K&L Wine Merchants - David Othenin-Girard Reviews

Paladar Estate Grown 12 Month Old "Overaged Reposado" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Barrel #46 Tequila (750ml)

Review Date: 11-08-2023

When my friend Pete announced that he'd started a new tequila brand with the Orendain family, I immediately asked for single barrels. The great tequilas from the old El Llano distillery are well known, but the only single barrel version has been the Arette Gran Clase Extra Anejo, which is not exactly affordable. Pete didn't take a second before responding, "Samples coming!" This is the first spirit distilled entirely by the younger Eduardo Orendain, known as Lalo. The style at El Llano is very intricate and delicate but offers great expressiveness and balance. I was excited to try the repo casks at full strength. They go into barrel low, like at Fortaleza, and Lalo doesn't cut it at all before bottling. After one taste, we jumped on this excellent barrel, but it took another several months to get it bottled. So, when Pete came to me asking if I wanted it bottled as Anejo, I insisted that we keep the Repo label, mostly because I prefer the red to the blue (and I knew the price would be better!). So thanks to some slightly slower logistics than anticipated our Reposado was aged a full 12.5 months before bottling. I'm so happy with how this barrel turned out, even though it's not at all the same as when we original selected. I contend that even up against the famous Fortaleza single barrel, you'd have trouble distinguishing a distinctive quality difference. This barrel should have sold out the moment it arrived, but we've got a lot of skeptics in the tequila community and a lot of junk that's not worth your time, but slowly people will open their bottles and start to see what I love about this barrel. Considering the age and quality it's truly an exceptional value. Let's taste! Please note my sample was aerated for nearly 30 minutes before tasting. These cask strength tequilas love air! The nose is a gorgeous mixture of exotic fruit - pineapple, coconut, and tangerine peel- with rich earthy oak tones - vanilla, espresso roast, sweet cream, and caramel candies. With further aeration, a deep roasted agave base note (something like cooked pumpkin) ties the sweet and savory sides together. On the palate, the first comment is the rich silky texture, offering a mouth coating oily-ness that is the hallmark of high-quality uncut agave. We start on the big vanillas, offering sweet oak and chocolate ganache, before adding a warming spice and roasted cinnamon note. One or two sneaky drops of water truly opens this spirit up, building gorgeous stone fruit aromas and sending the wood way back on the nose. The water somehow makes it even weightier on the palate now and highlights more fruit and agave, but a beautiful oak spice remains on the finish. It's just super delicious in a way that even the most novice tequila lover will appreciate yet has the depth and unique character enough to entice the old guard. Paladar is a brand to watch in the future.

Price: $59.99

2006 Ardbeg 17 Year Old "Dramfool - Red Bag" Bourbon Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-26-2023

Nobody needs me to sit here and tell them this is absolutely delicious. We know it's going to be excellent. There's almost no bad Ardbeg, but the big question is whether it's worth the money and I'm here to say unequivocally yes. Sure it has no official name attached, but I don't think they could make it any more clear what the source is. And to be honest the distillery doesn't release single casks to the public, so there's not a lot of comparison for modern bottlings, but if you search around you'll find the occasional OB or IB distilled around this period and they're inevitably 3-4 times the price Dramfool is asking. The distilleries own 19 year, which is not to be trifled with, does not boast the high proof or single cask credentials. Other independents that might have bottled similar vintages 4-5 years ago are trading well above this price point. So we know its going to be good and that it's well under market for something of similar specifications, but how good could it possible be? Well freakin' fantastic. Firstly you notice the exceptional color, a gorgeous deep copper color, a true rarity for even a fresh hogshead that's not VERY old. At first nosing, it's not overtly in your peat monster range. Instead the nose has a powerful fresh almond character, with exotic citrus, rich earthy bark, smoldering incense, Bactine, dried golden raisins and salted caramel. It definitely starts on the prettier side of the BAG without any really salty fish or too much soot. But when it hits the palate, it's a different story. The first note is the oily texture. It's thick and sits on the lips slicking them before the entry. Then is rich sooty smoke right up front which relinquishes into exotic incenses and oils, lanolin, dried yellow plums and fancy black tea. With water it adds a deep tropical quality to the nose. Still not teasing out huge amounts of peat aromatically, but the active wood I think has interacted in a lovely way to offer a sort of different take on the old South Shore stalwart. Now with air you're getting some really nicely mature peat after all, still with the oily and nutty more prominent than the salty. The palate is still forward on the peat up front and now adding pepper and sweet dried fruit on the finish. This one loves air and a bit of water. It will only disappoint those hoping for a stinky fish bomb of some kind. Most other lovers of Ardbeg will appreciate the juxtaposition of power and nuance that it offers, albeit in the context of a solidly active hogshead.

Price: $399.99

2010 JMWP (Worthy Park) 12 Year Old "Redacted Bros." (Thompson/Dornoch) K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Jamaican Rum (700ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2023

Haven't you heard? Rum is the next big thing. That's what they've been telling me for the last two decades or so. But as the category finally starts to take hold driven by single casks and boutique bottlers, we are seeing very big price increases for the great rum that we used to sell for a song. We're happy to help turn back that the proverbial tide with this stupendous single cask from the Thompson Bros presumed to be distilled at Worthy Park. This is the famously enigmatic WPM which is hard to pin down style before tasting, but should be on the very HIGH end of the ester spectrum. Let's have a go! The color is a stupendous amontillado sherry tone, the gorgeous color owing to some significant time aging tropically. The nose is an absolute monster full of ultra dense tropical fruit, salted licorice, Kalamata olive brine, frankincense, lemon verbena and a scorched citrus oil. On the palate, despite the heady intense nose, we have a surprisingly open palate full of sweet tropical fruit candies, salty toffee, some licorice, exotic spices and a beautiful smoldering ashy finish. It's not as challenging as some young Hampdens, likely due to more time in the tropics, but it's full on esters here. After tasting barrels like this, it does kind of feel under valued for the quality of the experience, so it's hard to blame other bottlers for trying to get prices up, but few are achieving this quality level even at twice the price. Drink now or forever hold your peace.

Price: $60.00

2010 Williamson (Laphroaig) 12 Year Old "Redacted Bros." (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Refill Sherry Butt Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2023

This badass barrel of Laphroaig has it all. I'm sort of grateful we can't sell it as single malt because at this price it likely would have all sold out on pre-arrival and I just love selling this bottle. The labels are fashioned on the old style Laphroaig labels and indeed this has so little to do with what is going with modern Laphroaig bottlings it's almost laughable. This is gorgeous rugged ocean-y Laphroaig of the highest order. Here we go!!! The color is deep copper. The first nosing is big SULFUR! Oh no!!! But wait, just a moment later that's not sulfur, no no, it's sizzling pancetta! It's mesquite bacon and salted fruit. It's big green fields of peat. Its engine oil, sticky and greasy. It's an old a shipyard -old brittle halyards and weather beaten wooden hauls. It's bitter barks and age black tea. It's frangipani and polished sandalwood. It's a freshly rolled Galois hanging from your lips, match struck, but yet to be ignited. It's burnt Seville orange peel being dipped into your Sazerac. It's utterly drinkable and yet wildly challenging. One of the most exciting malts of the year in my humble opinion. They don't make them like this at Laphroaig any longer. So I guess I like this a lot. Can you tell?

Price: $109.99

2009 Aultmore 14 Year Old "Redacted Bros." (Thompson/Dornoch) Single First Fill Red Wine Barrel Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2023

When Phil Thompson suggested this barrel of Aultmore I was skeptical. 1st fill ex red wine casks have been some of the most controversial and inconsistent malts we've ever bottled, but he assured me of the quality. When we finally tasted it, I was glad I'd trusted the man. There's almost nothing out there like this to be honest. I don't think this went thru the STR process, but it certainly reminds me most of something like Kavalan Vinho Barrique rather than the sour or funky flavors you typically get from fresh red wine cask. The color, first off, is absolutely nuts. It's a wild auburn color darker than 95% of the 1st fill sherry out there. On the nose it's got the big fresh oak character, almost bourbon like, pointed with sticky red fruit and cinnamon candies. The big woody character might scare away the more traditional loves looking for very malt driven style as air brings more big oak character, but on the palate it's ultra balanced and has tons of sweetness to balance the big oak spice. A powerful heady vanilla note, almost coconut-like in character, pervades the palate. With water, the powerful oak softens and sweetness comes forward, while avoiding any of the tartness that plagues other red wine casks. Now it's feeling very bourbon-y! This is definitely the best 1st fill red wine cask I've tasted in ages, maybe ever, mostly because it doesn't really taste like any of the other red wine casks I've ever had. If you like the big oaky malts of Kavalan and want to pay about 20% of the price, you'll probably love this weird wonderful little barrel.

