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![1991 Lagavulin Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
1991 Lagavulin Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 43%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
"Any serious whisky lover knows that the Lagavulin DE, whichever the vintages, is the best wine finished malt whisky that one can find on this little planet." - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.comWhen Lagavulin decided to produce a secondary cask-finished version there were doubters who thought nothing could be a match for the pungent strength of whisky. Those sceptics were probably unfamiliar with Pedro-Ximenez. These early bottlings are now sought after. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The Lagavulin DE has always been a very embarrassing whisky to me, especially the 1979 and other early versions (but not the 1984) because it’s exactly the kind of bottling I should not like: a wonderful malt whisky ‘quickly finished’ in unlikely so-called wine casks to offer… what? Range-widening? Alas, I always found these DEs to be wonderful whiskies. Sugar, how disappointing! Colour: gold/amber. Nose: totally superb! An amazing rubber boots/bitter oranges combo, evolving towards more coastal elements (dried kelp, brine), old leather, camphor, tobacco and orange marmalade, then beef stock, pu-erh tea and soot. Disappointingly brilliant ;-). Mouth: I think it’s not possible that this whisky hasn’t a higher ABV than just 43%. Starts extremely ashy and amazingly kippery and salty, with a lot of tobacco (chewed Habano), gentian spirit, dried ginger and salted liquorice. Develops on the same beautiful aromas and keeps bombarding us with the same ultra-huge ashy smokiness. Finish: it’s long (maybe not the longest, but still) and still very kippery, with some caramel coming through now. Caramelised kippers? Comments: the first time I tried this one it was blind and I went for 92 points, but that’s obviously much too high for a finished whisky. Let’s mark it down! 91 points - whiskyfun.com
![Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2020 Release]()
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Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2020 ReleaseIslay, SCOTLAND$1199. 00Bottle$14388.00 DozenABV: 49.8%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Other reviews... A cask strength whisky, but don't expect a rambunctious blisterer. Age has given this one a mellowed beauty. It offers a deep, rich, soft peat influence on a thick and creamy palate, with dried seaweed, seashells, salinity, brine, charcoal, and muted medicinal notes—all imbued with sweet oak, lime, chocolate-covered marshmallows, and light pepper. Cooked pears, chocolate, and vanilla cream complete the finish. The peat has settled in, and a marvelous, mature whisky rises. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com![2002 Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
- Not gift boxed
2002 Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Isle of Skye, SCOTLAND$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 45.8%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Note: No gift box supplied.
Other reviews... This DE has lost its brown livery and goes for blue like all the other Taliskers, but it's kept its finishing in amoroso casks. Colour: gold. Nose: a rather gentler Talisker, we’ve already tried many vintages and this one isn’t very different, the sweeter raisiny (instead of vinous) touches blend well with the maritime, almost sardine-y profile, while the peat was toned down. Actually, I’m wondering whether this vintage isn’t a little better than earlier ones, it’s very well integrated and does not reek of wine or grapes at all. Wonderful notes of smooth and fruity olive oil (do you know Nyons?), brine and then orange zests. Also the smoke from menthol cigarettes? Very nice nose, subtle and complex. After fifteen minutes, pink grapefruits! Mouth: this time it becomes a little fizzy, with a little leather, bitter oranges, the expected pepper and a mild smokiness. Seaweed, nori, some menthol again and a slight feeling of shoe polish. Works. Finish: rather long, ashy and peppery. Always bitter oranges, esp. in the aftertaste. Some salt too – of course. Comments: I think it’s a good vintage, and that the finishing was done well, with a wine that complements the spirit rather than overwhelming it. 87 points - whiskyfun.com[2003 vintage tasted] Fleeting green apples on the nose, before sweetening with figs, sultanas, red berries, and chili. Peat smoke finally makes its presence felt. Full-bodied on the palate, with spicy smoke, dark chocolate, peaches, and Jaffa orange; the additional fruitiness courtesy of the amoroso cask influence. Long and softly smoky in the finish, with ginger and lingering fruit notes. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com
![1999 Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
- Not gift boxed
1999 Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Isle of Skye, SCOTLAND$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 45.8%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Note: No gift box supplied.
Other reviews... Finished in Amoroso wine cask, Amoroso being a sweet kind of sherry, usually quite raisiny. I guess it’s not easy to propose a ‘premiumised’ variant of a well-reputed malt whisky such as Talisker 10. Lagavulin always did it well, the DE being constantly great and sometimes even stellar, while the Talisker DE had more trouble in my book. This is a new version, let’s see what gives… Colour: deep gold. Nose: at first nosing, it’s once again one of these cases where the combination of peat with some sweet wine can create a feeling of soapiness, or even something a bit cardboardy… But as often, all that vanishes and leaves room for sweeter and rounder notes. It’s all rather complex here, fragrant, with whiffs of roses and strawberry jam (while earlier versions were rather drier as far as I can remember). Quite a lot of orange marmalade as well and then some chocolate as well as some fresh oranges. Hints of pepper. Talisker’s coastalness is fairly discrete, with just hints of seaweed. Also a little pepper (of course). The whole works well. Mouth: once again, it’s a bit strange for a start, curiously leathery and tea-ish (strong pu-erh – I’m much into pu-erh these days so I (should) know what I’m talking about ;-)). Gets then creamier and more coherent, mostly on bitter oranges, pepper and chocolate. Rather oily mouth feel. And once again hints of roses in the background (Turkish delights). Finish: fairly long, balanced, sweet, more citrusy and phenolic at the same time. The tea’s back in the aftertaste. Comments: a rounder and rather thicker version of the 10, which was less the case with earlier Talisker DEs if I’m not mistaken. I guess it’ll all come down to what you’re expecting from your Talisker. 86 points - whiskyfun.com![1996 Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)]()
- Not gift boxed
1996 Talisker Distillers Edition Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)Isle of Skye, SCOTLAND$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 45.8%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Note: No gift box supplied.
Other reviews... I have relatively little experience with the DE versions of Talisker I have to confess… Colour: amber. Nose: nicely sweet and raisiny sherry that works with the peppery Talisker warmth behind it. Slightly leafy bonfire smoke, dark chocolate with sea salt and wee notes of tar extracts, cough syrup and smoky teas. I feel rather pleasantly surprised. Mouth: the sweetness of this type of sherry is very clear here, to the point I actually find it a little sticky and cloying, but these feelings of natural tar and nicely herbal cough syrup bring it back from the brink. It also helps to give a nicely syrupy sense of mouthfeel. Add to that a few subtle notes of iodine and camphor and everything is looking pretty tidy. Finish: medium and back on tarry, camphory and with some notes of pickling juices, black pepper and liquorice. Comments: what we really have here I think, is a very good sherry and peat profile dram. I think the Talisker DNA is slightly hidden at times, but globally speaking you can see how such a litre bottling would be pretty deadly tumbler juice on the right evening. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com![Douglas Laing's Premier Barrel Selection Talisker 5 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
Douglas Laing's Premier Barrel Selection Talisker 5 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Isle of Skye, SCOTLAND$199. 00Bottle$2388.00 DozenABV: 46%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Extra note: Due to the nature of ceramic bottles, there is likely to be some advanced evaporation. Bottle will not be completely full.
