K&L Wine Merchants - Jonathan Goldstein Reviews

Lagavulin 11 Year Old "Sweet Peat" Bourbon Cask Ageed Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 04-16-2026

Take the classic Lagavulin and make it sweet? Keeping the peat and adding a chunk of sweet elements so that even the most vehement peat-haters are swayed? Sweet Peat is Lagavulin’s first new permanent expression in nine years. The whisky spent a full 11 years aging in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks, known for bringing sweeter vanilla notes to the palate, and that certainly shows here. Sweet on the nose, with peat smoke, sea foam, cedar, and pronounced honey and vanilla. Mellow on the palate, syrupy and smooth—peated but not overly peated– it still shows the classic (heather) bonfire and iodine notes along with strawberry jam, dark chocolate, and coffee. The finish has spice and peat to keep the fruit in balance. In general, it is light and sweet, almost candy-like. From the brand, “Sweet Peat presents peat in a way that tastes more approachable, while still delivering the depth and complexity long associated with Lagavulin.”

Price: $74.99

Compass Box "Brulée Royale" Blended Scotch Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 04-15-2026

Inspired by the 17th-century creation of Crème Brûlée by Chef François Massialot at the Palace of Versailles, Brûlée Royale reflects Compass Box’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of Scotch whisky. The blend shows their expertise in crafting unique flavor profiles, with casks selected to evoke the sweetness and complexity of caramelized sugar. This is a blended malt and not a blended scotch because there is only malt whisky in the blend and no grain whisky component. The main whiskies in Brûlée Royale are from two well-known distilleries—Clynelish in the Highlands and Benrinnes in Speyside. There is also some whisky from Speyburn and Ardbeg mixed in. Nose: buttery, creamy, rich - a second wave brings vanilla, caramel and sweet spice. Buttered rum, apricot, apple cider, and as expected, crème brûlée, as well as candied orange peel, frosting, and lemon notes, all anchored by an appealing minerality and oak. Palate: vanilla custard from the ex-bourbon maturation mixes with toffee flavors from custom American oak barrels, a hint of peat smoke. Honey, lemon, baking spice, custard, malt cereal, and oak. More crème brûlée, plus vanilla, orange, apricot, peach, and a dash of spice. Finish: There’s a nice oiliness on the long finish, concluding with lemon and vanilla cream, baking spice, oak. Think Banana’s Foster - a lingering malt.

Price: $149.99

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

Review Date: 04-09-2026

This lovely barrel of bourbon was homeless when it found its way to our doorstep. Not ones to leave it to fend for itself, we— K&L Wines (West Coast) and Park Avenue Liquor Shop (East Coast) —jointly decided to ‘adopt’ this orphaned barrel. Notes of cream and vanilla perfume rise from the glass along with mellow wood aromas. Sipping presents bright, fresh spice and herbs to the mix of flavors. The finish is soothing and brings back the wood and classic vanilla aromas.

Price: $74.99

2025 Heaven Hill "Grain To Glass - Beck's 6225" Limited Edition Specialty Barrel Series Chinquapin Oak Aged Chinquapin Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Review Date: 04-07-2026

This limited-edition release from Heaven Hill Distillery continues the brand’s Grain to Glass philosophy, showcasing Beck’s 6225 corn and an uncommon finishing approach with Chinquapin oak. The result is a bourbon that feels both traditional and experimental. On the nose, it is caramel, baked pear, and vanilla. The Chinquapin oak influence becomes apparent quickly, adding coconut, cedar, and a slightly herbal spice that emphasizes the aroma beyond standard wheated profiles. The palate delivers a rich, viscous texture. Sweet notes of butterscotch, honey, and soft wheat bread form the base, while darker notes of cocoa, roasted pecans, and oak emerge mid-palate. The Chinquapin barrels contribute a unique combination of sweetness and dryness—there’s an almost tea-like spice that keeps the whiskey from becoming too lush. The finish is long and well-structured. Initial waves of caramel and vanilla gradually give way to drying oak, clove, and a faint smoky edge, leaving behind a balanced, slightly earthy aftertaste that invites another sip. Overall, this is a well-constructed bourbon that highlights the impact of both grain selection and barrel innovation.

