New Balvenie in Stock

The new Balvenie 12 Year Old Single Barrel Single Malt Whisky $69.99 arrived at K&L just as California distributors announced they were sold out of the standard Doublewood 12. They're expecting more of the ubiquitous Doublewood soon, but in the meantime this is hot item. As Balvenie continues its trajectory toward Glenfiddich/Glenlivet/Macallan status, competing with Glenmorangie for a spot in the Final Four, their quality remains steadfast. Any Balvenie fan would eat this single barrel up – big time. It is decadent, mouthwatering stuff. A first-fill sherry barrel malt that oozes fat vanilla, tropical fruit sweetness, and spice on the finish, further emboldened by a 47.8% alcohol content. It's pricier than the Doublewood, but it's single barrel hooch and it's a higher proof. I really quite like it. It's a total sherry slut. But as Michael Showalter famously says in Wet Hot American Summer: "I like sluts. Sluts rock."

-David Driscoll