The charming 'olde worlde' presentation of this young, single cask island malt will be enough to tempt collectors. Bottled at 46% without chill filtration. Only 495 units produced!![Johnnie Walker John Walker & Sons Private Collection Bicentennial Blend 28 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
Johnnie Walker John Walker & Sons Private Collection Bicentennial Blend 28 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$1299. 00Bottle$15588.00 DozenABV: 46%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
This was the most limited in the 200th Anniversary series, and also the most expensive. Master Blender, Jim Beveridge and his small team of whisky makers have drawn inspiration from the flavours listed on an original inventory from John Walker’s store. Rare and exceptional whiskies, including ghost stocks from distilleries like Pittyvaich, Cambus and Port Ellen (all at least 28 years old), have been explored to craft a whisky that re-imagines the exotic flavours of the 1820s. The result is the pinnacle of the 2020 collection, packaged to impress in a heavy decanter style bottle and large presentation case. 46% Alc./Vol.
Notes from Johnnie Walker... A complex, rich whisky with layers of flavour in which an array of fruit aromas come together in harmony, balanced with warming spices and a soft, rolling smoke redolent of the rich array of exotic goods on offer. Dried fruit such as sultanas and figs are sweetened by hints of candied ginger, before berries, brown sugar and aromatic spices fill up the senses. PALATE: The first sip opens the doors to reveal delicious layers of spice mingling with sweet honey and rich molasses inspired by the rows of tempting jars. Waves of sultanas, cocoa beans and herbal notes are carried on wisps of soft smoke leading you further down the aisles of John’s store with every sip. FINISH: A sweet spice lingers as the door closes behind you.
![Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 43.8%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Given the contents in the bottle, this is undoubtedly one of the more collectible whisky releases EVER from Johnnie Walker. It marks the fourth edition in the Ghost and Rare series, "crafted using irreplaceable malts from ‘ghost’ distilleries that have long since closed, together with other rare malt and grain scotch.” Pittyvaich was operational for just 18 years before falling victim to industry consolidation in 1993.
Other reviews... This fourth installment of Ghost and Rare targets Speyside, delivering a contemplative nose of roasted nuts, toffee, cinnamon, crisp green apple, candied citrus, late summer honey, and seasoned oak. The palate is satin smooth, with a slightly oily mouthfeel and flavors of golden syrup, oak, orange peel, lime zest, butterscotch, vanilla, dry spice, and smoked orange wheel. A polished and rich Johnnie Walker, elevated by subtle shifts in mood.
91 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2022![Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Dundas Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$499. 00Bottle$5988.00 DozenABV: 43.8%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Johnnie Walker's selection of long closed "ghost" distilleries continue to feature in a series of limited edition Blue Label bottlings. The fifth in the line up includes dwindling reserves from Port Dundas, which shipped its distinct Scotch from Glasgow canals to the world for nearly 200 years. Cambus and Brora are also in the mix, as well as rare whiskies like Cameronbridge and Glenkinchie. The latter add spiced apple notes alongside the aromas of peaches and dark berries from Clynelish, Dailuaine and Auchroisk.Built in Glasgow in 1811 at the highest point in the city’s rich commercial history, the historic Port Dundas distillery closed in 2010 after Diageo moved the majority of its grain whisky production to Cameronbridge. It traditionally contributed to blends, including Bell's, Black & White, Haig, J&B, Johnnie Walker, Vat 69 and White Horse. Slowly but surely prices are increasing as awareness of its limited nature and generally good to excellent quality gains ground.
![Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$999. 00Bottle$11988.00 DozenABV: 43.8%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Closing in 1981, Port Ellen has held its "Ghost" status for over 30 years, now. Yet Diageo don't seem to be running all that dry of it... Johnnie Walker believe they have done the extinct distilleries product justice with this Blue Label blend. The reviews seem to be backing up that idea too. 8 different single malts from every corner of Scotland have been used, including two more Ghost distilleries. First and foremost, Port Ellen, then grain whisky from Carsebridge and Caledonian and then malts from Dailuaine, Cragganmrore, Mortlach, Blair Athol and Oban. If you don't want to spend 4 figures to experience this near forgotten dram, then here is your chance.
Other reviews.... This uninhibited, tempestuous expression of Blue Label highlights the artistry of the blender through the judicious use of closed distillery malts and grains. Coastal notes of sea spray, lemon, dirty peat smoke, cookies and cream, After Eight mints, caramel, and dry-roasted spice aromas. Combining lemon bonbon, waxy orange, cookie dough, fondant icing, and chocolate, with tobacco smoke, hints of peppermint, and grapefruit notes, this flagrantly outclasses the Brora variant.
94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2018![Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml) - NO GIFT BOX]()
- Reduced
Johnnie Walker 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml) - NO GIFT BOXSCOTLANDReduced from $130.00$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Johnnie Walkers now standard release 18 year old. Blended from up to 18 different malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland. Praised for its rich, malty fruit character, expect some lingering smoke and citrus nose on the finish. Noted to be a touch on the sweet side.![Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old The Jane Walker Edition Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml)]()
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Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old The Jane Walker Edition Blended Scotch Whisky (750ml)SCOTLAND$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 40%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Other reviews... Unlike the Jane Walker package for Johnnie Walker Black Label released in 2018, this is a new whisky altogether, a blend of various malts aged at least 10 years, including Cardhu and Clynelish. The nose is floral and gently nutty, with rose water, salted almonds, green apple, nougat, and caramel chews. Light-bodied and silky in the mouth, it has bright flavors of lime, lemon, vanilla, and coconut, before edging into nutty milk chocolate and finishing with good length, and a final savory note. Best Value. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com![Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Islay Origin Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)]()
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Islay Origin Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$120. 00Bottle$1440.00 DozenABV: 42%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
The Islay whisky region of Scotland is home to some of the most beloved drams. Two of which are featured in this expression, Diageo stalwarts Caol Ila and Lagavulin. Equally at home on the rocks or in a simple Highball, its pleasantly smoky character will beguile any Islay fan. 42% Alc./Vol.![Bruichladdich First Growth Series Cuvee C Margaux 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
Bruichladdich First Growth Series Cuvee C Margaux 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$599. 00Bottle$7188.00 DozenABV: 46%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Bruichladdichs six-part release entitled 'First Growth' showcases the effect that high-end French Oak casks from the best vineyards in Bordeaux have on their base 16 year old spirit. The Cuvee C Margaux is the third release in the series with production reaching 12,000 bottles. Initially matured in bourbon, it is then finished in Chateau Margaux Frist Growth oak casks. Rated very highly by internet based pundits, this is a must try for any 'Laddie enthusiasts. 46% Alc./Vol.![Stauning Smoke Danish Single Malt Whisky (700ml)]()
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Stauning Smoke Danish Single Malt Whisky (700ml)DENMARK$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 47%Made using barley smoked over heather and local peat, this is a nice addition to Stauning's core range. The style echoes Ardmore or peated Arran's with more sweet wood smoke or Highland peat than maritime character; the whisky glides across the tongue with a creamy, malty middle that gets lightly fruity and finely tannic towards the finish. Spices build, the smokiness persisting like a silky glaze over the malt, adding texture and length, ending with a delicious warming tang. Matured for 5-6 years in a mix of first-fill Bourbon, Madeira, Jamaica Rum and Virgin American oak casks. 47% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch 1-2022 tasted from a 50ml sample.
