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Staff Favorites
| If you’re going to have Robert Parker or Stephen Tanzer over for dinner, selecting a wine they’ve rated highly will be a nice choice. However, when you’re buying wines for yourself, we’d love to see you find wines that match up your unique palate and pocketbook. We have a large staff of friendly and knowledgeable wine professionals that taste hundreds of wines each week. They can put you in touch with bottles that you are likely to love, often at a much lower cost than the highly-rated gems that often see a run-up in price and frequent availability issues. Like any great group of opinionated professionals, our staff has varied tastes themselves. Often our customers will find a particular staff member with a style that corresponds to their own. That concept works extremely well in our retail stores, and this section is our effort to bring you the same online. Don’t get us wrong, we love the highly rated wines from the press and will continue to offer them, but we think you’re missing out if you’re not augmenting those selections with picks from our excellent staff. Here are their favorites. (Click on a name to see their other selections - or to drop them a line.) Cheers! |
Reviews
Mortlach 12 Year Old "The Wee Witchie" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 3/6/2019 | Send Email
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 3/6/2019 | Send Email
This makes for a fantastic introduction to the Mortlach line, showcasing vibrant fruit while retaining that savory, meaty character that fans of the distillery know and love. A youthful nose promises good, balanced acid while teasing orchard fruit. The palate delivers ripe apple, golden raisin, toasted oak and vanilla. There's a nuttiness here that rounds out the profile, providing umami throughout the whole experience. Overall, this is a fun and tasty dram for a great price.
Price:
$49.99
Mortlach 16 Year Old "Distiller's Dram" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 3/2/2019 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 3/2/2019 | Send Email
Easily unseating the old Flora & Fauna bottling as the benchmark expression of Mortlach, this distillery seems to sing under sherry and at this age it's completely developed the dense character and meaty savoriness that we crave from the Beast of Dufftown. ON first nosing expect deep dried fruit, dark chocolates, roasted meat juice, tangy clove stuffed pear. Deep and spicy on the palate with the oily texture one demands of the great malts of Mortlach. Hints of fresh herbs, candied tropical fruit and old bay spice. Truly a worth example of this special distillery and well worth $100 they're asking.
Mortlach 12 Year Old "The Wee Witchie" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 3/2/2019 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 3/2/2019 | Send Email
The new distillery release of Mortlach are the perfect counter balance to the complete disaster that the previous offerings represent. Each is a wonderful expression of the distillery, somewhat different in style than the next and absolutely reasonably price. The 12 year captures the essence of MOrtlach without pushing the limits too far. This is perfect expression to introduce someone the Beast of Dufftown. A blend of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry cask offer tons of classic Mortlach character without totally overtaking the complex maltiness of the spirit. The nose has rich vanilla bean, nougat, caramel and cocoa. The palate brings in some spice and baked orchard fruits with the sherry framing the spicy malt perfectly. A great value $50.
Price:
$49.99
Charanda Uruapan Blanco Single Blended Rum (1L)
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
Full disclosure: I had heard/knew about this product prior to it being imported to the U.S. and it had a lot of hype behind it. People whom I respected and trusted the palates of vouched for it and sang its praises. Prior to cracking the bottle and trying it, the contrarian in me wanted to find something to criticize. Alas, my counterparts were correct in touting this to be one of the most unique and interesting spirits in its category (maybe even outside of it). First off, you can’t beat the price; this is one, 1-litre bottle you’ll want to keep stocked in your home bar. Sipped neat on its own, on the rocks, or wow guests and yourself by mixing it into a refreshing rum cocktail, this Charanda spirit is sure to enlighten. I was so blown away by the aroma that I had to pass my glass around the office, almost frantic, trying to get others to share in the experience of deciphering the smells wafting from the chalice. Notes of pickle brine and light dill danced harmoniously with sweet notes of star fruit, green plantain, and musk melon. The palate was harder to nail down as the chameleon-like flavors seemed to constantly change and then change back. Light fruity notes came to the forefront and the image of a prickly pear popped into my brain as I sampled the spirit. There was also something there that reminded me of Ramune (Japanese marble soda) that I used to covet as a kid. The finish was pleasantly smooth and had a nice, dry, Meyer lemon peel taste to it. Just as it was to me, I would highly recommend this to any rum and/or spirits fan.