Price: $69.99

2009 Craigellachie 13 Year Old "Redacted Bros." (Thompson/Dornoch) Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2023

This lovely little barrel of Craigellachie is going to make the squeamish squirm. The outrageous label makes me so happy. Cute little earth worms playing in pineapple. While the scene might not be appealing to all, it certainly captures the character of this delicious cask perfectly. Craigellachie is conundrum offering a wide range of flavor profiles. Of the many things that it can be, one thing that it's not is BORING. This is a funky malt of the highest order. Not covered by big oak, but also not one of these sulfur bombs or neutral no character malts either. Let's try! The color is pale gold. My sample has been out for about 20 minutes. It's starts with big citrus (maybe a hint of pineapple even) and a deep almost industrial machine like character. It reminds me of sticking my head into the hood of my great-uncles almost undriven '65 Shelby Mustang. Clean fresh rubber, polished metal, petrol and camphor. ON the palate it's rather creamy and a bit nutty -maybe almond butter. With some lovely mid palate weight and dare I say almost pretty fruitiness. So a very different nose and palate which I love. With a bit of water we have more fruit and nuts and less of the industrial nose, but an absolutely nuts oily texture has appeared on the palate and now the savory industrial stuff is coming thru more there. It's a totally wild malt full of contrast and I'm totally into it. This is an easy yes for those looking for a bit of a challenge without wanting to scare their friends away.

Price: $64.99

Redacted (Thompson) Bros 8 Year Old "SRV5" Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2023

You all probably know I'm a redacted/thompson/dornoch fan boy of the highest order. It's not just that Phil and Simon are doing some of the coolest stuff in the industry, but that they are genuinely great guys, working their asses off for something that they believe in. So I was stoked when Phil was so excited about his new blended malt project. Apparently, he got hooked up with a few large vats of some of the hardest to get stuff in the industry, which cannot be named here, but is without a doubt one of my favorite distillers. This is mingled in vat with small amounts of an excellent malt from the north coast of Islay. The result is a gorgeous product of that delivers a class and old school character that few in the point can match. Let's taste it! Starting very tight and malty, but with just a little bit of air this wild waxy fruit comes through - pear, persimmon, lemon oil and almond shells. On the palate a burst of savory salt character balanced perfectly with malty fruit. Now here is where it gets interesting. ADD a tiny splash of water. An absolute revelation!!! Gorgeous peach and nectarine now. Waxy Asian pear, lanolin, prosciutto, tobacco leaf, more lemon oil and mint. On the palate it's ocean-y still but the forward smoke has tempered and the salt remains. I find this to be ridiculously pleasurable and moreish. Very few, if any, more drinkable and overtly appealing malts out there anywhere close to this price point.

Price: $54.99

Redacted (Thompson) Bros 6 Year Old "TB/BSW" Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 10-18-2023

This special batch of scotch is perhaps the most incredible value that we've seen from Scotland in sometime. Our friends, Phil and Simon Thompson have a way of getting the industry behind them. I'm not sure exactly how they do it, but it maybe thanks to them being two of the grooviest guys in the Highlands. Maybe it's years behind the bar at the Dornoch hotel getting to know the players in the industry on face to face basis. Either way, doors have seemingly opened for the dynamic duo and the TB/BSW is maybe the most rarified. On paper, it looks like a terrible value though. "6 year old blended scotch for more than $50, these men are PIRATES," I can hear my customers yelling. But since all of our customers are thoughtful and discerning they'll know immediately that it cannot be correct. And indeed it is not! 99.9% of this is single malt from the very highest high point of Highland sherry aged single malt. . A tiny dribble of 6 year old grain (supposedly a blending room error) and we've got one of the greatest scotch bottlings of the new era. Let's taste it! The color is lovely burnished/chestnut oloroso hue. Immediately the nose offers gorgeous sherry character full of dried plum, rich toffee, roasted espresso and baking spices. With air, it adds more Christmas cake, candied citrus, raisins and maple syrup. On the palate it's very rich and textured pushing forward with the deep dried fruit (fig and plums), gorgeous toasted spices, and deep roasted malt character. It loves a drop of water honestly, which add even more dense fruit and softens the spices slightly. But not more than a tiny drop in my opinion. Bottled at a perfect 92 proof without chillfiltration or coloring of course. This should be most sherry lovers table malt. You cannot afford not to have it around all the time.

Price: $54.99

1983 Domaine de Jouanda - Cask #179 "K&L Exclusive" Bas-Armagnac (750ml)

Review Date: 10-10-2023

The spectacular Jouanda estate is second to none in terms of beauty. Situated in the prime Bas-Armagnac, the estate has remained relatively off the radar save for a few barrels we purchased several years ago. But the truth is the De Poyferre family (the very same that founded the famous wine estate to the north), has a passion for armagnac that is unquestionable. They spare no expensive in the vineyards pr cellars and utilize traditional techniques across the board. This year we've got two barrels that seem similar on paper, but offer very different experiences. This barrel 179 was aerated several times in its 40 years. The resulting spirit is rounder and more open than the sister cask 177. Sweet red fruit compote, deep vanilla and toasted spices are the star of the show here. On the palate it's shows less varnish and exotic wood than the sister and more rich fruit. The additional aeration makes this the more approachable barrel, but it doesn't lack complexity in any way. Jouanda is such a special estate that should be considered one of Armagnac's finest and this barrel is a perfect example of what they're capable of.

Price: $109.99

1983 Domaine de Jouanda - Cask #177 "K&L Exclusive" Bas-Armagnac (750ml)

Review Date: 10-10-2023

The spectacular Jouanda estate is second to none in terms of beauty. Situated in the prime Bas-Armagnac, the estate has remained relatively off the radar save for a few barrels we purchased several years ago. But the truth is the De Poyferre family (the very same that founded the famous wine estate to the north), has a passion for armagnac that is unquestionable. They spare no expensive in the vineyards pr cellars and utilize traditional techniques across the board. This year we've got two barrels that seem similar on paper, but offer very different experiences. This barrel 177 was aerated fewer times than the other cask, which means that less oxygenation and more esters. The resulting spirit is powerful and rich with dense fruit character and surprising lift on the palate. Expect aromas of sweet dried plum, fresh tobacco, dense exotic wood and baking spices. Robust on the palate, this more old school style contrasts the prettier barrel #179. Armagnac lovers should definitely try these side by side and see finally what all the fuss is about with single casks.

Price: $109.99

Angel's Envy "K&L Exclusive" Cask #230367 Private Select Port Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml)

Review Date: 09-13-2023

Angel's Envy single barrels were easily some of the hottest single casks over the last few years, but this one seems to have snuck in without much notice. That's a terrible shame since it's without a doubt the best we've had from the little distillery on Whisky Row. It's not clear if they're actually distilling all this juice, but we have had wild fluctuations in the character of these single casks samples, but I was extremely please when I cracked this bottled selected by my colleague Andrew Whiteley. Here we go. After the first moments of deep funk blow off, the bourbon offers an incredible array of sweet red fruit - the port cask offering plenty of character without diminishing the dense American oak notes of the bourbon. Strawberry candies, dark cherries, maple twists in frosting, sweet herbs, orange zest and clove. On the palate, its quite rich offering and oily viscosity. Here the wine character is actually turned slightly down in a very nice way. Still plenty of fruit, but more caramel, sweet candied nuts and rich barrel spice! A totally fab cask that hopefully people will be buying multiples of. Few of these Angel's barrels are so unique yet drinkable.

