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- Nicks Import
Bouvet Saphir Saumur Brut Vintage Double Magnum (3000ml)Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE$180. 00Bottle$2160.00 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkBouvet Ladubay is regarded by many wine lovers as the finest expression of sparkling wine from the Loire Valley. The house was founded in 1851 by Etienne Bouvet, the son of a vigneron-sommelier who encouraged the young Bouvet in the wine trade. Recognizing the Loire's terroir to be extremely well-suited to the production of sparkling wines, he settled on the bank of the Loire River just outside the town of Saumur. Ms. Ladubay, Etienne’s accountant, soon became his wife, and the firm was christened “Bouvet-Ladubay”. After many years of ownership by Champagne Taittinger, Bouvet Ladubay is once again fully owned by the Monmousseau family who have continuously run the business since their purchase in 1932. Bouvet Ladubay employs precisely the same wine making process as Grand Marque Champagne, delivering French sophistication at an everyday price.
The grapes for the Bouvet 'Blanc' methode champenoise are predominantly Chenin Blanc, a varietal which has been grown in the Loire Valley prior to the Roman conquest of France. Bouvet source their grapes from 120 properties around Saumur - spread over an area of 15 x 30 kilometres. The notion of using such a diversity of vineyard sites is to provide complexity to the base wines. Domaine Chandon in the Yarra Valley employ a similar process. These 120 micro climates each provide the wine maker with base material that when blended together will create the sensation of considerable complexity. The art of blending is critical and at Bouvet the third generation of blenders from the same family are in charge - in fact they have been creating the blend for the last 60 years. State of the art, temperature controlled stainless-steel fermentation tanks, computer-regulated 'gyropallets,' or riddling machines, highly advanced freezing and disgorging equipment and micro-wave cork heaters have brought Bouvet’s vinification facility to the technical forefront. The winery itself however, remains an impressive monument to the region’s history with the wines spending their final maturation period within freestone cellars built by Saint Florent monks around 1040 AD. These tunnels cover some 2.6 hectares with eight kilometres of subterranean cellars - storage capacity for some 7,000,000 bottles!
Tasting notes: Our new shipment of Bouvet Saphir has arrived. The wine delivers creamy white mousse, with fine bead of moderate persistence. Straw coloured base wine. The nose has more pronounced lift than that of previous vintages, hints of toast, lees, baked apple and biscuit emerge. Full bodied palate, with excellent flavour profile. Creamy texture, flavours of baked apple over hints of toast, biscuit and citrus. Fresh, crisp acid finish, followed by a long lemon, biscuit and baked apple aftertaste. Cellar 3-4 years Alc/Vol: 12.5% Very Limited Stocks of the Double Magnum bottlings.
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Dalmore 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 40%The Dalmore story began in 1839 with Alexander Matheson who lived in the Highlands of Northern Scotland. Matheson found the rich peat and pure water sources of the Highlands to be the makings of a perfect whisky. He built a distillery in the area and produced small batches until 1886, when the Mackenzie family acquired his operation. When a member of the Mackenzie family risked his own life to save Scotland’s ruler, King Alexander III, from a charging stag, the grateful king offered a token of his appreciation by bequeathing the stag to the Mackenzie family as a symbol of valor and courage. And more than 130 years later, the stag head still appears on every bottle of The Dalmore.
Today, Dalmore distillery has ten stone warehouses and eight pot-stills, several which date back to the late 1800s. Much of the distillery burned down during World War I while occupied by the U.S. Navy, but production resumed in 1922. The production process is meticulous and includes double distillations in copper pot-stills and aging in white oak and sherry wood casks.
Other reviews... Clear golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of dark roasted nuts, toasted pine, caramelized stone fruits and orange, and vanilla tapioca with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an interesting, toasted grain, honeyed granola, and minerals finish. A delicately balanced, eminently drinkable dram. 40% Alc./Vol. 93 points - www.tastings.com
Nose: Nose: Outwardly flattish, but time and patience reveals life beyond the sherry - hints of cherry and oak. Palate: Mouth-filling and chewy. Lots of cream toffee. All the time there's a delicate, malty spice buzz. Finish: Very long and still milky, silky toffee with malt and vanilla arriving. A wave or two of sweet liquorice adds further richness. Comment: Genuinely classy stuff from the 24 carat jewel in JBB's Scottish crown. Rating: 93.
- www.whiskymag.com![Autonomy Davo Plum Aperitivo (700ml)]()
Autonomy Davo Plum Aperitivo (700ml)Melbourne, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 18%Tart Davidson Plums and Rosella are balanced by sweet oranges and a hint of Tasmanian Pepperberry in this deliciously refreshing aperitif. Add a splash of soda for an Aussie spritz, or combine with a generous pour of sparkling wine and plenty of ice for a cool cocktail that will see you through a hot Summer arvo. 18% Alc./Vol.
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Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado 100% Agave Tequila (700ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$74. 99Bottle$899.88 DozenABV: 40%Closure: CorkThis handcrafted tequila has been made from 100% Blue Agaves harvested at the peak of their maturity and baked in stone and clay ovens. Carefully fermented and double distilled, Cuervo Tradicional then rests in white oak barrels to mature. Only a limited quantity is distributed each year with every bottle individually numbered.
Other reviews... Straw gold. Delicate, tissue box perfume, and exotic peppercorn aromas. A round entry leads to an off-dry light-to medium-bodied palate with light caramel, toasty, spicy oak and lightly herbal agave. Finishes with an orchard fruit and black pepper fade. Very clean, balanced, and tasty. 40%Alc./Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal, 88 points (Highly Recommended) - tastings.com![Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
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Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Highlands, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 43%From the highest distillery in Scotland (at 326 metres above sea level), set in the windswept Grampian mountains of the Highlands, comes this delicate malt to be savoured. Originally called 'Strathspey', the Dalwhinnie distillery was founded by James Buchanan in 1897. Buchanan became well known for his 'Buchanan' and 'Black & White' blends which used Dalwhinnie as a core component. Later renamed 'Dalwhinnie', (Gaelic for “meeting place” ) the distilleries site is where cattle drovers and smugglers met on their way to markets in the south.
The whisky itself is often referred to as 'The Gentle Spirit', in contrast to the rugged environment it is produced in. (Staff at the distillery have been known to climb out first-floor windows in order to get to work when snow piles up in the hard winters.) This is testified to by its subtle, smooth, lightly smoked character and heathery, honey finish. Barely classifiable as a Speyside distillery, Dalwhinnie's location is at least forty kilometres south of the dense collection of stills in the 'lower Spey'. The distilleries endless water supply comes from the Allt an t'Sluic spring, bedded in granite. Current management boast their use of traditional wooden washbacks and distinctive lye pipes leading from the tops of the stills.
Other reviews… Nose: sublime stuff: a curious mixture of coke smoke and peat-reek wafts teasingly over the gently honied malt. A hint of melon offers some fruit but the caressing malt stars; Taste: that rarest of combinations: at once silky and malt intense, yet at the same time peppery and tin-hat time for the tastebuds, but the silk wins out and a sheen of barley sugar coats everything, soft peat included; Finish: some cocoa and coffee notes, yet the pervading slightly honeyed sweetness means that there is no bitterness that cannot be controlled; Balance: a malt it is hard to decide whether to drink or bath in: I suggest you do both. One of the most complete mainland malts of them all. Know anyone who reckons they don't like whisky? Give them a glass of this ~ that's them cured. Oh, if only the average masterpiece could be this good.” 95 points. - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2018.
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Generous Purple Gin (700ml)FRANCE$114. 99Bottle$1379.88 DozenABV: 44%Tasting note: [15ml sample] Described as the first gin to contain polyphenols and grape anthocyanins (the molecules that make up tannins and contribute some of texture and colour to red wine, better known as antioxidants). The colour is translucent ruby red. The aroma starts subdued but gains definition with citrus and ripe lime before keenly accenting pink grapefruit. Citrus and pepper lead on the palate, the finish highlighting fresh grapefruit and pepper while also being drying and finely tannic. Juniper takes back seat, but the key note botanicals are beautifully expressed. 44% Alc./Vol![5003229_1.jpg]()
Jack Daniels Master Distiller's Edition No.5 Tennessee Whiskey (700ml)Tennessee, UNITED STATES$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 43%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
Jack Daniels have only had seven men oversee production throughout their history as America's oldest registered distillery. It's a line that runs back to Mr. Jack himself. To honour these men, JD have released the 'Master Distiller' series. This special bottling celebrates Frank Thomas Bobo: Master Distiller from 1966 to 1988 (pictured on the box). During the 1970s and most of the 1980s, Frank Bobo oversaw the historic rise of the Old No. 7 brand. Throughout his watch, he never made enough whiskey to keep up with demand; he was more concerned about making every drop according to the slow, time-honored process that the founder perfected, as reflected in his famous quote "I'd rather ask for folks' patience than their forgiveness." 43% Alc./Vol.![1004772_1.jpg]()
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Aperol Aperitivo (700ml)ITALY$39. 99Bottle$479.88 DozenABV: 11%Closure: Screw CapReminiscent of Cointreau without the spirit backbone, Aperol is a refreshing apertif first made in 1919 by Barbieri - a small family owned company in Padua near Venice. Since then it has become Italy’s national pre-dinner drink where it claims nearly one quarter of the aperitif market. Produced using sixteen ingredients including gentian, orange essence, rhubarb and quinquennia (china bark), at only 11% abv, Aperol is light enough to enjoy again and again in many different ways. Use it as an alternative to Campari or Triple Sec. Serve it chilled on its own or long with soda, fruit juice, spirits or sparkling wine.