Price:
$24.99
Red Spot 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
By: Jackson Lee | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
Why was this gone for 50+ years?? Whatever the reason, I’m glad we got it back. The nose was so alluring it captured the attention of passerby’s and many members of the staff ended up sampling this new addition to the Spot line up. Marzipan, Mexican hot chocolate, strawberries and cream, apple flesh and sweet oak all seemed to intermingle together putting the nose to the glass. Even after the vessel was devoid of liquid I found that I couldn’t stop putting my nostrils to the rim and inhaling like it was the first scent I ever smelled. On the palate the apple note translated well on the taste buds followed by semisweet chocolate and sweet oak with hints of candied anise seed and cream soda. The fruity, strawberry note made a reappearance on the finish with other fruity tones and something that faintly reminded me of Apple Jacks cereal. Definitely a great offering to add to the line up.
Mortlach 16 Year Old "Distiller's Dram" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
The 16 year is the slam dunk of the new Mortlach lineup. If you only try one bottling, this is the one. It's exceptional. Robust sherry of the highest quality imparts a bit of rancio which plays perfectly with the natural meatiness of the spirit and a ton of dried sultanas and figs which lends a beautiful supple sweetness. The palate is extremely full, filling every nook and cranny and hitting every taste bud. The finish lingers on and on and is where you really see the quality of the clean sherry casks used.
Mortlach 12 Year Old "The Wee Witchie" Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/28/2019 | Send Email
It's incredibly refreshing to see some new distillery releases from Mortlach that come in at excellent prices. The 12 year "Wee Witchie," named for their tiny "extra" still, is robust in flavor, but incredibly smooth and approachable. The meaty character of Mortlach is readily apparent, yet without any trace of the phenolic character the distillery typically shows. This is supple and extravagant daily drinking at it's best. Lots of pretty dried fruits and pleasant woody tones carry throughout the nose, palate, and finish.
Price:
$49.99
Red Spot 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 2/26/2019 | Send Email
By: Neal Fischer | Review Date: 2/26/2019 | Send Email
This newest offering from the makers of Yellow Spot and Green Spot is a delicious Dublin single pot still whiskey matured in a combination of Bourbon, Sherry, and Marsala casks. The nose is rich, buttery, and a little sweet. Layers of caramel peel back to open on dried red fruits and apple. There's a nice allspice note that bends and binds with a gentle medicinality and leather scent. On the palate, the first thing I notice is the voluptuous mouthfeel - this whiskey has a wonderful texture. The red fruit flavors play off of nuttiness quite well, and the whole while there's a nice tongue-tingling quality. The medium-long finish keeps the fruit and spice notes going and going.
Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao (750ml)
By: Adam Winkel | Review Date: 2/19/2019 | Send Email
By: Adam Winkel | Review Date: 2/19/2019 | Send Email
Mixing to the highest tiki standards, I picked up a bottle of this to make the classic mai tai and zombie. I had always kept a bottle of Grand Marnier on hand to round out my margaritas, but when I ran out of Grand Marnier I substituted this Ferrand concoction in my margarita instead and I liked it even better... a small measure brings a complex bass note without the candied sweetness. I also don't miss those squat Grand Marnier bottles hogging shelf space in my liquor cabinet so I can pour 3/4oz now and then. They shall not return. Ferrand's dry curacao is my one-stop orange liqueur now.
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
A fantastic wine, gorgeously presented by a house that was established before the industrial revolution will always have a place in this world, and Laurent-Perrier's "Cuvée Rosé" is no exception. Luxuriously rich, with strong fruit notes on the nose and a light spice wrapped in creme on the palate, this is a bubbly rose for the special occasion. Pairs wonderfully with food and is a great remedy for the early spring chill!
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
At the moment Bollinger is my favorite big house and the non-vintage "Special Cuvee" is a big part of that position. Ripe fruit underneath a wet stone wash gives way to a sweeter, almost flan like mid-palate that finishes in a mouth watering citrus zest. A classic for a reason.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
Don't take my word for it. Don't take everyone else's word for it. Try Billecart-Salmon's Brut Rosé and see why it's consistently touted as the creme de la creme. It's subtly full of rosewater complexity and aromatics that dance out of the glass. It's instantly appreciable. It's consistent. This is a slightly bolder style than most rose champagne, due to the red wine added, but it's still pretty enough to be on its own, and merits the attention.