Price: $89.99

Nashville Barrel Company 8 Year Old "K&L Exclusive" Single Barrel #2770 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 08-11-2023

In this age of ever growing bourbon fervor, there's bound to be a tipping point. Not to say that demand will slow at all, but that the consumers will come to a point where only the very best stuff will merit the higher prices. Any tiny blip in demand for the big guys means a whole lot of whisky unsold because their scale is so massive. We may be inching closer to that moment, where those with massive positions on stock, need to start releasing some of the pressure. We've seen some older barrels of Kentucky and MGP stocks, but always with odd mashbills - like the 99% corn stocks 9 year olds from MGP that Barrell is selling right now. It's presumed that those KY barrels are from one of the new distillers products because none of the big boys are selling stocks any longer. What we have here, seems to fall into the much more unusual and rare release of seemingly standard mashbills. While we don't have conformation from the brand owners, there are rumors that these stocks of good 8 year old Kentucky juice are the much more typical 12-15% rye mashbill. Many of the great legacy distillers have produced products with similar mashbills - Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill and of course Jim Beam. While we cannot confirm any of these details, I can tell you that this instantly smells and taste much more in line with regular old stocks from a good legacy distiller than the unusual mashbills we see or the old stocks from new distillers that have come onto the scene in the last decade. In any case, it's damn good juice that should have been snapped up the moment it arrived, yet no one seems to realize just quite what it is. Here we go. The color is a succulent mahogany. The nose immediate jumps out exceptionally familiar. It's difficult to quite pinpoint why exactly, but it's definitely something I know well. Dense maple syrup, caramel candies, roasted nuts, old oak, baking spice, toasted vanilla and fresh baked bread. On the palate it has a strong woodsy front note coupled with a sweet almost floral (honeysuckle yellow flowers) and candied fruit in the mid palate. The back end goes baking spice and starts a bit on the earthy warehouse floor thing, but with air picks up more sweetness and definitely finishes with a rich nutty character to balance the old wood and spice. The texture is oily and thick. The initial funk is pleasurable but the oxygen really adds complexity here. This is damn good bourbon and I don't think anyone would flinch at paying $120 for cask strength buff trace or bookers single barrel, yet no one has noticed this badass little barrel. Not to say that it's either one of those in particular, but it certainly has the vibe of one of these serious legacy producers. This one is for the initiated and will be an exciting experience. Tell me what you think it is once you taste it!

Price: $119.99

2011 Highland Park 10 Year Old "K&L Exclusive" Cask #5434 First Fill European Oak Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 07-22-2023

These OB Highland Parks that they've been releasing are some of the most intense and complex malts coming stateside. It felt like they we're just going to keep getting more and more expensive, but we've managed to find this awesome little casks for an altogether reasonable price. Dark euro oak from a blue chip distiller for $120 at full cask strength (66%!!!) for under $120? It's bucking the current trend of no limit price increases of rare whisky for sure. Let's taste! It's a gorgeous chestnut oloroso shade. The nose is big but you can tell still wound up in that high proof. Let it sit. zzzzzz. OH yay! 20 minutes later its firing up nicely. Dense nutty oloroso character, dark roasted baking spices, old teak furniture, sweet strawberry jam, chocolate covered raisins. It really needs air though don't forget. One the palate it's screaming on the palate absolute tarry in texture. Big spice-y oak, dark cherries, nutty toffee, juicy sherry character. It's super intense, but the tannin isn't overpowering and the powerful euro oak is balanced with the perfect earthy peat note. It does make me want to reach for the water to open her up. The first drop unleashes leather, chocolate, sweet dark berries, softens the oak on the nose considerably. Adding a bit more water. Again some time needed after water for it all to open properly. Wow, not the palate is absolutely bangin'. Holds the texture extremely well with two small dollops of water. The edgy-ness is gone and the deep complex sherry plays wonders with the gorgeous HP malt. This is an advanced contemplative malt that rewards the patient immensely. Sure it taste great right out of the bottle, but if you can keep from hammering the glass down, there's considerable nuance and unbelievable depth. It feels more multilayered than some of our previous casks, even at the lower price and age. It's kind of weird to me that these don't sell out instantly there's almost nothing on the market like it at this price point. The closet thing of similar price and quality would be one of the single barrel Glendronach's and those sell out in an instant. This is every bit as complex and intensely sherried as those wonderful malts and similarly priced. If you want to be ahead of the curve grab this one now before the rest of the world figures it out.

Price: $119.99

Frey Ranch Farm Strength Uncut Cask Strength Nevada Estate Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 07-15-2023

It seems that our friends at Frey Ranch have really figured it all out. Not only have they challenged the legacy model of bourbon production, developing their own recipe, using their own grain, on a scale no other craft producer has been able to match, they're consistently producing excellent whisky at reasonable prices. The secret sauce is not challenging the ideal for what great bourbon should taste like, learning and adapting the techniques of the large producers to fit their unique environment. The result it inarguably one of the most successful craft bourbon distillers of this new era and their whisky just keeps getting better. The farm strength is an exercise in blending and starts to give us a better idea of the ultimate "house style" that's developing at this special farm outside of Reno. Let's have a go! The color is an inviting auburn. The nose starts a bit shut down, but there's obvious power brooding in the glass. With a bit of air the whiskey begins to unravel offering stewed fruit, roasted oak, old wood, varnish, cream corn, fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate there's big sweetness mostly of the caramel type and more spice -clove and cinnamon- but the roasted oak character remains a big component. It finishes with a gorgeous raisinette character. I don't often recommend adding water to cask strength bourbon because it tends to lose more character than it gains, but I really enjoyed this with a splash of water. It really moves into a different direction and gives you some options if you're feeling the big bold oak isn't what you're after for that particular session. With water we get pretty stone fruits, subtle smoked tea, touches of metallic industrial equipment, sweet grains and soft nuttiness. On the palate it's now so sweet and easy, utterly appealing in every way. It's really a completely different whisky with water and I think a very fun one that most people should seriously consider if they've followed any of the craft whiskey world over the last 10 years.

Price: $79.99

2005 Domaine du Cardinat 16 Year Old K&L Exclusive Bas-Armagnac (750ml)

Review Date: 07-08-2023

The quaint little Domaine de Cardinat is run by an assuming young couple, the Singhs, who are quiet, sweet and easy going. Their brandies, however, are the opposite. Bold, brash, intense and full of intensity. This perfect 16 year old version is no exception, punctuated by an undeniable oak character that seems to be the hallmark of Cardinats better releases. Generally, there's not too much work being done on these in the chai so when there's money to buy new oak the eau-de-vie sucks it up and stays put for a while. So we start with some super dense stewed plums, big toasted vanilla, strong cocoa/coffee aromatics pick up with some air. On the palate serious texture and lots of upfront sweetness that quickly leads toward the dry spicy oak we know from Cardinat. Some mint, some dark herbs, some serious tension at this high proof. This is right in there where we love them, over the top intensity but somehow achieving balance in the end.

Price: $59.99

2011 Caol Ila 11 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Hogsheads Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-14-2023

This punch ocean-y 11 year is a great contrast to the dark and rugged 8 year by the same bottler. A winter batch distilled in the heart of the January 2011, it spent 11 years in a relatively silent refill hoggie to be bottled in fall of 2022. The color is white wine. The nose is salty, offering ashy gray smoke, cold wet peat, a powerful ocean character bringing in some seaweed and salty seaside foliage. On the palate it's full brine tempered by lemon oil, candle wax, sweet oyster liquor, sweet smoke, cola and smoked meats. Long and satisfying it's an ocean-y lemony one which I love. With water and air, more dark smoke and lemon. It's more industrial, diesel engine, smoldering hickory, bitter bark, nettles/shizo leaf, Still plenty of saltiness. Shockingly sweet to start on the front palate now, extremely long and balanced with tons of pillowing dark smoke. A truly fabulous little whisky that well out paces the excellent standard 12 year for a similar price.

Price: $79.99

2014 Caol Ila 8 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Ex-Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-14-2023

Just always yes for me with Caol Ila. The quality and value is here on all of these that we have right now and they're all such different styles. This one is a pale gold. A beautiful intense snappy iodine nose with country ham, honeysuckle, smoldering oak embers, lemon balm, lanolin, Gorgeous and open and extremely easy drinking at full strength with a lovely oily texture which begs you to sip more. Flavors are big and meaty, dark roasted pepper, intense eucalyptus smoke, frankincense and salt. With water the lemon and salt come to the front adding sweetness and layers, it's just shocking how inexpensive this is and how good a young caol ila can be. Do we need anything else? Maybe an 11 year?

