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Bakery Hill Peated Malt Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml) - Cask StrengthVictoria, AUSTRALIA$210. 00Bottle$2520.00 DozenABV: 61.8%With a selection of Scotch whiskies that far outnumbers whiskies produced elsewhere in the world, we've occasionally been accused of being parochial. However, for some time now we've been extolling the virtues of other world whiskies as well as Australian whisky, in particular those from Bakery Hill Distillery. Back in February 2005 when we first tasted David Baker's range we commented, 'Bakery Hill’s Single Malts, despite their youth, are very promising initial efforts, and as the spirits spend longer in barrel one can anticipate some very interesting results'. The Bakery Hill whiskies are now well passed the stage of been local curios and offer world class Single Malt experiences.
For those who are completely oblivious to this tiny distillery, some background information: David Baker, a former food scientist, distills his whisky in the picturesque foothills of Mount Dandenong then puts it aside for maturation in American Oak casks previously filled with Jack Daniels, which have been re-coopered at Heritage Coopers, in Melbourne's Diamond Valley. At the cooperage, the fresh 225 litre barrels from Jack Daniel's are dismantled, then the staves are re-bent and shaped into 100 litre barrels which David believes are the ideal size for maturation in Melbourne's diverse climate. Warmer weather causes casks to expand, cooler weather causing contraction - essentially a breathing effect which increases the rate of the whisky's oxidation and oak exposure, leading to accelarated maturation. The peated whisky is made using imported, peated barley (Victorian environmental laws forbid the burning of peat). The distillery's first spirit flowed in 1999. Today, wash is produced in 1000L batches which is then traditionally double-distilled in a made to order copper pot still. No caramel is added to the whiskies in order to enhance the appearance.'Instantly dispels the myth that great whisky can only come from Scotland'.
Cask 2208 tasted: Golden straw colour with very pale straw hue. At cask strength the nose shows strong, spicy, baked apple and pear top notes with hints of fudge and very delicate peat smoke underneath, with a gentle prickle. The addition of water tones down the spice, to expose soft silky aromas of stewed apple and pear, hints of malty vanilla and cocoa. At natural strength the palate is a thriller! A very bright, fresh, fruity assault before the malt grips and the smoke wakes up. On the back palate, the barley takes the reins and drives the exceptionally long spicy, gently smoky finish. The whisky gives a slight tingle and prickle, but it's in harmony with the massive array of flavours delivered. Dilution to around 40% alc. causes the whisky to become rich, silky and creamy. 59.9% Alc./Vol. -
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Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)Kilmarnock, SCOTLAND$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 40%There are many bottlings of Johnnie Walker, however few Australian whisky enthusiasts will be familiar with Johnnie Walker Gold Label. Until recently, Gold Label was reserved exclusively for the duty free market. The product has now been released at the retail level and provides lovers of Johnnie Walker with an opportunity to taste the portfolio’s "older brother".
Conceived by Alexander Walker in 1920 for a centenary blend, Gold Label had to wait another 30 years to see the light of day, due to shortages of aged malts caused by the First World War. It remained as jottings in a notebook until the early 1950s when, shortly after Alexander's death, the Johnnie Walker master blender completed this unfinished symphony. However, this time shortages caused by the Second World War, meant that bottlings were exclusively reserved for the company's blenders and directors. From its smoky, caramel and vanilla aroma to its creamy, honeyed taste, this Scotch whisky finishes with a light and lingering spiciness. It's unique character comes from an alchemic blending of 15 whiskies, at the heart of which is Clynelish, the rare Highland malt whisky made from spring water that flows over veins of pure gold.