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
I try to resist the big houses of champagne. I don't succeed very often. Products like this have me inevitably circling back. This is a phenomenal blend of sourced grapes from many different villages (though all grapes used are grand cru). 100% Pinot Noir, this champagne is like a fruit salad on a summers day. Refreshing and crisp, with heaps of strawberries, bing cherries and raspberries mid-palate and a drying finish.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
A wine shop's best friend-- the Billecart Salmon Rose consistently defends its title as one of the best-selling products (not just within champagne) in any wine store. It is composed of all premier cru grapes-- 40% Pinot Noir, 40 Chardonnay and 20 Pinot Meunier, but the pretty light red hue comes not from controlled skin contact with the red grapes, but rather by blending Pinot Noir fully vinified red with the rest of the blend that sees zero skin contact. This Pinot Noir comes exclusively from one very old plot, meaning that the overall production of this wine is strictly capped. The result is a wonderfully complex nose with some earth as well as very elegant red fruit.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
Oh, how I love Bollinger. It's like an old friend that I don't see often enough, and every time we reconnect all these wonderful memories come rushing back. A champagne for the lovers of the toasty, rich bubbles-- packed with honeyed brioche, warm nuttiness (hazelnut and almond), and a long, refreshing finish. All of Bollinger's champagnes (regardless of format) are aged in magnum-- a pricey undertaking-- all in service of providing a truly luxurious drinking experience. As our champagne buyer is fond of saying-- this is "crazy craft!" 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay & 15% Pinot Meunier.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 2/8/2019 | Send Email
A powerful champagne from a powerhouse producer! The Brut Reserve is incredibly consistent-- which makes a lot of sense given that they commit to using as much reserve wine as necessary (at times up to 50%) to create a steadily delicious product. It has incredible structure, a gorgeous nose of rich honey and fragrant white flowers, and a soft, elegant finish.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 2/7/2019 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 2/7/2019 | Send Email
It's been a little while since I've sat down and evaluated this product thoroughly. A standard in my back bar when I can get it, but I tend to drink and not think this one if you know what I mean. The fact that it's recently become slightly more available (for what will certainly be a short period of time) means I get to take some time to consider this one thoroughly for once. Supposedly the same mash bill as George T Stagg I actually get a strong similarity one of the other famously hard to get Buffalo Trace Bourbons, Rock Hill Farms. Maybe it's a warehousing thing or the fact that they're both 100 proof, but the mashbills on the two should be different. The nose still has tons of sweet dark oak spice, strong Tahitian vanilla and caramel. Touches of barnyard and dried vegetation. Big sweet corn on the palate with a lovely kick thanks to the higher proof. This is the perfect whisky to go in between Eagle Rare and Blanton's and the shoe fits perfectly, figuratively speaking. Sad we don't get to sell this on the regular, but hopefully more stocks will continue to open up on this excellent brand.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email
By: Andrew Whiteley | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email
I never thought I'd see the day we could secure enough of this to shout it from the roof tops! Colonel Taylor Small Batch is finally here in more than six-bottle-at-a-time quantities! Hallelujah. If you're a fan of Buffalo Trace bottlings and you've never been able to snag a bottle of their smaller production stuff, this is the perfect place to start. The high corn mashbill in combination with a big woody profile gives an incredible combination of sweet and spicy without relying heavily on rye grain. The 100 proof required by the bottled in bond act is actually a perfect spot for sipping. It's robust enough to stand up in cocktails and sexy enough to enjoy on its own. The flavors are sweet candied corn, mature floral notes and tons of spicy wood and clove and burnt orange peel. It's time to case up, 'cause we have no idea if or when this opportunity will come again.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Jr. Bottled in Bond Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/6/2019 | Send Email
Wow! Great classic bourbon is so hard to find and EH Taylor (along with all the stable) is almost always in short supply. Wonderfully spicy and alluring, viscous and showing the slightly sweet corn and oak qualities I love without being cloying or overly woody. Especially for a 100 proof whiskey, it is amazingly smooth on the palate and finishes super fine.
Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
Laurent Perrier has been one of my favorite Grand Marquee producers since I had the pleasure of writing about their La Cuvee when it first appeared on the scene. Their rose is impressive with a combination of vineyards all given Grand Cru status. The 100% Pinot Noir is more feminine with lovely notes of sweet summer berries that bounce along a richly texture palate.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
One of the best priced Grand Marque Champagnes we have on the shelf, especially when taking account the quality of the wine. More than one third of the wine is barrel fermented and more than one third is reserve wine aged for a minimum of 10 years in magnums before blending creating possibly one of the most complex champagnes I have tasted yet. Some cracker or fresh brioche aromas mixed with fresh yellow apples draw you into a textured yet lively palate that doesn't stand still!
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
There is a reason the Billecart Salmon rose is one of the top selling rose's in the store. The darker pink color comes from the Premier Cru Pinot Noir grapes that also impart the wonderful aromas and flavors of sweet cherry and strawberry. A polished style champagne with a long finish filled with summer berries!
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Rachel Alcarraz | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
One of the great things about Grande Marque Champagnes is the consistency of house style. You know that the Billecart Salmon Brut you are opening tonight will have the same fresh and focused character you remember from before. Billecart has had a long, cold fermentation practice since the late 1950's aiding in their bright and lively personality. Over two years on the lees gives some texture to the tart apple and dry stone finish.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Chris DePaoli | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
This is a true staff favorite. Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve and Lay's potato chips is among my emeritus choices for best food pairing ever, and I'm not alone in that appraisal. Light honey coated pom fruit and refreshing acidity are the understated role players in this incredibly delicate, balanced cuvee. Drink now, drink often.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
Who doesn't love Bolli! 007, The gals from Ab Fab, and us! Seriously this has always been a favorite, likely due to its generous use of reserve wines and meticulous winemaking, the bold rich and nutty presence and light zesty lemon peel highlights are truly hard to resist
Billecart-Salmon "Le Rosé" Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
Billecart Salmon is one of the most consistent and ever reliably great rose Champagnes. A constant favorite with customers and staff alike, it's hard to find fault with anything about this one. Richly bold and lovely red fruit flavors dominate this true classic.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Shaun Green | Review Date: 2/5/2019 | Send Email
K&L has a long and happy relationship with Billecart Salmon and the Brut Reserve is as lively and exuberant as ever. Lovely lemony fruit and an enticing candied citrus peel not are lifted by the brightness and clarity. Always a hit!
Tamagawa Kinsho "Heart of Gold" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 1/7/2019 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 1/7/2019 | Send Email
After tasting Tamagawa's impressive Red Label Junmai I knew I had to try the Daiginjo. I'm glad I did. The nose is an alluring blend of anise, mint, white pepper, pear, honeydew, and subtle nuances of white blossom and grassy green tea. The aroma is a delight, and one that changes as the sake warms. Heart of Gold is best enjoyed right out of the refrigerator but don't keep it chilled. As it warms in the glass, the anise changes to sweeter licorice and the fruit elements better balance the non-fruit spicy qualities. Structure is big for a daiginjo with a stout body, intense flavors and savory texture. If subtlety and elegance it what you're after, Takasago's Divine Droplets or Kokuryu's Crystal Dragon would better serve. However, those brews don't have the twang of crisp acidity or tingle of spicy white pepper on the finish that Heart of Gold does. A sake for Syrah and Gin drinkers, Heart of Gold is like Red Label in that there is no other sake like it.
Price:
$49.99
2015 Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien
By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 1/5/2019 | Send Email
By: Steve Bearden | Review Date: 1/5/2019 | Send Email
This property next to Chateau Beycheville produced a smooth, rich and somewhat sexy wine with plenty of underlying structure and tension. For now lush black raspberries and sweet cherries take center stage along with flowery aromas, but there are touches of smoke, spice and earth poking through the creamy middle.
Caledonia Spirits Barr Hill "Tom Cat" Barrel Aged Old Tom Vermont Gin (750ml)
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/28/2018 | Send Email
By: David Othenin-Girard | Review Date: 12/28/2018 | Send Email
Caledonia Spirits had me hooked the moment I opened a sample of the outrageous honey they use to make their gin. This veritable nectar of the gods could literally make anything delicious. Now take an ultra high quality gin, age it in good quality oak, and add just enough honey to feel it, but not enough make it particularly sweet and you've got one of the most dangerous concoctions on the market. Aromatically unique, encompassing a huge variety of complex flavors, Barr Hill has created one of the most successful barrel aged gin I've yet come across. Sip it straight or in the place of whiskey in certain spirit driven cocktails.
