More From Whisky Season 2014
We know you've been waiting patiently for these and we managed to get them ready to go just in time for our new, glossy K&L Spirits Newsletter (check your mailbox). We've finally got the pricing worked out and it's exactly where we wanted it to be. (Correction: apparently we are bottling this at 57%) Check out David OG's notes below:
Glenfarclas "The Faultline Casks" K&L Exclusive First Fill Oloroso Sherry Casks Single Malt Whisky $99.99 (PRE-ORDER) - When George Grant offered us the opportunity to take multiple casks for a special exclusive bottling, we were over the moon. The creative juices began flowing. We talked about doing an ultra-aged expression, but we didn't feel we could match the outrageous cask from the 1970 vintage, which we'd acquired a couple of years back. Instead, we decided to focus on a NAS (no age statement) mixture of casks from earlier vintages. The goal was to create a high proof, heavily sherried 'Farclas that we could sell for around $100. After tasting multiple vintages from 8-15 years of age, we settled on three of our favorite casks in the 9-10 year range. At no other distillery is vintage so important and the importance of their vessel was clear when tasting these younger expressions. We've ended up with a mixture of young casks that surpass even our own high expectations. This is full fledged and powerful, yet tempered by the strong influence of that special wine of Andalucía. If you love Sherry, if you love high proof single malt, if you love powerful flavors and massively textural whisky, than this bottling is for you. Even better, if you love not spending a ton for a bespoke offering from one of the world's best distilleries, don't wait to order. We'll have more than the standard single barrel, but this bottling is still highly limited. Expect this to arrive in time for the Holidays, hopefully by early December. (David Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer)
1990 Glenfarclas K&L Exclusive Single Malt Whisky $149.99 (PRE-ORDER) - We've always loved Glenfarclas. As you may or may not know, this distillery is one of the last independently owned in all of Scotland; owned by the Grant family. It also happens to be on most knowledgeable peoples' list of top distilleries and has consistently provided us with excellent sherried speyside offerings at incredible prices. We've had success finding single casks in their vast warehouse system, but found that current market conditions have made purchasing a single cask from the Grants rather cost prohibitive. Negotiating the price down on those casks is also out of the question as wholesalers worldwide are privy to the price structure and the Grants are very loyal and fair. With that option off the table we decided to get creative. Those single casks have a set price list, but picking multiple casks for one bottling afforded us some flexibility. We knew we were onto the next crazy value, but we never imagined how versatile a multicask bottling could be. So, into the warehouse we went. George bragged about the quality of the 1990 vintage, but we had no idea how special they were until we were standing in front of the barrels. These casks are from a sequential lot of first fill oloroso sherry butts at 24 years old. Without a doubt, 'Farclas fans will be pleased, but this bottling is approachable enough for even the most novice whisky lover to appreciate. (David Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer)
While we are offering both whiskies now on pre-order, we're not expecting arrival until after Thanksgiving. Please mark your calenders accordingly--these will be tough to beat.
-David Driscoll