Other reviews... Gold color. Grainy aromas and flavors of whole grain bread dough, roasted sesame, cedar, arugula, incense, and wet barrel with a round, crisp, medium body and a tingling, medium-length finish displaying accents of green peppercorns. A young, zesty Whisky with a flashy, oaky style. Gold Medal - tastings.com
...You cannot not love a Distillery that would name some of its whiskies 'Kaos' or 'Bastard'. Now 'Smoke' is a little more civilised, I'm wondering why they haven't used 'b**** smoke' or even 'f**** smoke' instead. Colour: gold. Nose: mega-LOL. Sauna oils, burning rubber (dragster after a race), bicycle inner tube, teak oil, glues and greases, gun oil, brand new Harley dealership, new Tesla… I'm sure you're following me. Love this. Mouth: huge fun. Wondering if they haven't used smoked water, or if they haven't kind of barbecued some unsmoked rye whisky of theirs, or used any other unmentionable processes. Who cares, I'm a fan of this 'whisky' that got off the beaten tracks long ago. Salty rubber? Snuff? Chewing tobacco? All-purpose industrial grease? Finish: long. Chewing salted tyres. I know. Comments: what's the price of fun? How many b*** 'points'? The question is, would I buy a bottle? Certainly not, I would buy a 6-case and present my five best friends with a bottle. Each. 88 points - whiskyfun.com
![Stauning Floor Malted Danish Rye Whisky (700ml)]()
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Stauning Floor Malted Danish Rye Whisky (700ml)DENMARK$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 48%Stauning's first official product remains one of their best. Direct-fire distilled from floor malted rye and matured for 3-4 years in new American oak, this big yet balanced Danish whisky offers generous rye character from start to finish. Dense, toasty grains on the nose follow through to a full bodied, rounded, spiced-up delivery that pulls through flavours of crusty rye fruit bread as well as hints of caraway, vanilla bean and dark chocolate, ending tactile, oily and intense. Slightly restrained in terms of overall length, but lots of oomph for rye lovers to enjoy and experiment with. 48% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Batch 4-2022 tasted from a 50ml sample.
Other reviews... The best [malted ryes] I have encountered is from Alberta. Stauning has a different persona, retaining some of the sharper elements of unmalted rye, too. And from this evidence it is taking a quite and now magnificent shape. 94.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023
Distilled predominantly from floor-malted locally grown rye, the first impression is one of spiciness, with peppercorn, clove, cardamom, dark rye bread, dried apple rings, cinnamon bark, and pear. It's like a country kitchen in the fall. The taste is initially light and creamy, like malted milk, though the body fattens up with red apple, cranberry, clove, and pepper, ending with Bramley apples and a pleasant spiciness. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...A captivating whisky full of intriguing complexity. Broad flavours of bacon and smoky peat balance beautifully with the zesty tang of citrus fruit, sweet corn and pepper. A hint of tea gives an extra level of deliciousness. Incredibly drinkable. 96 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition
Complex and delicious, this deep-flavored rye opens with espresso, dark chocolate, and hints of campfire smoke and barrel char. The finish long, toasty and warming, spiced with allspice, clove and caraway. It's a bit like a s'more made on slices of dark-toasted rye bread. 97 points - wineenthusiast.com
![Imbue Distillery Citrus Agave Spirit (700ml)]()
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Imbue Distillery Citrus Agave Spirit (700ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 37%You can't call it Tequila because it's made outside the designated production zone, but this novel spirit is actually created using Mexican Blue Agaves, fermented and distilled by Imbue right here in Melbourne. It tastes nothing like Tequila, instead the flavour focus is on ripe blood orange and pink grapefruit. That's because it's blended with Imbue's citrus liqueur which employs a mix of seasonal off-cuts (oranges, lemons and limes are also included). The production process not only minimises wastage but also results in a very convincing alternative to Triple Sec - silky, sweet and juicy, though perhaps slightly lighter than most European equivalents. Super easy for your Summer Margaritas, Palomas and Sunrises - just grab your shaker and mix up the joy! 37% Alc./Vol.
![The Lark Distillery Dark Lark 2024 Release Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)]()
The Lark Distillery Dark Lark 2024 Release Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$250. 00Bottle$3000.00 DozenABV: 43%The 2024 edition of Dark Lark has a re-vamped presentation featuring the Tasmanian Aurora Australis. Expect an approachable after-dinner malt with layers of mocha, honeycomb, light oak and caramalised pineapple aromas and flavours. 43% Alc./Vol.
![Dead Reckoning Three Continents Blended Rum (700ml)]()
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Dead Reckoning Three Continents Blended Rum (700ml)Adelaide, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 50.3%Dead Reckoning call this their 'hot house' rum – otherwise known as Dead reckoning TCB. Justin Boseley wanted to create a blend using three rums from three distilleries from three different continents. He also wanted to use cane juice as well as molasses based rums. The final blend is a trifecta of rums: 8% Guyanese (Diamond distillery), 56% South African (Mhoba) and 36% Vietnamese (Sampan distillery) created from three different stills - a Port Mourant double wooden vat single retort, an Enmore Coffee twin column and a Diamond Versailles single wooden vat single retort.
The final twist in this bottling was when Justin decided to age the barrel in his steel-sided garage in Adelaide. The vessel of choice was a level three char 200L x-Makers Mark bourbon barrel. He made a rack and wheeled the barrel into the afternoon sun for the 18 month period, also agitating the liquid and sloshing it around. Overnight it was brought inside where it naturally cooled, opening and contracting the internal grain, helping the spirit to cycle in and out of the wood. The rum's temperature reached a maximum of 52° and a minimum of 2° over the aging period and experienced a huge 7.8% increase in ABV and a 27% loss to the angel's share. The end result feels well beyond its true age; Intense and viscous with layers of funk, super ripe tropical fruit and a lipsmacking caney freshness; it tastes like a wild Jamaican with more pot still than column in the mix. Given the diverse components and the punishment the cask was subject to, you can't help but be impressed by just how well this experiment turned out. 185 bottles are on offer. 50.3% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Palate: The mix of still types gives this a creamy mouthfeel, but still a sense of ‘crispness’ of the column still. A medium pepper hit – but that tames very quickly and is much subdued by the second sip. There’s more funky tropical fruit here, but also liquorice, sweet caramel and even some very tame leather notes. Finish: That big sweet funky ester train just keeps on a-rollin’. The pot still percentage keeps the oilyness going well into the finish – real chewy stuff. So many sweet fruits and lolly-memories tumble and spin and dash in and out. This is a big, juicy and utterly delightful rum that is also a bit of a chameleon on your palate. Just when you think you’ve got it pegged, you pour another glass and find a new note that reminds you of something almost-forgotten from your childhood. In the subsequent drams since first penning these notes I’ve also picked up milk-bottle lollies, honey-jumble biscuits, tinned pineapple, sherbet and even a bubble gum from my very early days as a kindy kid in Switzerland who’s name I’ve forgotten – but I certainly remember that taste. It’s a rum you’re going to want another of to see if you did taste that… and another just to be sure. - rumtribe.com.au
![Belgrove Wholly Shit Smokin' Barrel Rye Whisky (500ml)]()
Belgrove Wholly Shit Smokin' Barrel Rye Whisky (500ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 52%The smokey flavours in whiskies are usually made by burning peat to dry the freshly malted (sprouted) grain. Sometimes different materials are burnt to produce different flavours. There are many compounds in smoke that get carried through the production process. When these compounds are distilled only some of them boil off and are captured in the final product. To produce this very smokey Tassie Rye, Peter Bignell injected the smoke from burning sheep dung into an empty wet barrel, capturing more of those genuine smoke compounds. It's a very different profile from the normal peated whiskies, summed up by Bignell as "bush fire in a bottle." 52% Alc./Vol.