40%Alc.Vol.Tasting note:Nose: Big, soft-hearted nose: honeycomb, meaad, exotic spice, rose petal, butter, light wood and ozone. Palate: Hugely silky and ripe: a whiff of smoke, peach, mango. All very rich, waxy and long. Finish: Soft, honeyed and gentle with some light smoke. Comment: Voluptuous and deeply sexy. More of a cousin to Black than a brother. Rating: 90 - tasting note sourced from David Broom, www.whiskymag.comsize>
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Rowan's Creek Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 50.05%Back in the late 1700's when John Rowan first settled in Kentucky, whiskey making was the order of the day. John went on and made a name for himself as a respected judge & statesman. The creek still bears his name. As a small batch bottling the profile will vary from batch to batch. Tasting note: [BATCH QBC 16-23 tasted] Amber-gold. The nose is 'pretty' for a Bourbon - almost floral, with aromas of beeswax, stewed pear, caramel fudge, light clove and white pepper. Incredibly approachable at high proof. So softly spoken, yet with a hard, peppery edge from the oak; just enough lingering vanilla/fruit sweetness to hold your attention, but the wood threatens the balance. Lean and savoury. 50.5% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... . Beautifully balanced, like Kentucky Vintage, but more complex and with greater depth. It’s also not as boldly dry as Pure Kentucky X.O. Rather, it is softer and more seductive. This is splendid bourbon! It would be a shame to adulterate this bourbon in any way—don’t even think of mixing it. Find yourself a quiet moment, pour yourself a measure, and savor. (Batch 03-59)
- www.maltadvocate.com 2nd Quarter 2005 Issue—Vol. 14#2
Click here to learn more about American Whiskey -
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Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$82. 99Bottle$995.88 DozenABV: 40%Tasting note... Pale gold. Subtle, soft, sweet orange rind and biscuit notes are overpowered by vanilla and cocoa. Very clean. Medium weight, semi-sweet cereal and biscuit flavours are accompanied by a pleasant spiciness. Vibrant and youthful. Biscuit and toasty cereals repeat on the moderate aftertaste. Uncomplicated everyday drinking. 40% Alc./Vol. First tasted 31/10/2005... A straight forward whisky that has nonetheless retained its characteristic smoothness that first won it the following of so many. The simplicity of the nose is repeated on the palate with dried fruits and a suggestion of peat. Extremely soft mouthfeel with a faint smokey finish. Other reviews... The world’s best-selling single malt. Isn’t that sufficient to give this dram some respect? It might be me, but it strikes me that ’Fiddich has more heft to it these days, with a sherried element giving the pear, apple, and light cereal of the distillery character a sweet, plump, sultana underpinning. This then adds chewiness to the palate, balancing the dry nuttiness and receding on the finish where those green fruits come through to add fresh acidity. Great balance. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Dave Broom (Summer 2013)
Reputedly founded with almost no capital and only second hand equipment bought from the Cardhu distillery, distillation at Glenfiddich began on Christmas day in 1887. It now boasts twenty-eight stills and is the largest selling single malt in the world and remains the only Highland Malt whisky to be matured and bottled at its own distillery in Dufftown, Banffshire, Scotland.William Grant, the founder of Glenfiddich was the man behind the success of the brand. However, it was only in 1963 when Glenfiddich was accepted into the blend-dominated English market in 1963, that Glenfiddich re-introduced Single Malts to the world. Glenfiddich was marketed as a 'traditional' Scotch whose taste expressed its origins, much like a great wine expresses its 'terroir'.
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Bookers Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$149. 99Bottle$1799.88 DozenABV: 63.3%Note: This is typically around 60%, however the ABV may vary from batch to batch.
In 1988, Booker Noe, Grandson of Jim Beam introduced his own signature bourbon - 'Booker's'- hand-selected and bottled straight from the barrel, uncut and unfiltered. He first created 'Booker's' as a holiday gift for his special friends, but the whiskey was so well received that he decided to make it available to bourbon lovers worldwide. This remains Beam's flagship brand and is packaged to show it.
