K&L Wine Merchants - Josh Gelfand Reviews

2012 Bunnahabhain 13 Year Old "Signatory" K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt #19 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-08-2026

Bunnahabhain is one of those distilleries that’s as hard to singularly identify as it is to pronounce or spell from memory (BOO-nuh-ha-bin, if you were wondering). An outlier Islay house known more for its rich, oily texture than the unctuous, medicinal peat of its island brethren, it shows best in bolder casks that allow the dense distillate a sturdy canvas for expression. Unafraid to be simultaneously rugged and elegant, the liquid from this specially selected cask walks the line as if hiking through the Scottish brush, overlooking a windswept cove surrounded by bristling marsh and grazing cattle. It is sherry-forward without being a one-note sherry bomb; it reminds you where it was born without overloading you with the island's signature smoke. It carries its 128 proof points delicately, reminding you of its strength with the quiet intensity of a Jedi master (our modern-day Obi-Wan is a Scotsman, after all). With that, we taste. The nose immediately displays signature sherry notes, with antique leather, espresso beans, toasted walnuts, and dense fig jam arriving first. The palate explodes with dark chocolate, charred orange oil, Cavendish pipe tobacco, and stewed dates, followed by a wisp of island peat that takes more from the bog itself than the malt-drying process more common in Islay Scotch. The fruit leads the finish, with a mix of marmalade and caramelized artichoke hearts careening toward a final touch of mahogany bookshelf. Bold and welcoming, this is another stellar private selection from our friends at Signatory, bottled exclusively for the K&L family.

Price: $99.99

Scarlet K&L Exclusive "Fernet Cask Marriage Peated Cask #21" Japanese Amaro (700ml)

Review Date: 04-30-2026

We’ve been following the work of Tatsuya “Moto” Motonaga for a few years now, and every time we check in on his Iseya Distillery, the story just gets better. We recently had the chance to visit Moto-san at his setup in Kanagawa, and let me tell you, this isn't your typical industrial operation. He built his distillery inside a repurposed 100-year-old house nestled near Lake Sagami (or “Sagami Loch” as he says on the label, in tribute to Scotland and the Japanese whiskies he so adores). Moto-san is a veteran of the Tokyo and Taipei bar scenes, having spent years behind the stick at legendary spots like BenFiddich and Bar-Hopping. He brings that obsessive bartender’s palate to everything he touches, farming over half of his own botanicals on-site to ensure the "shibui" - that perfect, understated elegance - is present in every bottle. Stepping into Moto-san’s private quarters is like entering a museum of bitterness. He maintains an incredible personal collection of vintage amari, with dusty bottles of mid-century Fernet and long-lost European liqueurs that serve as his liquid library. This deep respect for history informs every decision he makes, including the aesthetic. Moto-san actually designed and drew the label art himself; his intricate, hand-sketched illustrations reflect the same artisanal precision he applies to his precision blending. Since gentian is restricted in Japan, Moto-san has had to get creative to achieve that classic Fernet backbone. He uses a combination of chicory, aloe, and local roots to provide a bracing, clean bitterness that feels entirely new yet deeply familiar. For this K&L Exclusive Single Barrel, we lucked out while digging through the barrel house. While tasting some of his varietals aging in a variety of casks, including mizunara oak, some sherry and other wine casks, bourbon barrels, and more, we noticed one barrel he pointed out: his Fernet resting in an old Laphroaig cask. We knew IMMEDIATELY that this was the one for us. They wouldn’t turn it over right away, though, as it took a bit of persistent prodding (okay, maybe a little begging) to get him to agree to give us the whole thing. But we knew that the medicinal, alpine intensity of the Fernet meeting the maritime, iodine-soaked smoke of Islay was the ideal spiritual homecoming we wanted all to ourselves. Thankfully, we got it all. Now to the tasting notes: The nose is an absolute trip. You get the immediate blast of menthol and spearmint you expect from a great Fernet, but it is quickly enveloped by a sweet cloud of cold campfire smoke and a hint of salty sea air. There are layers of medicinal herbs, licorice root, and a faint, sweet hint of Okinawan raw sugar. On the palate, the texture is oily and coating. The initial bitterness of the chicory and aloe is beautifully tempered by the spicy-sweet angelica and galangal, and further ensconced by the Laphroaig cask, which brings notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and just the lightest wisp of that savory, first-aid kit peatiness that lingers perfectly. The finish is epic, trailing off with a long, cooling mintiness and a ghostly whisper of Islay smoke. This is a must-have for the amaro geeks and the peat-heads alike, and I promise you, will not last long. This is a one-off for the ages.

Price: $109.99

Limit of 2 per customer

Macallan 12 Year Old "Sherry Oak" 110 Proof Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 04-15-2026

When word got out that we were finally seeing a Macallan 12 Year Old at 110 proof, the collective gasp from the Scotch community was audible. For years, we have loved the Sherry Oak 12 for its elegance, but we have always wondered what that iconic Speyside spirit would look like if it were allowed to keep its muscles. Most Macallan is dialed back to 43% ABV to stay polite, but this "Distillery Exclusive" style bottling is anything but. This is Macallan with the volume cranked up, proving that underneath all that luxury branding, there is still a powerful, oily, and intensely characterful malt. This isn't just about the heat, though. At 55% ABV, the sherry influence isn't just a suggestion; it is a full-blown conversation. The higher proof acts as a magnifying glass for those classic European oak spices and the rich, dried fruit notes that have made this distillery a legend. It is a dense, brooding, and unapologetically bold expression that reminds me of the great "Cask Strength" bottlings of the early 2000s. It's not just another raisin bomb either. Diving in, the nose is a massive wave of Oloroso sherry, leads with sticky medjool dates, singed orange peel, and a heavy dose of holiday spice. You do get that classic Macallan "Christmas cake" aroma, but with an added layer of espresso grounds and dark manuka honey. On the palate, the texture is incredibly viscous. It coats the tongue with layers of dark chocolate, ginger snaps, and stewed plums, while the higher proof brings a vibrant black pepper and cinnamon zing that keeps it from feeling too heavy. The finish is epic, trailing off with a dry, resinous oak and a lingering sweetness of golden raisins and clove. This is Macallan at its most raw and impressive.

Price: $109.99

Russell's Reserve "New PALS - Coast to Coast" Single Barrel #24-0085 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Review Date: 04-09-2026

Sometimes a great barrel just finds its way to you, and that is exactly what happened here. Our good friends at Wild Turkey surprised us with this one right as we kicked off our New York adventure, and we could not be happier to have another beautiful expression of the Russell family’s finest. This barrel was dumped just a month shy of nine years old, delivering all the warm spice, bold caramel, and rich, wood-driven layers we have come to expect from the Lawrenceburg legends. The nose is woody and herbaceous, with cedar and oak intermingling with thyme and mint. Winter spices like clove and allspice round things out, resting on hints of banana bread and peanut brittle. The first sip leans into cinnamon and cardamom, followed by notes of sarsaparilla and lemon verbena. Fresh-baked bran muffins and a red apple sweetness emerge before settling back into oak and mahogany, with a wisp of fresh hay carrying the finish. It closes warm, easy, and comforting in that unmistakable Russell’s way. This is a fantastic welcome to New York for us at K&L, and a clear sign of great things to come.