Price: $59.99

1997 Ardmore 25 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-14-2023

This awesome little oddity is more than just a quirk. It's a gorgeous Highlander in the most old school style. We thought it was very strange when our supplier said they had an unpeated Ardmore and it's true that it doesn't have the same intense highland peat that we see in many younger Ardmores, but there's still this twinge of old school smoke here that's reminiscent of the old highland way. After 25 years in the an old Hogshead this whisky has developed some serious complexity. It does, like many old malts, love air and needs some time in the glass to full open, but once it does very few modern malts compare to this eclectic style. Here we go. The color is old gold. The nose (after aeration) is a stunning mixture of wild honey, roasted heather, dried herbs, bitter bark, candied stone fruits, clean white smoke in the distance. On the palate much more honey, toasted fresh bread, touches of pulverized limestone/chalk, burning citrus oils, snappy dried stone fruits and a sweet roasted lingering smoke. Lots and lots of sweet jams and wild herbs on poking up on the very long long finish. This is a dream to drink. Totally spectacular and will likely fly under the radar, but when you walk back to that first glass after a 30+ minute aeration you'll know that this is really one of a kind.

Price: $199.99

2008 Orkney's Finest (Highland Park) 14 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Cask Strength Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-08-2023

The Isle of Orkney is so far flung and remote it's incredible that anyone managed to settle there at all, let alone build one of the world's great single malt distilleries. We've had many Highland Parks over the years, but it seems recently that every year we come across a great little cask. What's shocking is how affordable they still are. It's true that if they name were legally mentioned on the label, it would easily double the price, though there would be no improvement whatsoever in the contents of the bottle. This is refill hoggie is more active and woodsy than last years nearly naked version. Let's taste it. The color is old gold. The color is all sweet grains and Seville orange oil. No perceivable smoke here, but a subtle ocean character and a good earthy spice. Very creamy and rich on the palate with a strong vanilla and scrubby heathery mid palate which relinquishes into the tiniest smoldering peat and salty ocean tones. Sweet and salty, it's a lovely maritime experience. With water it really opens and adds tons of citrus oil, lemon candies, salted peach spread and a deep herbal floral note. On the palate now a gorgeous caramel sweetness tamed only by the salty ocean note which remains. This is an absolutely cracking cask that really improves with water. I'm totally into this style and while it's certainly not got the intensity of a distillery single cask with its hard tannins and dense sherry, it is almost more fun to drink, less brooding and more authentic. Stupid prices on these too...

Price: $79.99

2000 Laphroaig 22 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-07-2023

It's simply a coup that we were able to manage this excellent cask. The 18 year old version for EU sells for over $500. No need to say more. Maybe the slightly lower proof is why they let it go, but that says nothing about the quality. The color is pale gold. The nose is just perfect. That elegant linear old style Laphroaig. The smell of a cool Islay evening, the finest tiger palm, pungent white smoke, camphor, kippers, lemon extract, capers. On the palate, stone fruits in antiseptic solution, smoking peppercorn, ozone - almost electric. This one definitely gets you buzzing. With a bit of water we start to get more fruit and more savory nutty character. More citrus and oyster liquor, sweet herbs, fresh tilled soil and roasted meats. It's an absolute stunner. Truly a thing to behold. Don't let the 48% fool you, this is as massive and intense as any old Laphroaig ever was.

Price: $349.99

2012 Laphroaig 10 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Ex-Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-07-2023

It's ridiculous how difficult it is for us to get Laphroaig. There was a period were the few barrels we had access to were many times the price of the distillery bottlings for similar ages. That just doesn't make sense. But now that the distillery is selling single casks for upwards of $200, we're feeling pretty damn good about this awesome barrel of 10 year Laphroaig. In we go. The color is white wine. The nose is an absolute missile, full of explosive flinty gun smoke, saucisson sec, old metal, an almost fruit habanero, olive brine, anis, roasting herbs and in the background a subtle green papaya. On the palate pure green peat smoke, sweet meat, white pepper, ginger, camphor, more pepper. Long smoldering finish. With a bit of water we've got less got less gunsmoke and more iodine. Salted fish, lemon preserves, damp leaves on a fire, pine, green olives. It's very GREEN. Very salty now on the palate, full bodied and oily. Still has tons of roasty smoke, acrid and powerful, now lasts even longer some how. It's just the perfect naked Laphroaig at this age. When you want to get slapped around a bit, this is the one you reach for. The modern distillery stuff, cask strength or not, doesn't hold a candle to the intensity of this special cask.

Price: $89.99

2008 Bunnahabhain 14 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-06-2023

I have no clue what's going on with this Bunnah, but it ain't like the last few we've had. Distilled in March of 2009, I'm thinking that this is one of the first batches of unpeated barley after the winter heavy peat runs or otherwise perhaps they've simply used some peat here for god knows why. Maybe the mistaken barley is the reason it was sold off, but whatever the reason this is definitely ABOVE the normal 2 ppm that Bunnahabhain usually boasts. It's not anywhere near the Staoisha/Moine which are circa 45ppm, but it's definitely peated. here it is. Color is pale white wine. The nose isn't a smack you around peater, but instead a beautiful salty savory saline solution coupled with roasted herbs and sweet malt. On the palate the beautiful green peat smoke comes first followed by wonderful sweet herbs and a vibrant pithy citrus oil. It's earthy and herbal and so inviting. The tiniest bit of water brings more peat to the nose, but it remains subtle. There's more non-peat smoke now too and some crushed oyster shell. Very complex now, with many herbs and different roasting things behind. While the water upped the smoke on the nose, it adds sweetness and zest on the palate. This is just damned good Bunnah, but will shock a few unsuspecting souls. It's gentle enough not to turn them off though. I'm totally into it.

Price: $109.99

1997 Blair Athol 25 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-06-2023

Here is the big dog for the year. We're not expecting another old sherry butt of any kind until late this year or early next. Let's get in there asap! A gorgeous chestnut/russet color. The nose is all purple plums and dried berries, coupled with a deep roasted arabica, old mahogany, coco powder and gingersnaps. It's a bit asleep I think. Leave it for 20-30 minutes and now we've got so much more! Deep oloroso nutty character, dried plums and raisins, old leather, sweet medium roast brewed with a dollop of cream, hints of savory, allspice, tarragon. The palate is rich and open with gorgeous creamy cocoa, wild honey, sweet caramel candies and a big clove-y finish. It's so pretty and appealing, it may actually bother some of the people hoping for a sulfur-y funk bomb like we've seen other Blair Athols sometimes do. Luckily the sulfur lovers will still have plenty of other gorgeous stuff to love here. With water the savory character really develops adding more leather, more pure oloroso oxidative notes and on the palate tames the big spice at the end. I think it's really pretty either way, but water does do a lot here so maybe try it both ways. This is really exceptional whisky and my only demand is that you give it time in the glass or you'll miss ALL the fun.

Price: $199.99

2009 Blair Athol 13 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single refill ex-Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-06-2023

I'm a Blair Athol fan boy, ever since my first visit. This is one of the more richly flavored Highlanders out there. Not is oily and funky as Ben Nevis, but without a doubt full of character. This one went into a good quality second fill bourbon barrel back in 2009 and now we're the lucky beneficiaries 13 years later. Here goes nothing! The color is yellow gold. Wow this guy really punches above it's weight class. Not sure what's going on here, but it's not one of these blenders casks at all. Lots and lots going on, especially after 15-20 min in the glass. Old school and earthy couple with a odd bright orange fruity-ness - like marmalade spread across an old chevy engine. Zesty citrus oils behind that followed by walnut skins, jasmine tea and coriander seed. On the palate and almost milky richness offering big spices, hints of bitter barks, Mirabelle eau-de-vie and licorice root. The finish is long and spicy! With a bit of water you can see the oily spirit unleash in the glass. Now it's opened right up. Tons of quince, wild honey, white tea and a slight flinty mineral character. It's so juicy and open on the palate, it's really dangerously drinkable. Not a super funky one now, showing lots of pretty stuff, with hints of weirdness around the edges. I find this style super appealing and really hope people enjoy it as much as I do. With or without water this one is fun either way - but do give it some air.

