K&L Exclusive Cask Update

We're getting a lot of stuff done today and all of it is super positive. The negotiation process for the casks we tasted on our trip to Scotland is moving along full speed ahead and I think we've got more than twelve barrels locked down at the moment, with pricing that could be finalized very soon.

If everything goes as planned we might be able to start the pre-arrival campaign as early as next week! That's crazy! Although, I must admit, much of the motivation to head to Scotland in March and brave the snowy weather was to make sure we had all of our booze long before the holidays. Last year's post-Xmas scramble was a nightmare that I don't think either of us are looking to repeat.

Here are some fun facts to chew on: we should have a large number of barrels ready to release within the next month that are $100 or less. All single barrel, most of them at cask strength. It hasn't been easy to make this happen, but we've really pushed and we've made it clear that value is our top concern this year.

Here are some of the things we're mulling over at the moment with my notes alongside them:

1995 Glenlivet 15/16 year old Sherry Butt – aged in first-fill sherry. Big, rich, supple, round, cakey, spicy, classic Speyside sherry. YUM! This would taste better at 46% than 58% however, and the price will probably drop significantly if we do so. There’s no amount of this we can’t sell.

1989 Isle of Jura 23/24 year old Bourbon barrel – aromas of toffee and cake frosting, but with a bit of earth, nice wood spice, Bourbon influence is clear, fruity on the finish, long finish of toasted nuts. Easily one of the best Jura whiskies I’ve ever had.

1995 Miltonduff 17/18 year old – Lots of rich Bourbon spice, fruity, malty, and delicious. Could be a total steal if the price is right.

1995 Imperial 17/18 year old – Gobs of fruit and vanilla, very reminiscent of the 1992 Bladnoch we did a few years back with Chieftains. Lots of oily action as well. A must have.

1991 Cambus 21/22 year old grain whisky – From the now defunct Diageo grain distillery, this is the sequel to the amazing Girvan from 2011. If we can get the pricing online this could be a HUGE hit. Lovely vanilla, all the spice and herbaciousness of grain spirit. Lovely, and collectable as well.

1997 Laphroaig 15/16 year old – Simply delicious. Classic Laphroaig in total balance. Probably expensive. Hopefully not too much.

Again, if everything goes as planned these could all be $100 or less. Some of them far below that ceiling. 24 year old Jura at full proof for $100! That's pretty cool, I think. Same with the Cambus!

We're wrapping up negotiations with Glendronach, Benriach, and Glen Garioch today as well. Also met with a new importer who will be helping us secure some fun things like Royal Lochnagar and Bowmore barrels that might both clock in at $65 or less!

It's getting fun. More on this later.

-David Driscoll