Other reviews... The Aperol Spritz is a perennial favorite cocktail — but I can’t say that I’ve ever actually drank much Aperol on its own. Until now! An aperitif that is often shelved alongside Campari (the same company now makes both), this liqueur’s most noteworthy ingredient (not including sugar) is bitter orange, though a host of other bitter roots are also used to give it its flavor. Lighter in color and much less bitter than Campari, the spirit is a bittersweet beauty. The up-front sweetness can be a little cloying, with a viscous body and spun sugar character that approaches cough syrup, but once that passes, its complexities take hold. Aperol offers gentle bitterness on the back end, with notes of chocolate and root beer leading to a pleasant, dessert-like finish. Not too lasting, the sweet and bitter eventually meld into a cohesive whole as the liqueur finally fades away. Aperol can be used as an alternative to Campari in almost any cocktail — particularly if you’re not looking for the bitter wallop to the senses that Campari provides. For even more fun, use it as an alternative to Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or any other triple sec and see what the slug of bitterness does to your favorite cocktail. - drinkhacker.com
...Sophisticated and delightful aromas of tangerine and rhubarb. The palate entry is delightfully citrusy and sweet; the midpalate phase offers just enough herbal bitterness to balance. Ends up refreshing, orangey sweet and delectably herbal. This deserves to become a popular pre-dinner quaff. 93 points - wineenthusiast.com
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Weis Kirsch Cherry Brandy (500ml)Elz Valley, Gutach, GERMANY$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 40%Weis Kirsch is a cherry brandy, produced by the same family company for over two hundred years. This dead white, dryish, potent spirit has been popular in Switzerland, Alsace and the German Black Forest for centuries.
As young man who loved nature and its gifts, at the tender age of fifteen, Georg Weis brought the old family spirit recipes to light again and began to produce clear fruit brandies. Georg delivered his brandies with his motorcycle, and soon they were popular throughout the whole region. What Georg Weis had begun as a second source of income in the difficult times of WWI, soon became the main source of income for the family farm. When he came of age, Georg Weis had long known what his life's work would be: in 1924, the Elz Valley Distillery Georg Weis was officially founded. The traditional farmstead was transformed slowly but surely into a modern company.World War II interrupted this development. In 1940, Georg Weis was drafted. The copper pots of the distillery became a victim of the needs of the Wehrmacht, as well as the delivery truck. When Georg Weis returned home in 1945, he had to start over from scratch. With business acumen and daring, he managed to once again get the distillery going as a working enterprise. The complex was continuously enlarged and the circle of customers expanded. In the early seventies, Clemens Weis, the son of the founder, took over the business, and in 1996 he handed over the reins to the third generation of the family. Hansjörg and Christian Weis today run the company with the same "spirit" and passion that drove Georg Weis 85 years ago.
The distinctive split log bottle used by the Weis company to package its spirits cuts a good figure in every house bar. It's rhomboid form is textured like wood and appears simultaneously natural and refined. The design actually refers back to an old tradition: At one time, wooden forms were used in making glass bottles, which gave the surface of each side of the bottle a special texture. Weis’s split log bottles are of course made with modern industrial techniques. But they are reminiscent of the "good old days" -- the times when many of the recipes for white brandies and liqueurs originated. 40%Alc./Vol.
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Cloudy Bay Pelorus BrutMarlborough, NEW ZEALAND$44. 99Bottle$539.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: Diam CorkFirst produced in 1987 Cloudy Bay’s Pelorus is made from a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir aged en tirage for a minimum of 24 months.
A frothy white mousse holds well over a pale straw, pale gold tinged base that has an exceptionally fine and very persistent bead flowing through it. Aromas of pear, brioche and yeast lees show plenty of intensity with hints of honeyed cashews and nougat also evident. Rich, full and expansive the palate is layered with brioche, yeast lees and honeyed cashew like flavours with some pear and nougat characteristics lying underneath. Creamy textured it finishes long and mouth watering.
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Select Aperitivo (700ml)ITALY$38. 99Bottle$467.88 DozenABV: 17.5%It seems almost every region of Italy has its preferred 'aperitivo', and in Venice, it's 'Select'. Created in 1920 by two brothers at the Pilla distillery in Venice, a city renowned for liquors, it's made by carefully blending, boiling and macerating 30 botanicals, including juniper berries and rhubarb roots; the juniper adds balsamic and floral notes, while the rhubarb contributes the required bitterness. Select went on to become the star of the Venetian cocktail scene and a key ingredient in the original Venetian Spritz. The recipe is simple: 3 parts prosecco, 2 parts Select, 1 part soda, one green olive and lots of ice. The result is a well balanced, bittersweet taste that's deliciously refreshing. In short, if you like Aperol, you should love this! Tasting note: Crimson to ruby red. Fresh, pleasantly bitter aromas include rooty-dried herbal / potpouri-like notes as well as orange zest, grapefruit and sweeter hints of cranberry juice. Silky textured with delicately bittersweet citrus pith and peel flavours. Lighter and drier through the finish. Ends brisk, medium fresh, mildy bitter. 17.5% Alc./Vol.![5664678990_1.jpg]()
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Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Islay, SCOTLAND$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 47.4%"...shows more complexity than some whiskies twice its age, making it a remarkable find." - Number 6 in the 2020 Top 20 by whiskyadvocate.com
Matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, Wee Beastie is the latest permanent expression to join the Ardbeg family. Youthful, but with an enticingly fresh sea air quality on the nose, as well as hints of iodine, menthol, lanolin and pear, it carries the ABV effortlessly in a breezy, medium bodied delivery. The typically assertive Ardbeggian smoke is somewhat tamed. Instead, nuances of fruit'n'nut chocolate, menthol cigarettes, caraway and rye bread come through. The finish is gently peaty, with hints of fruit and a pleasant salt and pepper tang. An Ardbeg for all occasions. 47.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... Starts off with a mesmerically youthful lustiness full of the sunny joys of a blossoming spring. Ends in the grey of a foggy autumnal evening.
91 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2021...The youthful age statement may take many scotch drinkers by surprise, but don’t let double-digit bias prevent you from enjoying this exciting yet easy-drinking peat bomb. Salt water and seaweed, smoke and sweet peat tussle on the nose, while vanilla, fresh berries, and ample nuttiness spread out and take hold. The structured, balanced palate is creamy, nutty, and spiced, showcasing brown-sugar bacon, smoked salt, milk chocolate, pepper, and well-integrated oak, all wrapped up like a cigar with flakes of ash and sustained smoke. This precocious youngster shows more complexity than some whiskies twice its age, making it a remarkable find. Number 6 in the 2020 Top 20 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Susannah Skiver Barton 2020
...The bottle really reminds me of G&M’s early Connoisseurs Choices, or Avonsides. Black, gold, red… Retro keeps striking in whisky. No need to add that we love it that they would have boldly displayed a young age statement, that’s extremely smart, well done Ardbeg, s***w NAS! Colour: straw. Nose: but there, yes, aha, sure. It’s a bit steely at first (grandma’s old tin boxes), then goes onto agave, reaches brine-y aromas, gets to the citrus department, steals a few pears, and finally displays the right amount of tar and peat smoke. In the background, whiffs of raw wool and wet dogs. Dogs, I know we owe you one. Mouth: this feeling of smoked pears that we were expecting, then more sweetness and fruits (passion fruits, melons), then ‘the ashtray’ and notes of Corsican citron liqueur. And why not, Corsica’s an island too! I find it rather sweeter and fruitier than expected, and frankly gentler, but that’s an easier style that I enjoy mucho. It’s just not ‘a beast’ at all if you ask me. Finish: long, clean, rather citrusy and sweet, with moderate smoke. Some eucalyptus in the aftertaste, that’s always very good. Comments: I’m not disappointed at all. Sure they could have named it ‘For the Bar in the Little House on the Prairie’ instead, for it’s rather gentle, but there, well done, it’s one of my favourite recent official ‘begs. 88 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com
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Bushmills Black Bush Irish Whiskey (700ml)County Antrim, IRELAND$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 40%Originally, Black bush was known as “Old Bushmills Special Old Liqueur Whiskey”, so named because of the unique distilling process and the fact that it was aged in Oloroso Sherry casks, optimising its smoothness. As the whiskey gained popularity it was asked for by avid devotees as “Black Bush”, a shortened term of the original brand name combined with reference to the distinguished black label. Malt whiskey that becomes Black Bush is aged up to 11 years in selected sherry-seasoned oak casks before being blended with a small portion of a special single grain whiskey to enhance the independent, non-conformist character of the malt.The malt used in the mash derives its clean taste from the deliberate absence of peat used in the malted barley drying process. All of the Irish whiskey distilleries kiln-dry their malt in a heat-fired, not peat-fired, oven. This drying process lets the clean, clear taste of the malt and barley shine through, creating the ultimate ' Reflection of Perfection.' The combination is then returned to the cask for 'marrying.' As the whiskeys mellow together, the uniquely rounded bouquet, rich amber hue and distinctive taste of Black Bush is born.