Montechiara Prosecco
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/21/2018 | Send Email
By: Scott Beckerley | Review Date: 12/21/2018 | Send Email
This is one of (possibly the highest) selling Prosecco for us. It has the classic peachy and creamy character that makes Prosecco so popular. Great as an apertif or for the ever popular Aperol sprtiz!
Price:
$10.99
Kokuryu "Crystal Dragon" Daiginjo Sake 720ml
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 12/20/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 12/20/2018 | Send Email
Kokuryu's house yeast, as well as locally sourced soft mountainous snow-melt water and locally grown Gohyakuman-goku rice, gives this sake an incredibly clean and nuanced flavor. Imagine a chablis-like minerality with fruity aromas of kiwi, green grape, green apple and lemon yogurt. Light in body and restrained in umami. Finishes dry and crisp; it almost vanishes from the palate. Refreshing acidity. Brilliant, one of the best sakes I've tasted made in the restrained, elegant style.
Price:
$39.99
Jansz "Premium Rosé" Brut Tasmania
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 12/14/2018 | Send Email
By: Stefanie Juelsgaard | Review Date: 12/14/2018 | Send Email
The Tasmanian climate lends itself perfectly to sparkling wines, yet it's surprising how few people know about the phenomenal bubbles they produce. Jansz has always been one of my favorites because of this rosé. This wine is dry and crisp, but the high percentage of Pinot Noir gives great berry flavors and richness, and the barrel aging rounds out the sharp edges and gives a creamy texture and briochy taste. My colleague told me they tasted this wine as part of his WSET training and everyone thought it was Champagne. The cold, windy climate of Tasmania helps keep these wines super fresh and delicate. It really encompasses all those qualities we look for in a fantastic sparkling wine and they even use the traditional méthod champenoise to ensure the highest quality. This is a fantastic Champagne alternative at an easy everyday price.
Launois "Cuvée Réservée" Grand Cru Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne (1.5L)
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 12/5/2018 | Send Email
By: Diana Turk | Review Date: 12/5/2018 | Send Email
Do not sleep on this: our best selling Direct Import Champagne in an age-worthy size!
Crisp and linear with an incredible, almost creamy, texture, the nuanced Launois Cuvée Réserve overdelivers every time. This Champagne is magical: Grand Cru Chardonnay from chalky soils shows minerality, but that racy backbone is balanced by moussy elegance. There's a sparkly acidity that will impress Blanc des blancs connoisseurs while still pleasing a crowd. I've even paired it with weeknight takeout and it's been perfect.
When we say buy as much as you can now, we mean it: this sells out quickly! I am so proud to support Séverine Launois and her family's tradition of exceptional wines - do not miss this value-driven stunner.
Price:
$89.99
McKenzie Bottled in Bond Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 11/29/2018 | Send Email
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 11/29/2018 | Send Email
From Larceny to Weller, David Nicholson to Pappy, wheated bourbon has always put a smile on my face. McKenzie's bottled-in-bond offering makes an impressive addition to the list. Alluring aromas of nuts, bananas and roasted corn make a pleasant enough first impression, but tasting this reveals a plethora of tropic fruits and soft spice. The sweet cereal grain is contrasted nicely by citrus peels and bright acid. With a good body and relatively long finish, this should fit nicely into any whisky collection.
Price:
$54.99
Tamagawa "Red Label" Heirloom Yamahai Genshu Sake (720ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/20/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/20/2018 | Send Email
Good god Mr. Harper, what a magnificent sake you have created. Intense fruity and savory aromas of gummy candy, strawberry, kiwi, marshmallow, mushroom and toasted nuts. One of the most complex, delicious, unique, intoxicating aromas on a sake. One sip and you know this is as good on the palate as it is on the nose: incredibly powerful but velvety and shockingly easy to drink. Structurally, this is maxed out straight down the line: the highest levels of umami, acidity, alcohol, and flavor intensity with the longest finish. Flavors of oily marcona almond and mushroom fried rice can be tasted for minutes. An unconventional masterpiece!
Price:
$34.99
Tensei Kanagawa "Song of the Sea" Junmai Ginjo Sake 720ml
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/20/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/20/2018 | Send Email
Lovely stuff. Aromas are classic Junmai Ginjo: fresh honeydew, lemon, lime, pear and green apple with a touch of lemongrass. Intensity is neither robust nor restrained; just right. Light but not thin-bodied on the palate. Acidity is clearly present but does not distract from the subtle flavors of fresh pear and lemon. Finishes clean and lingers just long enough and with a faint impression of sweetness. Extremely well made example of a delicate Junmai Ginjo.
Price:
$39.99
McKenzie Bottled in Bond Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
By: William Beare | Review Date: 11/18/2018 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 11/18/2018 | Send Email
"Why don't I drink more wheated Bourbon?" I ask myself, as I sit gleefully tasting this delicious spirit. The answer is complicated by brands like Pappy lending an unreasonable premium on anything in the category, but it does mean that talented distillers are doing fascinating things in the wheated style. The absence of rye in the mash leaves the corn a lot more room to shine through. Aromas of ground and roasted maize come tumbling forth, softened by creamy, almost butter-scotch like tones-- like moist cornbread and honey butter. The higher proof is perfect here-- it keeps the sweetness from overwhelming the panoply of complex cereal flavors.
Price:
$54.99
Konteki "Tears of Dawn" Daiginjo Sake (720ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/13/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/13/2018 | Send Email
A clean, polished brew. Bright, clear aromas of green apple, green grape, honeydew, rice flour, lemon and white blossom. The sake feels light but not watery on the palate, with a unique chalky grip not unlike fine-grained tannin of a quality aged red wine. A subtle flavor, and one that reminds me of fresh tart fruit rather than ripe sweet fruit. Acidity and umami are understated as well; there is just the right amount to offset the sake's faint sweetness and provide lift. Finish is crisp and tidy. This is one to sip slowly and contemplate, or to enjoy with the delicate flaky white fish and sashimi.
Price:
$39.99
Wakatake Onikoroshi "Demon Slayer" Junmai Daiginjo Sake (720 ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/12/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/12/2018 | Send Email
Similar in some ways to K&L’s other Shizuoka prefecture Junmai Daiginjo, Doi brewery’s Takatenjin “Soul of the Sensei” in that both of these brews have juicy, gushing fruit aromatics and big flavor. However, while Soul of the Sensei is a bit drier on the palate with more honeydew melon and nectarine aroma, Super Demon Slayer is sweeter and more tropical with ripe banana, cantaloupe, and peach yogurt with honey. A touch of aniseed keeps things from getting cloying. Let the sake warm up to room temperature and swirl some air into your glass like a wine and be treated to more traditional “Junmai” aromas like savory soy. On the palate, peach, banana, and honey flavor lingers well into this brew’s long finish. Acidity, while there, feels light due to its balance with a kiss of sweetness. The sugar, joined with the slightly elevated alcohol and generous ripe fruit flavor, gives an impression of a silky, soft, creamy texture.
Price:
$49.99
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: William Beare | Review Date: 11/6/2018 | Send Email
By: William Beare | Review Date: 11/6/2018 | Send Email
Founded in 1812, the Laurent Perrier house has been a pioneer of the use of stainless steel in champagne production. For those who remember an era before the "La Cuvee" brand-- the differences in their entry-level release are subtle, but important. Six months was added to the lees time (for a glorious total of 42 months), in addition to moving the cepage towards Chardonnay (50 Chard, 30 Pinot Noir, and 20 Pinot Meunier). The final product has 9 grams per liter of residual sugar, and is phenomenally well-balanced, delightfully racy champagne. Traces of white peach, citrus blossoms, and sweet grapefruit peel.
Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Sake (300ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/1/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/1/2018 | Send Email
Kikusui Junmai Ginjo is a sake that I consider to be a standard in the category. Best served around hana-hie (50 degrees); at this temperature you will be treated to intense aromas of cantaloupe, honeydew melon and banana with hints of sweet mochi. Although the nose is aromatic, it never comes across as cloying or ostentatious. On the palate the sake is very well balanced; the body is moderately full without weighing down the palate and with just enough acidity, sweetness and umami to support the sake without distracting from its delicious fruit flavor and clean, silky finish. It is everything a quality Junmai Ginjo should be at a fantastic price and is impossible to disappoint!