Other reviews... Rich copper color. Toffee and earthy, oily roasted peanut aromas. A rich entry leads to a vibrant off-dry full-bodied palate with toasted coconut, toffee, dried fruit, brown spice, white pepper, and wood polish flavors. Finishes with a chewy tannic fade of rich spice and dried fruits. A big brawny style with fire and remarkable balance. Opens and smooth out great with water. Try with cigars. 89 points - tastings.com
- Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal (700ml)Oaxaca, MEXICO$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 43.2%
Popular in its homeland, Montelobos Mezcal has ties to William Grant & Sons, of Scotch whisky fame. Iván Saldaña, a respected agave academic with a background in molecular plant biology founded the distillery in Santiago Matatlán in 2012. Sourcing organically certified Espadin agaves, Saldaña has paired his talents with Mezcalero, Don Abel Lopez. Both share a passion for artisanal mezcal respecting traditional production methods (roasting agaves in a volcanic stone pit, crushing with a tahona and natural ferments), as well as a concern for sustainability and the quality of life in the communities and families who have produced mezcal for generations.
'Montelobos' which translates as "mountain of wolves" is yet another Mexican operation to have caught the attention of multi national corporations, and in 2019 it was acquired by Campari. The acquisition also included Ancho Reyes chili liqueur.
Other reviews... "The nose is fairly straight-forward with abundant notes of smoked meats and brine. The palate is where things get more interesting; flavors of lemon zest, salt, grilled rosemary and ash are detected. Overall, this is an enjoyable mezcal and at this price point, one that is very suitable for a cocktail." - distiller.com
5 Stars - diffordsguide.com
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Glen Grant 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$89. 99Bottle$1079.88 DozenABV: 40%"GG10 remains, if found at a bar, my single malt of choice." - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2025-26
Glen Grant is named after its two founders, James and John Grant who built the distillery in Rothes in 1840. After their death, the son of James, Major James Grant took over the business, and built another distillery across the road naming it “Glen Grant II” (today known as Caperdonich). The Major always aimed at producing a first rate malt, and so designed the distilleries especially tall, slender stills and purifiers himself. He reputedly enjoyed leading guests through his exotic gardens to a nearby falls where, taken from his secret whisky safe, he’d offer drams of Glen Grant accompanied by spring water drawn from the same Speyside burn that still feeds the distillery today. When the Major died, his grand son, Major Douglas Mackessack took over the distillery, continuing its success.
Like most distilleries, Glen Grant closed its doors during the two World Wars due to a lack of barley and has since changed ownership several times. The distillery was sold in 2006 to the Italian group, Campari as a result of the acquisition of Allied Domecq by Pernod Ricard. It remains one of the world's best-selling single malts (being especially popular in Italy).
Matured in x Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, the ten year old offers light, fresh, easy-drinking, with a mildly fruity bouquet (nashi pear), hints of dried grass, and subtle flavours of biscuity malt, vanilla and cinnamon; orchard fruits returning at the finish. 40% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Only Glen Grant at 10 can be this delicate, this refined, this understated and still unbelievably complex. It is this magical formula that every single malt distillery aspires to but only a small handful achieve. It is for this reason GG10 remains, if found at a bar, my single malt of choice. 96 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2025-26
(n23.5) OK: let's take turns in counting the rungs on the barley ladder here...the usual crisp aroma, but softened by deft, if unspecific fruitiness (maybe the distant aroma of a very old orange and by no means unpleasant!), myriad vanilla and butterscotch notes can do without the toffee one; (t24) magnificent! A malty delivery which simultaneously melts in the mouth, yet offers granite-like barley that crashes into your teeth; the star, perhaps are the sugars which vary from caster, through golden syrup and pans out somewhere in the muscovado range - curiously honey-free, though; (f23) a tad tangy, though the caramel returns to turn out the lights after the butterscotch and marzipan say goodnight...; (b23.5) unquestionably the best official 10yo bottling i have tasted from this distillery. Absolutely nails it! Oh, and had they bottled this at 46% abv and without the trimmings...my word! Might well have been a contender for Scotch Whisky of the Year. It won't be long before word finally gets out just how bloody good this distillery is. 95 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2013
Awarded: 'Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Years & Under' - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2015
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Martin Miller's Westbourne Strength Gin (700ml)London, UNITED KINGDOM$104. 99Bottle$1259.88 DozenABV: 45.2%Gin - The Dutch invented it, the English refined it, the New World glamorised it, and now , according to most reviews, Martin Miller's have perfected it. "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.
