28 Years Later

One of my favorite horror movies of all time is 28 Days Later. Danny Boyle really upped the intensity of the zombie genre by allowing his infected and flesh-hungry humans to run—and run very, very fast—creating a frantic and unhinged element we never knew zombies were ever lacking. After decades of Romero-influenced, slow-moving herds, we were treated to spastic, rabid, and quick-moving zombies that only became more frightening in the film's sequel 28 Weeks Later. Robert Carlyle played the lead in that one and was forced to run for his life (literally) throughout the course of the terror. Having been inspired and thrilled by both of those films (being the zombie aficionado that I am), I'm ready to announce two 28 year old whiskies that will also force you to run, move quickly, and evade the hoards of shoppers destined to freak out over our continued post-Brexit pricing. A revamp of the supple and deliciously-hedonistic Glenturret and a new grain whisky release from Strathclyde, that really packs in the vanilla. I think our 23 year old Macallan sold out in less than twenty minutes after we sent the email last week. The email for these two is scheduled for next week and I'm expecting another bloodbath.

1987 Glenturret 28 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky $99.99 - It's rare to see a 25 year old whisky for less than $150 these days, and even when we do see the occasional bottle our first instinct is often to ask: what's wrong with it? Understanding that natural reaction we had to ask ourselves: how will people respond when we offer them a 28 year old, single barrel, cask strength, Highland single malt for $99.99? We're hoping you'll be excited because we're absolutely thrilled! Glenturret isn't a household name among whisky drinkers, but for those in the know it's part of the Edrington portfolio: the group that owns Macallan, Highland Park, and Glenrothes. Glenturret is also considered the oldest distillery in Scotland, having been founded in 1775, and today it's the home of Famous Grouse: the world-renowned blended whisky in which it plays a large role. This 28 year old expression has reduced naturally down to a perfectly-drinkable 49.7% ABV and has the richness, oiliness, and concentration that only mature whisky can offer. It's full of brandied fruit, resin, supple caramel, and creamy malted goodness. Despite its old age, the whisky is surprisingly lithe and light on its feet. By no means is this a heavy, full-bodied number, but rather a classic Highland whisky with plenty of barrel-aged complexity. For the price, it's a no brainer.

1988 Strathclyde 28 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Grain Scotch Whisky $79.99 - If there's one thing we can help take credit for here at K&L, it's been helping to remove the undeserved stigma associated with grain whisky in the Scotch industry. Maligned and misunderstood for years, it wasn't until we started launching a number of 25-50 year old releases at ridiculously reasonable prices that hearts and minds began to change. When Nikka brought their delicious Coffey Still editions to the market and people saw just how fruity and delicious these corn and unmalted barley whiskies could be, we think grain whisky finally got over the hump. Crazily enough, today our single casks of grain whisky are some of the most anticipated by our customers. The 28 year old Strathclyde absolutely soaks up the vanilla from the oak barrel and brings loads of soft caramel along with it. At 58.2% there's some power behind all that supple richness, which allows you to add ice or a bit of water.

-David Driscoll