Price: $74.99

Faultline 10 Year Old Cask Strength Single Barrel "Cask 1" 118.4 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Review Date: 04-01-2026

This first cask stood out as one of the highest-proof barrels of the lot, though that heat is surprisingly deceiving. While spice does the heavy lifting on the nose, a wonderful tart cherry sweetness sits prominently underneath, followed by burnt molasses, fresh eucalyptus, and cigar box. The oak is present from the very first sip, but the tannins never once overpower. Instead, they provide an elevating platform for the black cherry jam and bold, earthy spices to shine alongside notes of leather and garden mulch. Cinnamon, pepper, sweet paprika, and clove lead the way to the finish, which lands softly with the aid of a little orange oil essence. A touch of water assuredly sweetens the deal, releasing charred pineapple, cacao nibs, and even more burnt caramel. While it is certainly sippable neat, I recommend experimenting with a few drops to find the specific balance that works for you. It is well worth the effort.

Price: $59.99

K&L's "Faultline" 100 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 04-01-2026

What a fun batch this was to put together! From the original 10 barrels of 10 and 8-year-old bourbons, our team tasted through them all to pick our two favorite standouts for the single barrel cask strength bottling. We then meticulously combined, measured, proofed, and tested the rest to make sure we nailed the profile for this 100-proof banger. The 10-year-old casks came from a mid-high rye 75/21/4 mash bill, while the 8-year-old barrels used an even higher rye 60/36/4 recipe. This overall high-rye blend carries the perfect balance of sweet and spice to be approachable, sippable, and crushable. It is truly worthy of carrying on the Faultline legacy during K&L’s 50th year. So let’s dive in, shall we? A resonant burnt sienna color greets you, and the nose invites you in with warm clove, cinnamon, spent coffee grounds, chocolate-covered orange peel, and a touch of golden raisins. The palate introduces marmalade, peanut butter, and Mexican hot chocolate to the mix, with a wisp of extracted roots that hints at the aromatic bitters used in an Old Fashioned. It is exactly the kind of cocktail this bourbon begs to be used for. The finish is easy, almost demanding that you jump back in for another sip. This will shine in any whiskey concoction, but it is just as impressive standing alone. At a mere $40, it is worth every penny.

Price: $39.99

Elijah Craig 18 Year Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Review Date: 04-01-2026

There is no profile in the Heaven Hill portfolio, and perhaps in all of Kentucky, more polarizing than the Elijah Craig 18 Year Old. For years, this was the "white whale" of the extra-aged bourbon world, and it remains the bottle everyone loves to debate. Is it too oaky? Is it too dry? For me, those questions totally miss the point. This isn’t a "crushable" Tuesday night pour. It is a high-wire act of maturation. When you leave a 78% corn mash bill in a rickhouse for eighteen years, the wood is going to talk. The genius here is in finding those specific barrels that can handle that conversation without being shouted down by the oak, and those folks in Bardstown know exactly where to stash these singular casks to get exactly what they want from them. At 90 proof, this is intentionally proofed back to let those tertiary, "old whiskey" notes actually breathe. If this were bottled at hazmat strength, the tannins would likely strip the enamel off your teeth. Instead, it is a sophisticated, leather-bound, study-in-a-glass kind of dram. It is the quintessential "armchair whiskey" for when you have nowhere to be and all the time in the world to get there. The nose is a deep dive into an antique humidor with polished mahogany, cherry pipe tobacco, and a heavy dose of charred toffee. There is a faint, minty herbaceousness underneath, almost like dried eucalyptus, that keeps the density in check. On the palate, the texture is surprisingly silky. It leads with dark chocolate-covered dried blueberries and old-fashioned licorice, followed by a mid-palate of burnt orange peel, vanilla bean, roasted peanuts, and toasted pumpernickel bread. The oak is absolutely there, showing up as a dry, spicy structure of clove and cinnamon, but it is buffered by a lingering sweetness of dark honey and molasses. The finish is incredibly long and drying in the best way possible, trailing off with a refined puff of cigar smoke and a touch of mint. This is a monumental bourbon for the seasoned palate, and coming in significantly under the $200 mark, it’s an absolute bargain compared to some of the other heavier aged bourbons you'll find out there.

Price: $169.99

WE: 95

WA: 92

Rittenhouse "K&L Liquors Exclusive - 8244541" Bottled in Bond Single Barrel Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 03-25-2026

Rittenhouse is one of the most recognized names in rye whiskey. Starting in Pennsylvania in the 1930s, it made a name for itself as a Bottled-In-Bond powerhouse, showcasing a slightly sweeter profile than its high-rye Monongahela counterparts. While many Pennsylvania ryes historically used 100% rye, or the 95/5 mash bill popular on the market today, Rittenhouse is "barely legal" rye. Its 51/35/14 mash bill strikes a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, making it a perennial favorite for cocktails and boilermakers. For this particular single barrel, we secured an extra three years of aging over the standard offering, adding significant depth and nuance to the classic profile. The nose opens with that expected Rittenhouse maple spice, along with green pepper, dried mulberries, roasted nuts, banana candy, burnt marshmallow, and warm toffee. On the palate, you are introduced to the nutmeg and ginger so characteristic of the standard bottling, but with added layers of anise, oak tannin, Mexican chocolate, and dark berry jam. This leads right into a long, woodsy finish. This whiskey is absolutely perfect for any rye cocktail, maintaining that ideal 100-proof weight while offering a much broader palette of flavor. This isn’t just a Rittenhouse; it’s a Rittenhome.

Price: $34.99

Limit of 3 per customer

2011 Blair Athol 11 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 03-24-2026

The vast majority of the liquid from this Highland distillery that dates back to 1798 ends up in the Bells line of blended scotch whisky, but among enthusiasts, it’s highly regarded when found in independent bottlings. This one in particular highlights the classic highland style, dominated by the toasted oaky spice from the four-and-a-half year secondary aging in toasted French barrique casks. Honey and orchard fruits emerge in plenty, with the creamy toasted oak connecting the dots between floral and butterscotch notes. It finishes with a touch of nuttiness that emerges through the oaky spice. This is a lovely, rich dram that defies its age.

Price: $74.99

High West "Double Rye" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Moscatel Finished Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 03-20-2026

High West is easily one of the most reliable names in American craft distilling. Since starting up in Park City back in 2006, they’ve consistently turned out great everyday bottles alongside stellar annual releases that enthusiasts hunt for year after year. While they still source a good portion of their liquid, they’ve become masters at blending those stocks with their own house-made spirit. Their private barrel program was actually on hold for a few years, so we’re beyond excited to have this one back on the shelf, with a couple more landing in the coming months. For this selection, we have the classic "Double Rye", which uses a foundation of reliable 95/5 MGP rye blended with High West’s own 80/20 rye and malted rye mashbill, all aged between four and seven years before being finished in Moscatel casks for about 16 months. As a brighter, honeyed dessert wine, Moscatel brings a soft green grape and sweet coconut element to the whiskey, which is a nice departure from the heavier red fruits you usually get from Sherry or Port. The nose leads with roasted honey and bright cotton candy grapes, backed by cinnamon bark, canned peaches, and sarsaparilla. That first sip brings out the rye spice you’d expect from this base, along with burnt marshmallow, gooseberry crème brûlée, nutmeg, and apple cider. The finish hits a lovely balance of spice and bright sweetness, with more of that dark roasted honey and root beer bringing the journey to a close. Thankfully, another sip is always right around the corner.