Miller's 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 is distilled in the traditional way via pot still. 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 is transported by ship to Iceland where it's 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.Other reviews... Clear appearance. Sweet floral and citrus aromas have an herbaceous, juniper edge. This is silky in the mouth with a bright citrus (grapefruit and clementine) character, spice, and juniper notes. Finishes in a long, smooth, citrusy fade. A very fruity and vibrant London-dry gin that will shine brilliantly on its own or in a cocktail. 45.2%Alc.Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Platinum Medal, 97 points (Superlative) - tastings.com...Crisp and classic, this gin is ideal for martinis. A light cucumber aroma leads the nose, opening up with more cucumber and juniper on the palate, finishing smooth and brisk on nutmeg and coriander accents. 94 points - wineenthusiast.com
- Stoli Vodka (700ml)Riga, LATVIA$63. 99Bottle$767.88 DozenABV: 38%
One lot only at Australia's best price!
Previously labelled as "Stolichnaya" (from the Russian 'Stolitsa' meaning 'capital city'), the west began drinking Stoli in 1972 after PepsiCo began importing it to the U.S. Since then, the vodka has become a sentimental favourite. Made in Latvia according to traditional Russian methods following the original 1938 wheat and rye-based recipe, the distillery triple filters the spirit through birch charcoal and quartz sands before blending it with pure spring water. Popular for its quality and slightly sweeter, oily taste and texture, after nearly eighty years of success, the brand introduced this new contemporary presentation in 2023, dropping the Soviet style label which featured Moscow's famous Moscova Hotel.
Other reviews... [NB - 40% batch tasted] Clear. Neutral wet stone and cream aromas. A buoyant entry leads to a round, dryish medium-to-full body of smooth cream, wheat dough, and delicate spice flavors. Finishes with a warming, peppery and sweet cream fade. A nice vodka with a smooth, classy edge. 92 points (Exceptional), International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
4.5 Stars - diffordsguide.com
- St-Remy VSOP Brandy (700ml)Multi District Blend, FRANCE$53. 99Bottle$647.88 DozenABV: 37%
Remy continues to represent value in today's competitive brandy market. From cooking to use as a mixer, Remy is an ideal all purpose example at a reasonable price. 37% alc./vol.
- Monte Alban Con Gusano Mezcal (700ml)Oaxaca, MEXICO$83. 99Bottle$1007.88 DozenABV: 40%Closure: Cork
The original Monte Alban Mezcal contains a specimen of the famous worm that inhabits the agave plant. It is actually the larva of one of two moths. There is some mystery surrounding the purpose of this worm and its supposed hallucinogenic properties. One theory is that the worm serves as proof of high alcohol, which is to say that if the worm does not disintegrate in the bottle, the percentage of alcohol in the spirit is high enough to preserve and pickle. We still hear of the occasional psychedelic experience but we are yet to be convinced these are actually related to ingesting the worm. Suffice to say that, if one has reached the bottom of a bottle of Tequila, hallucinations are bound to occur with or without worms. Higher quality mezcals do not generally include worms.
Often considered the “prototype” of all Tequilas, Monte Alban is, as one would expect from such a reputation, a fiery and wild spirit. Its pronounced nose of smokey oak and dust is reminiscent of a sweaty saloon bar ashtray, and evokes the faces of villains from one of Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns. The pungent nose carries on to the full-bodied palate that is tempered by the slightly sweet and spicy wood characters. Finishes with a big spirit hit and a long warming aftertaste. Sip neat or enjoy in the conventional way with salt and fresh lime juice: a small amount of salt tongue, followed by Mezcal and only then – lime juice. However one decides to enjoy Monte Alban, we do not recommend it for the faint hearted. 40% alc./vol.