![Kozuru Mellowed Excellence Shochu (700ml)]()
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Kozuru Mellowed Excellence Shochu (700ml)JAPAN$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 41%Produced from 100% rice and matured in American oak puncheons for three to six years, this Japanese specialty blurs the lines between whisky and shochu bearing a resemblance to middle-aged Lowland grain or blended Scotch. Vanilla wafers, rice crackers and sweet cereals on the nose follow in a light, silky delivery with malty, biscuity flavours, frail vanilla, budding citrus oils and a spicy, finely tannic, dried grass and vanilla finish. This spirit's delicate character is easily lost with too much dilution. A few ice cubes are sufficient, or use it as a base for Summer long drinks. 41% Alc.Vol.
Other reviews... Gentle aromas of baked apples, plums and sweet vanilla with a complex and well-integrated palate. A powerful creamy texture and a soft oaky finish with dried fruits giving a balanced touch of sweetness. 98 points - International Wine & Spirits Competition
...Colour me (pleasantly) surprised! I found the Mellowed Kozuru really fantastic! It was incredibly vibrant and flavor forward but at the same time mellow and rounded, with a great flavour palette of florals and honey. This would be comparable to a hybrid of a sweet Sauternes white wine meeting a slightly dry Sake, moving from one profile to the latter. It’s got a really delightful creamy texture, depth and richness too - bright flavours surrounded by spices over an almost syrupy texture. It really striked me as elegant. The cask aging really did a great job of mellowing it out - and to that end, I couldn’t tease out any sense of the cask. There was no tannins or oakiness to be had, which I found really interesting as well. It’s as if the aging took place sans the woodiness of the cask. This was really approachable and friendly, very enjoyable to drink and definitely a stunner, quite unlike any other Shochu I’ve had in terms of depth, elegance and complexity. Top tier stuff! - 88bamboo.co
![Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]()
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Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 50%Other reviews... Maighstir, the Gaelic word for “master,” is a collaboration between departing Kentucky Owl master blender John Rhea and his successor, former Diageo blender Maureen Robinson. The nose offers gumdrops, blackberry jam, and spicy herbs, while the palate is soft and fruity, with raisin, sweetened caffe au lait, and some bitter chocolate. Both the palate and the finish are softly textured, and the finish is long and filled with vanilla. 91 points - whiskyadvcocate.com
![Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]()
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Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 50%Kentucky Owl's Takumi Edition is a blend of 4, 5, 6 and 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash bills containing corn, rye or wheat, and malted barley. John Rhea of Kentucky Owl and Yusuke Yahisa of Nagahama Distillery in Japan worked together to create the whiskey, with Rhea selecting four different formulations and sending the samples to Japan. Yahisa evaluated them, each one representing different ages and mash bills. He then created different blends using those formulations to develop one most reflective of his Japanese whisky style. "This collaboration encompasses not just the art of blending, but the flavors and taste profiles that both countries are famous for in their whiskeys," said Rhea. "The Takumi Edition provides bourbon lovers insight into the flavor profiles sought after by a Japanese whisky blender. As someone who has worked in the industry for several decades now, it was exciting for me to work with a rising star in whisky with a unique perspective." The Japanese term kaizen — continuous improvement — echoes through the project. "Takumi" means "master" in Japanese, with the name of the release celebrating the art and craft of modern whisky blending. 50% Alc./Vol. Collectable.
Other reviews... Creamy caramel syrup, well-spiced apple pie, brown sugar, and a burst of cherry make for an enticing nose. Stay awhile, and more aromas emerge: light char is joined by lemon pound cake, baked apples, and vanilla fudge. The palate is silky smooth and offers raspberry jam, maple syrup, coconut flakes, more apples, and hot cinnamon spice; with water, it stays just as enjoyable, if a little less heated. The finish packs a baking spice punch and lingers on and on. 92 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...This collaboration between Japanese whisky blender Yahisa Yusuke and Kentucky Owl master blender John Rhea debuted in September 2022. Look for a tawny hue and robust toffee, vanilla and dried date aromas. The silky palate opens with cocoa and oak, plus a hint of red fruit. Cinnamon and clove warm the drying finish. Limited edition. 92 points - wineenthusiast.com
![High West Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]()
High West Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Park City, Utah, UNITED STATES$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 58.7%One of the few Bourbons to be released by High West, a company best known for their eclectic range of sourced and blended rye whiskeys.
In 2023, they took their bourbon program a few steps further, bottling at cask strength and allowing for select retailers to pick their own single barrels. This limited edition is for 'The Willows Market 17th Anniversary' and is labeled as such on the front of the bottle. 58.7% Alc./Vol.
![Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Triple Sherry Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
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Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Triple Sherry Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)SCOTLAND$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 46.1%There are few more decorated whisky veterans than Richard “The Nose” Paterson. His latest project is a collaboration with Ian Macmillan, a four-decade Master Distiller who's spent time at Bunnahabhain, Tobermory and Deanston. Together they've created three premium blends. Famously claiming to have “rejected more than they selected”, the result is a series which marries the rich heritage of whisky in Scotland with a sense of modern innovation. Sub-titled 'triple cask', the 14 year old is matured in freshly emptied bourbon barrels and finished in three types of sherry casks - Amontillado, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel, all from Bodega San Andrés, Spain.
Far from your everyday blend, this skillfully composed whisky is geared towards single malt drinkers, or will be a bridge for beginners. In terms of aromatics, mouthfeel and taste, it carries the same gravitas as late middle-aged bottlings of Glenallachie, Glenfarclas or Macallan in a full bodied, sweetly malty, structured arrangement that conjures poached fruits, vanilla bean, cocoa and whiffs of dunnage warehouses. Spiced chutney and hints of peel marmalade complete the profile with oomph and freshness, extending the mid palate length. The impression you're left with is that Wolfcraig is here to make a statement - just how good blends can be when the right creative forces get involved. That goes for the presentation too. The 'cut glass' decanter evokes mid century modern design and adds a sense of refinement appropriate to the liquid, a fair portion of which you'd expect to be considerably older than the label suggests. Wolfcraig's 14 year old is set to remain limited to relatively small batches of around 4500 bottles in order maintain consistency of style and quality control. Tasted from a 50ml sample. 46.1% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Warm and appealing. Enchanting and exhilarating as gentle hints of sunkissed raisins, fresh peaches, tangerines and lemon grass evoke a sense of tranquility as they pleasingly drift in perfect harmony. Exciting aromas quickly follow on with nuances of creamy caramel and vanilla delicately dance in the background to complete this portrait of beauty. Taste: Generous and satisfying. There is true elegance in its muscle as succulent figs, sweet sultanas and Napoleon cake reward the palate, with a hint of demerara sugar and molasses. Rich and intense at first but like all good things you must wait; after all it has taken many years to consummate this loving union of different seasoning from the selected casks. The aftertaste of glazed tangerines, marzipan and chocolate mousse with fresh hints of spicy ginger and nutmeg provide the perfect finish to this luxurious blended whisky.