Price: $74.99

St. George "Lot 25" Single Malt Whiskey

Review Date: 03-19-2026

This is the 25th-anniversary release from the absolute pioneers of American single malt, and frankly, it is a staggering achievement. St. George has been playing this game since 1982, long before "American Single Malt" was even a legal category, and this bottling is a deep dive into their incredible library of casks. We are talking about a blend that incorporates some of their earliest distillations, with the oldest juice in the bottle hitting that 25-year mark. What makes St. George so unique is their bartender’s palate approach to maturation. They aren't just using ex-bourbon barrels; this release is a complex tapestry of Kentucky bourbon, Tennessee whiskey, American oak, French oak, Port, and Sauternes casks. It is a masterclass in blending that managed to keep the distillery's signature cocoa and pear DNA while layering on a quarter-century of wood-driven complexity. This is bottled at 48% ABV, which provides just enough structural integrity to carry the massive weight of those older stocks without losing the delicate floral top notes that make St. George so recognizable. Diving in, the nose is an absolute kaleidoscope of aromas. It leads with that classic St. George roasted cocoa bean and ripe Bartlett pear, but it is quickly joined by deeper notes of manuka honey, dried apricot, and a hint of sandalwood. As it sits in the glass, you get this wonderful old library mustiness that only comes with genuine age. The palate is incredibly plush and oily, delivering waves of salted caramel, dark chocolate, and orange marmalade. There is a refined cardamom spiciness here that balances the honeyed sweetness from the Sauternes casks. The finish is epic, trailing off with a whisper of pipe tobacco and a lingering, resinous oak that stays with you forever. This isn't just a whiskey; it is a piece of California distilling history.

Price: $99.99

Binder's Stash Distilled By Willett 9 Year Old "Single Barrel #745" French Oak Wave Stave Cask Strength Kentucky Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 03-17-2026

We have here the first highly anticipated release from a celebrated partnership between one of the more lauded non-distiller producers in bourbon and one of the most legendary distillers in Kentucky. This single cask offering from Binder’s Stash features some of the experimental Willett distillate produced about a decade ago when they were still dialing in their house style. Because it was aged in a highly experimental barrel, the result is one of the most stunningly unique bourbons I have ever encountered. While the wheated mash bill is present, it does not show up in the standard way. Instead of the typical soft, cereal-forward aroma, this comes in robust with deep roasted caramel, musty oak, and cedar. You get notes of petrichor, black cherries, and carrot cake, followed by blood orange zest and Earl Grey tea. The special spiral-cut barrel really shines on the palate, with a combination of char and raw oak leading the way before baked red fruit, maple soot, anise, and pumpernickel take over. The finish seems never-ending, bringing you right back to that unique woodiness and forest herbaceousness that guided the journey. This is a truly singular expression. If it is a sign of what is to come from this partnership between Binder’s Stash and Willett, we are all in for some incredible bottlings.

Price: $360.00

K&L Liquors' 7 Year Old Every Drop "Living Legend" Batch No. KY-03-25 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 03-08-2026

Seven years, bottled at entry proof, from one of my favorite Kentucky distilleries that you can rarely get independent barrels from? Oh, yeah. Sign me up. To say this is one of the most ridiculous values I’ve seen from us here at K&L would be an understatement. Getting our own liquid from this undisclosed Lawrenceburg distillery - one that, let’s just say, pairs nicely with the main dish at your late November family feast - is, pretty, ahem, wild. I’m certainly giving thanks for this whiskey. The nose gives all those beautiful fall spices, with cinnamon and clove, allspice and dried flowers, like the potpourri surrounding the gourd on your table. The oak from an old barn, sweet caramel, along with apple, apricot, and cherry pie all play roles in the lovely aromatics as well. On the palate the spices continue along with musty oak, toffee, some orange peel, and pepper, with a bit of peanut brittle and nutmeg to round it all out before finishing with a little more of that barnyard rickhouse funk, soft leather, and roasted honey. You’d be a turkey not to gobble up this bottle for your holiday festivities.

Price: $49.99

Redbreast Moscatel Finished Irish Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 02-27-2026

This is classic Redbreast, plussed up with an elegant sweetness and a touch of herbaceousness. The nose opens with dry vanilla, orange spice, and a wisp of clove underneath baked, honeyed pastry. That pastry note turns right into honeycomb on the palate, bringing out lovely orchard and stone fruits, toffee, and cedar. A light touch of thyme and sage settles on the finish, all while that signature oily Redbreast texture lingers for minutes on end. This is a beautiful new expression that lets the whiskey guide the cask, avoiding the heavy-handedness often found in other sweet wine finishes.

Price: $104.99

1997 Auchroisk 26 Year Old "Old Malt Cask 25th Anniversary" Single Bourbon Barrel Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 02-20-2026

In the hands of an independent bottler, Auchroisk really gets a chance to step out of the shadows of the big blends. While it’s naturally a delicate and polite spirit, the 100-proof treatment from Old Malt Cask gives it some much-needed backbone, highlighting a hidden spiciness and a creamy mouthfeel that usually gets lost. It’s the kind of whisky that doesn't try to overpower you with peat or heavy sherry; instead, it offers a balanced, crisp experience that showcases the pure, honeyed essence of Speyside malt. This one starts with a bright fresh orchard on the nose, surprising for its age, but emblematic of the stunning distillate and its ability to mature ever so patiently. Apples and pears, ensconced in orange blossom honey, encase the palate as it takes you on a journey through the Scottish countryside. Floral and elegant with a touch of winter spice, this is a beautiful release and one to savor and enjoy while it lasts.

Price: $325.00

1994 Tomatin 28 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Hogshead Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 02-20-2026

This is exactly what you want from a Tomatin single cask, and more. The refill hogshead allows the foundation to shine, giving just the right amount of barrel maturation without over oaking it and hiding the stunning nuance. Rich maltiness shines on the nose, along with buttery, honey graham cracker crust and lemon zest, coconut cream, and hint of fresh cut grass. The palate shines with sea-salted crème brûlée , a touch of raspberry jam, heather, and hay, which lasts forever, finally landing with creamy, apple buttery finish. This is another stunning OMC release of a distillery not commonly available and a beautiful taste of 1990s distillation.

Price: $324.99

1996 Fettercairn 26 Year "Old Malt Cask 25th Annivesary" Single Hogshead Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 02-20-2026

When you find a Fettercairn under an independent label like Old Malt Cask, it’s usually a standout because that signature tropical fruitiness handles the higher proof beautifully. The cooling ring process gives the spirit a distinct weight and sweetness that feels substantial on the palate without being heavy or smoky. It’s a sophisticated Highland pour that manages to be both refreshing and complex, offering a different kind of fruit-forward profile than what you typically find in the region. The nose on this 26 Year Old brings a touch of dunnage must behind the buttery pie crust, baked pear, lemon oil, butterscotch, and cigar box cedar. The palate is rich and oily, but fresh, with grilled pineapple, toasted coconut, honeyed pastries, and a bit of cinnamon dust, which settles over time into light toffee cream and dry, sweet sandalwood.

Price: $325.00

Knob Creek 10 Year Old "Cask Strength Single Barrel Select - Warehouse J Floor 5 Rick 20" K&L Exclusive Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 02-19-2026

We got ourselves yet another fantastic Knob Creek cask strength bourbon, and this one crosses over the decade line. Combining the classic Knob Creek flavors with another level of spicy nuttiness, this is a great one for the collection. The nose brings forward some charred peanut brittle, bold cinnamon and cardamom, sawdust and steel, and a touch of caramelized banana. The palate is big and robust, as the baking spices come forward even more, sharing space with the dense oaky char. Clove, licorice, and leather remain on the palate, and a touch of water settles the 125.1 proof liquid down a touch to pop out a little more of the roasted vanilla and stone fruit sweetness underneath.

