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Staff Favorites - Stefanie Juelsgaard
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Reviews
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof "Batch C919" Kentucky Bourbon (750ml)
Review Date: 01-09-2020
This is the ultimate style of rich, silky smooth Bourbon with a pretty hefty kick of heat amplified by the barrel proof nature. Strong dark chocolate, clove, and coffee grounds prevail in this bottling, whereas the B519 has more of a sweet cream taste. A powerhouse whiskey like this at 12 years is a steal at $60. I guess the 200+ years of experience making Bourbon has given Elijah Craig the edge.
Egrot Brut Champagne
Review Date: 11-24-2019
This bottle of Champagne defines balance for me. I think it is the perfect blend of fruit and acidity, while still showing depth and richness from the Pinot Noir. I think this is an incredible value and is the absolute perfect choice for an occasion, not only because of the great price-point, but because it exhibits qualities that could please even the most discerning palate. This is my new house sparkling for sure.
Top Value!
Price:
$34.99
Fallet-Dart "Cuvée de Réserve" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 09-05-2019
The Fallet-Dart house has a mind blowing history with 17 generations behind the line to perfect their Champagne and perfect it they have. With majority Pinot Meunier and four years of aging sur lees this bottle shows a richer, toastier style while still showcasing brightness and freshness hard to achieve with this blend. I love that Fallet-Dart is not afraid to experiment with a Pinot Meunier heavy blend, though it is not by chance it turned out phenomenally with the clear dedication and hard work in the craft they put in year after year.
Top Value!
Price:
$32.99
Suntory "Hibiki Japanese Harmony" Blended Japanese Whisky (750ml)
Review Date: 07-11-2019
I was particularly excited to try the 'Hibiki Harmony' since it seems all of the Japanese whisky's are becoming so popular they sell out before most people get a crack at them. There is a definite sherry note present on the nose, and the palate is light, yet rich simultaneously. The Japanese whisky's generally seem to show as more elegant and prettier than those from other countries and this one fits that description perfectly. Though we did receive good stock this time, it won't last with the following the 'Harmony' has. Don't miss this opportunity because it probably won't come again and it's only going to become harder to acquire.
The 86 Co. Ford's Gin (750ml)
Review Date: 07-11-2019
With most Gin's sitting in the $30+ price range these days, it's really nice to see one of this quality at an affordable everyday price, because I will be drinking it everyday this Summer. Super smooth and full of citrus, jasmine, with a slight sweetness from the wheat, this may be the best London Dry Gin on our shelves.
Price:
$24.99
2015 Bois-Malot, Bordeaux Supérieur
Review Date: 07-05-2019
Bois Malot has become one of our top-selling Bordeaux's at K&L and for good reason. The quality of the wine you receive for this price point is mind-blowing. Still family run with a small and humble winemaking team, this label showcases the best of Bordeaux fruit. While the 2015 is still a little tight and not yet as approachable as the 2009 and 2010 were, this is sure to be stunner before too long. And at this price point, you can feel good about buying it by the case to hold onto some and drink some now.
Price:
$12.99
McKenzie Bottled in Bond Wheated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)
Review Date: 06-05-2019
Could this be the best wheated Bourbon in the store? You need to try it to find out, but everyone at K&L is on board with that statement. With some of the big names in wheated Bourbon, like Pappy and Weller, now impossible to come by, it's really reassuring to know we can still find something of this incredible quality and taste available. It's great to be able to support the craft distillers in this era of giant conglomerates and McKenzie's attention to detail and dedication to this spirit is evident in this bottling. Not too shabby at all.
Price:
$54.99
Littlemill "Old Malt Cask" 29 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)
Review Date: 05-30-2019
I know we may tend to over-use the phrase "don't miss this one" at K&L, but you it really rings true on this incredible bottling from the now closed Littlemill distillery. You will LITERALLY never see an offer like this again for this whisky. With its other age statements selling in the thousands of dollars, it's a little mind-boggling we have it for $250. Our spirits buyers truly worked their magic on this one. Though we hope to see Loch Lomond Distillery open it up again eventually, nothing can compare to what this highly sought-after distillery made 29 years ago. The nose is quite sweet, with briochy, light butterscotch notes. This continues on the palate, but with a hefty kick from spice to bring balance. This is one of the best whiskys I've had in some time and it's made all the more special knowing it will never cross my path again.