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Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$599. 00Bottle$7188.00 DozenABV: 45%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Supplied with gift tin.
One of the oldest single barrel Bourbons in the world, with two-thirds of the original production lost to the “angel’s share.” The remainder is reserved for Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam to decant off one barrel at a time as an annual release. We received a 30ml sample. Mild shellac dissipates after a minute or two revealing a bouquet of grilled corn and roasted nuts followed by nuances of potpourri, vanilla and clove. It's a terrific Bourbon sniff that retains its freshness with a hint of spearmint. A soft entry builds into a perfectly balanced flavour harmony that's classically Bourbon sweet before a rye-like influence takes hold. The finish is noticeably drier and spicier, but the length is fabulous. Few barrels make it to 18 years in the Bourbon world. This one is up there with some of the best. Tasted in 2012. No barrel number was taken, so the notes are indicative only. 45% Alc./Vol. The bottling now available was barreled in 1997 and drawn from barrel #4100.
Other reviews... Due to inventory shortages, this bottling had been discontinued; in fall 2015, it returned after a three-year hiatus. This is a robust, full-flavored whiskey, scented with oak and toffee. It tastes almost like an Old Fashioned, meaning distinct orange peel and cherry notes intertwined with the vanilla and caramel. The long finish offers vanilla, oak and orange peel. 95 points - winenthusiast.com
...Elijah Craig 18 Year certainly has its fans, but it's never been a bourbon that has lit the world on fire. So much of this is due to its lack of strong identity, both in its flavor profile and marketing. As a single barrel, quality can vary and Heaven Hill doesn't make a big deal about sourcing their best barrels for it. It also isn’t a carefully crafted blend like a Four Roses Limited Edition that can help drive interest to a particular release. Its bottle design had been boring for years and on the wrong side of old fashioned before its current update. This has resulted in a product that has never quite reached the fever pitch with bourbon drinkers that it probably deserves. I’ve had Elijah Craig 18 Year over the years and though I felt it hit a consistent high quality bar, I usually wasn’t generally excited by it. While the product hasn’t drastically changed much, the market has. Bourbon is filled with gimmicks, high proof releases, flashy craft distilleries, and celebrity master distillers. Elijah Craig 18 Year is a product that isn’t any of these things and simply just is. It’s an old faithful when it comes to limited releases with its crowd-pleasing flavors, consistent high quality, impressive age statement, and decent availability for a limited release. It’s easy to be swayed by the new kid on the block, but sometimes it's worth revisiting an old friend. Elijah Craig 18 Year may forgo uniqueness for constancy, but in return delivers an impressive age statement, good value, and drinkability. - breakingbourbon.com
Reverend Elijah Craig was an extraordinary pioneer in the the US State of Kentucky. He opened the state's first classical school and donated land to establish Georgetown College. He built the first fulling mill (for cloth), ropewalk (for hemp), paper mill, lumber and grist mills in the state. And to round it all out, in 1789 founded a distillery. It's here that the whiskey legends begin. Craig is often referred to as “the inventor” or "Father" of Bourbon whiskey as we know it today, by virtue of being the first to store and transport (and in the process mature) corn whiskey in charred oak casks. The Bourbon scholar Charles Kendrick Cowdery has a slightly more reticent take on this history. “Craig was a real person - a major character in early Kentucky history - and he was a distiller… What is lacking is any evidence that Craig's whiskey was unique in its day.” Cowdrey offers an interesting take on how the legend may have gained the status of historical fact. In the face of religious and prohibitionist anti-whiskey ferment, the pro-alcohol lobby found inspiration in Craig “...distillers and their supporters were quick to embrace the notion that bourbon was 'invented' by a respected Baptist preacher!” It was clever propaganda that must have enraged prohibitionists and left others questioning the righteousness of the movement.
![Myers's Original Dark Rum (700ml)]()
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Myers's Original Dark Rum (700ml)Kingston, JAMAICA$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 40%Produced since 1879, the name 'Myers' is recognised as one of the better values in full-bodied rum. Sienna Brown colour with gold ochre hue. Lovely fresh scents of peppermint candy, golden syrup and fresh liquorice strap follow in medium weight, off dry flavours of sarsaparilla, cocoa, tobacco, anise and liquorice allsorts. Solid balance and length. An all rounder with enough character to enjoy on its own. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The initial inhalations expose a moderately spicy, black peppercorn perfume; aeration brings about flax, cooked vegetables, and brown sugar. The platform flavor is intensely cocoa-like, then at midpalate, the taste leaps into deeper cocoa/bittersweet chocolate territory before turning lean and keenly bittersweet, oily and chocolaty in the finish. 87 points - wineenthusiast.com
Myers’s & Tonic: A good long drink. To a measure of Myers’s add a few drops of lemon juice and fill up with tonic water. Float a lemon slice.
Myers’s Punch: 3 parts Myers’s. 1 part lemon Juice. 2 teaspoons of sugar syrup per glass. A dash of bitters per glass. Shake well and garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint.
Myers’s Pina Colada: In a blender, combine 1 part Myers’s Rum, 1 part cream of coconut (from can), 2 parts unsweetened pineapple juice. ½ cup crushed ice. Blend at low speed. Pour into goblet. Garnish with pineapple stick and cherry.
![Original Island Gin (700ml)]()
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Original Island Gin (700ml)NEW ZEALAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 43.2%Located five hours by boat east of Auckland on the wild and remote Great Barrier Island, the suitably named Island Gin Distillery is a female-owned and run operation. “Madame Distiller” (aka Andi Ross) creates gins using solar power and local Manuka Bush honey, as well as more traditional botanicals like angelica root, ginger, Macedonian juniper and coriander. In line with classic London Drys, the freshness of the nose is captured in a whiff of white pepper, pine needles, liquorice root and woody juniper that's mirrored on the palate; Creamy then crisp, a flurry of peppery warmth gives way to juniper and citrus oils; Peel tang rounds off the finish followed by a perfect sprinkling of tingling spice. Easy to like and beautifully integrated, this is a pure, fresh, well-structured, all-purpose gin that works as a mixer but is just as satisfying in Martinis. The distinctive bottle is inspired by the indigenous Kina found in the surrounding waters of New Zealand and is made from recycled glass. 43.2% Alc.Vol.