Price: $64.99

Willett Family Estate 4 Year Old Small Batch Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Review Date: 02-18-2026

Few whiskeys elicit more longing than the Willett 'Purple Tops'. This legendary Family Reserve line started about 20 years ago using highly sought-after sourced barrels, including some famous pre-fire Heaven Hill stocks that enthusiasts have hunted for decades. Since Willett began distilling their own spirit in 2012, the Family Reserve line has continued to showcase some of their finest liquid, all nonchillfiltered and bottled at cask strength. The only problem for most fans has been the limited supply and overwhelming cost, with many bottles fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Thankfully, they have introduced a younger, more accessibly priced offering for the masses and connoisseurs alike. This is definitive Willett. Even at only four years old, the nose brings a warm, oaky mustiness characteristic of their older 7 to 14-year-old expressions. You are greeted by maple, banana skin, dried apricot, and brown sugar, along with a touch of tanned leather and a breath of effervescent cream soda. On the palate, cinnamon and cocoa enter to complement the woody maple and torched Madagascar vanilla bean. The 123.6 proof is surprising because it drinks a little softer than the numbers suggest, though it remains bold and robust. The finish lands with a bit of apple pie crust and forest floor. A splash of water is welcome here, as it softens the heat and further opens up an oily maple sweetness that stays constant throughout the pour. This is a wonderful, affordable way to experience the Willett legend, and I am glad to see it become a permanent fixture in their lineup.

Price: $69.99

2013 Pierre Ferrand 9 Year Old Limited Edition Cask Strength Single Cask Cognac (750ml)

Review Date: 02-05-2026

The youngest, and lowest proof ( and lowest yield) of the bunch still packs in everything you want from an *almost* XO Cognac. Distilled in 2013, bottled in 2022, and coming in at 50.6% ABV, this beauty carries the weight and body you’d want with the sweet elegance we expect from Maison Ferrand. Fruit leads the way, as he noses introduces fresh baked cherry danish, warm toffee, stewed orchard fruits, rose pedals, cacao and orange zest. The first sip introduces some apricot and lemongrass, along with honeysuckle and lavender, with a touch of nutmeg and anise. It finishes with a bit of drying fruit leather and sandalwood, settling back to the warm baked fruits that started the journey. A small splash of water releases some of the earthier flavors, bringing out a touch more wood and spice, while keeping the fruity and floral foundation bright and lively. This is a wonderful VSOP that dances on the edge of XO, but really it’s more about the uniqueness than the age. This is an everyday cognac, an elegant cognac, and a wonderful start to the single cask Pierre Ferrand journey.

Price: $84.99

2012 Pierre Ferrand 9 Year Old Limited Edition Cask Strength Single Cask Cognac (750ml)

Review Date: 02-05-2026

Coming in at a staggering 136.6 proof, this is an absolute beast of a Cognac, and one that whiskey lovers will likely gravitate toward. Not just because of the strength, but because it delivers a broad range of whisky-like flavors that many Cognacs leave behind. Distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2021, it is robust, playful, and demands your full attention. The nose opens with fresh-roasted coffee beans, tiramisu, dried figs and apricots, plum molasses, and orange blossom honey, followed by hints of lychee and oak moss. The first sip is unapologetically bold, bringing leather, toffee, licorice, mushrooms, and a peppery spice. Water is very much this spirit’s friend. It softens the edges and reveals additional fruit and floral notes, along with deeper layers of roasted caramel and honey. The finish returns to coffee, dates, and plums, joined by cigar box and soft leather. This is not a shy spirit by any measure, and a bit of water is key to opening it up and revealing its beautiful layers.

Price: $69.99

1926 Vaghi Vintage Armagnac

Review Date: 02-04-2026

What a time capsule we have here. As you delicately open the bottle, you are immediately introduced to 100-year-old liquid that demands your full attention. When a century of history approaches, you listen, you pause, you reflect, you admire, and you savor. This is a true taste of history, and it is well worth your time. The nose greets you with elegant notes of espresso, rich cacao, caramelized brown sugar, and a subtle herbaceous lift that invites you into the journey. On the palate, those themes continue, with coffee and dark chocolate leading the way alongside sweet basil, charred orange oil, and musty, well-aged wood. The finish lasts nearly as long as this beautiful liquid rested, feeling like decades before the rich elegance slowly fades. It is a reminder that time itself is a journey worth taking.

Price: $599.99

Found North "Season 6 - Cherry Liqueur Finish #6138" Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Canadian Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 01-30-2026

If you want to see just how transformative a finishing barrel can be, look no further. The Found North team continues to uncover exceptional spirits and showcase blending skills that are rarely seen from our neighbors to the north. This particular release is a wild one. Finishing the blend in cherry liqueur casks might suggest an overly sweet result, but that is not the case here. The cherry is certainly present, yet it weaves seamlessly into the hearty grains and earthy notes that form the backbone of the whisky. Fruit still leads the charge, with the nose offering rich cherry preserves and baked Fuji apples, followed by cassia bark, kola nut, and cedar cigar box. On the palate, this is far from a cherry bomb. Spice does much of the heavy lifting, shaping the profile into something closer to a cherry-spiced compote with a savory edge. A peppery basil note appears briefly before fading behind cinnamon and clove, hinting at how beautifully this would pair with roasted duck or a creamy brie. The spices carry through the finish, which is rustic, comforting, and exactly what you would want while sitting beside a fire in an old Canadian log cabin on a snowy winter night. Another stellar expression from one of the most impressive blending houses working today, and further proof that properly constructed Canadian whisky can stand shoulder to shoulder with its southern counterpart.

Price: $119.99

Bardstown Bourbon Company 6 Year Old "K&L Exclusive - County Seat" 114 Proof Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 01-20-2026

Bardstown Distillery has quickly earned a place in the upper echelon of whiskey producers, especially in an industry that feels increasingly crowded. Their strength shows not only in their in-house distillates, but also in their thoughtful blending and sourcing. As a result, they have released some of the highest-rated bourbons of the past few years, and this six-year-old is no exception. Built on a high-rye mashbill, sweet spice leads the charge. The nose opens with cinnamon and clove, followed by paprika, spearmint, mandarin, rhubarb, and turmeric, all resting on a velvety caramel foundation. The palate carries that same citrus and earthy character while adding notes of strawberry jam and apple cider. The finish circles back to its bright, playful spice-driven core. A small splash of water unlocks a subtle nuttiness that invites you back for another sip. This is a beautiful cask and well worth a spot on the shelf, though I doubt it will stay there for long.

Price: $79.99

Mars Komagatake 7 Year Old "K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel #3740" Japanese Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 01-16-2026

What a fantastic first private barrel of Mars Komagatake we have here, and this feels like just the beginning of many great things to come. The spirit and maturation at the Komagatake distillery, perched high in the Japanese Alps of Nagano at roughly 2,600 feet above sea level, take on fresh mountain character in a truly striking way. The nose is bright and expressive, with wisps of smoke from the lightly peated malt at 20 ppm, alongside grilled pineapple, salted licorice, lemon custard, and roasted honey. On the palate, those flavors broaden into apricot Danish, ocean brine, star anise, and a hint of campfire, before settling back into bold citrus and warming spice. Water is more than welcome here. It softens the edges, enhances the delicate sweetness of the smoke, draws out more tart pastry notes, and expands the spice profile. We’re lucky to have this one, and you will be too.