Price: $64.99

2010 Auchroisk 12 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 06-06-2023

This pretty little Auchroisk going to be my summer whisky. We've had a few Auchroisks over the years, but few offers such balanced crispy clean malt and a rich creamy texture. It won't be that dark sherry some are after, but the old refill butt is still there and has done some really interesting things here. Plus the price is absolutely nuts considering where we see the market for high quality single cask Speyside single malt going. Here we go! The color is pale gold. I've let this one sit for 15 minutes before getting after it. On first nosing it's big crystal malt, dried golden raisins, mandarin peel, d'Anjou pear skin and nutmeg. It's got the tiniest little earthy funk in the background. On the palate, it's super thick and textural. Creamy and buttery both in flavor and texture. Hints barley tea, honey, chocolate biscuits and dried herbs. Lots more dried fruit and big spice on the finish reminding us that indeed this is a sherry butt. At 60% this guy is an obvious candidate for clean spring water. With water there's much more dried fruit character and fresh pear pulp. On the palate we add up front sweetness and a huge ginger note and now more chocolate too. The texture is the really impressive part. The finish founds out nicely bringing back more of the orchard fruit. It's just really drinkable, fun and fresh. Totally dig it vibrant little cask and it's inexpensive enough that you can through it around without much to worry about. Just don't forget some water. It absolutely loves that.

Price: $59.99

Wild Turkey "Kentucky Spirit" Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

Review Date: 05-30-2023

The Kentucky Spirit hangs back in the shadow of the WT portfolio, eclipsed in prominence by the Russell's single barrel picks. One thing I love about the standard Kentucky Spirits releases is they include a lot more information than a standard bottle of Russell's. While our store picks include rick, warehouse and bottling info, the regular Russell's Single Barrel does not. So while people will go nuts for a single barrel of Russell's, I'm sitting here with a bottle of Kentucky Spirit and no one seems to be the wiser. Bottled at a lovely 101 proof, these single barrels should be on every taters list of must grabs. Here we go!!! A beautiful nose of mature Turkey nose of sweet roasted oak, charred herbs, and honey candies. With time and air this guy starts to get pretty darn complex, bringing in some charred peaches, fresh cinnamon sticks, aged tobacco. On the palate, it really open and surprisingly fresh, softer and way off the big kickin' cinnamon that some WT lovers want. Instead it's really candied and sweet only turning up the heat on the finish after a few sips. Then we're reminded it's Turkey after all. Just really damned good whisky. You can count on that.

Price: $59.99

2012 Dailuaine 9 Year Old "Firkin Whisky K&L Exclusive" Oloroso & Amontillado Single Cask Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-20-2023

A fun little young Dailuaine in an usual blend of Amontillado and Oloroso sherry seasoned wood. This one needs a drop of water to open up but when it does it really gets going. Great intensity with lovely dark chocolate, dried leaves, cherry jam, earthy spice, roasted almond, savory and wild on the nose. Lots and lots going on the palate, offering some salinity which balances very sweet dried stone fruit out perfectly. The unique character of the Amontillado seems to me to really be on display here and there's lots of rich chocolatey stuff too. This is super well balanced and fun, but absolutely needs that drop of water for the nose to release it's full potential.

Price: $79.99

Dalmore 10 Year Old "Hart Brothers Finest Collection" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength First Fill Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-20-2023

This punchy little Dalmore isn't at all what many people are expecting. It doesn't fit nicely into the Dalmore box, either the very malt off oak IB style or the over sweet OB style. The nose is both funky and malt with hints of kirsch, black pepper, calvados, gravel, roasted nuts and biscuits. One the palate it remains kirsch-y (cherry eau-de-vie), adds vanilla, a creamy texture, less pepper and savory notes. Now with water it really opens up gorgeously! A rich nutty character now, some medium roast arabica, toasted herbs, apricots, loquat, persimmon. ON the palate now some lemon oil and a big peppery malt character. This is a wild dram that really doesn't fit into anyone's ideas of what it should be, but I think will intriguing most malt drinkers with it's idiosyncratic style.

Price: Hidden

Aberlour 11 Year Old "Hart Brothers Finest Collection" K&L Exclusive Cask Strength First Fill Sherry Butt Unchillfiltered Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-20-2023

This lovely barrel of Aberlour was one that I was really looking forward to. We've never before had a chance to sell Aberlour from a single sherry butt and while this isn't one of those ultra dark ones. That doesn't mean it is lacking in character. OH no, this baby taste damn good, especially if you've got some patience to let her air out. On first nosing, it's very primary and full of rich orchard fruit. But if you let it sit for a while in the glass, the deep undertones sherry and wild complexity start to come forward. Now the nose is sweet almond frosting, seville orange peel, baked pear and candied walnuts. The sherry and malt are very integrated and the whole thing feels very much like a cask strength version of the no longer available 10 year old. On the palate it's juicy and complex with a fudge-y midpalate that balances the very fruity front. Subtle vanilla cream, dried yellow cherries, wild honey and oak spice. It's truly a lovely whisky, that won't scratch the itch for people wanting to be slapped silly with sherry, but for all balance and complexity it will be hard to find a better one than this.

Price: Hidden

Bardstown Bourbon Company "Discovery Series #9" Blended Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 05-20-2023

The Discovery line from Bardstown has been one of those slightly controversial releases because Bardstown is not afraid to take chances here, lots of old timers are skeptical. That's of course until they taste it! Previously releases have transitioned from Older KY juice to TN, KY blends, but the big change was the addition of Canadian Corn whisky. Now we've got a totally unique blend of 4 states, 4 mashbills, 3 ages, included an 8 year old whisky from Georgia which will be an absolute first for me. In addition to this unique blend, we've managed to push the price down significantly, making this one of the best Disco Deals yet. That's if it tastes as good as we'd expect. Let's have a go! Gorgeous nose of burnt sugar, buttercream, charred citrus, sweet oak and vanilla. It's a very appealing but hard to pin down style. It doesn't fit nicely into any standard American Whisky category. It really loves air and opens more into a complex grade B maple syrup and raisinets. On the palate it's rather nutty, sweet and creamy. Lots of roasted fruits, toasted vanilla, hints of Dickel mineral, but nicely balanced by a rich chocolate notes and spicy finish. This is damn good whisky, perfect for when you want something that's ultra complex and mature, but you don't want to pull the ultra fancies off the shelf. Considering the quality, age and unique character this is an exceptional deal. We have the killer price and mini-exclusive now, but when it goes broad market expect to pay at least $30 more a bottle, so now's your chance to try before the prices go up!

Price: Hidden

Caol Ila 10 Year Old "Hart Brothers" Single Hogshead Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-16-2023

This great little barrel of Caol Ila is firing on all cylinders. If you're a lover of Caol Ila like me, you'll probably be very familiar with this style, but you'll be shocked we can still get it at this reasonable a price. In any case, I'm in love with Caol Ila. They can go from the very austere citrus driven to the creamy almost sweet smoke. This one leans toward creamy at first, but with water quickly kicks the easy exterior off and offers more challenging and complex profile. Ultimately gorgeously complex sipper that loves water and evolves significantly with air. Here we go. Color is pale straw. The nose has fresh grass, oyster shell, crème brûlée, lemon oil, snappy fresh peat smoke and Sweetarts candies. On the palate that creamy texture and custard note are quickly overcome by a deep green peat smoke. The oily texture leads to a medium finish with some sweet malt poking through on the finish. With water, we turn up the lime-y citrus note significantly. Much more chiseled now. Nori, some anis, sweet herbs, mint and ocean spray and brine-y shellfish on the nose. The palate goes much more intense billowing smoke now, darker and more hearty. Totally badass juice with lots of character. Multifaceted and exciting as 10 year old Caol Ila can be without redefining the spirit. A killer value for off the oak Islay malt of this highest order.