Other reviews...Brilliant golden pale amber color. Smoky agave, grilled pineapple, and prairie fire aromas. A soft entry leads to a buoyant light-to-medium body of grilled jicama, prune, and light petrolly mineral flavors. Finishes in a tangy, charred pineapple, white pepper, and muddy straw fade with lingering, tongue-numbing warmth. A solid mezcal for making interesting agave-based cocktails. International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal
RATED: 85 points (Highly Recommended) - tasting note sourced from www.tastings.com -
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Campari Bitters (700ml)Milan, ITALY$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 25%Closure: Screw CapLike most liqueur / aperitif producers, the Campari company considers its recipe as the key to its ongoing success. Consequently, secrecy is paramount. The complete recipe, kept in a bank vault, is known only to the company's President who overseas weekly production. With worldwide annual sales now exceeding tens of millions bottles, this cautionary attitude is perhaps understandable. What is known is that it contains quinine, ginseng, orange peel, herbs and rhubarb that are steeped in a mixture of water and alcohol. The drink is then coloured with cochineal. It's typically served very cold without ice but with a dash of soda to release the flavours.Other reviews...Light red color. Dark berries and spice on the nose. A smooth attack leads to a somewhat sweet, medium-to full-bodied palate with ripe and tart black cherry and dark fruit flavors that give way to a barrage of extremely bitter herb and fruit pit elements that dominate the back palate and linger as the fruity sweetness dissipates. A complex and dynamic aperitif that could use a mixing element to calm down the bitterness.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
93 points (Exceptional) tastings.comCherry-red color. Nose is snappy and expectedly bitter in a woodsy, earthy, quinine-like way. Palate entry is mild in a sweet-sour fruity manner; midpalate is sweet and only moderately bitter. Finishes long and mildly quinine-like. While I’m not a bitters aficionado (more a bitter aficionado, really), Campari and orange do positively click. I’m savvy enough to know when not to argue with 58 million Italians. 80-84 points - www.wineenthusiast.com
- Tromba Cinco Cinco Still Strength Blanco Tequila (750ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 55%Tromba takes its name from the ‘big rain’ which arrives in the Jalisco region every spring. These rains provide the nourishment required to yield some of the finest agaves in Mexico. Created by veteran distiller Marco Cedano, Tromba's latest release, 'Cinca Cinca' is one of a handful of higher strength tequilas to enter the Australian market to date. Expect extra texture and intensity. 55% Alc./Vol.
- Glenfarclas 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenABV: 40%
Glenfarclas - "Glen of the green grassland" - has an enviable reputation amongst whisky lovers around the world. Noted Whisky writer, Micheal Jackson comments of the distillery: "Among the handful of truly stand-alone distilleries in Scotland, Glenfarclas is the most assertive of its independence, by far the longest established, and the best known to connoisseurs. Its whiskies are in the top flight among Speysiders, though they do not enjoy the wider popular reputation of some similar examples from this region."
Other reviews... Less intense sherry allows the youth of the malt to stand out. Mildly quirky as Glenfarclas and enormous entertainment! 40% Alc./Vol. 86 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2012size>
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Chandon BrutSouth Eastern Australia, AUSTRALIA$29. 99Bottle$359.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkMoet and Chandon established Chandon Australia in 1985 with the purchase of land in the Yarra Valley and the creation of a sparkling winemaking facility. Their sparkling wines have been consistently excellent, which has in part been due to their ability to source a wide variety of grapes from cool climate growing regions from around Australia.
Retasted 30/09/2010:
Grapes for this sparkling are sourced from a range of premium cool climate vineyards in the South Eastern Australia, including the Yarra Valley, Strathbogie, the King and Buffalo Valleys in Victoria, and Coonawarra in South Australia. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir the wine pours with a good white creamy mousse that’s relatively short lived. Pale straw coloured base wine with very fine bead showing excellent persistence. The nose displays aromas of brioche, yeast lees and biscuit with a lemon sherbet like end note. Clean delicate palate flavours of biscuit, yeast lees and lemon with a light toast overlay. Crisp clean finish. Aftertaste of biscuit and lees with some light toast also emerging.