Price: $179.99

Limit of 6 per customer

Larceny 7 Year Old "Sylvia Suffers No Fools" K&L Exclusive Private Single Barrel #7757818 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L)

Review Date: 01-14-2026

While the history of the wheated bourbon mashbill dates back to William Larue Weller’s original recipe from the 1840s, the style was not truly popularized until after Prohibition. During that era at the famed Stitzel-Weller distillery, Julian Van Winkle acquired another notable brand known for producing wheated bourbon, one named after former U.S. Treasury bond agent John E. Fitzgerald. Together, Weller and Old Fitzgerald came to define the wheated bourbon style, at least until Maker’s Mark entered the picture in the 1950s. Today, with Heaven Hill owning the Fitzgerald line and Sazerac controlling the Weller and Pappy labels, a friendly rivalry persists over what constitutes the “real” wheated bourbon. In my opinion, it simply does not matter. What does matter is that Old Fitzgerald, along with its little brother Larceny, tends to fly under the hype radar that surrounds the others. This Larceny private barrel can easily go head-to-head with a Weller Full Proof. It comes in one proof point hotter at 126, is seven years old, and delivers a profile that is just as sweet and bold, if not more so. The nose offers dry cedar, pineapple frond, dusty vanilla, Bing cherries, and butter croissants. On the palate, rich butterscotch and caramel lead, joined by peanut brittle, a touch of sea salt, and a layer of nectarine sweetness. The finish evokes fresh sourdough bread in an old barn, with rich wood and grain settling together in perfect harmony. This is a beautiful and accessible wheated bourbon, and a legend in the making.

Price: $79.99

Little Book "Edition II: The Infinite" Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 01-08-2026

Seeing an official release of an “infinity bottle” is still a fairly new concept in the bourbon world. The practice, much like a personal solera, involves a never-ending bottle or barrel that is partially emptied and then topped back up with new whiskey. The spirit is constantly evolving while always retaining some portion of the original liquid. Pour some out, top it off, lather, rinse, repeat. I have one at home, I started one at a former bar I lead that is still going strong eight or nine years later, and I encourage any whisk(e)y fan to try it as a fun experiment and a living ledger of your liquid legacy. Here we have the second edition of the legendary Noe family’s take on the concept. This blend brings together some of grandfather Booker’s bourbon, some of father Fred’s, and some of current master distiller Freddie’s. The combination differs from the first edition and offers a tasting of both the Noe family’s lineage and the history of the Jim Beam company in a single, stellar bottle. Blending young and mature whiskies can be tricky. Older liquid can overwhelm with woody tannins, while younger, brighter spirit can overpower the more rounded notes of age. This one comes together beautifully. It is deep, robust, and far spicier than expected, especially considering Booker’s typically high-corn mashbill. Cinnamon leads the nose, followed by dense wet oak, burnt caramel, stewed peaches, and a potpourri-like bouquet. On the palate, it moves gracefully between sweet and dry, opening with rich blackstrap molasses and dried plum before shifting into weathered mahogany and leather. The finish brings black cherry compote and dense barrel char, with baking spices weaving from start to finish. A small splash of water unlocks fresh roasted peanuts and blackberry jam, along with softer spices and a note of toasted pumpernickel, a welcome settling of the 120.4 proof. Overall, this is a dense, spicy, and complex bourbon that celebrates the infinite legacy of three generations from one of Kentucky’s most important bourbon families.

Price: $174.99

The Hearach 7 Year Old "Single Cask" K&L Exclusive First Fill ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel #1281 Cask Strength Isle of Harris Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 12-16-2025

What a lovely expression we have from the Island of Tweed itself. That’s right, the famous Harris Tweed of dapper suit fame originates on this very island, and this whisky comes from the first legal distillery ever built here. Appropriately enough, this is a sharply dressed dram. Aged for seven years in a first-fill Buffalo Trace barrel, this lightly peated whisky shines with a pale golden hue, immediately noticeable as you open the stunning, thoughtfully layered packaging. Inside, you’ll find detailed information on the whisky alongside a charming booklet celebrating the Isle of Harris and its history. On the nose, the dram bursts with green apples, honeysuckle, caramel candies, and a touch of wet granite. The first sip leans into its maritime roots, with a focused minerality wrapping around orchard fruits, tart cherries, mascarpone, smoked vanilla beans, and warm winter spices. Salty smoke carries the finish, with toffee-covered apples riding ocean waves until the next sip begins the journey all over again. This is a beautifully composed and impeccably dressed expression of both barrel and place, balanced in true island harmony.

Price: Hidden

2012 Macduff 13 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive First Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 12-11-2025

This is one Big Mac! The seaside Macduff distillery doesn’t release much single malt into the wild. As a Bacardi-owned operation, most of its liquid ends up as a major component of the Dewar’s blends, and any single malt they release on their own comes out under the “Glen Deveron” name. You’ll pretty much only see “Macduff” on independent bottlings like the one we landed here. But what about the liquid itself? This one came out swinging. It’s rare to see a Scotch whisky break the 65 percent mark straight from the barrel, especially at 13 years old, since Scotland’s cooler climate usually pushes proof downward over time. This first-fill sherry butt decided to behave differently, and we get to reap the benefits. The sherry makes itself known on the nose with dried cherries, burnt brown sugar, garam masala spice, and toasted almonds. There is plenty of heat on the first sip, yet it avoids the harsh ethanol punch you might expect from something north of 130 proof. Bold spices and cacao take the lead, followed by dried figs and plums, sherried oak tannins, and a leathery note that rolls into a rich finish. The wood and fruit step forward here, while the spice settles back. As proximity to the ocean benefits this whisky’s production, water is most certainly a friend to this dram. Don’t be shy here - a hearty splash will awaken some hidden flavors, bringing out more toffee, orange peel, buttery pastries, some raspberry jam, and chocolate-covered raisins. You’ll definitely get some more length out of this bottle by giving it the dilution it deserves, but don’t be afraid to try a touch of it neat, if for no other reason than to discover the hidden treasures it will reveal. And at this price it’s a phenomenal value not to be missed.

Price: $59.99

2009 Mortlach 16 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 12-05-2025

On my first trip to Scotland many years ago I was advised by a friend to check out this little whisky bar called the Blue Blazer in Edinburgh. I was new in the industry and looking to explore some whiskies on my last night in town. The night ultimately turned ridiculously epic after I befriended a group of street performers during Fringe Festival and let them kidnap me for a full night of shenanigans. But before they stormed the pub, I enjoyed a quiet few hours of exploration under the guidance of the bartender. The first whisky she poured was one that changed everything for me: a Mortlach 15-year-old from Gordon & MacPhail. At the time I barely knew the distillery, but in that moment it became my favorite, and it remains on my personal Mount Rushmore of Scottish producers to this day. There is something about the dense, waxy, oily spirit they create, most of which disappears into Johnnie Walker blends, that sets it apart from the rest. Is it the worm tub? Is it the quirky 2.81-times distillation using the Wee Witchie still, adding that extra copper contact on a fractional pass of the weak feints from the wash still? I mean, yeah, it’s probably all of that. I have never had a Mortlach, distillery bottled or independent, that I did not absolutely love. And this one is no exception. It is everything I want from a Mortlach and a little more. Beautiful honey greets you on the nose, and for a whisky sixteen years old, a surprising amount of roasted barley malt makes itself known. The sweet barley shines on the palate, with those rich, waxy oils carrying vanilla bean, heather, lemon balm, and soft hints of mint. The finish lingers with milk chocolate and the last traces of those lovely fusel oils coating your mouth. This one sticks with you in the best possible way. What an extraordinary cask pick we have here for you. Definitely do not miss out on this one.