Price:
$399.99
Cotswolds Non-Chill Filtered English Dry Gin (750ml)
Review Date: 04-17-2019
There is a lot of hand labor that goes into producing this gin and the taste certainly reflects those efforts. They peel hundreds of limes and grapefruits every week to get that fresh citrus note in there and all other botanicals are hand-selected for purity of expression. This gin is creamy and lively, showcasing floral and citrus notes, with just a touch of spice. Don't be alarmed if your gin turns cloudy after adding tonic or ice - that's just the incredible amount of botanical oils left in for phenomenal flavor.
2016 Penfolds "Bin 389" Cabernet-Shiraz South Australia
Review Date: 10-31-2018
The Penfolds "Bin 389" is an elegant red from one of the most sought-after producers in Australia. The Shiraz provides a juicy mouthfeel with beautiful lift, while the Cabernet lends length and structure to help balance the dark fruit. Penfolds has struck the perfect balance between the two varietals, creating a wine that is unbelievably smooth with fine tannin and vibrant fruit notes. The American oak complements without adding any unnecessary flavors and the underlying spice and herbs help bring balance and complexity. Though this wine comes off a touch tight initially, it opens up beautifully to reveal lush blackberry notes and soft cocoa. This is a great way to get a part of the 'Grange' for a fraction of the price.
San Venanzio Fortunato Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Superiore
Review Date: 08-21-2018
This is a great sophisticated take on Prosecco. It's leaner, complex, and has a more mineral-driven style than most of the others on the shelf. It tastes more expensive from its everything it has going on, but is still incredibly affordable. Clean, fresh, bright, bubbly - what more could you want?
Top Value!
Price:
$15.99
Arette Artesanal Blanco Suave Tequila (750ml)
Review Date: 08-18-2017
This tequila really showcases the pure, bright flavors that agave is known for when not muddled by added sugars or over-manipulation. With a lighter finish than many of the other tequilas on the shelf , this Arette Suave Blanco lends itself to sipping on its own quite nicely, without being overwhelmed by alcohol. Though I find it would do equally well in a cocktail since its lighter style can help it blend seamlessly with other elements without being an overpowering presence. The Arette is back in stock, but with its ability to appeal to such diverse tastes, it is sure to be gone again soon.
Bollinger "Special Cuvée" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 06-07-2017
I find this to be one of the most interesting Champagnes we have on the shelves right now because of how many different notes and tastes it possesses. While Bollinger is one of the larger houses in Champagne, they are absolutely one of the best. The amount of care and work they put into their Champagne is unreal and the dedication to quality is beyond almost all others. The average age of the wine in this bottle is ten years old and one third of it is barrel fermented, which is far less common in Champagne. Topping wine in this house is kept in magnum bottles, separated by cru and vintage, which means they have to pop every single one when it comes time to add dosage to the bottles. This painstaking work results in an unbelievable wine and one I would be happy to have anytime.
Laurent-Perrier "La Cuvée" Brut Champagne
Review Date: 06-07-2017
The "La Cuvee" is one phenomenal release from well-known and highly regarded Champagne producer Laurent Perrier. Aged three and a half years on the lees, this wine exhibits the dedication LP shows to the quality of their Champagne. They have chosen to hold this wine back until it is perfected, rather than release it before it has had time to fully develop, even if that means potential years of lost income. The bottling exhibits a juiciness and fuller body than their "Brut" sparkler, but is still bright and lively from the acid-driven Chardonnay. While many Champagne houses believe great wine is made in the cellar, not the vineyard, LP shows a dedicated respect to the fruit in their bottlings, with the Chardonnay in "La Cuvee" being of exceptional quality. This is a special bottle that is still incredibly affordable and available for everyone to enjoy.
ArteNOM "Seleccion 1579" Blanco Tequila (750ml)
Review Date: 02-14-2017
The sweetness derived from the higher altitude this agave is grown at really shines through and makes this an amazingly easy sipping tequila. The incredibly smooth texture accentuated with great fruit flavor and slight spice makes this blanco one to treasure. A wonderful expression of how high-end tequila could taste from an respected, established, individual producer.
Price:
$54.99