World Gin Awards - Best in Country New Zealand 2024
Double Gold at NZ Spirits Awards - 2023
Gold - (San Francisco World Spirits Competition) USA 2023![Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)]()
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Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Cask Strength Rye Whiskey (750ml)UNITED STATES$230. 00Bottle$2760.00 DozenABV: 58.2%Sourced from undisclosed distilleries in California and Indiana, Redwood Empire's limited edition 95% rye has 4% malted barley in the mix as well as a dash of wheat. Aged in 53-gallon, char #3 barrels for a minimum of four years and up to 6 years on the Northern California coast, the result is a bold, decadent rye with the richness of American oak set against delicate peel freshness and wood spices; the flavours completely envelop the tongue with an impressive wave of orange oils, the character of the grain upping the texture while adding a finishing hint of peppermint. Easily approached at high strength, this gorgeous rye also offers enough sweetness for Bourbon lovers. Give it time in the glass to show its best. Non-chill filtered.
Other reviews... [Batch 001] There’s a savory, herbaceous quality to the nose, calling to mind tea leaves, dried herbs, and a sprig of mint. Sweeter notes, like Andes chocolates, vanilla frosting, and yellow cake soon join the mix, creating a lovely balance between honeyed and herb-driven notes. The palate takes that sweetness and spice even further—there’s delicious heat on the tip of the tongue, giving way to raspberry-filled chocolate squares, black forest cake, and ripe red fruit. The finish amps up the dark chocolate, with a kiss of berry fruit at the end. 58.2% Alc./Vol. 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com
96 points - Tasting Panel 2022
![The Macallan Edition Collection (Numbers 1 to 6) Single Malt Scotch Whisky (6 x 700ml)]()
The Macallan Edition Collection (Numbers 1 to 6) Single Malt Scotch Whisky (6 x 700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$6999. 00Bottle$83988.00 DozenNote: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
First released in 2015 with Edition #1 (now selling for $4K+), Macallan's Edition series represents a stream of NAS bottlings, with each edition focusing on a different cask regime.![Belle Meade Classic Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]()
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Belle Meade Classic Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)UNITED STATES$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 45.2%The suitably labelled pre-Prohibition brand, 'Belle Meade' is nowadays bottled by Nelson’s Green Brier out of Nashville Tennessee. The original Green Brier distillery was shut down during Prohibition, but Nelson’s great-great-great-grandsons revived the brand in 2013. While the company does distill at their Nashville location, the Belle Meade brand uses sourced whiskies from Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Hence, it's described as “...a proprietary blend of differing mash bills and yeast strains'' and “is a high rye blend of barrels averaging in age from 6-8 years.” It's variously categorised as a Bourbon, or a Tennessee, depending on your source. A common feature of the Belle Meade whiskeys is that despite their mashbills, rye doesn't dominate. Compared to the 'Reserve', the grain is slightly more obvious in this bottling yet remains low key, right up to the finish. Regardless, if you enjoy elegant, understated whiskeys in the style of Buffalo Trace but are wanting a Bourbon with a little more kick and bite, put Belle Meade's Classic near the top of your list.
Other reviews... A warm, welcoming nose, with pleasant dunnage warehouse earthiness, toasted oak, maple syrup, cinnamon, blackberries, grape candy, licorice, and an herbal note. A racy palate offers candied citrus, cherry, and apricot, as well as bitter chocolate, caramel, cinnamon spice, and pepper. Light and delicate on the finish, with milk chocolate, almond, orange, and more cinnamon. Delicate, smooth, sweet, and balanced. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com
![Stroh 60 Rum (500ml)]()
Stroh 60 Rum (500ml)AUSTRIA$82. 99Bottle$995.88 DozenABV: 60%The lower proof Stroh weighs in at a hefty 60% alc/vol and is distilled from herbs and fruit, as opposed to sugar cane so it will come as something of a novelty for the rum connoisseur. It is perhaps more indispensable in the kitchen than the bar, particularly when it comes to the creation of Austrian sweets, although it has its place in fruit bowls and hot drinks such as warming Jagertee, Punch and Grog.
![Rabbit Tale Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)]()
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Rabbit Tale Dareringer Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$144. 99Bottle$1739.88 DozenABV: 46.5%Made from a mash bill of 68% corn, 18% wheat and 14% malted barley, this Straight Bourbon takes a leaf out of the Scotch Whisky playbook with a finishing in PX (sweet) sherry casks from Spain’s artisanal Casknolia Cooperage. Initial aging takes place in alligator char level barrels (the heaviest char of them all). Winner of back-to-back Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus another Gold at the World Whiskies Awards. 46.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Dareringer is a straight bourbon that is aged in new toasted and charred oak barrels and then finished in Casknolia Pedro Ximenez Sherry Casks. Batches are relatively small at no more than 15 barrels, however batch numbers are not provided on each bottle. While PX Sherry Cask finished bourbons can be over-the-top, Rabbit Hole manages to deliver a well-balanced experience that’s quite delicious. Dareringer is full of sweet fruit notes, but manages to hold to its bourbon base with flavors of caramel and oak weaving in and out. Moreover, it’s surprisingly full-flavored for the proof which will appeal to a wide audience as it doesn’t taste high proof, but offers a rich character. If you’re a fan of PX Sherry Cask finished bourbons, Dareringer is definitely worth checking out. - breakingbourbon.com
...A potpourri of herbs, dried flowers, licorice, candied lemon peel, baklava, and furniture polish on the nose. The palate shows some minerality and is a bit bitter, but has prominent blueberry, grape, and boysenberry flavors, along with licorice, coriander seed, mint, and oak spice. It finishes with dark fruit, menthol, licorice, roasted nuts, and plenty of oak. Takes water well. 87 points - whiskyadvocate.com
![Backwoods Stout Cask Expression Australian Rye Whisky (500ml)]()
Backwoods Stout Cask Expression Australian Rye Whisky (500ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$145. 00Bottle$1740.00 DozenABV: 47%Leigh and Bree Attwood are the couple behind Backwoods Distilling Co., based just south of Albury in Yackandandah. The venture was inspired not by Scottish single malts or American rye classics, but by tasting Australian whiskies. The brand debuted in August 2020. Heritage Rye forms the basis of this four year old expression, along with a portion of malted barley and wheat. Maturation took place in a 200L ex-Whipper Snapper Corn Whisky Cask that held Bright Brewery Stout for 3-6 months. 47% Alc./Vol.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Bright fresh cut pine, honey and coffee. Taste: Vanilla and chocolate ice cream. Finish: Long and sticky with a late touch of spice.
![G.E. Massenez Liqueur de Vanille Liqueur (700ml)]()
G.E. Massenez Liqueur de Vanille Liqueur (700ml)Alsace, FRANCE$71. 99Bottle$863.88 DozenABV: 25%A blend of rich, aromatic vanilla, perfect for crafting luxurious cocktails or savouring as a smooth, standalone sip. Its velvety texture and deep flavour profile make it an essential addition to any mixologist's inventory. Add to coffee or hot chocolate, pour it over ice cream or use it in a variety of sweets and cakes. 25% Alc./Vol.