Price: $109.99

2010 Tormore 15 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt Finished Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 12-05-2025

There is a reason scotch fans lose their minds over the tiny trickle of whisky that ever makes it to market from this magical little distillery. This bottle proves it once again. It is an absolutely luscious whisky, delivering a beautiful balance between its first twelve years in hogsheads and its final three years in sherry casks. It is rich, creamy, and nearly unrestrained in its decadence. If you transformed a blackberry chocolate crème brûlée into whisky, this is what you would have. Layers of spice, graham crust, tamarind, marzipan, and wave after wave of chocolate cream unfold with each sip, lingering long after the glass leaves your lips. This is a truly special whisky, and we are lucky it is all ours.

Price: $79.99

Green River "Owensboro's Aqueous Ore" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Non-Chillfiltered Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 11-28-2025

With a history dating back to 1885, Green River has recently surged back into the spotlight, earning multiple awards for its whiskey lineup. Their bourbons showcase exactly why the 10th-oldest license in Kentucky still matters. This K&L Private Barrel pick, affectionately named “Owensboro’s Aqueous Ore,” is a beautiful example of the character that makes their bourbon so compelling. It strikes a seamless balance of sweet and savory, fruity and herbal, woodsy and spicy, all wrapped into one generous pour. The nose opens with orange peel, caramel popcorn, caraway, roasted peanuts, and a subtle hint of soy sauce. The palate follows with touches of cacao, charred oak, cloves, anise, spearmint, and a whisper of forest floor. It all comes together in a finish that marries rye spice and vanilla with impressive poise. At 121.6 proof, it carries some heat, so a splash of water helps settle the structure and reveals even more kettle corn, spicy sweetness, and a lingering herbal lift. A confident, layered bourbon from a revitalized classic well worth savoring.

Price: Hidden

Rare Perfection 9 Year Old K&L Exclusive Barrel #303 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 11-26-2025

Rare? Check. Perfect? Double check. The folks at Preservation Distillery, the smallest distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, make their whiskey in the craftiest way possible: pot distilling in micro-batches of only one to three barrels at a time. With no predetermined plan for how the liquid will eventually be used, they let the barrels rest and rely on taste alone to determine where each one belongs. Some make their way into the Preservation line, some into Cock of the Walk, some into Wattie Boone, while the rarest and most exceptional barrels become single barrels. Even fewer of those are offered as private picks. And that is exactly what we were able to select for you. We were presented with several options, all of them fantastic, but one barrel stood out. Looking back at my notes, my first impression came with an expletive: “Holy $%*# cinnamon bomb!” And it is that, but tasting it now reveals so much more. The nose greets you with chocolate cinnamon toast crunch, marble rye, raisins, root beer, thyme, pepper, cloves, and anise. The palate confirms all of that and adds even more earthiness with tobacco, cardamom, charred peaches, and a generous dose of cinnamon strudel. The flavor defies the high heat, though a touch of water helps settle the 128.1 proof this nine-year-old carries. The herbaceous character pops, the spice and roots envelop, and the finish stretches on with a richness that seems endless. This is a slow sipper for sure. Some great bourbons have a finish that trails off and makes you reach for the next sip right away. This one lets you savor each sip for minutes. It is rare, it is perfect, and it is yours if you are lucky enough to grab it before it is gone.

Price: $199.99

Bruichladdich "The Laddie Rye" Single Grain Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 11-24-2025

Leave it to Bruichladdich to stretch the boundaries of what makes a good scotch whisky yet again with an experiment so wild it is almost baffling that no one tried it sooner. But here we are with something new, exciting, affordable, and most importantly, delicious. Rye grain has long been used to replenish soil with essential nutrients during crop rotation, a vital practice in sustainable and regenerative farming. Yet for whatever reason, Scotland never thought to use that rye for whisky. There are plenty of explanations for this, mostly the traditional reliance on barley and the challenges of distilling rye in pot stills, where its foamy nature complicates both distillation and cleanup. The Laddie team decided to give it a go, creating a whisky made exclusively from Islay rye (45 percent) and Islay malted barley (55 percent) aged in both first-fill bourbon barrels and toasted virgin American oak for at least 7 years. It is one thing to do something novel, and another to make it genuinely enjoyable. They managed both. The nose is dry and buttery, grassy and nutty, with loads of winter spice and herbaceous notes that round out with baked pear and fresh pastries. The palate brings the baked goods to center stage with spicy gingerbread and coconut macaroons, followed by a woody fruitiness that finishes with peppery rye spice and honeyed coconut. This is a great sipper, priced well enough for a highball or cocktail, and hopefully a sign of a future permanent addition to the Bruichladdich lineup.

Price: $59.99

2007 Bruichladdich 18 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 11-20-2025

Bruichladdich is one of those rare distilleries that has consistently pushed the boundaries of expression and innovation in Scotch whisky. As a historic non-peated whisky from Islay, a true outlier in its region, its return to prominence in the early 2000s and its expansion into peated lines like Port Charlotte and the ever-evolving Octomore has given us some of the most fun and unique scotches in the world. The distillery often draws heavily from its cask program, experimenting with nearly every type of barrel imaginable. They even show you online exactly which casks went into any particular batch, making the entire process transparent and easy to explore. One of my favorite things about Bruichladdich is that no matter the expression, there is always something in the foundational spirit that reveals its identity. Shortbread and a touch of paper mâché seem to hide under the dominant flavors of the first-fill casks, and I love it. Getting our own expression that rested for eighteen years in a refill hogshead, a cask that offers less influence from any prior liquid and more from the oak’s natural maturation, is a wonderful way to get closer to what makes this distillery so special. The shortbread shows itself immediately, like Nilla wafers tossed into an orchard fruit salad coated in honey. The palate dances between dry and sweet, offering raw vanilla bean, dried apricot, hard caramel candies, and a hint of ginger. The ginger carries through the finish, merging with the pastry notes and leaving a lingering wave of spicy fruit. A touch of water tames the 57.6 percent ABV and reveals even more caramel, butterscotch, and soft baking spice. This is a stellar expression from a stellar house and worth enjoying during the holidays or any time of year.

Price: $225.00

2014 Benrinnes 11 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Cask Strength 1st Fill Sherry Butt Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 11-17-2025

The nose on this is meaty and reflective of the style produced by this nearly 200-year-old distillery. As one of only twenty that still use a worm-tub condenser, it tends to have a heavier body, which is fully reflected in this single-cask offering. Oily and rich, the sherry butt makes itself known immediately with notes of leather, spice, molasses, golden raisins, and figs. The sip is dense, and the waxiness shines through, carrying blackberry jam, anise, roasted malt, pepper, and more dried fruits. As it finishes, the oily texture remains, leaving a leathery and earthy final impression. This one is certainly for the sherry-cask lovers who want a little more nuance than some of the other one-note raisin bombs.