Price: $69.99

Cadenhead's 30 Year Old "7 Star" Cask Strength Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 05-16-2023

This spectacular expression from the historic Cadenhead's bottler is simply unlike anything else on the shelf. If this same whisky said the words Chivas or Johnnie Walker on the shelf, it would come in a crystal decanter and be $2000. But what this has that the big blends don't is real soul and not junk. It checks every geek box and then some. No chill-filtration, no coloring, cask strength 30 year old scotch finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks for $150? Come on man, Cadenhead's still has something up its sleeve. Rumor has it that they control a huge stock of old barrels, but no one knows for sure except the man himself, Hedley Wright. The enigmatic owner of Cadenhead's and Springbank is rarely seen in public, but he allows his blending team at Cadenhead's access to an incredible array of old and rare barrels for projects like this one. No telling what's in the blend, but we can't get malt or grain of this quality at cask strength from any normal channels at the price point, so this really is one of the best values in the category today. It's not a close out or some screw up, just really good limited edition Scotch whisky at an amazing price. Let's have a go. The color is a beautiful deep copper. After 30 minutes in the glass, there's a gorgeous nutty oloroso character up front. Behind that stewed stone fruits, maple syrup, candied walnut and sticky caramel. On the palate, its got great weight, with all the sweetness front loaded. Striking nougat, creamy roasted almonds, sweet herbs and a tiny spicy backbone poking up at the end. It's so incredibly balanced I can't imagine adding water, but a tiny drop opens the fruit and the sweetness. This is just damned good whisky on any scale. Perhaps if you're looking for a hammer like a Kavalan Cask Strength then you'd reach somewhere else, but most lovers of Scotch will likely find themselves polishing this bottle of in just a few sittings. It's truly lovely and arguably one of the most affordable whiskies on the shelf for the quality.

Price: $149.99

Ardbeg "Heavy Vapours" Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 05-11-2023

It's a rare treat that we get access to enough Ardbeg special release to justify opening and reviewing a bottle, but somehow we scored a big chunk of the always intriguing yearly special release and I'm certainly not going to wait for it to sell out to open a bottle. This is a really unique expression focused on real changes to the process of distillation itself instead of cask finishes or other tweaks in maturation or primary ingredients. In any case, it's an exciting especially if you feel very familiar with the typical Ardbeg distillate. Rumor is that there is some rather old distillate in here maybe up to 12 years old, which if true would do a lot to further the conversation of how the purifier changes the mature spirits. Let's taste it. The color is very pale white wine. Nice to see they haven't hammered this with too much would. I really appreciate an honest assesment of the spirit. ON first nosing it's surprisingly different, yet hauntingly familiar. This one loves air in the glass and it starts pretty closed off, but with time it really opens nicely. Less lemon oil and fruit than a standard Ardbeg, its flintier and more mineral with an usually tamed white pure clean smoke behind. Roasting herbs, eucalyptus, Williams pear, capers, salty candy. On the palate green intense peat, a big black pepper, cacao nibs, oil and round in the mouth. Tons of fresh herbs now (tarragon, dill and mugwort), some lemon grass and tire smoke as well. Totally unique expression which I feel advances our understanding of Ardbeg in a meaningful way. Taken on its own, I think it's very lovely and wild Islay that is desperate for air, so don't discount at first nosing. It may be proof that we lovely the purifier and what it does to this special spirit, but does not mean that this whisky is not worthy of our love. Like a great special release this makes more love the core line up even more.

Price: $134.99

Nordés Atlantic Galician Gin (700ml)

Review Date: 05-02-2023

The era of SALTY gin is upon us and I'm so grateful. It started with kelp and now sea beans. I'm in love with sea beans as an ingredient and I love their crunch salty character, but when I found out these crazy Spaniards were dumping them into the gin I was giddy. But this stuff isn't some weird esoteric thing that only the most adventurous will appreciate. This is literally Spain's number one super premium gin. Now if you don't know yet, Spain has absolutely lost its collective mind for gin. They make us look way behind the curve on the gin thing. Gin Tonics, vermouth, Tapas, Salt, Oil - it's all part of the ethos and this guy fits right in. Let's taste! The nose is pungent and floral with deep spice elements. I think maybe the grape spirit base is heightening the floral and fruity aromas and that balances the herbal character nicely (lots of tea character as well). It's got lots of sweetness on the nose and definitely a pungent perfume-y character, but doesn't get to bogged down in the florals thanks to the sweet fruit and subtle herbal notes -sage, eucalyptus, lemon verbena. Behind that twinges maritime character -seaside grasses and ocean spray. On the palate it's well balanced with the strong floral character giving way to more of the spice and hints of salty and pine. It's got a great mouth feel thanks to the base of Albarino eau-de-vie. This is by no means a traditional dry gin, but also doesn't stray too far off. I think it would suite well a Hendrick's drinker as well as a Monkey 47 lover, although it's not the one to reach for when you want a linear juniper driven London Dry. It does do absolute wonders with Tonic and can be really appealing to play with in classic cocktails when you want to mix things up a bit. I'm not at all surprised that the Spanish love this gin so much. I'm right there with them.

Price: $34.99

WE: 92

Montagave "Heritage" Bordeaux Finished Blanco Tequila (750ml)

Review Date: 04-29-2023

People often ask me what my favorite tequila is. This is really an impossible question to answer, but there is unquestionably one distillery that I've been enamored with since visiting 4 years ago. The Cascahuin Distillery in El Arenal is easily the most traditional and characterful in the Valley of Tequila. Every single product coming out of this wonderful plant is full of depth and soul, making it the easiest way to get converted to authentic tequila. Of course, the whole industry is on fire and with the incredible focus on the category, we're seeing more and more people digging deeper into the truth behind how tequila is made. It doesn't take long to realize that only a handful of distillers are to be truly trusted blindly, and Cascahuin is in that distinguished bunch. With all of its commitment to production the old way, the distillers are not afraid of experimentation and this product is one of the most successful. The brand is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Lucie and John Melvin. They collaborated with the Rosales family to create Montagave. The idea was to take Cascahuin's extremely flavorful blanco and mature it in extremely high-quality Grand Cru French St Emilion barrels. This is a tricky balance because the fresh barrels need to be of the highest quality and the maturation needs to be monitored extremely closely to avoid degrading the inherent beauty of the spirit itself. The result is a tequila that has been barrel-aged, but under the legal limits to achieve the reposado classification. Subsequent batches are using first and second-fill barrels to add depth and character without overpowering again, and some of these used barrels will likely be featured in further aged releases. In any case, the Melvin's have truly achieved something special here, adding nuance and freshness to the already extremely complex lowland tequila. It is truly an impressive achievement. Let's taste it! The color is pale white wine with the tiniest hint of rose. On the nose, a huge smack of roast agave, vibrant citrus, hints of ripe cherry, and exotic spice. A big, gorgeous Tahitian vanilla bean base note hints at the ultra-high-quality French oak that seems to have simply kissed the spirit gently. Further aeration offers crushed rock, cubeb, grains of paradise, roast pumpkin seeds, and citrus oil. On the palate, it is extremely lifted and vibrant with a lovely texture and no tannins or hard edges at all. That doesn't mean it isn't full of rich spice, tart wild raspberry, lemon peel, savory spices, and subtle meaty earthiness, but the creamy texture and gorgeous fruit imparted by the subtle aging regime subdues the intensity of the spirit perfectly. For me, a purist of the highest order when it comes to agave spirits, this hits all the right notes. Some may look at this and ask why the blanco is so expensive (they don't even have a ceramic bottle?!?!), but in terms of the quality and experience offered, I think this product offers exceptional value. It's also a perfect crossover if you've been cutting your teeth on some of the sweeter style blancos or reposados and want to tiptoe into truly authentic, additive-free tequila. I'm confident you'll find something to love about this special product.

Price: $69.99

Sassenach Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 04-27-2023

The Sassenach blend is not your typical celebrity brand. Someone figured out that if you're going bother to make a whisky that's going to be purchased by millions of potentially non-Scotch drinking fans, you'd better pretty damn good. That's a stark contrast from celebrity brands, which often seem comfortable marketing the lowest common denominator at inflated luxury prices. But I'm not the only one to say this is actually solid juice, it's getting golds and double golds from every prominent awards show out there. There's not a lot of information about the source, although there seems to be a connection to the Loch Lomond distillery, but there's no questions that there's some solid old malt and grain in here. And rightfully so as it's not by any means a value brand. In any case, let's give it whirl. The color is a vibrant pale gold. On the nose it starts off rather malty with clean stone fruit and pretty hints of yellow flowers and scrubby herbs. With some air, a more honeyed character appears, but the clean rich malt is the star of the show. The Palate is pretty zesty with hints of lemon balm, great malty character, baking spice and toasted vanilla bean. The 92 proof is welcome and it seems as though they've put pretty significant amounts of malt, and of no uncertain quality level, to bring an excellent quality product to the table.

