More New Arrivals

It's been a busy week at K&L for spirits, which is always exciting for our customers and my co-workers alike, even if it means putting in a little extra elbow grease on the sales floor. We had to do a little reset in both the SF and RC stores this week in order to make room for all the new hooch. Let's look at a few things that just showed up:

Bulleit "Barrel Strength" Kentucky Straight Bourbon $54.99 - This one I mentioned yesterday, but we'll throw it up again with an official-looking bottle shot. In what was once only available as a limited edition bottling from the Bulleit Experience at the defunct Stitzel-Weller distillery in Kentucky, Diageo is now bringing Bulleit Barrel Strength to the metropolitan market! Bottled at 62.7% cask strength, this is a punchier, more powerful expression of Bulleit than what we're used to. At over 120 proof, the whiskey really benefits from a few drops of water that help to coax out the softer vanilla and barrel oak flavors lying underneath all that heat. Drink with care! 

The pride of downtown Edinburgh is now the joy of the K&L gin department. Once contracted from London, today the complete line of Edinburgh gin is distilled either underground at the eponymous Edinburgh Gin Distillery, or at their recently opened second distillery at The Biscuit Factory in the historic port of Leith. Focusing entirely on gin, the company recently merged with Ian Macleod of Tamdhu, Glengoyne, and Chieftain's fame to resurrect Scotland's great distillation traditions. Not only are they making one fantastic gin, they’re making four outstanding gins! We thought each of them had merit and deserved a place on our already crowded gin shelf.

Edinburgh Gin $29.99 - The standard Edinburgh gin is a juniper-forward London Dry style, given a unique Scottish identity with its carefully balanced blend of fourteen botanicals. Fresh and snappy on the palate, it makes a gorgeous gin and tonic.

Edinburgh "Seaside" Gin $34.99 - The "Seaside" expression is istilled with foraged seaweed, scurvy grass, and ground ivy from the Scottish coast, boasting a sweet yet refreshing salinity.

Edinburgh "Christmas" Gin $34.99 - The limited edition Christmas gin uses frankincense and myrrh along with juniper to create a festive, holiday-infused spirit.

Edinburgh "Cannonball" Navy Strength Gin $44.99 - Inspired by the famous One o’Clock Gun, this navy strength libation has an intense flavor, defined by distinct juniper, citrus and szechuan pepper. The pepper really adds a kick to the 57% proof!

And, of course, you recognize these two characters. Our two most beloved Cognacs have also returned, adding a much needed elegance to our brandy shelf. I think most K&L shoppers at this point understand that Ragnaud Sabourin is as good as Cognac gets. If you’ve been getting low on your last bottle, no need to savor that last little sip. We’ve got you covered.

Ragnaud Sabourin Réserve Spéciale #20 Cognac $89.99 - The vineyards of Ragnaud-Sabourin stretch far over the hills in Grand Champage. 33 hectares of Ugni Blanc with a bit of Folle Blanche as far as the eye can see. This estate is known throughout France for having the goods and we couldn't have been more impressed after visiting the property this past Spring. Today the estate is run by Annie Sabourin, who is the daughter of the late Marcel Ragnaud, and she makes sure every drop lives up to the property's reputation. The collection of Ragnaud-Sabourin selections we tasted were spellbinding, easily one of the most polished portfolios we've ever come across. The Reserve Speciale No. 20 is a 20 year old expression with supreme delicacy and elegance. The fruit is dainty, but never faint or flat, while the vanilla and caramel provide the backbone of the brandy's structure. It's simply delightful Cognac, but never overly rich or sumptuous. It's not decadent, but yet it's memorable and haunting. I think it perfectly represents the quality for which Ragnaud-Sabourin is widely recognized.

Ragnaud Sabourin Fontevieille #35 Cognac $169.99 - The No. 35 is a 35-year-old Cognac of immense quality and seamless character. It's named after a special property (Fontevielle) from which the fruit is sourced. Locals in the area say, "the Cognac is perfect," and we couldn't agree more. It's rich, supple-fruited, and textural, almost luxuriously so, and the caramel comes in on the finish to warm your mouth. It goes on forever. I think it's easy to say that this is the one of the best Cognacs we've ever tasted and it should make many aficionados very happy. All it takes is one sip to realize why Ragnaud-Sabourin is widely respected throughout Grande Champagne. We couldn't be more pleased to represent them here stateside. 

-David Driscoll

David Driscoll