Price: Hidden

Mars Shinshu Iwai Rye Style Blended Japanese Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 11-12-2025

“Hey, can I get some of that Japanese scotch?” they’d often ask, sitting down at my bar. Hiding my deep-seated instinct to snark them into oblivion, I’d choose the hospitality route, which was one of information delivered through kindness. “Scotch,” I’d reply, “is simply whisky made in Scotland. This is Japanese whisky, which just means it was made in Japan, though it does emulate the Scottish style in many ways.” Since its inception more than a century ago, Japanese whisky has been directly associated with and compared to Scotch for understandable reasons. Malt whisky and grain whisky made in the style Masataka Taketsuru first learned in Scotland in the early 1900s resemble the Scotch we know and love in countless ways, even with some wonderful Japanese innovations and variations. And while they’ve experimented with other grains like rice, one thing the Japanese have done extremely well is blend whiskies from around the world in their own elegant style. Rye whiskey, on the other hand, has never really been thought of as elegant in the traditional sense. It’s the rugged, pre-Prohibition, spicy northern style of whiskey that early American settlers first made. But now our friends at Mars have decided to create a fun new counterpart to their bourbon-forward Iwai 45, blending their own classic 70% corn and 30% pot-stilled unmalted barley whisky aged in ex-bourbon barrels with some 95/5 rye aged in new charred oak and imported from Tennessee. The result brings lovely grain and spice, cherry and cocoa, nutty and herbal notes, plus berries and tea to the glass in a style that’s ready for your favorite cocktail or highball. And the price is perfect for mixing. But to be clear, this is not a rye whisky made in Japan, in the same way traditional Japanese whiskies aren’t Scotches. It’s an easy-drinking, supremely mixable rye-style whisky from blenders who’ve made a name for themselves combining liquid gold from around the world into a final product as unique and inviting as Japan itself.

Price: $39.99

2025 Octomore (Bruichladdich) Edition 16.2 "Cask Aged" 5 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-25-2025

Bruichladdich has been at the forefront of experimentation in Scotch whisky since reopening in 2002, and the Octomore line remains one of the most sought-after and anticipated special releases. This experimental series, which began in 2008 and takes its name from a nearby farm and mid-1800s distillery, has always aimed to combine younger whisky with a range of different barrel types. Its foundation is the most heavily peated whisky in the world, measured by parts per million (PPM) of phenolic peat compounds. How heavily peated? The popular Islay whiskies generally range from 30 to 55 PPM. Octomore started at 80.5 PPM in its first batch and reached as high as 309.1 PPM with version 8.1, released in 2011. This year’s release, the 16th edition, falls somewhere in between, with the 16.1 and 16.2 hitting 101.4 PPM and the 16.3 topping out at 189.5. Each expression is five years old and bottled at cask strength, so this is not a dram for the faint of heart. Octomore has often been my go-to example when explaining that age does not equal maturity (that goes for whisky AND people), showing how complex a younger whisky can be with the right cask management. The 16.2 release comes in slightly softer at 58.1 percent ABV but takes an entirely different direction in terms of cask influence. Made from the same Scottish mainland barley and carrying the same peat level as the 16.1, this expression was aged in Bordeaux and Oloroso casks for four years before finishing for a year in Moscatel and Madeira casks. The result is a deeper copper tone and a wealth of layered flavor. The nose bursts with fruit—dried, baked, berry, stone, tropical, and candied—while the characteristic salty smoke rises softly underneath. The Sweet 16s show why Octomore remains one of the most fascinating and dynamic series in Scotch whisky. Each expression tells its own story—distinct in character, yet connected by the same smoky, maritime thread. For any Islay lover, these are absolutely worth seeking out.

Price: $239.99

Found North "Season 6 - Tawny Port Finish #6118" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Canadian Whisky

Review Date: 10-17-2025

If you really want to see how much a finishing barrel can transform a whisky, look no further. The Found North team continues to uncover exceptional spirits and showcase blending skills rarely seen from our neighbors to the north. This exclusive release, like its Madeira casked counterpart, combines an almost even split of corn and rye whiskies, with a touch of malted barley, all aged between 12 and 25 years. The blend is then finished in tawny port casks, creating something that, as cliché as it sounds, is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The nose opens with blackberry jam, figs, and Mexican chocolate, all wrapped in the warm air of a dusty saloon. Those rich, stewed berries carry through to the palate, joined by cloves, anise, wet bark, and a touch of molasses, before finishing with black cherry compote over dense dark chocolate. It’s remarkable how distinct it is from the Madeira cask version, proving just how dramatically different fortified wine barrels can shape a great blend. Both are stunning and well worth tasting side by side.

Price: $99.99

Found North "Season 6 - Madeira Finish #6131" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Canadian Whisky

Review Date: 10-16-2025

These guys sure know how to pick them. Here’s a Canadian whisky that defies what most Americans might expect from the north. Blended from 49% rye, 48% corn, and 3% malted barley, and drawn from barrels aged between 12 and 25 years before a final rest in Madeira casks, this is a stunning example of thoughtful craftsmanship. Each grain and the finishing cask have their moment to shine. The nose opens with sarsaparilla, allspice, toasted coconut, and buttery pastries, all of which carry gracefully onto the palate. The flavors unfold further, revealing lemon custard (a hallmark of Madeira cask aging), orange marmalade, white chocolate, and a cascade of baking spices. It finishes with a touch of earthy potpourri, laced with spice, dried flowers, and cream soda. Despite the high proof, it drinks with deceptive ease and leaves you wondering what other treasures might be resting in those northern warehouses.

Price: Hidden

El Tesoro "K&L Liquors Single Barrel #B105-L352 Reposado Tequila (750ml)

Review Date: 09-18-2025

Few family names resonate with tequila drinkers quite like “Camarena.” Descendants of the man who helped bring blue weber agave to Jalisco, the family continues to craft some of the most traditional and sought-after tequilas on the market. El Tesoro, run by siblings Carlos and Jenny Camarena, is one of them. Highland agave is grown to full maturity, slow-cooked in traditional horno ovens, crushed by a volcanic tahona stone, fermented with bagasse in open wooden vats using wild yeast, and distilled in small copper pot stills. The result is a tequila as traditional and old-school as they come. This private K&L-selected barrel was then aged eight months in ex-bourbon casks before landing on our shelves. Sweet, grassy agave aromas greet you on the nose, joined by green apple, pink peppercorn, and a touch of citrus oil. On the palate, vegetal flavors and earthy spice mingle with the rich minerality of the highlands. The bourbon oak rounds out the finish with warm creaminess, vanilla bean, and caramelized peppers. This is a stunning barrel pick from a classic tequila house. If you love tequila made the old-fashioned way, this one belongs in your glass.

Price: $74.99

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

Review Date: 09-10-2025

Noe knows. This latest stellar blend from Freddie Noe, the 8th-generation master distiller at Jim Beam and grandson of Booker Noe, to whom the Little Book line is a tribute, showcases his blending artistry at the highest level. Each Little Book release draws from the deepest stocks to craft a singular blend that tells another chapter in the Beam story, and this ninth edition honors the “founding flavors” of American whiskey, spotlighting the caramel, oak, vanilla, and char that have come to define the style. Five whiskies make up the blend: four bourbons ranging from seven to eleven years old, joined by an eight-year-old rye that lifts the profile with a lively spark of spice. The dark cherry note I so often find in Jim Beam whiskies is here as well, though it plays a supporting role to the rich oaky char and velvety butterscotch. The nose draws you in with layers of burnt vanilla, spiced oak, dark chocolate, and apricot jam, all draped over a foundation of dense caramel. On the palate, the rye makes itself known, with cinnamon and clove striking first before yielding to waves of butterscotch and ripe black cherries that flow into a long, luscious, and woody finish. Beautifully balanced and full of character, this whiskey fulfills its promise: a celebration of the timeless flavors that have made American whiskey cherished for generations.