Other reviews... As majestic and gloriously structured as always, and vividly salivating, too. But annoyingly loses a point for the faintest furry niggle from a sherry butt on the finish. 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023.
This is the whiskey that introduces the American journalist to Belfast drinking culture in Colin Bateman's Divorcing Jack. The sherry cask maturation is the key; mouthwatering autumn fruits plucked from the trees, cinnamon-apple cobbler, and cocoa-dusted raisins. A smooth, glistening dram from the North Antrim coast; weighty and fruity, the sweetness turning to raisin chocolate bars. There is a lot to bite on. It slips away reluctantly, leaving a long, dark sweetness behind it. One glass is never enough. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com
The Sherry influence shows in the baked apple and dried apricot flavors that round into caramel and butterscotch tones on the finish. 96 points - wineenthusiast.com
'Highly Recommended...''A full, sweet nose brimful with nutty butter toffee and a hint of sherry wood. Refreshingly green mid-palate, this is a very soft and elegantly balanced whiskey that floats over the palate. A complex amalgam of malt and sherry wood bound together by a rich smooth fruitiness.' - Decanter Magazine.
... Nose: Fresh oak, softened with sherry. Palate: Full of flavours, and such a beautifully balanced, rounded. whiskey: oaky, fudgy, buttery, with that Bushmills rosewater character. Finish: A grainy, but more-ish, dryness. Comment: Long one of my great favourites. In composition, it is the simplest of blends, yet it demonstrates how malt can sometimes be enhanced by a leavening of grain.
- Michael Jackson, www.whiskymag.com![Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
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Chivas Regal 18 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$144. 99Bottle$1739.88 DozenABV: 40%In 1950, Chivas Brothers began the search for a secure supply of exceptional malt whisky. Strathisla Distillery in Keith, the oldest and most beautiful distillery in the Highlands, was the obvious choice. From that day to this, the world-famous Strathisla Single Malt Scotch whisky became the foundation of the Chivas blend. The international reputation of Chivas Regal has been built upon this distillery and the skill of successive generations of Master Blenders. Legally, a blended Scotch whisky must contain both single malt Scotch whiskies and single grain Scotch whiskies. Chivas Regal 12 and 18 year old whiskies are blended using a special process called triple blending. First of all, the selected single malts are blended together. The second stage sees the selected single grains blended together, and then thirdly, the vatted malts and the vatted grains are brought together. These spirits are each married in selected oak casks for an extended period of maturation in order to produce an exceptionally smooth, rich whisky.
'The smooth taste of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old reflects the traditional style of blended Scotch whiskies with a powerful array of rich, fruity aromas, and a defined smokiness that develops into a long and memorable finish.' So says Colin Scott, Master Blender of Chivas. Colin hand-picks each whisky designated for Chivas Regal 18 Year Old from the distilleries most precious stock - including certain whiskies that are now exceedingly rare.
Winner of three major awards, each bottle of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old bears its own unique serial number, sourcing it back to the one particular triple blending. And because only selected casks are matured to such a great age, the quantity of Chivas 18 Year Old produced every year is always strictly limited.
Tasting notes: Brassy gold appearance. Bubblegum / marshmallow opening is a little bourbonesque. Second pass reveals vanilla and biscuity malt with a judicious slather of peat. The palate combines a silky mouthfeel with solid concentration - nothing like the comparatively beige 12 Year Old - delicate spices, biscuity, honeyed grains with hints of dried fruits. The finish is crisp with a lingering confectionary note. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Nose: A little closed without water; hints of grass, crystallised fruits and butter toffee. Water brings a note of dry cracker which mellows into juicier aromas. Palate: Solid rich stuff that stays in the mouth, all polished wood, soft leather, chocolate, black fruits, pipe smoke and balancing crunchiness. Finish: Lush and fruity slowly crisping up. Comment: Like a gentleman's club: all leather chairs, cigar smoke and murmured conversations. A beauty. 90 points - David Broom, www.whiskymag.com
Brilliant rich amber color. Caraway and nut fudge aromas. A very soft entry leads to an oily medium-to full-bodied palate with elegant balanced melon and dried fruit, brown spice, and heathery malt flavors. Finishes with a nice long fade of toffee and spice. A complex and elegant blended Scotch for sipping. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal 91 points (Recommended) - tasting.com
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Plymouth Sloe Gin (700ml)Plymouth, UNITED KINGDOM$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 26%Since 1793, Plymouth Gin has been handcrafted at England’s oldest working Gin distillery, Black Friars in Plymouth. The distillery was formerly a Dominican Monastery and the final lodgings of the Pilgrim Fathers before they set sail to the New World in 1620. The 'Mayflower' sailing ship, aswell as the monk continue to be represented on the bottle to this day.
Plymouth Gin owes its distinctive taste to a blend of ingredients that avoid the use of too much juniper or bitter botanicals, thus giving it a remarkably smooth, integrated palate. Water from the nearby hills of Dartmoor is sourced for its crystal clear purity. The result is a lighter bodied style with fabulous intensity and well balanced botanical flavours. To create Plymouth Sloe Gin, the finest sloe berries are steeped in high strength Plymouth Gin and soft Dartmoor water. The result is a smooth liqueur taste with a balance between sweet and bitter fruit flavours, and a hint of almonds from the stone of the fruit. 26%Alc./Vol.
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Tanqueray Gin (700ml)London, UNITED KINGDOM$62. 99Bottle$755.88 DozenABV: 40%Gin became popular in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, following the increase in duty on French wine and brandy imposed by William III. Until about the beginning of the present century most gin made in England was sweetened, but sweetened gin then became almost wholly displaced in popular favour by dry gin. One of the finest examples of this style is Tanqueray.
Charles Tanqueray established his distillery in Finsbury, North London where fresh water was then accessible. The year was 1830. Tanqueray was obsessed with producing a premium product, and after some research and success, he gained substantial recognition for his gin. After merging with Gordons in 1898, the U.S. market opened up and Tanqueray was enjoyed by such personalities as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and President Kennedy. The distinctive bottle shape has aided its ongoing market success - its design based on 19th century London fire hydrants.
In the production of Tanqueray, grain spirit at 96% alc/vol is rectified in pot stills with botanical flavourings. Spirit and botanicals are then boiled, with aromas and flavours infusing in spirit vapours then condensing to form gin. Tanqueray use aged botanicals, maturing wild Tuscan juniper berries for two years before use. Coriander, angelica root, cassia bark, cinnamon, liquorice, lemon and orange peel also determine Tanqueray's quintessentially English style.ginspecials2010
Other reviews... Clear. Mild juniper/herbal nose. Dry, smooth medium-bodied palate, with full juniper character tempered by a great cut of lemon zest and a slightly oily finish. A robust gin with a great appeal as a bold gin & tonic. 40% alc./vol. [As Tanqueuray is drier than most gins, we feel it makes a great Martini.]