Price: Hidden

Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Peated Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

Review Date: 04-05-2023

Everybody is all over Yamazaki, but Hakushu is for me the real gem in the Suntory portfolio. While Yama takes all the glory, Hakushu quietly produces some of Japan's most delicious whisky. Some people look at our description and are worried that the "peat" will be too much. This is in fact a lightly peated product distilled on Hakushu's narrow necked stills. The resulting spirit is full of vibrant complexity and the peated is so perfectly integrate, few would pick it out as the main attraction. Instead expect a gorgeous nose of wet forest floor, candied stone fruit, citrus oils, clove oil, fresh herbs, jasmine flower, green tea, sweet malt and tobacco leaf. On the palate, the freshness and vibrancy is paramount offering sweet almost candied malty character tempered with a zesty citrus note and an oily texture. The peat pops up on the finish in a lovely balancing way. This is for me the better of the two Suntory flagship single malts and certainly the one I'd hand first to any expert or regular drinker of scotch who might be Suntory curious.

Price: $169.99

Westland 7 Year "Madeira Cask" K&L Exclusive Single ex-Madeira Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (700ml)

Review Date: 03-15-2023

This was a wild selection. Westland has consistently offered us really exciting barrels over the years, but this is the first time we've seen a malt fully matured in Madeira. 7 years makes this the oldest single cask we've bought from them and one of the oldest malts they've put on the market. In any case, let's taste! A gorgeous tawny color. On the nose an outrageous mixture of dried red fruits, hibiscus, roasted arabica, freshly cut mahogany, sandlwood and sweet red candies. It's very ROUGE! On the palate, its an absolute juice bomb! Fresh red raspberry, syrupy caramel sauce, pure almond butter and dried rose petals. This is an absolutely wild cask! with water it becomes more sweet and more floral, but not perfumed. I love the hibiscus character, but it remains balanced behind the sweet fruit and sticky nutty malt. A truly fabulous cask that will certainly turn any Scotch lover into a Westland fan.

Price: $109.99

Smooth Ambler 6 Year Old "Old Scout" K&L Exclusive Barrel #24778 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 03-08-2023

This fun little barrel of Old Scout offers a lot that character and some serious intensity. If you like a nice spicy bourbon, than this is the barrel for you. Let's taste it. The nose is a mixture of sweet barrel, fresh cut oak, toasted nuts and dark roasted grains. Subtle sweet stewed fruits and an unusual maple wood character really take the nose outside the standard MGP character. Maybe it's the extended time at the West Virginia warehousing facility, but this definitely doesn't smell anything like most of the MGP we get. On the palate, we're getting more familiar character with sweet corn, big toasted vanilla and a powerful spice character. Lovely balance between the intense oak spice and the sweet grainy character, ultimately it succumbs to the power of the wood and gives way to a long rich minty, peppery finish. An intense and complex barrel that takes the MGP thing in a truly new direction!

Price: $54.99

2017 El Jolgorio Barril "Maduro En Vidrio" K&L Exclusive (Gregorio Hernandez Lopez) La Compania, Ejutla Mezcal (750ml)

Review Date: 03-08-2023

This exceptional mezcal is one of the most exciting I've tried in the last year. It offers so much complexity and nuance while not over powering the sense with smoke or other non-agave flavors. One can likely point to a few key aspects which sets this apart in terms of production, firstly the use of well aged wild agave. Those special plants had been growing locally for 13 years before harvest and being roasted of pine, instead of the typical mesquite. Add the single distillation and a half decade long maturation in glass carboys and you've got a recipe for something other worldly. Let's give it a try - the nose is an absolute monster, defying the typical subtlety that glass maturation typically imparts, and offering intense aromas of dry pine sap, mint, citrus oil, crushed rock, honeysuckle, sheep skin, wet nail polish, fresh dill, overripe mango and lychee fruit. The wild nose softens slightly on the front palate to a sweet roasted herbs, charred stone fruits, pure crushed rocks, pungent alpine shrubs and a numbing and welcome acidity. The long savory sweet finish lingers with you for pretty much the rest of the day!!! It's vibrant and wild through and through, offering a picture as to how absolutely insane this spirit must have been before softening in glass. Top recommendation that might be a little too wild for the novice mezcal drinker, but will enchant and beguile anyone with even the slightest focus on category.

Price: $129.99

Rossville Union "K&L Exclusive Barrel #1557" Barrel Proof Straight Indiana Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 03-02-2023

This experimental style is really very intriguing. We first tasted this wild recipe under the Smoke Wagon label which they bill as "Malted Rye." It doesn't have any malted rye in it whatsoever, but MGPi Master Distiller Ian Stirsman explained to me that the malted barley enzymes are crucial in the extraction of the complex flavor elements created by the high protein levels in the Rye mash. That means these high malt ryes have significantly MORE rye intensity than even the 95%/5% recipe that made MGP famous. In any case, let's give it a go. The nose is a wild mixture of pine-y evergreen, powerful fresh dill, sweet caraway seed, citrus oils, dark chocolate and fresh ground cinnamon. With air the gorgeous green character and the dark sweet malt notes continue to meld and embolden each other. On the palate its full of sweet green herbs, rich malt, caramel candies, tense cinnamon and a rich creamy texture. This is an extremely unique experience, but one every whisky lover should try!

Price: $44.99

Rossville Union "K&L Exclusive" Barrel #1339 Barrel Proof Straight Indiana Rye Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 03-02-2023

Another awesome cask from Ross & Squib own branded labels. While there is room to improve on the labeling (their labels don't include the barrel number in any form) the quality of the whisky is second to none. This gorgeous KY rye knock off is exhibit A in the running drama known as "WHO MAKES BETTER RYE?" Indiana is providing damning evidence with this killer cask playing on KY's home court. The nose is beautiful and full of hyper developed spice and sweet caramel barrel sugars. Hints of graphite, orange oil, fresh mint and sweet tea balance the rich sweet notes on the nose. On the palate it burst with dark fruit, more citrus, subtle hard candied and almost ball park chewy sweetness.

Price: Hidden

2006 Foursquare 15 Year Old "Colours Of Rum" Edition No. 15 Single Barrel Ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Barbados Rum (700ml)

Review Date: 02-22-2023

More awesome single barrel Foursquare. We're seeing lots of these out there, but they're not all created equal. This lovely barrel offers a huge nose of fresh tropical fruit, coconut, orange oils and pungent vanilla bean. Big wood, big caramel, dark roasted coffee beans. On the palate its rich and textured with a brightness that's not expected, offering still tons of vanilla, powerful oak and bold numbing spice. The creamy texture and vibrant wood, for an altogether whisky drinkers rum in many way.s

Price: Hidden

1999 Foursquare 22 Year Old "Colours Of Rum" Edition No. 14 Single Barrel Ex-Bourbon Cask Strength Barbados Rum (700ml)

Review Date: 02-22-2023

This rare and highly unique expression from the famous Bajan distiller is one of the first distillates to ever be distilled by the great Richard Seale. These column distilled rums were much more in demand during this period and it wasn't until 2-3 years later that regular Foursquare style, a blend of pot and column, would be adopted as the house style. These rums were sold in bulk to blenders in Europe and just a few barrels survive from this period. Here we go. An attractive burnished color. Extremely subtle compared to some of the funky potstill rums we've tried from Colours. Not unexpected. A beautiful vanilla driven profile marked by dried green grapes (white raisins?), burnt sugar, hints of exotic spices and herbs. The wood is restrained but prominent nonetheless. On the palate much more going on! A bevy of spices - clove, cinnamon, more vanilla. Gorgeous honeyed sweetness, dark old oak, old leather, caramel syrup. This is an excellent entry point for whisky lovers or light rum aficionados. It won't scratch the each of potty funky rum lovers, but most lovers of good old Spanish style rum will absolutley love this clean yet interesting style.