Drink over the next 2-3 years (2010-2013)
Alc 12.5%Tasting Note: A fuller style N/V Sparkling. Bright straw colour with pale straw hue. Short lived mousse. The bead is quite fine but not profuse. The base wine displays bottle age and multi-cuvee blending. Yeast lees top note, followed by cashew and a hint of hazelnut. Full bodied palate. Creamy texture. Clean finish.
Cellar 2-3 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol 12.5%
First Tasted: 9/11/2000. This wine displays a wonderful spectrum of apricot pink hues. Excellent mousse, followed by very fine persistent bead. The nose displays complexity with notes of winter strawberries layered over yeast lees. Creamy texture, with again subtle flavours of strawberries and yeast lees. Clean finish, followed by a very long aftertaste of lees, biscuit and strawberries.
Drink Now
Alc/Vol: 13.0%
Rating: 94 - Tempus Fugit Creme de Banane Liqueur (700ml)SWITZERLAND$94. 99Bottle$1139.88 DozenABV: 26%There have been few high quality banana liqueurs on the market. Suntory produced a very good drier style called ‘Lena Banana’ for some time, however this version from Tempus Fugit sets the bar for the category in terms of flavour, authenticity and quality. The liqueur first emerged in the mid-19th century when the banana was revered as a rare and exotic treat. Sourced from Europe's distant colonies, it soon became one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. As a cocktail modifier it delivers the ripe and complex flavour of banana that bartenders have described as 'liquid banana bread'. Apart from consumer consensus, Tempus Fugit's Creme de Banane has also received the highest rating of 5-Stars from F. Paul Pacult's prestigious Spirit Journal, resurrecting this quintessential crème as a modern classic and the perfect accompaniment for Tiki cocktails. Created from nothing but the distillation and maceration of bananas, water and sugar. 26% Alc./Vol. Other reviews... "This is an amazing liqueur achievement of the top rank."
Highest recommendation. - F. Paul Pacult, The Spirit Journal It's dark colour and intense, over- ripe banana flavour set this superb creme de banana apart.
5+ stars - diffordsguide.com -
- Nicks Import
Bouvet Saphir Saumur Brut Vintage Methuselah (6000ml)Saumur, Loire Valley, FRANCE$380. 00Bottle$4560.00 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 (2009-2010) Alc/Vol: 12.5% Very Limited Stocks of the Imperial bottlings. -
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Jameson Irish Whiskey (700ml)Dublin, IRELAND$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 40%No bar is complete without a bottle of Irish Whisky, and more than likely that whisky will be Jameson's - a timeless spirit combining the ancient traditions of Irish Whisky-making with a contemporary expertise.In 1780, John Jameson established his distillery in Bow Street, Dublin. Determined that his whisky would be the finest in the world, he laid down rules for quality that have been maintained to this day. John Jameson was fastidious as a whisky maker and patriarchal as an employer. His dedication to quality went through every aspect of the business, from the barley strain, which he encouraged the farmers to grow, to the choice of sherry casks used for maturation.
The growth enjoyed by Jameson Irish Whisky in the 1960s meant that expansion of facilities became necessary. In 1975, production was moved to the Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork. The new Distillery has remained true to the original methods and standards. Today, the Midleton Distillery is acknowledged as one of the finest whisky distilleries in the world with world wide sales of 1.5 million cases a year.
Triple distilled for smoothness, Jameson Irish Whisky's production process differentiates it from Scotch and American whisk(e)ys. Made with pure water and a combination of malted and unmalted barley, the malted barley or malt is dried by warm air. This ensures that smoke does not come into contact with the grain and that the natural taste of the barley shines through in the final whisky. This is unlike the Scotch production process, in which peat smoke is blown through the malt and flavours it.In Ireland, one of the secrets of making whisky lies in the slow, triple distillation in copper pot stills. This method of distilling gives the whisky its remarkable smoothness and round flavour. Other whiskys are distilled only once or twice. Meanwhile, the mellow, sweet taste of Jameson Irish Whisky is attributed to the length of time the spirit is allowed to mature in seasoned American and Sherry oak casks.