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
93 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com![48910191000_1.jpg]()
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Jean Fillioux No.1 Cognac (500ml)Cognac, FRANCE$399. 00Bottle$4788.00 DozenABV: 46%Tasting note: [Lot no.0918] While the age isn't stated, the deep copper colour of this Grande Champagne Cognac indicates long maturation (the importers say it's over 60 years old). A luscious, lipsmacking and masculine hors d'age expression, it opens with sensuous aromas of nectarine, raisins and baking spices as well as drier notes of pepper and cedar wood and continues to evolve after air contact; 46% ABV amps up the body and mouthfeel; immediately warm and inviting with the perfect juxtaposition of succulent orchard fruits and oaky astringency, finishing with nectarine, passionfruit, buttery oak and late pepper. Super long, this delivers on all sensory accounts. First class. 46% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... This one is said to be sixty years of age, depending on the sources. Colour: deep gold. Nose: oh! Now we’re really talking, with quinces, citrons, fennel seeds, marmalade, lime blossom, orange blossom, spearmint, liquorice wood, wormwood, woodruff… All those tiny herbs and plants do really make it complex and just pretty sublime. With Cognac, age does matter, if I may… Mouth: love this. It’s pretty unpolished, even a tad rough, but that’s an asset here. Perfect liquorice plus orange combo at first, beeswax, then touches of cider, cardamom, blackcurrants, pomegranates… I’m even finding a little cinchona (Apérol, just ten times nicer). Finish: long, a tad rough (again, an asset in this context), with a little orange-flavoured fudge. Perhaps. Comments: totally high class. Not sure it is true that this is 60yo juice, but anyway, quality’s really very high. 88 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com Elected “Favourite” by Terre de Vins magazine in 2001 who also described it as “a dense Cognac which surprises with panache”.
Elected « Eau-de-vie Number 1 Worldwide » by Terre de Vins Magazine in 2017![1005025_1.jpg]()
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Glenfiddich Our Solera 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$134. 99Bottle$1619.88 DozenABV: 40%"Light in ABV, but that only adds to its delicate charms." - whiskyadvocate.com
The heart of Glenfiddich's 15 year old is a calibrated oak solera system which the Malt Masters use to marry selected Sherry, Bourbon and new oak casks. The solera vat is periodically topped up with new whisky and has never been less than half full since 1998. The implication is that there's now some very old material in the mix. At the fore are subtle notes of sweet dried apricots and dates, intermeshed with a distant whiff of peat. The mouthfeel is soft and rounded, though the fruits are less evident, replaced by vanilla, marzipan and traces of smoke, followed by a spicy burst and a dryish vanilla-malt finish. This falls into the mainstream of Glenfiddichs - polite, predictable, good value and eminently easy-drinking. Indeed, where else can you get a quality 15 year old at this kind of price? 40% Alc./Vol. Tasted from a 20ml sample.
Other reviews... Solera vat blended after aging in a combination of sherry, bourbon, and new oak casks. Very sherried on the nose at first, with candle wax, old barrel char, and baked berries. The palate is notably smooth and flavorful, the bourbon cask notes chime in with vanilla and baking spice, and the new oak gives subtle spine and grip. Light in ABV, but that only adds to its delicate charms. [2023 tasting] 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...the spices are a little too loud on the nose and struggling to find a counteracting partner on the palate. I do still love the oily drollness of the bittersweet delivery... 87 points - Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2025/26
...Scented with honey and baked apple, this single malt is big and rich, opening with fruit and just a puff of smoke, adding a distinct mouthwatering sea salt note midpalate, then stretching on into a long, butterscotch finish. 94 points - wineenthusiast.com
"I love this bottling. It’s easily the best in terms of pricing and flavour when it comes to the whole core line up. In the past they’ve had distillery only options of this bottled at 50%+ and it was always a massively underrated expression from any Speyside distillery. The fact it has al of this flavour and doesn’t need to focus on what casks those flavours come from is a perfect showcase of how good Glenfiddich and Balvenie are at marrying liquids in larger vessels. It has crept up in price over the years but even when compared to its older siblings it is totally worth it..." - thewhiskeywash.com
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Habitation St Etienne XO Agricole Rhum (700ml)MARTINIQUE$189. 99Bottle$2279.88 DozenABV: 43%A well-aged rhum agricole from Martinique's Habitation Saint-Étienne, including rums distilled back in the 1960s. This guarantees to up the richness. Expect pronounced notes of cocoa, mocha and tobacco, enhanced with touches of sweet spices. 43% Alc./Vol.![Bakery Hill Classic Malt Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)]()
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Bakery Hill Classic Malt Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)Victoria, AUSTRALIA$159. 99Bottle$1919.88 DozenABV: 46%Few distillers outside of Scotland have managed to create a whisky that approximates the quality or style of the Scottish original, or when they have, the whisky has usually relied upon the importation of key ingredients from the ‘homeland’. Bakery Hill achieve that with their Classic using local grains. Barreling at Bakery Hill is done using select second fill American Oak Bourbon barrels. French Oak casks are also used for the production of the classic double wood style. 46% Alc./Vol.
As straight as a die malt which makes little attempt to veer away from its cream toffee theme. 88 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2023
'American Oak has given the whisky great complexity on the nose, on the palate we are talking of something in the style of Glenmorangie. The finish is pure coco. Startling malt-oak complexity, offering easily the most stylish Australian malt I have found.' 46% Alc./Vol. - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2004.
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2019 Riposte The Cutlass Single Vineyard Shiraz - Last StocksAdelaide Hills, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 6 Years (2021-2027)ABV: 13.5%Closure: StelvinTotally opaque black dark purple colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Spicy dark plum and red liquorice scents intermix with clove, mint, vanillin cedar and subtle earth notes. Mid weighted, the palate has a refined feel to it with pepper infused flavours of red plum and liquorice overlaying meaty characters, light scorched earth and spicy vanillin cedar. Graphite like tannins and fresh acidity lead into a savoury, elegant, red fruited aftertaste that has peppered meat elements coursing through it.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.5%
Other Reviews….
Adelaide Hills and shiraz are having a public love affair, exemplified by this brightly flavoured pepper and spice cherry fruits, on a very complex palate that's just within medium-bodied bounds. Its 50% whole-bunch fermentation adds fine, savoury tannins to the long finish. Drink by 2027.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion![1015256_1.jpg]()
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Bleasdale Sparkling ShirazLanghorne Creek, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$23. 99Bottle$287.88 DozenCellar: Drink now - 5 Years (2020-2025)ABV: 13.5%Closure: Diam CorkA multi vintage Sparkling Shiraz that contains reserve wines going back to 1997, Bleasdale freshening up the base blend every Spring by adding a portion of new vintage Shiraz to it. Fermentation takes place in open vats before maturation in a mixture of seasoned oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.
A plush, richly flavoured sparkling Shiraz.
A frothy purple tinge mousse shows good hold over a black dark coloured base wine that’s finely threaded by a nibble stream of tiny bubbles. Lifted blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice scents combine with vanilla, light toast and traces of earth. Rich, full and satiny, the palate is awash with blackberry and liquorice fruits which create a luscious textural feel. Vanillin oak, subtle dark chocolate and earth elements also chime in. Excellent depth and concentration with a long succulent aftertaste. A great match for the Christmas Turkey.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
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Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth (750ml)Marsiellan, FRANCE$46. 99Bottle$563.88 DozenABV: 18%Closure: Cork"More muscular than many equivalent Italian Dry Vermouth, but sometimes a bit of muscle is required." 5 stars - diffordsguide.com
After centuries of production, Noilly Prat tweaked their recipe in 2009, coupling it with a sleek new bottle design. Surprisingly, most seem to prefer the new version over the old. We revisited this bar essential in 2026 and found the quality as good or better than we can recall. Whiffs of white wine upfront develop an oxidative, slightly saline, flor sherry character after air contact, complexed by hints of bay leaf, juniper and thyme. It's more winey in the mouth, deliciously textural at mid palate becoming superbly dry, nutty and manzanilla-like with lingering bitter herbs and a faint citrus peel tang. Whether you consider it the finest Dry money can buy may depend on your intended use. But for a classic, wine-driven French style, it's difficult to imagine a superior alternative. Chamomile, coriander from Morocco, bitter oranges from Tunisia and elderflower, amongst other botanicals, are key. The base wine, which is clearly no slouch, remains true to the Languedoc blend of Picpoul and Clairette. 18% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The new version is striking in its changes but it’s still a real vermouth: It’s got a distinct, light gold color to it and hits the tongue first with some sweetness and a more pronounced herbal flavor, before then fading into a lighter bitter finish. The new Noilly Prat is quite reminiscent of Lillet Blanc and even reminded me a bit of Strega. (However, both Noilly Prat versions — tied at 36 proof — are better than Martini & Rossi dry vermouth… but of course they say you should only drink Italian vermouth if it’s sweet and stick with France for the dry.) Of course, the true test of any dry vermouth is in a martini… and I’m happy to report the new Noilly Prat shines with either gin or vodka. Check it out! - drinkhacker.com
...Extremely pale yellow. Wonderfully alive in the nose, as subtle, woodsy scents of juniper, thyme and laurel make an impression. It's clean, dry and refreshing at palate entry; midpalate shows traces of citrus, pine and berries. Aftertaste is harmonious and medium-long. The finest dry vermouth money can buy. 93 points - wineenthusiast.com
"More muscular than many equivalent Italian Dry Vermouth, but sometimes a bit of muscle is required." 5 stars - diffordsguide.com
In 1800 Joseph Noilly decided to break with tradition. He began producing the first ever Dry Vermouth to compete with the sweet Italian ‘Turin’ styles. He achieved this by making three fundamental changes to the method of production. The first involved the addition of local flowers and fruits to his original recipe of 20 herbs. The second saw to the use of dry wines made from the Picpoul and Clairette grapes from the Languedoc. After macerating and blending, the third point of difference was to adopt a ‘new’ method of ageing which was known locally as "vin cuit" (‘cooked wine’.) This essentially involved transferring the wine into small oak barrels to be left outdoors. This exposure to climatic extremes lasts 12 months and actually speeds the wines aging process by up to four times. The barrels are finally emptied into huge blending vats, fortified and then left a further twelve months to marry before bottling.