Price: $139.99

2025 Heaven Hill 7 Year Old "Grain To Glass - Beck's 6225" Limited Edition Specialty Barrel Series Chinquapin Oak Aged Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)

Review Date: 04-07-2026

Heaven Hill’s 2025 Grain to Glass release featuring Beck’s 6225 corn and Chinquapin oak aging is a standout example of how wood innovation can elevate a wheated bourbon. On the nose, a rich wave of caramelized sugar, baked apple, and cornbread is followed by a fine layer of toasted coconut and sweet oak spice most likely from the Chinquapin barrels. There’s a subtle herbal almost minty—that adds complexity without becoming overpowering. The palate is where this whiskey really shines. At 52.5% ABV, it delivers a full, creamy mouthfeel with flavors of butterscotch, vanilla custard, and warm cinnamon rolls. The wheated mash bill keeps things soft, while the Chinquapin oak introduces deeper notes of dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and an earthy spice that builds with each sip. The finish is long and evolving, starting sweet with lingering caramel and maple, then drying gently into oak tannins, baking spice, and a faint smoky char. It strikes a satisfying balance between sweetness and structure. In short, this is a well-constructed bourbon that highlights both grain provenance and barrel experimentation. It’s equally appealing to seasoned bourbon drinkers and collectors seeking something distinctive. A memorable release that rewards slow sipping.

Price: $109.99

Heaven Hill 7 Year Old Bottled In Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml)

Review Date: 04-03-2026

This retro-style bourbon (meaning a straightforward approach) carries a very nice age-statement along with enough power to a sipper or a mixer. – In a nutshell, it’s super versatile. On the nose it’s “classic bourbon.” Rich vanilla, caramel, and honey supported by toasted oak and a faint nuttiness. There’s spice—clove and white pepper in the background, but overall, it leans sweet and approachable. It’s inviting, if not particularly adventurous – this is a plus in my book. On the palate, this bourbon settles into a familiar groove. Caramel corn, toffee, and brown sugar are in good supply, followed by a wave of oak and a bit of rye spice. At 100 proof it carries enough weight to feel substantial without being aggressive (again versatile and crowd-pleasing). The finish is medium-length and warming. Oak, baking spice, and a lingering caramel sweetness permeate. This is a bourbon that hits all the right notes—sweetness, spice, oak—without pushing boundaries. This is a solid bourbon well worth the price that punches through a crowd of flavor-of-the-moment type bottles. Makes a great cocktail – think Mint Juleps – hint hint.

Price: $39.99

WA: 92

2025 Heaven Hill "Grain To Glass - Beck's 6225" Limited Edition Specialty Barrel Series Chinquapin Oak Aged Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml)

Review Date: 04-03-2026

The 2025 “Grain to Glass” Rye from Heaven Hill features a Chinquapin oak finish that adds a wonderful layer of complexity - emphasizing the vanilla. Built on a mashbill of 63% rye, 24% corn, and 13% malt, and featuring the Beck’s 6225 corn varietal, this adds transparency to both agricultural specificity and barrel experimentation. The nose opens with a burst of classic rye spice—cracked pepper, clove, and fresh herbs—followed by a wave of caramelized sugars and toasted oak. The Chinquapin oak influence is evident early, contributing a slightly sweeter, nuttier aromatic profile than traditional American oak, with hints of toasted coconut, baking spice, and a faint maple note. This rye strikes a confident balance between intensity and refinement. The front end delivers rich toffee, dark honey, and brown sugar before segueing into a spice profile—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a minty herbal character. The finish lingers with a mix of charred oak, sweet spice, and a slightly dry, tannic edge. Notes of toasted nuts, leather, and baking chocolate emerge late, giving it a contemplative, almost dessert-like conclusion without becoming overly sweet. The Beck’s 6225 corn lends sweetness, and the Chinquapin oak finishing provides a unique twist that distinguishes it from more traditional rye releases. This is a great addition to your collection especially if you are interested in experimentation – in a good way.

Price: $139.99

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

Review Date: 03-19-2026

For the record this is Batch 6 Cask 6138 A combo of 12Yr Rye, 21 Yr Rye, 15Yr Corn, 17 Yr Corn, 22 Yr Corn and 25Yr Corn – this makes the composition 49% Rye, 48% Corn and 3% Barley. Among all the brands that we actively follow right now, Found North is one of our favorites. We have been fans for a long time and when the opportunity presented itself to us to obtain a barrel, we were excited to say the least. Immediately this cask spoke to us – at least on paper – a cherry liqueur finished product could have easily been aged too long. Upon sampling, we were all very surprised at how subtle the liqueur showed. We equated this whisky to a Manhattan but only in the best – least cocktail like way. More as if you poured a shot of whisky into a glass that previously served a Manhattan – again subtle.

Price: $119.99

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