Tasting Note: Light gold hue. Floral aromas abound over a grainy background. A typical Irish blend - nutty, sweetish palate, relatively simple and light-bodied but exceptionally smooth and clean. Ends shortish with a sweet grainy aftertaste and a lovely, mild spririt warmth. Almost liqueur like in texture. Excellent value. 40% alc./vol.
Other reviews… Nose: Very aromatic. Waxy orange skins. Linseed oil. Leather. Palate: Big, oily, creamy, sociable. Finish: Delicate. Peppery. More-ish. Comment: A superb Irish for everyday drinking. I love this, though not quite as much as the 1780.
Rating: 75 - Michael Jackson, www.whiskymag.com'The inclusion of extra pot still is one thing; getting the balance as fine as this is something else. Truly magnificent: this is the current Irish masterpeice. As classically Irish as someone called Seamus O’Grimmins. '
Rating: 95- Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2006.
50ml Irish Whiskey 90ml Fresh Coffee 25ml Brown Sugar Syrup 2.5cm Whipped Irish Cream Method: Combine the whiskey, coffee and syrup in a tody glass. Ladle 2.5cm of cream on top.
Classic Cocktail: The Irish Coffee
Joe Sherdian, a barman at Foynes 'Flying Boat Terminal' (now known as Shannon International Airport) in Ireland, orignally prepared this drink. Sheridan had a habit of greeting weary travellers sneaking into war-torn Europe on seaplanes from the United States with hot coffee laced with Irish whisky and topped with lighlty whipped Irish cream.
Variations include: Cafe Amore: Amaretto and brandy. Calypso Coffee: Rum and Kahlua. Jamaican Coffee: Rum and Tia Maria. Kioke Coffee: Brandy and Kahlua. Mexican Coffee: Tequila and Kahlua.
- recipe taken from The Craft of the Cocktail, Dale DeGroff 2003
Click here to learn more about Irish Whiskey - Seagrams V.O. Blended Canadian Whisky (700ml)Ontario, CANADA$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenABV: 37%A blend made of Canadian whiskies at least six years old.
Other reviews... A nose like light caramel corn, with a hint of biscuit dryness and a smidgen of cinnamon sugar. Light in the mouth, sweet and a bit spicy, with some cinnamon heat toward the end. There is a bit of a roar right in the middle, where the grainy sweetness catches fire briefly, but mostly this is fairly meek stuff. Made for mixing, no real flaws. 81 points - whiskyadvocate.com (Fall 2012) Reviewed by: Lew Bryson
...Nose: Sweet. Crème caramel, hint of brown sugar. Raisins in a vanilla syrup. A touch of raspberry juice. Touch of resin. Palate: Crisp and dry, bursting into a gingery spiciness. Finish: Spicy and dry, oaky, quite lingering. Comment: A well put together dram with a solid oak frame.
80 points
- Martin Nouet, whiskymag.com - The Milk & Honey Distillery Elements Peated Single Malt Israeli Whisky (700ml)ISRAEL$129. 99Bottle$1559.88 DozenABV: 46%Matured in barrels that previously held Islay whisky, then blended with ex-bourbon barrels left to mature under the hot Tel Aviv sun. The result is a delicate, rather mellow and lightly peated whisky. Non Chill Filtered. Classified Kosher. Other reviews... Well distilled, though the half-hearted peat is never entirely convincing. 46% Alc./Vol. 84.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021 Notes from the producer... Aroma: Delightfully fresh. A distinct smoky, earthy scent opens to a unique balance of vanilla and oak notes, with a final hint of lemon. Palate: Medium bodied. Vanilla sweetness is followed by a delicate peat touch. A light spiciness accompanies ginger and lemon flavours. Finish: Long. The peat coats the mouth, with delicate oak and lemon flavours lingering on the tongue.
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Redbreast 15 Year Old Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (700ml)County Cork, IRELAND$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 46%"...what we have here is a truly great Irish whiskey and my pulse races in the certain knowledge it can get better still..." 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2017
Besides Midleton and Greenspot, Redbreast is one of the last surviving true Irish pot still whiskeys, triple distilled from a mix of malted barley and unmalted grains. In 2007, