K&L Wine Merchants - Will Blakely Reviews

2023 K&L Discovery Series Italy, Barbera d'Alba Superiore

Review Date: 07-22-2026

The sleeper of the Italian Discovery Series lineup and one with perhaps the broadest crossover appeal next to the Super Tuscan, this Barbera truly dazzles. The freshness is apparent immediately on the bouquet, with ripe boysenberry and raspberry complimented by a hint of white pepper and violet. Endlessly pleasurable on the palate, it boasts a panople of fruits and subtle herbs held aloft by a luscious texture and mouthwatering acidity. While an absolute joy to drink now, it surely could stand up to a couple of years of bottle age. Do yourself a favor and buy this by the case; it's perfectly suited for any meal and any occasion.

Price: $19.99

2024 Anne de Joyeuse "VERY" Chardonnay Haute Valle de l'Aude

Review Date: 05-19-2026

Anyone missing Lafage's Novellum from yesteryear would be well served to stock up on this gem before it's gone. Though from a different area, gives a lot of the same satisfaction as an example of seemingly impossible quality for the price. Aromatic white peach combines with pear and Meyer lemon to deliver a fresh and easy fruit profile, while just enough toasty brioche and oak spice round it out and give it a pleasing texture. Despite acquiring 100+ cases, we expect this one to move quickly- don't hesitate to get yours!

Price: $14.99

DC: 95

2025 Little Book "Chapter 9 - None for Granted" Blended Straight Whiskey

Review Date: 09-09-2025

The Booker's lineup remains one of the most famous in the bourbon world, and the highly coveted Little Book releases continue to spark fervor among enthusiasts. This latest edition is no exception and expertly showcases the quality of Beam's whiskey stocks and their blending prowess. This mix of 7-11 year bourbons and a cheeky 8 year rye starts with gooey caramel, toasted vanilla, charred wood, cinnamon and clove. The first pour feels a bit primary with the ethanol making itself apparent, but with enough air in the glass (and maybe a drop of water), the whiskey reveals a more suave and sophisticated nature. Glazed and grilled peach, praline, dusty rickhouse, and a more rye-focused spice start to draw attention from the bold oak, resulting in a long and complex finish worthy of the name. Don't take the fact that we got a decent allocation for granted; these won't last much longer.

Price: $149.99

Isle of Harris Sugar Kelp Infused Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 08-26-2025

A product so instantly appealing that it became an overnight sensation, Isle of Harris Gin exceeds expectations in every metric. The remote distillery quietly distills some of the finest spirit in the Scottish Isles, and while their whisky only recently came on the scene, their gin has been a longtime favorite of everyone lucky enough to taste it. Classic hallmarks of good quality gin like fresh citrus, juniper and roots are held aloft by the exquisite distillate. The mouthwatering texture and salinity amplify other flavors beautifully, resulting in the best version of whatever cocktail in which you use this. Of course, it fares well in a martini, or with soda or tonic and a twist of your favorite citrus, but rarely have I so enjoyed sipping gin neat or with a slight chill. And with gorgeous packaging to boot, Harris Gin should be on everyone's home bar. Considering this originally cost $60, you can't afford not to buy it.

Price: $44.99

Kanosuke Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 08-05-2025

One of the most exciting whisky releases of the last year, Kanosuke finally comes to an approachable price point, and I could not be happier. The quality on display here is unrivaled in Japanese whisky at this cost. It even gives single malt Scotch a run for its money. The nose starts strong with big oak and vanilla, but there's more nuance than apparent at first whiff. White flowers, tropical fruit, candied citrus and confectioners sugar lie just beneath the heavy base notes. The palate is soft but structured, offering far more complexity than you could expect from relatively young whisky. Peaches drizzled with condensed milk, sweet grain, toasted oak and a kick of spice make the first impression. But a thread of saline and earthy umami from the coastal aging and the recharred shochu casks counter the sweeter flavors and round out the whole package. What keeps me coming back though is the elegance and purity of it. This will strike some fans of Japanese whisky as odd or strong, but I believe it hits all the hallmarks that separate Japanese malt from Scottish. It's perfectly composed without a single note out of place. I dare say it will convert some Scotch drinkers who thought Japanese whisky too light or too expensive, because at the end of the day, it's just exceptional whisky.

Price: $79.99

Bruichladdich 18 Year Old Unpeated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (blue wrap) (750ml)

Review Date: 03-01-2024

This was such a pleasure to taste, and worth the long wait for its release- a golden gift from the gods. Heady aromas of sweet grain, orange oil and peach skin float elegantly out of the glass. The palate delivers glazed peach and apricot, almond pastry and Manuka honey. Though unpeated, it is distinctly Islay with its sea salt and slightly mossy profile. The rich texture and sweet, endlessly lingering finish suggest dessert wine casks played a prominent role in the aging of this exquisite spirit. Any Scotch fan will be instantly smitten, and I think this would make an enticing entry into the category, though anyone who starts here would be spoiled for life.

Price: $169.99

WA: 94

Casco Viejo Blanco Tequila (1L)

Review Date: 07-28-2023

To make a long story short, not only is this is the best blanco tequila under $30, but it also outperforms most brands at twice the price or more. The long version involves going back to the beginning of tequila as a regional style of spirit. Jose Cuervo was the first major tequila producer in the middle of the 18th century, and at the time, most of the agave was coming from the lower lying regions now known as El Valle. One hundred years later, the valley was saturated with agave fields owned by large companies, so producers trying to enter the market were increasingly looking to plant agave in the previously undeveloped mountain areas. The Camarena family began doing so in the 1880's, ultimately leading to building their distilleries and the brands we see today. El Tesoro de Don Felipe and G4 are headed by two Camarena brothers who struck out to build their own tequila brands, while the main family estate makes Casco Viejo, and they do it in the most traditional style you'll find at an everyday price point. Roasted in brick ovens rather than high-pressure steam vats, fermented over the course of days and weeks rather than hours, and bottled without the use of chemical additives, this is pure and authentic tequila. As we typically get from the highland style, the flavor cooked agave comes accented with lifted citrus and subtle floral tones. A hint of pepper and dried mountain herbs brings some savory influence, and the finish is clean and refreshing. It hits all the right notes. Not just margarita fodder, it's unbelievably enjoyable to sip neat, even more-so to serve as ranch water. When the cost of everything coming from Jalisco is only increasing, treat yourself to something that turns back time, delivering historic quality at a long-forgotten price point.

Price: $21.99

Hakata 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Aged Fukuoka 100% Barley Japanese Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-16-2023

One of the most exciting and promising Japanese whiskies in years, Hakata should be on everyone's radar going forward. With the insane and continued price increases on age-stated Suntory offerings, it's refreshing to find something that's actually worth the price it commands. Honestly, this is the sort of whisky Yamazaki 12 wishes it could be. Pure barley with full sherry flavor, and at a price that almost feels nostalgic. What's not to love? But this stands on its own merit independent of comparisons to the over-hyped names you're familiar with. What sets it apart is the unique process to break down the barley; rather than a traditional malting process, which can create funky, savory flavors, they use koji (not the berry, but a microorganism commonly used in sake production) to break down the barley more efficiently. An added benefit of this method is how it allows more of the clean, fruity character of the barley to come through, while retaining the mouthwatering umami of the grain. Complimented by rich sherry, it is a true delight to drink. If you like those higher-priced items and lament the bygone days when you could buy them with no hesitation, you owe it to yourself to try this.

Price: $99.99

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Japanese Export) (700ml)

Review Date: 04-28-2023

I wish more bourbon tasted like this. Or perhaps more accurately, I want more bourbon to feel like this, because while the flavors are nothing new - toasted vanilla, savory oak, candied nuts and subtle spice - the concentration and integration of all these flavors remains unrivaled in bottlings at this proof. And the purity of it is similarly uncanny. I see a parallel between this and the Evan Williams 12, the Japanese export of which we also get from time to time. Where the EW shows herbs and pepper and at times feels a bit disjointed and hot, this Wild Turkey is seamless, immaculate and soft. Though it is by no means simple or boring. Poached pear, roast chestnut and pecan praline round out the range of flavors and aroma, while a distinctly honeyed and toasty finish makes every sip a soothing delight. Such a rare treat, this bottle should be a top priority for every whiskey drinker right now.

Price: $200.00

Daniel Bouju Tres Vieux "Brut de Fut" K&L Exclusive Premier Cru de Cognac Grand Champagne Cognac

Review Date: 05-13-2022

I have never beheld a cognac with a color as dark and dense as this. It pours like very old rare sherry, and it shares some similar attributes on the nose. But the similarities end there, as this is something entirely singular and distinct. Cocoa and molasses join dried figs and old, lacquered wood in this unnervingly powerful expression of Grande Champagne fruit. Despite its intensity, it shows a deft hand, albeit without a modicum of restraint. This is the sort of spirit that renders everything around it bland and tasteless by comparison- it is a black hole of flavor that sucks you in the moment you cross that invisible threshold. There is no escape. Fans of well-aged spirits across the board will adore this. Whether you miss old-school, age-stated bourbon, love intensely sherried malt, or have been collecting Cognac for years, you will surely want a bottle of this.

Price: $199.99

Cascahuin "Tahona" Blanco Tequila (750ml)

Review Date: 02-18-2022

Cascahuin has been one of my favorite producers in tequila since I first sipped tasted their entry level offerings years ago. Their traditional process creates spirits leaps and bounds ahead of most competitors in terms of quality and flavor. Effortlessly balanced and expressive, this entirely tahona-pressed bottling in particular exhibits everything that most blanco tequilas aspire to be. Rustic aromas of dusty herbs and dry earth instantly evoke the region from which this hails. The taste is unbelievably refined, with pure agave sweetness taking center stage, supported by fresh white pepper and chamomile. The finish shows darker fruit tones and a satisfying earthy counterpoint to the ethereal flavors up front. A lingering hint of roasted meat makes this endlessly satisfying to drink. Purists should always have this on the shelf, and those looking to take a step up in the category should look no further.

Price: $69.99

2009 Meyney, St-Estèphe

Review Date: 11-21-2021

The 2009 vintage has entered a delightful and approachable phase in its life for immediate consumption after pouring. Upon opening, the nose boasts generous fruits and a hint of gravel. Cherry jubilee, baker's chocolate wash over the palate, followed by warm baking spice and subtle scrubland herbs. The spicy but well-integrated tannins would compliment a rich, hearty meal perfectly, though could be enjoyed just as easily sitting at home on a cold night curled up by a warm fire. Once opened, it continues to evolve, showcasing the refined rusticity that the St Estephe commune is best known for. It just might be the perfect bottle to enjoy during this holiday season. Cheers!

Price: $99.99

VN: 94

JS: 93

RP: 92

Inverroche "Amber" Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 11-18-2021

Whenever people ask for unique gins either to offer as gifts or expand their collections, my first instinct points immediately to Inverroche. The amber especially offers a complex and intriguing profile that you won't find elsewhere. Somewhere between an Old Tom style gin and a barrel aged dry (though there is no wood involved here), it offers all the juniper and floral character of the brand's Classic gin but with added weight, fruit and spice. Golden apples, teak wood, cinnamon, anise, and honey all meld together to create something indescribably satisfying and wonderfully distinct. Though the cocktail applications are nigh endless, I would love to have this in a modified cobbler where it replaces the amontillado.

Price: $40.99

St. George "Baller" Single Malt California Whiskey

Review Date: 11-12-2021

This whiskey marks a particular milestone for me in my spirits journey, as it was one of the first esoteric bottlings that challenged my preconceptions about the category. At once delicate and brash, this project showcases the creativity and innovation at work in St. George's oeuvre. Salty, sweet and tart all at once, it boasts nectarine and pluot tang appointing a body of golden cereal malt with a savory and satisfyingly smoky finish. The first sip takes you past the fruit, revealing its softer floral tones that compliment that rich malt, all the while warming the palate with pleasant spice. A cocktail enthusiast's dream, to be sure, this also makes a great gift for any fan of fun whiskey who is looking to branch out.

Price: $49.99

Leopold Bros. "Summer" Limited Edition Gin (750ml)

Review Date: 08-09-2019

Personally, I remain adamant that if you're going to use a gin in cocktails, it should be perfectly palatable without adulteration. Leopold's Summer Gin accomplishes that feat with aplomb. It smells like a summer breeze through a picturesque garden complete with citrus trees on the outskirts. The juniper here is ever-present, but by no means aggressive. Clean, fresh, and right on the mark in every respect, it carries its weight with poise and finesse, but there's nothing pretentious about it. This gin would do just as well with a single ice cube as in an extravagant cocktail that looks like a peacock in a Collins glass and costs you an arm and a leg in Hollywood. I highly recommend picking up a bottle before it hibernates for the winter.

Price: $34.99

El Caballito Cerrero "Agave Chato" Blanco 46 Jalisco Destilado de Agave (750ml)

Review Date: 03-21-2019

This bottle is a must-try for agave aficionados - a perfect example of the complex, rustic flavors of a properly made agave-driven spirit. Earthy, vegetal aromas create a dramatic first impression that quickly develops secondary characteristics of bright acid and tropical fruits. The palate is marvelous, marrying grassy herbs, saline and roasted peppers in a voluptuous, mouthwatering texture. The finish is remarkably clean, carrying an impressive mineral quality and a more meaty flavor than "proper" blue weber tequila. The chato displays a wonderful umami that I rarely see in the other steam-cooked spirits coming out of Jalisco. I wish we could see more products like this, rather than the homogenized recipes created by some of the stricter regulations in the state.

Price: $84.99

Compass Box "Story of the Spaniard" Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2018

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.

Price: $64.99

WE: 93

Gilbert Jacquesson "Cuvée Tradition" Blanc de Noirs Brut Champagne

Review Date: 08-23-2018

An easy pick for any fan of Blanc de Noirs, the Cuvée Tradition presents opulence at a beyond reasonable price. The smell alone conveys the Pinot Meunier's richness exuberantly. Unctuous flavors of dried fruit and candied almonds envelop the palate but finish cleanly. Instantly appealing for anyone who wants more body in their bubbles, this makes a strong case for being one of the best values in Champagne right now.

Price: $29.99

Auchentoshan "Three Wood" Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Review Date: 06-22-2018

The Three Wood beautifully showcases the movement away from age statements and toward creative cask finishes. On the nose, it immediately offers enticing aromas of dried fruit, orange peel, caramelized sugar and ample spice. On the palate, it tastes full and complex despite its three distillations. Vanilla and dry sherry dominate at first but give way to soft tones of toffee and raisins. Typical of lowland malts, the finish brings a lingering nutty sweetness, but with a hint of charred wood. Altogether, it makes for an endlessly enjoyable dram that satisfies most any palate. I highly recommend this bottle for fans of bourbon or Irish whisky trying to break into Scottish single malts. It's also a great pick for scotch drinkers looking for something new in a sherry-focused style.

Price: $69.99

WE: 94

Reviewers

K&L Email Alerts

Staff Favorites - Will Blakely

Reviews