Some Fun New Things

For years Chieftain's was one of our most trusted and sought-after independent single malt labels, owned by the Ian MacLeod Company. We purchased casks directly from their warehouse outside of Edinburgh and some of our most legendary bottlings (Port Ellen, Brora, old Mortlach) have been from their incredible stocks. But a few years back the supply chain began to get a bit tight and the company decided to invest in production, purchasing the Tamdhu and Glengoyne distilleries respectively. We saw few Chieftain's selections after that point and had all but given up on the brand. Now, however, we're happy to announce the return of new single cask Chieftain's expressions, in dashing form no less.

1997 Mortlach 18 Year Old Chieftain's Single Barrel "PX Finish" Single Malt Whisky $99.99- Glengoyne distilleries respectively. We saw few Chieftain's selections after that point and had all but given up on the brand. Now, however, we're happy to announce the return of new single cask Chieftain's expressions, in dashing form no less. This PX sherry-finished wonder of a whisky should be a HUGE hit among fans of our legendary 22 year old cask of Mortlach we bought from Chieftain's years ago. This time around we have a standard 46% ABV and a sherry-finish rather than a full-termer, but don't let that hold you back. This malt has everything you love about Mortlach on full display. Rich layers of cakebread and toffee coat the palate, subtle sweetness and spice coat the finish, and the essence of all that goodness lingers long on the tongue after the whisky goes down. If we had been offered exclusivity on this cask, we would have taken it. Unfortunately, we'll have to share this one with the general American market. Grab it while it's here.

Kilchoman Madeira Cask Single Malt Whisky $119.99- Not only is the quantity available of the Kilchoman Madeira cask expression quite limited, the nature of the bottling itself is an absolute rarity. We hardly ever see Madeira-aged whiskies anymore, especially full-term matured! This combination of sweet and peat is one of the most exciting Islay releases we've tasted in some time and should reward any serious fan of the distillery. Imagine all the smoky, peaty, phenolic goodness of the Islay style with candied apricot, brandied raisins, and hints of butterscotch with creme brulee. At 100 proof it has plenty of punch to contrast all that decadence. Don't snooze on this one. It's worth every penny. 50% ABV

Whistle Pig 10 Year Old K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #15-59 Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey $84.99 - Since the great American rye whiskey shortage began back in 2008 much of the market has gravitated over to "North American" rye whiskey, i.e. Canadian-distilled rye from above the border. Since that transition no brand has become more beloved than perhaps Whistle Pig, the Vermont-based company that sources ten year old stocks of Alberta rye whiskey and blends them into a lovely expression both rich and robust. Earlier this year the company announced a single barrel program allowing select retailers to choose single barrel, cask strength versions of the Whistle Pig to be bottled exclusively for top accounts. You can bet we were jumping up and down at the news. This third cask in our series of Whistle Pig exclusives tastes expensive. It has all the richness, intensity, and depth of flavor that you miss from old limited edition expressions of great American whiskies. The sweetness of the oak explodes on the initial sip, the pepperiness of the rye immediately contrasts all that richness, and the finish is a harmony of both elements swirling together towards a fantastic finale. At 113.2 proof there's plenty of room for ice, water, vermouth, or just plain high-intensity sipping. This is a must-have bottle of whiskey for fans of the genre. It's a rye that will please Bourbon drinkers with its big oak flavor, but it's still very much rye. 56.6% ABV

-David Driscoll