![That Boutique-y Whisky Company 22 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky #2 (500ml) - Batch 3]()
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That Boutique-y Whisky Company 22 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky #2 (500ml) - Batch 3SCOTLANDReduced from $160.00$109. 99Bottle$1319.88 DozenABV: 41.8%Once-off clearance pricing. 80 bottles only.
Boutique-y have released a series of blended whiskies, some up to fifty years old, each intended to be different from the last. Of significance here is the price-age ratio. Search for 25 year old blended Scotch and you'll find they're usually upwards of AU$500. Admittedly, with this offer, you don't get luxe packaging and it's a 500ml format, but still, the value for money is compelling. You'll want to grab at least one bottle to experience what a properly aged blend tastes like. Number 2 / batch #3 was decanted around early 2017 with an outturn of 1,650 bottles and a rather cryptic label. The bottlers add, "There's no massive sphere here, but the disembodied glove has returned! This time, it looks to have discovered a massive, soft planetoid. It's another one of those metaphors! We're good at them."
Other reviews... The label for this one appears to depict a white glove stroking a hairy space testicle. Hopefully not a visual tasting note. Colour: deep gold. Nose: creamy vanilla, cinnamon swirls, nutmeg, rice pudding, fudge. Not much ‘blendy-ness’ so far, rather just some top quality American oak sweetness, with suggestions of ‘Speyside’ flavour underneath. Mouth: easy, apple peelings, rhubarb and custard boiled sweets, young dessert wines, mint julep, young demerara rums, corn syrup. All more direct and straightforward ‘decent blend’ territory. Some nice vibes of spiced custard and caramel. Finish: medium and on wet grains, metal polish, sunflower oil, Scotch broth soups, pollens and a little camphor. Comments: It’s a trixy one this, starts deceptively ‘malt driven’ then gets more classical blend-y, before finishing up not unlike some of these old 1970s era blends with these slightly metallic touches. Still, at least not a testicle in sight. 78 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Honey, oak, vanilla pod and chocolatey cereal. Palate: Cherry, spiced rum, thick caramel and a hint of earthy pear. Finish: Menthol, freshly baked bread with chocolate spread, orange oil.
Gold - International Spirits Challenge 2017
![Ardbeg Spectacular Ardbeg Day 2024 Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
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Ardbeg Spectacular Ardbeg Day 2024 Limited Edition Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 46%Following feedback from fans about the overwhelming number of Committee releases, Ardbeg will now be shifting to just one Ardbeg Day bottling, as opposed to the standard Committee and general release. The 2024 edition represents another first for the distillery in that it's matured in port wine casks, then married with bourbon cask matured malt. Complex, bold and beautifully balanced, Spectacular is an Ardbeg Day bottling worth celebrating, opening with sweet aromas of fruit'n'nut dark chocolate tempered by dried herbs, wood smoke and a kick of black pepper, repeated on the medium to full bodied palate. An early oiliness leads into hints of prunes and dried pineapple mingling with salt and sooty peat; the sweet-dry balance is salivating while vanilla, dried herbs, smouldering eucalyptus and the perfect amount of salt and pepper seasoning maintain bite and momentum through the finish. Although not profoundly long, this is Ardbeg boasting depth and richness plus a bit of grunt and attitude, which is by many reports what fans have been missing in a lot of NAS limited editions. The lift in quality is likely due to older material in the mix. Head of Whisky Creation, Bill Lumsden is rumoured to have combined 15 and 13 year old Ardbeg, which makes the asking price feel about right. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from the producers... Nose: Curiously perfumed and aromatic, a big top note of fragrant lavender tumbles into vetiver and incense candles. Down below, deeper notes of leather and wax dance alongside a rich almond nuttiness. A splash of water reveals gentle wisps of woodsmoke and damp peat moss. Hints of menthol hurl headlong into rich antique leather. Taste: A viscous mouthfeel bursts forth to introduce a sparkling array of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. Peat smoke, eucalyptus oil, minty chocolate and toffee mingle with smoked pecans, creosote, and tar. Subtle sweet pear crumble and fudge lurk in the background. Finish: Finally, a long and lingering finale of salted caramel and cooling menthol brings this show stopping spectacle of flavor to a close.
![Four Pillars Bandwagon Rare Dry Non Alcoholic Gin (700ml)]()
Four Pillars Bandwagon Rare Dry Non Alcoholic Gin (700ml)Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenBandwagon Dry is modelled on Four Pillars' signature Rare Dry Gin, less the booze. With fresh, citrusy aromas and a palate of spicy warmth that comes from a heavier load of botanicals instead of alcohol, you can use Bandwagon Dry as you would your 'regular' Four Pillars Gin. Ingredients include juniper, orange, lemon myrtle, star anise, and angelica, all infused with additional warmth from red chilli and Tasmanian pepperberry. Four Pillar's dedication to delivering a realistic mouthfeel ensures that every sip captures the essence of traditional gin.
![2006 Cadenheads Small Batch Aultmore 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
2006 Cadenheads Small Batch Aultmore 12 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$140. 00Bottle$1680.00 DozenABV: 57.4%Founded in 1896, two years before the great whisky crash of 1898, today Aultmore is a part of the Dewar’s group that now comprises Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Macduff and Royal Brackla. This middle-ager from Cadenheads was distilled in 2006 and bottled in 2019 at a natural strength of 57.4% Alc./Vol. Four Bourbon hogsheads filled 1044 bottles.
Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Creamy, fresh spearmint and slight moss. Palate: Watermelon, pineapple juice and clotted cream. Finish: Lemon and lime, orange bitters and grated nutmeg.
![1993 Old Forester 13 Year Old Birthday Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]()
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1993 Old Forester 13 Year Old Birthday Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$2499. 00Bottle$29988.00 DozenABV: 48%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks.
Being vintage-dated releases of hand-picked barrels, the Birthday Bourbons will vary in style from year to year. According to the Master Distiller, this edition is characterised by a naturally spiced palate that comes with a cool, refreshing hint of spearmint. Bottled in 2006 at 48% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The same vintage as last year’s Birthday Bourbon but aged one year longer. Last year’s version was quite intense with a lot of wood influence. What does one more year in wood do to the whisky? Surprisingly, the oak spice seems less dominant, and the flavors are more balanced. Still, this is still a serious bourbon drinker’s bourbon. Piquant, dried spice notes of vanilla, cocoa, mint, and cinnamon are tamed by layers of maple syrup, caramel, and toffee. Every once in a while some fruits try to get recognized. A powerful, after dinner bourbon. 88 points - whiskyadvocate.com
![1990 Isle of Jura Rare Vintage Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
1990 Isle of Jura Rare Vintage Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Isle of Jura, SCOTLAND$1499. 00Bottle$17988.00 DozenABV: 46.5%Part of a new series shining a light on the distillery’s exceptional spirit from a bygone era. Distilled on 5th December 1990, as cool winter temperatures prevailed, Jura's grassy new make was filled into ex-bourbon barrels to slowly mature for 26 years followed by a further three years in an Amoroso Oloroso Sherry butt. Crafted from non-peated barley and bottled in 2020 at 46.5%, this very limited collectable comes housed in a handsome, engraved oak presentation case with 900 bottles available globally. Non-chill-filtered.