Price:
$11.99
Kikusui Junmai Ginjo Sake (720ml)
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/1/2018 | Send Email
By: Stephen Allison | Review Date: 11/1/2018 | Send Email
Kikusui Junmai Ginjo is a sake that I consider to be a standard in the category. Best served around hana-hie (50 degrees); at this temperature you will be treated to intense aromas of cantaloupe, honeydew melon and banana with hints of sweet mochi. Although the nose is aromatic, it never comes across as cloying or ostentatious. On the palate the sake is very well balanced; the body is moderately full without weighing down the palate and with just enough acidity, sweetness and umami to support the sake without distracting from its delicious fruit flavor and clean, silky finish. It is everything a quality Junmai Ginjo should be at a fantastic price and is impossible to disappoint!
Price:
$24.99
Domaine du Manoir de Montreuil "Reserve" Calvados Pay d'Auge (750ml)
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 10/31/2018 | Send Email
By: Anthony Russo | Review Date: 10/31/2018 | Send Email
I first discovered Calvados here at K&L; being from Vermont and a big fan of its apple products, I had to try this distillate for myself. I was instantly drawn to this spirit. Domaine du Montreuil only furthers its positive impression: smooth, "fresh" apple flavor, and just enough seriousness to let you know you're drinking a masterfully crafted eau de vie from a region with a long history in its production. Perfect as an afternoon aperitif or after a large meal, yea worth a try in your cooking recipes as well!
Compass Box "Story of the Spaniard" Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 10/18/2018 | Send Email
By: Will Blakely | Review Date: 10/18/2018 | Send Email
This latest release from Compass Box reflects the mastery of their blending techniques in a bottle everyone can enjoy. Cozy scents of sea air, marzipan and apricot greet you immediately, imploring you to sit and savor the dram. Though relatively light in body, it provides impressive concentration of flavor. Its complex charactger pairs candied citrus and salty caramel with delicate spice and a savory finish. I consider myself fortunate to sample such a friendly, generous whisky; I encourage you to treat yourself to a taste.
Charles Baur "Emotion" Cremant d'Alsace Brut
By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 10/18/2018 | Send Email
By: Alex Pross | Review Date: 10/18/2018 | Send Email
Zesty & bright with excellent richness and subtle hints of minerals and petrol notes. Expansive on the palate this is the ideal sparkler to start off your Thanksgiving fun with family and friends.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 10/11/2018 | Send Email
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 10/11/2018 | Send Email
Bollinger forever to me has been elegant champagne that shows true class. 30% of Bollinger’s wines are aged in wood and all of their reserve wines that make up their very ‘special cuvee’ are aged in magnums which is pretty well agreed upon between all the growers and champagne houses that this yields the most complex aromas. That is what you get with Bollinger, complexity. Wonderful balanced richness with piercingly fresh acidity with just the right amount of richness making this champagne one of my favorites.
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 10/11/2018 | Send Email
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 10/11/2018 | Send Email
“La Cuvee” is the result of LP’s new Non-Vintage cuvee giving a little more Chardonnay and 6 extra months on the lees for a total of 42 months giving ‘La Cuvee’ a freshness with jus the right amount of toasty richness. This is definitely a crowd pleaser and that includes industry professionals as well.
Billecart-Salmon "Le Réserve" Champagne
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 10/11/2018 | Send Email
By: Cameron Price | Review Date: 10/11/2018 | Send Email
Billecart-Salmon is a medium sized champagne house making some beautiful cuvees and their flagship Brut Reserve is no different. Comprised of 40% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay this cuvee is a champagne classic in style and elegance. Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Reserve exemplifies a champagne of know-how and could (should) be any connoisseur’s go-to.
Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 10/7/2018 | Send Email
By: Morgan Laurie | Review Date: 10/7/2018 | Send Email
Fallet-Dart is always a fantastic value and this under $30 bottling is no exception. Aged on the lees for four years, this is rich, powerful and toasty without feeling flabby on the palate. There is a bracing line of acidity that cuts through that leesy richness. The palate has bright, citrusy notes to balance all the richness of the nose. A great value, so go ahead, drink Champagne when you're thirsty.
Price:
$34.99