wanted to make sure that, upon launch, there would be absolutely nothing on the market that could match the quality of flavor, price, beauty of design, and bang for the buck. Now after proving that we could do it, we’ve recreated our original blend. Just like the first batch for $25 you get one helluva bottle of Scotch. Smokier than Johnnie Black, more complex than Chivas, and less expensive than either. Plus, at an assertive 100 proof you can try it in a cocktail, pour it over ice, add in soda water and not worry about it. This is the real deal.

St. George “Baller” Single Malt Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $70) $49.99 View

Whisky Advocate

 Hugely floral and perfumed on the nose, with rose petals, violet candies, and dried orange peel. This is the Gewürztraminer of American single malts—sweet lychee, laced with sachet aromas that explode as if opening Grandma’s dresser drawer. The palate is more tropical; dried pineapple, canned peach syrup, and spice. This could be polarizing, but it’s utterly captivating and worth a try. (JL, Fall 2017) 

K&L Notes

St. George’s new single malt release is described by Master Distiller Lance Winters as a California take on Japanese Malt. Initially aged in used bourbon and French oak barrels for 3-4 years, then finished in St. George Ume plum liqueur barrels. The result is an absolutely unique twist on the American single malt, namely that is was designed specifically to be drunk in highballs—Tokyo style. Of course it is ultra-limited, so grab it while you can.

Doc Swinson’s “Alter Ego” Triple Cask Sherry & Cognac Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

The Doc Swinson Alter Ego is the result of many years of experimentation with cask finishing at the Doc Swinson facility in Washington state. They’ve found the winning recipe with this exceptional product. Using a blend of two straight bourbons distilled at MGPI in Indiana, Doc’s has crafted this deftly balanced bourbon to revival any of the new bourbon brands on the market today. The two bourbons (one a high 21% rye and the other a very high 36% rye masbill) are each aged 5-6 years in new charred American oak before being blended and finished in three specially selected casks types. Using two distinct types of Sherry Butts (PX & Oloroso) and fresh Cognac Puncheons the bourbons are rested for an additional 3 months before being blended and married for another month in Cognac foeders. The Sherry Butts come from Montilla-Moriles Spain where their Sherry Solera Pyramids date back to the 1920’s, on a dry oxidized style Oloroso, the other a rich tangy sweet Pedro Ximinez style. Bottled at an invigorating 94.4 proof this lovely whisky is one of the most drinkable on the shelf today.

Suntory “Hibiki Japanese Harmony” Blended Japanese Whisky (750ml) $74.99 View

91 points Wine Enthusiast

 The newest blended whisky offering from Hibiki is burnished gold in the glass and has a bold aroma that mixes vanilla, fresh pear and a hint of smoke. The smokiness comes forward at the first sip, wrapping around a core of oak and vanilla custard and finishing long, with a mouthwatering bitter chocolate note. *Best of 2016* (KN)  (3/2016)

90 points Whisky Advocate

 Poised and complex, with typically lifted fruitiness: strawberry ice cream, pineapple, peach, balanced by delicate oak, bamboo shoot-like delicacy, then lemon. The palate is more rounded than that very forward nose, with toffee notes adding some weight. A touch of smoke comes along in the mid-palate, before fruits and caramelized coffee biscuits. Water allows the flavors to flood the palate. Exemplary blending skills and classically Hibiki. (DB, Winter 2015)  (12/2015)

Wine & Spirits

 You can’t be a Japanese whisky enthusiast without having noticed that there’s a shortage of the stuff. What once was readily available is now hard to find. What once was affordable now costs various bodily limbs. It is due to more than a fad. The best Japanese whisky is remarkable stuff, and none are better than the top single malts from Suntory, Yamazaki, Hakushu and the blended whisky Hibiki. Hibiki comes in 12-, 17- and 21-year-old expressions, but even the youngest of these is now allocated. Harmony, the newest release, carries no age statement, indicating that it contains younger whiskies than other bottlings. Nevertheless, this is a welcome concession, with Suntory’s classic sense of balance, nuance and delicacy. *Best of 2015* (JM)  (11/2015)

K&L Notes

*96 points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge Top 100 of 2020* The newest incarnation of Suntory’s hugely popular Hibiki series, this time without an age statement attached. The same soft, mellow, vanilla-laden flavor is still here, however. It’s a true harmony of pure Hibiki flavor.

Michel Couvreur “Peaty Overaged” K&L Exclusive Malt Whisky (750ml) $79.99 View

The chance to work with Michel Couvreur on a special K&L whisky project was something that David and I had been dreaming of for years. We had heard the stories. This crazy Belgian had moved to Burgundy in the ’60s, carved out a wine cellar inside a mountain, only to fill it with Scottish single malt whisky instead of Pinot Noir. He set up camp in Beaune, ordered new-make spirit to be delivered by tanker, and drove down to Jerez himself, selecting his own sherry butts to ensure the finest quality casks for his contracted spirit. Unfortunately, Michel Couvreur passed away in 2013 from pancreatic cancer, thus ending the career of one of the industry’s most courageous pioneers. Luckily for us, however, apprentice Jean-Arnaud has carried on after studying under Michel for more than a decade. When we visited the underground cave, we were all in total awe. The tunnels of dripping stone go on forever, and the amount of whisky stored in this secret lair is jawdropping. We put our trust completely in Jean-Arnaud and are happy we did. Our peated version of the incredible sherry expression is a seamless creation that drinks like the best version of Johnnie Black ever, mixed with the most supple and soft expressions of Macallan. It’s a lush, unfiltered, creamy, caramel-laden dream of a whisky composed only of malts 12 years and older. There’s a bit of peat on the finish, but the soft sherry is the star. (NOTE: do NOT cut the hard wax seal, use a wine opener to go through it).