Notes from the bottlers... NOSE: Peaches and cinnamon, followed by mango, liquorish and nutty marzipan. TASTE: Black forest fruits, raspberries, sweet apple pie, gooseberries, vanilla custard and crushed almonds.
![Southern Comfort Blood Orange Liqueur (1000ml)]()
Southern Comfort Blood Orange Liqueur (1000ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 27.5%Set to rival more traditional Italian brands, Southern Comfort is making a splash with a new Blood Orange variant. Originally available for Travel Retail and landing in a big one litre format, expect flavours of cinnamon, orange, lemon peel and marmalade sweetness. Try it chilled on ice or mix it up in a Blood Orange Fizz or Old Fashioned. 27.5% Alc./Vol.
![Rabbit Tale Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)]()
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Rabbit Tale Cavehill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$114. 99Bottle$1379.88 DozenABV: 47.5%Rabbit Tale “Cavehill” is one of the company's flagship offerings, labelled as a 'four-grain triple malt' recipe due to its mash bill of 70% Corn, 10% Malted Wheat, 10% Malted Barley and 10% Honey Malted Barley. Aged for a minimum of three years in new American oak barrels, the palate is described as warming with hints of citrus, melted toffee and vanilla bean. 47.5% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... I’ve got to give it to Rabbit Hole, out of the gate their whiskeys weren’t overly exciting, but as the distillery has matured, so has their approach to their whiskeys. Made in small 15 barrel batches, Cavehill with its unique mashbill offers an interesting flavor profile in an extremely accessible and friendly sip. This is a great next step for many whiskey drinkers looking for something a touch more interesting, but fear going too far over the line. Its approachable delivery of sweet, but not-too-sweet flavors against a more traditional spice and peppery finish works well. It’s young and lacks complexity, but brings a clean and bright taste to its delivery. It's accessible in all the right ways, and while it might not immediately wow, it maintains a level of intrigue that makes it quite a bit of fun to drink. - breakingbourbon.com
...Rabbit Hole's core bourbon brand now carries the name Cavehill, though the liquid remains unchanged. The nose starts with dried red fruits, drying oak tannins, raspberry jam, and an earthy note. A palate of spiced oak, milk chocolate, caramel, white pepper, and sweet black cherry is followed by a lengthy finish of orange peel, honey, sweet lemon cake, creamy chocolate, and pepper spice. Rich flavors, creating an easy whiskey to savor. 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com
![Massenez Golden 8 Williams Pear Liqueur (700ml)]()
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Massenez Golden 8 Williams Pear Liqueur (700ml)Alsace, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 25%A liqueur based on eight year old Poire William eau de vie. Soft, plump aromas of stewed pears follow in a broad, syrupy liqueur with pear confectionary, vanilla and (oddly), white chocolate to finish. Very sweet. Tastes manufactured rather than fresh and natural. 25% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... 4 stars - diffordsguide.com
![Jack Daniels McLXJD 2024 McLaren Edition Tennessee Whiskey (700ml)]()
Jack Daniels McLXJD 2024 McLaren Edition Tennessee Whiskey (700ml)Tennessee, UNITED STATES$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 40%Another celebration of Jack Daniel’s partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 team gives fans the opportunity to own a piece of brand history. The striking limited edition design commemorates Mr. Jack Daniel himself and Bruce McLaren. Aged for four years in new charred oak casks. 40% Alc./Vol.
![Whitley Neill Distiller's Cut London Dry Gin (700ml)]()
Whitley Neill Distiller's Cut London Dry Gin (700ml)UNITED KINGDOM$65. 99Bottle$791.88 DozenABV: 43%Of the many gins in their portfolio, Whitley Neill considers this to be their most classic. Focusing on just one citrus: dried orange peel, it remains true to the minimalist recipes of traditional London Drys, the short list of other botanicals including juniper, coriander, angelica root and liquorice root. The resulting gin delivers strong notes of candied orange, a touch of white pepper and a solid backbone of juniper with a pleasant oily texture that cools the mouth. Distilled at the multi-award-winning City of London Distillery, the first, and still the only, gin distillery in The City of London in 200 years. 43% Alc./Vol.
2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Double Gold Winner
2023 The Spirits Business Gin Masters Gold Winner
![Kings County Distillery Peated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)]()
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- 94
- Organic
Kings County Distillery Peated Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Brooklyn, New York, UNITED STATES$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenABV: 45%Closure: CorkFrom New York City’s oldest operating whiskey distillery, the first since prohibition. Founded in 2010, Kings County operates out of the 118-year-old Paymaster Building in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This little gem is described as a "Scotch-meets-bourbon hybrid", aged in a new barrel, yet with a light, smoky, peat-infused finish reminiscent of a single-malt.
Tasting note: Deep polished copper colour. Nice legs. Pencil shavings, new sawn oak, vanilla, orange zest and grilled corn aromas followed by a complex, pure, oily, semi-sweet delivery: Juicy and malt-like in the middle stages then gently tannic, corn-heavy to finish with hints of cocoa, leather and oak shavings. Beautifully textured. The peat remains in the shadows. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Dark muscovado sugars mixed with orange peel, liquorice… and peat reek!!! Adorable delivery: thick corn oil is awash with molten muscovado. The smoke keeps a respectful distance, but is there with ever-thickening tannins; spices grow, the peat murmurs, the tannins throb quietly amid residual sugars… Quite stunningly lovely.
94 points. - Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible 2017...Double-Gold 2016, Gold 2017. ADI Craft Spirit Awards: silver medal 2016, 2017. ACSA Awards: bronze 2016, 2017. International Whisky Competition, Silver (Small Batch Bourbon), 2017.
Legend has it that this unique bourbon resulted from malt shortage at the distillery. Faced with a waning supply of malted barley (which makes up 20% of KCD's regular mash bill) a distiller grabbed some peated malt by accident to finish the batch. A year later, the spirit was sampled and the results were so delicious that KCD decided to make a thing of it.
To be clear, this is not a classic bourbon finished in a peated cask. It's a whiskey that conforms to the requirements for bourbon, yet is made with a percentage of peated malt. Obviously, this is a practice more commonly associated with Scotch whiskies and the malt Kings County use for this whiskey was even grown and kilned in Scotland. The peated malt represents 30% of the mash bill alongside 70% New York State organic corn (from Klaus and Mary Howell-Martens at Lakeview Organic Grain).
![Kings County Straight Bourbon (750ml)]()
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- Organic
Kings County Straight Bourbon (750ml)Brooklyn, New York, UNITED STATES$185. 00Bottle$2220.00 DozenABV: 45%Closure: CorkTasting note: [Batch 133A] Made from New York State organic corn and malted barley from the U.K. Bright topaz / polished copper. Delicate woody aromas of balsa, fresh cut cedar and hints of liquorice before the sugars come to the fore as banana bread, light sticky date, caramel fudge and vanilla. A peppery edge balances the sweeter notes. Youthful and chewy but already delicious with well rounded flavours of salted caramel, nut chocolate, popcorn and black peppercorns. The finish adds dried banana, peach and late caramel fudge. At just over two years young, this Bourbon already has impressive structure and feel. 45% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Gold Medal - 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Earlier batch tasted... Simple & satisfying. 89 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