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Compagnie Des Indes Spiced Rum (700ml)Caribbean,$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%By several reports, this sets a new standard for the category. Far from the segment’s clichés, it's not one of those syrupy rums packed with sweeteners and colourings, rather it's an authentic spiced rum, with very little added sugar (15g) and zero colourings. Using a base blend of Dominican rums (approx. 80%) and Venezuelan Rums (approx. 20%), slowly infused with ingredients like black pepper, ginger, liquorice, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg for two weeks, whether sipping straight or mixing, it promises a delicious spiced rum experience. 40% Alc./Vol.![1011045_1.jpg]()
Gran Centenario Reposado 100% Agave Tequila (700ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%Closure: CorkOther reviews... Brilliant medium golden hue. Tropical fruit, meringue and clover honey nose. A soft supple entry leads to an dry, glycerous medium body with fruity roasted agave, honey, and spice notes. Finishes with a lengthy and elegant fade of caramel roasted nuts and spice. Smooth, elegant, and well-structured. 40%Alc./Vol. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
93 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com![Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)]()
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Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND$299. 00Bottle$3588.00 DozenABV: 40%Is this the Holy Grail of blended Scotch Whisky? The Blue Label blend echoes early pioneering days when Johnnie Walker would select a small number of whiskies in his own local grocery shop in order to create an outstanding blend for the specific tastes of a highly valued customer. John Walker and his son Alexander began their earliest blending experiments using a limited range of whiskies, drawn mainly from the islands, the western and northern Highlands and a few distilleries in Speyside. After rejecting whiskies that didn't meet their standards, they found that the very best were strictly limited in supply. Following their lead, the Johnnie Walker master-blender developed Blue Label as a celebration of the founder's unremitting standards for only the highest quality whisky.The blend is similar to the taste and character of some of the earliest whisky blends created in the 19th century, possessing a traditionally rich peaty taste combined with an exceptionally smooth, deep, distinctly malty flavour. Whiskies of up to 60 years old contribute to its character.
In 1993, a panel of international experts at the International Wine and Spirit Competition awarded Johnnie Walker Blue Label its most prestigious medal, the Gold Medal for the Best Blended Whisky. Indeed this is a venerable whisky and one that would have been much appreciated by Walkers clients. A toasty, sweet aroma is complemented by a peaty and spicy taste that develops into heady flavours of oak, dark-chocolate and rich fruitcake. Comprising 16 of the world's rarest whiskies, Blue Label is dominated by Islay malt whisky, and balanced by several rich Speyside malts that have undergone exceptional periods of sherry oak maturation.
Other reviews… Magnificently powerful and intense. Caramels, dried peats, elegant cigar smoke, seeds scraped from vanilla beans, brand new pencils, peppercorn, coriander seeds, and star anise make for a deeply satisfying nosing experience. Silky caramels, bountiful fruits of ripe peach, stewed apple, orange pith, and pervasive smoke with elements of burnt tobacco. An abiding finish of smoke, dry spices, and banoffee pie sweetness. Close to perfection. Editor's Choice - 97 points whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick 2018
...Nose: Opens very slowly to reveal a mass of aromas: lanolin, smoke, hessian, dried fruit, polished wood floors, oak, liquorice, cake, silky red fruit, cream. Palate: Hold it in the mouth and there's allspice, sultana cake, crisp malt, bung cloth, turfy smoke which builds in intensity as the whisky opens. Finish: Long, smoky, but also fruit pastilles. Comment: This needs time. Right enough at this price you're hardly going to shark it back. 90 points - David Broom, whiskymag.com
Nose: Perfumy. Lime skins. Juniper. Slightly sweet spiciness. Tobacco? juicy oak. Palate: Beautifully rounded. Voluptuous. Ginger cake. Marzipan. Nuts. Pears in chocolate. Finish: Flowery dryness. roses. Long, lingering. Comment: A lovely, luxurious whisky. 40% alc./vol.
9.3 - Michael Jackson, whiskymag.com![1016665_1.jpg]()
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- Packaging may vary
Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, UNITED STATES$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 45%"...a tremendous value for those seeking a higher-aged and lower-proof bourbon from one of the nation's best distilleries." - breakingbourbon.com
Bourbon is a family tradition at Wild Turkey, with Master Distiller Jimmy Russell following his father and grandfather before him, more recently joined by his son, Eddie. Both men believe ten years is a wonderful stage of maturity for a bourbon. In fact, it was Eddie who suggested to Jimmy that they offer a special bottling to demonstrate just that. Jimmy agreed, and in honour of their joint effort, he put their name on it. Since launching around 2008, we've had several opportunities to taste this whiskey, and in our opinion, it remains one of Kentucky's top values. Given enough air time to settle into its groove, you get a robust bourbon sniff that evokes spicy toffee apple, sweet cereals, vanilla, dark chocolate and dried fruits, pancake and maple syrup. The palate exhibits a mouthwatering sweet / dry balance with bold, crisp, crunchy grains (plenty for rye lovers here) followed by beautifully integrated spices, finishing with hints of cool mint freshness and impressive staying power. In the core range, this has the oldest age statement but one of the lowest proofs, a combination which some tasters think allows the nuances of well-aged Wild Turkey to be showcased in a more delicate way. The mash bill remains consistent with other expressions, being 75% corn, 13% rye and 12% malted barley. 45% alc./vol.
Other reviews... Russell's Reserve 10 Year may not be the most talked about Wild Turkey bourbon, but it offers a tremendous value for those seeking a higher-aged and lower-proof bourbon from one of the nation's best distilleries. Wild Turkey offers less in the range of bourbons than other big Kentucky distilleries, largely because they use only one bourbon mashbill and their distillate enters the barrel well under the maximum 125 proof required by law. However, each of their products offers something unique, and Russell's Reserve 10 Year is no exception. Just as importantly, it's readily-available and typically found within range of its MSRP. While it’s not often cited as people's favorite Wild Turkey product, it's a must-have for anyone seeking a traditional higher-aged, lower-proof sipping bourbon. - breakingbourbon.com
...Nose: Fascinating layering of diverse aromas ; something almost smoky to this one, perhaps from extracting a peculiar, heavy-ish character from the oak; thinned by a delicate gooseberry note (yes, really!) - as opposed to the usual citrus - which itself is sandwiched between subtle Demerera sugar and vanilla; the rye also makes itself heard; Taste: the body flexes muscles enough to compound the rich brown sugar/liquorice background and intense rye fruitiness. Serious chewing required; Flavour: excellent depth, with the oaks now offering impressive soft bitter balance; remains long and consistent as the spices amplify; Body: unquestionably an upgrade on the last bottling i examined and shows complexity of this world great distillery. But i still cannot even begin to get my head around that a whiskey named after bourbon legend Jimmy Russell is bottled at 90 proof and not his own preferred 101. One of the true wonders of the whiskey world, that... 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2010
Nose: Stunning rye-citrus combo...Taste: seriously mega for its age, not so much in the firm cocoa oak, but the utter enormity of the small grain depth...Finish: gentle, minty spices cool the mouth... Entirely flawless whiskey. 96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2006
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Grey Goose Vodka (700ml)Cognac, FRANCE$80. 99Bottle$971.88 DozenABV: 40%In 1998, the Beverage Tasting Institute of Chicago conducted a blind taste test of more than 40 vodkas. They awarded points based on smoothness, nose and most importantly, taste. Of all the vodkas sampled, Grey Goose emerged victorious receiving 96 points out of a possible hundred and was awarded the only Platinum medal. If sales comparisons reveal anything, Grey Goose is set to become the world's leading super premium Vodka, outselling traditional products from Poland, Sweden and Russia. Such results were not anticipated from this humble grain vodka made in the Cognac region of France!Other reviews... "Medium-bodied. Anise, citrus peel, herbs, minerals. Soft, rounded texture. Plush palate with a delicate edge. Shows off rich fruit elements surrounded by beautiful aromatics. Lovely fragrance holds forth as backnotes of lighter spice and stone are discerned. A sensational, elegant drink, that will do well with a twist and a good chill." - tastings.com
Other reviews... "Crystal-clear and pure. Nose is unabashedly smoky in the first nosings; aeration smoothes it out as fetching aromas of mint, harvested grain and grain husk assert themselves. On palate, the entry is intensely grainy, silky and off-dry; the midpalate offers moderate bite plus chewy tastes of cracked wheat and cocoa bean. Aftertaste is dry, cleansing and medium-long." 90-95 points 40%Alc./Vol. - wineenthusiast.
More about Grey Goose Vodka...
Although Grey Goose Vodka is distilled and bottled in Cognac, France the product is 100% American owned. Chairman, Sidney Frank, dreamed of creating a vodka with a taste as radiant as its presentation. "I went to one of the finest distillers in France and asked for their assistance in making this dream of mine a reality" says Frank. "We tested various blends of grains and different water sources. When we tested the mineral water from the Gente springs of Cognac, which is naturally filtered with Champagne Limestone, we realised we had discovered the perfect source."![1011411_1.jpg]()
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Canadian Club Classic 12 Year Old Blended Canadian Whisky (700ml)Walkerville, Ontario, CANADA$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%The Canadian Club brand was first introduced in 1858 by Hiram Walker, a grain merchant turned distiller. Born in New England in 1816, Hiram Walker came west to Michigan in the 1830's to seek his fortune. After a few false starts, he launched a successful grocery business in Detroit and learned how to distil his own cider vinegar instead of selling someone else's for a minuscule profit. Walker then decided to branch into whisky. His first barrels were produced in 1854 and were a great success due to their fine quality and purity. Concerned about Michigan's strong puritanical temperance atmosphere and aware of the good farmland being opened up by the Great Western Railway on the Canadian side of the river, Walker decided it was time to make a move. The distillery he established from next to nothing later grew into 'Walkerville' (Ontario) a town revolving almost entirely around Hiram Walkers many enterprises. The town was later recognised as a model of industrial self-sufficiency.'From patience comes perfection' - this is the philosophy behind the production of Canadian Club Classic. Unlike any other whisky, being characteristically light, mild and delicate, Canadian Club Classic owes its clean taste and distinctive character to the fact that it is blended before maturation in white American oak barrels for a minimum of twelve years. The blend is founded on a triple distilled base spirit which is then married with two 'flavouring spirits' - one double distilled, the other single distilled.
Tasting note: Deep burnished copper colour. Moderate aromas fall in the dessert spectrum - creme caramel, vanilla slice, plus a touch of cinnamon and clove followed by a silky, creamy delivery with semi-sweet flavours of vanilla, short bread, dilute golden syrup and toffee in the aftertaste. A plush, gently warming Canadian with low key rye. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Pale golden amber color. Sweet, perfumed buttered caramel corn and spice aromas. A supple entry leads to a soft medium-bodied palate with rummy spice, medicinal herbs, and toffee notes. Finishes with a peppery, spicy rye fade. 84 points (Recommended) - www.tastings.com Nose: Drier, pruney, slightly medicinal. Palate: Rounded. Tightly interlocked flavours. Finish:Milk chocolate. Sweet. By far the biggest finish in this group of Canadian Clubs. Comment: That medicinal touch gives this whisky an appetising edge. Rating: 77 - tasting note sourced from Michael Jackson, www.whiskymag.com
...The bouquet features deep notes of butterscotch, nougat, almond paste and light vanilla. The palate entry offers succulent flavors of almond paste, candy and oaky vanilla; the midpalate is woody, caramel-like, with hints of dried yellow fruit, white pepper and spice. Finishes balanced, sweet and oaky. 90-95 points - www.wineenthusiast.com
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Imperial Measures Ounce Bold Gin (700ml)South Australia, AUSTRALIA$93. 99Bottle$1127.88 DozenABV: 47%Tasting note: Juniper, peppercorns and blood orange on the nose followed by weighty juniper accented flavours leading into a savoury, herb and pepper-laced finish. Nicely integrated gin for vibrant Martinis. 30ml sample. 47% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... 'Bold' is the crown jewel in Imperial Measures' gin portfolio, delivering robust, full and resplendent juniper throughout. Careful selection of spices and green herbs all elevate this intense pine, along with a higher abv to carry the oils. The nose is a crystal clear snapshot of freshly crushed juniper and savoury alpine notes, creating an enticing, lifted aroma. The palate then descends into far denser, oilier characteristics, with intense dry spice, provincial herb and almost a hint of smoke. Not for the faint of heart, this gin is what it says it is: bold. The intensity of it only builds before crescendoing into a lean olive flavour that both coats the finish but also delivers a hit of salt to coax another sip. Each time tasting this gin, new flavours present themselves and the complexity grows. 97 points - Jess Clayfield, winecompanion.com
Lovely juniper forward spirit, slightly resinous, with a hint of carraway and lemon peel, as well as a whisper of mint and cucumber. Nicely balanced overall. Gold Medal - World Gin Awards 2019
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Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur (700ml)ITALY$88. 99Bottle$1067.88 DozenABV: 20%A new and trending 'Aperitivo' with a 100% Italian provenance, taking the best ingredients from various regions including Bergamot from Calabria; Cedro from Sicilia; Roman Camomile from Tuscany; Lavender, Gentian, Yellow Roses and Melissa Balm from Piemonte - in fact, even the neutral grain spirit is Italian (indeed, so are the cap and bottle!)
Lightly citrusy on the nose with hints of rose and lavender, on the palate, Italicus offers ripe citrus balanced by floral notes and subtle bitterness. It's recommended in a 50/50 mix with prosecco over ice. Garnishing with a few green olives balances the floral aromas. Naturally sweetened with cane sugar as per the original 15th century Rosolio production process, Italicus also comes beautifully presented in a distinctive historically inspired bottle. 20% Alc./Vol.
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Cardhu 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%"Just about the cleanest, most uncluttered, pure, sweet malt you will ever find..." - Jim Murray
Founded in 1824, Cardhu was built on a site where illicit distilling had been in progress since about 1813. The distillery is located in the town of Knockando, which, incidentally, has a distillery by the same name. The famous Tamdhu distillery also lies in close proximity. All three operations rest in the region informally delineated as the 'lower Spey'. Whereas the upper, more mountainous regions which the River Spey twists through are but sparsely dotted with stills, the lower region is home to more whisky labels than anywhere else in Scotland. Famous as the malty middle used in the Johnnie Walker Blends, Cardhu is considered an excellent beginner's malt. The aroma opens with pristine malt that's like fresh baked oat biscuit. Very delicately peated, some baked citrus emerges. Semi sweet flavours include honey laced cereals (in particular, oats) and again the peat lingering underneath adding depth to the silky mouth feel. A delicious drying crispness enters at mid palate while the gently warming spices persist well into the aftertaste before concluding fresh and clean. Remains more of a crowd-pleaser than an individualist, but this is a significant improvement on a previous bottling with much more vibrancy and lift. Classic. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... The decline in the Spanish market has resulted in Cardhu becoming more widely available, which is A Good Thing as far as I am concerned. This is a grassy malt, which at 12 years also has a heightened citric spray of sweet orange zest and a gingery aspect (it's great with ginger ale). Intense and vibrant with macadamia and a light heathery note, the palate confounds expectations, having a thick chewiness before the grass zings through, adding lift. 85 points - whiskyadvocate.com
... a light, sweeter style, uncommonly rich with honey. The nose adds lavender and heather to the sweetness, but that sugary richness in the body is hard to overpower. Like a higher-tier Johnnie Walker, it turns out to be a simple and easy-drinking whisky, best suited as an aperitif or as a simple mixer. - drinkhacker.com
First taste April 2010 from a 150ml sample Dull gold with a pale straw hue. There’s a just touch of smoke lingering in the otherwise malt rich nose that offers other aromas of mixed nuts and dried apricots, then sweeter vanilla notes. The palate is very soft, medium weight and medium dry. Vanillan oak and sweet cereals pass over imperceptibly into a shortish aftertaste of cereals, vanilla and spice. Perfectly balanced and nothing to actually dislike here, but like a perfectly proportioned model, nothing especially individual either. A beige whisky. 86 points
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Valdespino El Candado Pedro Ximenez SherryJerez, SPAIN$47. 99Bottle$575.88 DozenABV: 18%Closure: CorkOne that proclaims to be the crème de la crème of PX’s and with six centuries of sherry production under their belts, Valdespino can lay claim to being one of the oldest sherry houses in the region. In a process called Soleo, after harvesting, the grapes are sun dried for two weeks to concentrate the sugar and turn the grapes into raisins. After partial fermentation of the must the wine is fortified and then enters the soleras where it’s aged for between 10-12 years in American oak casks.
A Magnificent Black Sherry
Deep sienna brown colour with deep olive green hue. Wonderful nose filled with the aroma of toffee, molasses, spice and brandied ripe raisins. The palate is a viscous treasure with its rich luscious texture and oil like consistency. Totally mouthfilling flavours of spice, honey, toffee and crushed dried raisins fill the mouth. Incredible length – perfect harmony with clean finish and exceptionally long aftertaste of treacle, caramel, honey and raisins. Perfect with chocolate cake and a must with the Christmas pudding.
Drink Now
Alc/Vol: 18.0%![1004524_1.jpg]()
Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka (700ml)UNITED STATES$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenABV: 37%Owned by the English, now bottled in Australia and imported from the U.S.A, Smirnoff ranks as the most popular mid-priced vodka on the market. Over 15 million bottles are sold annually (equivalent to half a million bottles per day), in over 150 countries world wide and it is estimated that one dozen bottles are sold every two seconds. Quality does tend to vary from country to country.
The product today has no real Russian connections, except by origin of its name. The original Smirnoff name dates back to 1815, when Ivan Smirnoff began production from a battle scarred shack, flavouring his product with raspberries, strawberries, plums and other fruits. His son, Piotr Smirnoff, carried on the tradition and gained the attention of the Tzar in 1886 at a town fair. Piotr's exhibition involved a real bear and waitresses dressed as bears serving vodka. Impressed, the Tsar appointed Smirnoff the official supplier of the Imperial Court (hence the references still on the label.)
Smirnoff is produced from specially selected neutral grain spirit which is blended with demineralized and filtered water. The charcoal for the filtration process is selected from a sustainable source of hardwood trees such as maple, birch or beech. These procedures ensure a clean, clear crisp result. 37% alc./vol.
Click here to learn more about Vodka.![15651610894_1.jpg]()
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The Whistler Calvados Cask Finish Blended Irish Whiskey (700ml)IRELAND$114. 99Bottle$1379.88 DozenABV: 43%Tasting note: Part of Boann distillery's 'Cask Finish' series. Irish whiskey often has a strong orchard fruit character, so Calvados should work well. This one has a creamy nose-feel with aromas of bubblegum, pear drops and vanilla, following with well-rounded, mouthfilling flavours of apple pie, cinnamon, juicy-fruit gum and a slightly acidic finish. The result here is simple but tasty. 43% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Other reviews... Honeyed, malty and citrusy on the nose, with some dried exotic fruitiness. Viscous and mouth-coating, lovely bold fruitiness - dried pineapple and papaya. Some wood spice in the mid-palate.
Gold Medal - World Whisky Awards 2020![1004536_1.jpg]()
Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin (700ml)London, UNITED KINGDOM$67. 99Bottle$815.88 DozenABV: 40%Released in the late 1980's, Bombay Sapphire was the first London Dry to be marketed as a 'super premium' Gin.
While most gins take their flavour from four or five botanicals, most notably, the juniper berry, Bombay Sapphire uses no less than ten, achieving an altogether more balanced and refined taste. Furthermore, the distilling process is unique. Most other gins boil up the botanicals with the spirit. But with Bombay Sapphire, the spirit is distilled alone. Thus it is in vapour form when it passes through the perforated copper botanicals basket. This process allows each delicate aroma to be absorbed from each respective botanical. These include almonds, lemon peel, liquorice, juniper berries, orris, angelica, cassia bark, cubeb berries and coriander. Bombay's character is more complex and herbal than other gins and its price is indicative of its quality.
No tasting notes available.
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Hampden Estate 8 Year Old Pure Single Jamaica Rum (700ml)JAMAICA$134. 99Bottle$1619.88 DozenABV: 46%Velier has more or less had exclusivity on Hampden rum bottlings since 2018, a collaboration that's likely to continue through their new organisation of La Maison & Velier. However, Luca Gargano makes it clear that this is not a Velier release, despite the similarity in packaging. After 250 years of exporting in bulk to independent bottlers and merchants alike, Hampden have finally released a rum under their own label. In this case, Velier is merely the distributor.
Thirty one barrels make up the blend. All the rums were derived from fermentation with wild yeasts (or dunder) "...a process not totally dissimilar from sour mashing in Kentucky, which uses the spent lees of distillation to cultivate flavour producing bacteria. The muck that's harvested from those pits is added to the fermentation to create one of the most biologically complex worts in the world of distillation and the resulting spirit is packed full of complex esters."
Add to that eight years of 100% tropical aging (arguably equivalent to over two decades in a European climate) and you have a drier styled rum with all the funk and complexity you associate with Jamaica's best. Cut back with local spring water to 46% Alc./Vol., no sugar or flavouring is added.
Other reviews... Although not my favourite, this is real quality stuff. Unsweetened, uncoloured, single pot-stilled rum. All ingredients declared, the standard Luca Gargano and Richard Seale are trying to get the industry to aspire to. Nose very funky, in keeping with the esters declared on the label. Gluey, acetone entry, fading into dried bananas. In the mouth it's a beast, punching above its 46%. Alcohol and other volatiles kick your palate, there is a long spiritey finish, but a shortage of dried fruit and wood. Bone dry, sweetness 1/5. In the throat there is a burn that goes up your nose and follows down into your gullet. This is not a subtle rum. It'll make you sit up and take notice of what is the craft of double retort pot stills. The complete opposite of Zacapa / El Dorado / Diplomatico. I'm not sure whether I'd buy it again, but I loved the experience of unusual, but serious quality. - rumratings.com
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Martin Miller's Gin (700ml)London, UNITED KINGDOM$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 40%Martin Miller's Gin is London distilled using over eight botanicals and aromatics including selected Tuscan juniper, cassia bark, angelica, Florentine orris, liquorice root, coriander, finest Seville citrus peel, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon bark. The botanicals are steeped overnight in the spirit to allow a greater infusion of flavour. Millers gin is distilled in the traditional way via pot still. This is a time consuming process, but for gin production it is unrivalled. It keeps the 'body' of the spirit high and because of a lower distilling strength the congeners (flavours) are kept within the final product. Millers use a one hundred year old copper still manufactured by John Dore & Co. in 1903.
Following distillation, most London dry gins are blended with British spring waters. Miller’s, however, is transported by ship to Iceland where it is blended with glacial lava filtered waters, supposedly the purest in the world. In the small village of Borganes on Iceland's remote west coast, a final ‘mystery’ ingredient, unknown even to the master distiller, is also added. Martin Miller’s Gin,' Westbourne Strength', was recently awarded ‘Spirit of the Year 2003’ by the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute (BTI), the world’s largest and most powerful drinks testing institute.
Tasting note: Clear. Initially citrus focussed with moderate scents of lemon gelato, mandarine peel and later herbal notes including sweet oregano, thyme and pickled ginger. Citrussy entry is home-made lemonade-like followed by drier, rooty, herbal / mild juniper flavours concluding moderately peppery, fresh and medium long. This latest batch seems more subdued than 4-5 years back. 40% Alc./Vol Other reviews... Clear. Sweet, candied lemon peel, and floral aromas. A graceful entry leads to a satiny, medium-to full-bodied palate with intensely fruity, citrus peel, mild juniper, and exotic peppercorn notes. Finishes very smoothly with a long, citrus and violet perfume fade. An elegantly-styled gin with a nouveau twist on a solid, juniper-driven, London-dry gin foundation.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
94 points (Exceptional) www.tastings.com![0150161065_1.jpg]()
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Christian Drouin Selection Calvados (350ml) - Half BottleNormandy, FRANCE$54. 99Bottle$659.88 DozenABV: 40%Column distilled from Perry Pears and cider apples. While Pays d'Auge Calvados typically benefits from extended ageing, Calvados from the Domfrontais region is more approachable young. Add old oak to the mix and the result is a deliciously fruity expression: Brimming with apple tart, ripe pear and orchard cider flavours and balanced by hints of cinnamon and crisp acidity, this is the perfect choice for Summer sipping or long drinks. Chefs will appreciate the small format. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Double Gold Medal, ADI's Judging of Craft Spirits, 2018, USA.
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Jansz Premium Cuvee BrutTasmania, AUSTRALIA$31. 99Bottle$383.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkGenerous white creamy mousse with fine and very persistent bead. Pale straw base wine colour. The nose displays delicate notes of citrus, yeast lees, cashew and some light sherbet end notes. The palate is quite flavoursome with citrus, yeast lees, baked bread and cashew flavours present. Clean crisp acid finish with aftertaste of yeast lees, baked bread and citrus.
Alc 12.5%
Other Reviews....
The 60/40% chardonnay pinot noir blend is sourced from Pipers River, Tamar Valley and Coal River. It has very good mousse, having spent a minimum of 18 months on yeast lees. It’s mouth-filling, with creamy cashew notes balanced by citrus zest and a dosage of 8.6g/l. Serious non vintage; great value.
93 points
James Halliday's Top 100 2023![189101660154_1.jpg]()
2019 The Macallan Concept Number 2 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$599. 00Bottle$7188.00 DozenABV: 40%Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not shown.
'Concept Number 2' is the second single malt in the Concept series created exclusively for global travel retail. Packaged as a celebration of music, the idea came from Macallan Whisky Maker, Steve Bremner who by day blends whisky and by night mixes music as a DJ.
Says Bremner, “Music has inspired many aspects of my life, both creatively and practically, as has whisky, so the creation of Concept Number 2 allowed me to look at my two passions through a different lens. Creating a track and crafting a single malt can take a similar path. Beginning with the layering of sounds just like the layering of different flavours from specific cask types. Each different cask brings its own influence to the character of the liquid, like each instrument, or sound, adds depth to a track. In both cases, we can alter each different element to play up or down particular sounds or flavours.”
Taste wise, Macallan describe sherry-seasoned American oak bringing a rhythmic sweetness of vanilla, citrus and toffee, while the rounded spiciness of Miguel Martin sherry casks create an energetic treble. Ex-bourbon casks introduce harmonies of floral citrus and vanilla. 40% Alc./Vol.
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Mezcal Vago Espadin Mezcal (700ml)Oaxaca, MEXICO$159. 99Bottle$1919.88 DozenABV: 50.1%Espadín is widely grown for its high sugar content and ease of cultivation. Expect a good balance of citrus and smoke in this punchy example from maestro mezcalero Aquilino Garcia Lopez.
Other reviews.... Awarded Double Gold, Best in Class & the coveted “Best Mezcal” at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
...Explosive, expressive aromatics in very clean, bright, easy-drinking spirit, this Espadin leads with guava, tomato leaf, Thai basil and fresh turmeric root. The palate is sappy and fresh, full of sandalwood, lavender and mixed garden cuttings. Very well-balanced. The texture is easy-going and refined, but the finish does leave one with a subtle impression of alcohol and not much else." 89.5 points - distiller.com
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Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$78. 99Bottle$947.88 DozenABV: 40%In 1996 Labrot & Graham's distillery was re-opened after a U.S.13 million dollar re-furbishment. Distilling has not taken place there since 1812. Owned by spirits industry giant, Brown Forman, the brand is now getting a push in export markets. The whiskey comes beautifully packaged in a large flask-style decanter, probably based on an historical original. Bottled at an approachable 40% ABV, it should be on a short list for any budding bourbon drinker.
Other reviews... Deep amber color. Spicy charred oak, sweet toffee, and pepper aromas. A rich entry leads to a dryish medium-to full-bodied palate with toffee, mocha, and white pepper flavors with a pronounced copper tang. Finishes with a sweet, charred barrel, brown, and metallic fade. An aggressive and spicy bourbon that will work nicely in a bourbon peach tea cocktail.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
90 points (Exceptional) - tastings.comNose: Cream-toffee and honeycomb. Vanilla and other gentle oaky tones waft through. Brilliant. Palate: Subtle spices warm the palate only for the honey to calm things down again. Sweetcorn, and brilliant, toasty brown-sugared depth. Finish: Some deft rye; the oak adds dryness. Comment: A bourbon of stunning complexity that really has improved in the last year or so as the depth has intensified. Easily among the best on the market in the UK. 9/10 points - whiskymag.com
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Oscar.697 Rosso Vermouth (750ml)ITALY$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 16%Produced in Canelli, in the province of Asti in the Piedmont region in Italy’s north-west, this fairly new Vermouth brand is the brainchild of three drinks experts: Stefano di Dio, Oscar Quagliarini (the brand’s namesake who created the recipe for the vermouth) and Oreste Sconfienza, a vermuttista who’s been making Italian vermouth since the late 1950s. Sleek contemporary packaging belies a traditional production method that follows the guidelines for Vermouth set out by the Italian authorities. Oscar.697 Rosso is described as having strong notes of absinthe, rhubarb and liquorice while cinchona, a botanical normally associated with rosso vermouths is absent. All the ingredients are natural with no colouring added. Try it in an Americanos or Manhattans. Other reviews... 4.5 stars - diffordsguide.com![60089401_1.jpg]()
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2016 Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi Vigna PedPiedmont, ITALY$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 15%Closure: CorkOther Reviews....
The Conterno Fantino 2016 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped shows beautiful richness and precision with abundant fruit, tar, smoke and black licorice. The wine is generous and exuberant in a manner that only Nebbiolo can be. In other words, it offers a big personality on a svelte and slender frame. Maceration times are short, lasting from 12 to 15 days, and the wine ages in barrique for 24 months. The fruit comes from a small site measuring slightly less than a hectare in Monforte d'Alba at a moderately high, cool altitude (at 360 to 380 meters above sea level). The opulence and softness of the winemaking is beautifully balanced against the precision and sharpness that is inherent to this vineyard site. Production is 6,200 bottles.
97 points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (July 2020)The 2016 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped is another gorgeous wine in this range. The natural richness of Mosconi comes through loud and clear, but unlike most wines made from this site, Conterno-Fantino's 2015 is wonderfully polished and refined from start to finish. Ripe red and purplish berry fruit, wild flowers, licorice, mint and lavender build as this super-expressive, inviting Barolo shows off its alluring personality. The 2016 is just so phenomenally delicious.
95 points
Antonio Galloni - VinousVery subtle and refined, yet there’s a line of fine-grained tannins running through the center palate. It’s medium-bodied, racy and beautiful. Needs two or three years to open.
93 points
James Suckling![41840616000_1.jpg]()
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23rd Street Distillery Violet Gin (700ml)Renmark, South Australia, AUSTRALIA$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 40%Tasting note: Distilled from sugarcane spirit, this striking ultra-violet gin employs butterfly peas steeped for eighteen hours to bestow its special tint. The floral soft nose accents lemon myrtle and home made lemonade. The palate is light and breezy with lime and low-key juniper, ending mildly peppery, lemony and medium fresh. Sensitive to pH, so the colour will change if you add tonic or lemon. 40% Alc./Vol.![1014464_1.jpg]()
Isle of Jura 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Isle of Jura, SCOTLAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 40%Lying just to the East of Islay, off Scotland's west coast, Jura is one of Scotland's most spectacular but least known islands. The Isle covers 36,692 hectares and rises to a height of 785m. The name Jura has several meanings : “two brothers Dih and Rah”, “island of yew trees”, and “island of red deer”. However, with a human population of under 200 and about 5000 red deer, (the deer out number the people by around twenty five to one), expert opinion tends towards the latter.
The Jura whisky is produced from water from Loch A'Bhaile Mhargaidh (Market Loch) and ground malted barley. The water is not peaty as the loch is high in the hills. The wash is distilled twice in pot stills. High necks on the stills give a light spirit. The whisky gains a little weight and richness by being matured in a mixture of American oak and Sherry casks.
The 10 year old Isle of Jura is a medium-bodied malt with the character and texture of a west Highland whisky - accessible with a hint of spice and fruitiness. Unlike some of its heavier Islay cousins, Isle of Jura is only lightly peated.
Tasting note: Nose: Oily, lightly piney, earthy, salty, dry. Palate: Sweetish, soft, malty, oily, slowly developing a slight island dryness and saltiness. Finish: A little malty sweetness and some saltiness. Comment: A lovely aperitif. 40% Alc./Vol.
Rating: 7.5/10 - tasting note sourced from Michael Jackson, www.whiskymag.com![All Saints Estate Rutherglen Muscadelle (375ml)]()
All Saints Estate Rutherglen Muscadelle (375ml)Rutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$27. 99Bottle$335.88 DozenABV: 17%Closure: Glass StopperThis wine has been produced from 4-5 year old stocks. Caramel brown, orange colour and orange olive hue. Aroma of honey, toffee, confectionary and spice. Moderate palate length, with flavours of honey and toffee followed by a touch of orange rind and caramel. Soft acid finish. Aftertaste of orange, honey and toffee.