Price: Hidden

1998 Montebello 23 Year Old "Colours Of Rum" Edition No. 1 Single Barrel Cask Strength Guadeloupe Rum (700ml)

Review Date: 02-22-2023

The old Carrere distillery in Guadeloupe is agricole in all but name. Produced from hand harvest cane grown on volcanic soils, Montebello is one of the last distillers to use steam engines in the process. Founded in 1930, not a whole lot has changed there in the last 90 years. It's extremely unusual to see products of this age from Martinique and even more so to be offered a single cask. Let's taste it! The color is light gold. Extremely unusual nose of wild flowers, fresh lavender, sweet fresh dill, honeysuckle, cured green olives and persimmon skins. On the palate it's medium bodied with a powerful exotic herbal character, fresh ground matcha, olive oil. The finish builds around the herbal and sundry driven flavors. A totally wild and gorgeous experience incomparable anything else in the store.

Price: Hidden

Clear Creek McCarthy's 6 Year Old "K&L Exclusive" Cask Strength Single Barrel #367 Peated Single Malt Oregon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 02-22-2023

This wonderful cask strength single barrel from the excellent Clear Creek distillery in Hood River Oregon represents the legacy of one of the most important and skilled craft distillers in the US. Sadly, the legend himself Steve McCarthy passed away on January 2nd. His bold and innovative distillery would set the stage for a craft distilling revolution and his exceptional single malt whisky has been sold at K&L since its release decades ago. His big idea was to take peat smoked malted barley from the great maltsers in Scotland and distill this excellent barley on his tiny pot stills. Then he'd age it in Oregon oak. One of the founders of the American Single Malt category, we've always loved Steve and when he stepped away from the business, we knew he'd chosen an excellent steward to continue his legacy. Hood River Distillers has kept the brand going providing much needed capital and expanding their selection to include a 6 year old offering. Now we're finally able to select cask strength single barrel 6 year olds and their just as amazing as you might expect. This cask is one of the very last to be distilled in the original Clear Creek facility in Portland before the brand (and all the barrels) were moved to the new larger facility in Hood River. While it was aged in 4th fill barrels, the Garryana is still incredibly prominent yet exceptionally well integrated. Let's taste it! The color is an attractive deep gold. The nose is a perfect explosion of dense peat smoke, complex ocean character, dense herbal oak and malty sweetness. With air, the complexity continues to expand, hints of salted fish, Sharpie marker, tanned hide, camphor, lanolin, citrus oil and fresh velcro. On the palate it's exceptionally sweet with powerful lemon oils, licorice bark, sweet smoke, bunches of fresh green herbs and an almost Ardbeggy white smoke. With a drop of water, it adds a sweet honeyed character, greengage, gooseberry, roasted espresso bean, still some Sharpie and clean background smoke. On the palate by contrast, more peat than before, a zingy ocean minerality and some wildly exotic spices round out the long satisfying finish. This is an absolutely exceptional cask that captures the essence of McCarthy's and turns everything up to the maximum without being overwhelming. A fitting send off to the great man that captured our hearts and palates for for decades. This one is for you Steve. We love you brother.

Price: Hidden

1990 Uitvlugt 31 Year Old "Colours Of Rum" Edition No. 4 Single Barrel Cask Strength Guyana Rum (700ml)

Review Date: 02-16-2023

Another insane example of the oldest rarest style of Guyana rum available on the market today. Much lighter in color than the '89 which is full of dark sappy intensity. Let's taste it! Wowowow this is very different from the other Uitvlugt/Port Mourant. Tense mineral character with rich funky waxy fruit, earthy herbal and wild citrus. On the palate vibrant and smoky citrus, tart and savory. Extremely chiseled and pungent with a long salty finish. This stuff is absolutely next level. One of the best old Guyana I've had and while it doesn't have the dark rummy character of the 89, this will appeal to lovers of old scotch in a way that few others do. You can't get 70s Clynelish for $400, but this is just as good and going to go down as an absolute legend in the annals of high quality spirits.

Price: Hidden

Barrell Craft 8 Years 9 Months Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #Z5L5 Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 02-09-2023

This oddball cask is one of the most unusual and out of character MGP whiskies we've ever offered. Distilled from 99% Corn and 1% Malted Barley - this is not corn whisky or light whiskey, but proper Bourbon aged almost 9 years. The nose is bourbon-y in a way completely different from most MGP, which are almost always high rye. IT reminds me much more of some of the wheated mashbills coming from KY than any of the high-rye bourbons that typically come from the famous Indiana plant. The nose is very confectionary, with rich marshmallow, sweet quince jam, pungent oak and tahitian vanilla bean. Caramel candies, peach candies, powdered sugar and hints of dark oak behind. On the palate, there's more sweetness up front with a lovely stone fruit character candied walnuts, roasted vanilla, burnt sugar and bits of milk chocolate. A soft appealing seville orange peel dries up the finish nicely, but the candy and sugary fruit flavors linger for a long time. This really is a sweet one that kind of has my number when I'm feeling like something really easy to love, which is often. Super supple soft and rich, there's no bourbon lover who will be able to look down their nose at this unusual mashbill once they've tasted this lovely candy barrel.

Price: Hidden

Daniel Bouju Tres Vieux "Brut de Fut" Premier Cru de Cognac Grand Champagne Cognac 700ml

Review Date: 02-08-2023

This insane offering has always been something we've wanted to carry, but the very high price tag (upwards of $250) made it seem out of reach. Now that we're able to offer it at a more reasonable price, it might be one of the most exciting cognacs we've ever stocked. It's a total bomb, not suited for cognac drinkers looking for something easy and sweet, but will easily win over lovers of old unobtainable American whiskey, intense richly sherried malt or cask strength Armagnac. This is a selection from Bouju's oldest stocks with a minimum age of around 40 years and a not insignificant proportion of brandies much much older, maybe 80+ years old. According to M. Bouju, it's bottled without coloring, filtration or reduction of any kind. M. Bouju insists the reason for the excessively dark color is the lack of reduction, something that normally happens several times during an eau-de-vie's maturation and blending. Instead, he says, he distills and reduces slightly before barreling and does absolutely nothing else for over the next 4 decades. When it hits 100 proof naturally, the resulting cognac is a force of nature. This nose puts us square in bourbon land, dense dry woodsy with fruit compote (figs & plums), cacao nibs, sweet herbs, all kinds of baking spice. Relatively gentle on the palate considering the high proof, but very dry, dark fruits and a big minty herbal finish. A benchmark by any standard. 5 Stars.

Price: $199.99

Smoke Wagon "Uncut - Unfiltered" Indiana Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

Review Date: 02-08-2023

Smoke wagon has slowly become one of the most important brands on the market today. They've been lucky to secure good contracts from the excellent distillery in Lawrenceberg Indiana. That means they've got older stocks that few other bottlers boast and this is their top tier offering After aging for 6-8 years at the distillery in Indiana, the barrels are transferred to the small Smoke Wagon facility in Las Vegas Nevada for finishing. Just a few months in the dry desert heat seems to make a difference. But Smoke Wagon is also doing a killer job of selecting and blended their best bottles into this extravagant. Many new bottlers are happy to charge $70-80 for 5-6 year old MGP, not half as well selected or blended, but Smoke Wagon offers this awesome tiny batch bourbon, which is much older and better than most MGP offerings, for just $65. The Uncut cult is still small, but those who know are drawn to it. If you haven't yet tried, it should definitely be on your must try list. Lets try it. A golden auburn color. The nose is dense dark, charred oak, with toasted vanilla bean and rich burnt sugar. Cooked red and black fruit pointed with cloves and sweet herbs in the background. Textured and rich on the palate with a big rich cacao note and a sweet oak to balance the bold spicy front palate. Finally it moves into more vanilla and some serious sweetness as it goes down. I don't know what they're doing to these barrels, but it feels like they're getting a bunch of real cherries to add to each batch. All in all one of the best proper cask strength bourbons on the shelf.

Price: $64.99

Reviewers

K&L Email Alerts

Staff Favorites - David Othenin-Girard

Reviews

More Favorites