Price: $149.99

Wild Turkey 8 Year Old "K&L Exclusive" TY-Q 5th Floor Single Barrel 24-6130 Kentucky Straight RyeWhiskey

Review Date: 08-15-2025

When I visited Wild Turkey in 2017, I had the chance to taste some 10-year-old rye straight from the barrel with Eddie and Bruce Russell (braggy name-drop, I know. But it was pretty cool). At the time, I asked if I could get a private barrel of the rye, and they were a bit tight-lipped about it. Apparently, these were extremely limited back then - maybe only ten released per year. Oh well. The fact is, Wild Turkey doesn’t make much rye, especially compared to the other big Kentucky producers. Their 101 rye is a bartender favorite, and the Russell’s Reserve rye has its own devoted following. Last year, though, they seemed to open things up, and we here at K&L were lucky enough to land this fantastic barrel. This 8-year, 9-month-old whiskey is a beautiful expression of the Lawrenceburg legend, made with a 51/37/12 mashbill that uses as little rye as legally allowed. The nose is fruity, with peaches, bananas, and cherries rising to the surface. Milk chocolate brownies and a touch of chamomile round out the aromas even before the first sip. On the palate, the rye character emerges with pepper and black tea notes, while the cinnamon-dusted chocolate brownies and fruit salad flavors continue to shine. The finish lingers with tea and roasted caramel, without a hint of harshness. For a whiskey that’s known to be on the rugged side, this one has a welcome elegance. I’m grateful we have it all to ourselves.

Price: $79.99

Wild Turkey 8 Year Old 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Review Date: 08-12-2025

Guess who’s back… back again… 8 year's back… tell a friend. Not seen in the U.S. since 1992, the 8 Year Old 101 proof has returned from our friends at Wild Turkey. Bruce Russell - the son of Eddie and grandson of Jimmy - is at the helm of this new permanent fixture in the lineup, and it’s a wonderful complement to the standard non-age-statement 101, which is said to be about 6–7 years old. The extra age and more selective barrel choices make this an elevated dram, even on par with some of the Russell’s Reserve releases. The classic Wild Turkey sweetness and spice are here, but with added depth and richness. The nose offers kettle corn, graham cracker crust, black pepper, cloves, and a touch of orange oil. The first sip pushes that orange oil toward chocolate-covered oranges, joined by spicy pie crust, burnt caramel, and sweet oak in a rich, coating mouthfeel. The finish brings the signature charred oak, baking spices, and vanilla tobacco. This is everything I love about Wild Turkey: robust without being rough, playful without being gimmicky, and a reminder of how special it is that this family is still doing it right after all these years.

Price: $39.99

2007 Mannochmore 17 Year "Single Cask Nation" Charred Red Wine #173445 Single Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 08-08-2025

This beautiful Speyside expression unlocks rich and decadent flavors from a distillery that primarily supplies the malt for blends like Haig and Pinch. The nose unfolds with bright orange oils, graham cracker crust, toffee and hay. On the palate there is a bit of a berry sweetness that complements the rich woodiness. Warm earthy oak, charred pineapple, and buttered toast remain on this long and elegant finish.

Price: $164.99

2009 Teaninich 15 Year Old "Single Cask Nation" Charred Red Wine #162418 Single Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 08-08-2025

Here we have a special selection from another distillery whose primary role is supplying malt for major blends, mainly Diageo labels like Johnnie Walker and Buchanan’s. What makes this distillery unique is its use of a mash filter, which produces a clearer wort and leads to a vibrant, grassy spirit. Even after 15 years of aging, including three and a half years in refill charred red wine barrique casks, that fresh, green foundation still shines through. Notes of fresh hay and honey take the lead, supported by jammy stone fruit and bright Highland heather. The finish is long and oily, with flavors of orange blossom honey, milk chocolate, and toasted pastry lingering beautifully.

Price: Hidden

Angel's Envy "K&L Exclusive" Cask #SB-241112 Private Select Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml)

Review Date: 07-31-2025

Lincoln Henderson started a revolution. The legendary distiller, who passed through the vaunted halls of Jack Daniel’s and created Woodford Reserve, launched one final product in his retirement. Had it come from anyone else, the bourbon world might have rejected it outright. But when he said that a bourbon (legally aged first in new charred oak) could still be called bourbon after finishing in another type of cask, the industry had to take note. And so, the finishing revolution in American whiskey was born. (To be fair, this was old news in Scotland, but in the U.S., it was a bold move.) Angel’s Envy became a sensation by layering a warm, fruity, yet elegant Port cask finish onto a classic, robust bourbon foundation. This particular K&L exclusive cask takes that foundation and turns up both the proof and the intensity. The nose is nutty and jammy, swirling with fresh cacao nibs, plums, and burnt caramel. On the palate, it bursts open with roasted peanuts and deep red fruit, like biting into a PB&J crafted by a Michelin-starred chef. The finish lingers with earthy spice, dried dates, and espresso beans. This is a stellar expression of an already exceptional whiskey, and an essential bottle for anyone who appreciates the beauty of wine-cask-finished bourbons.

Price: $89.99

Arette Artesanal K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Añejo Suave Tequila (750ml)

Review Date: 07-30-2025

The nose opens with beautiful, musty waves of cooked agave, rich cacao, and vanilla bean, followed by a lift of cinnamon spice, cracked black pepper, and damp, earthy oak. The first sip brings even more fruit into the picture, with ripe apricot joining dark cherries, all wrapped in warm floral notes and a peppery butterscotch undertone. On the finish, the herbs, spice, and a streak of minerality common to lowland tequilas gently blanket the lingering sweetness of the agave, leading to a rich, oily landing that’s both grounded and graceful. With only 15 months spent in used bourbon barrels, the oak is present but never overpowering. Instead, it adds a soft, woodsy caramel warmth that rounds out the whole experience beautifully.

Price: Hidden

Hedonistas de la Fe Wild Tobalá (A. Potatorum) Santiago Matatlan Oaxacan Mezcal (750ml)

Review Date: 06-26-2025

Tobalá mezcals are some of my favorites. This wild agave varietal grows only at high altitudes, takes 12–15 years (or more) to mature, is smaller than other agaves, and is primarily wild-harvested. That makes it all the more challenging—but also all the more rewarding. This wild expression from Hedonista shows off the classic tobalá characteristics: creamy and zesty, fruity and earthy, floral and sweet, herbaceous and funky. On the nose, you're met with mango sherbet, fresh-cut garden mint, orange peel, and rose geranium. The palate brings peppery spice and sweet berries, layered over bold minerality and a rich, velvety texture—with barely a wisp of smoke. It’s a fantastic sipper, and exactly what you want from a great tobalá.

Price: $74.99

Arran 10 Year Old (New Label) Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-19-2025

A true classic island malt, the Arran distillery demonstrates what a great unpeated maritime whisky can be. This is their flagship expression, and it’s supremely approachable—equally suited to the seasoned Scotch connoisseur and the newly malt-curious drinker. The nose is warm and honeyed, with notes of baked apple, toasted coconut, malt, graham crackers, and a hint of sea salt. The first sip builds on the aromas, introducing touches of nuttiness, lemongrass, and dried stone fruits. The finish is clean and rounded, settling into a gentle harmony of honeyed malt and toasted pastries. It’s a perfect everyday dram.

Price: $59.99

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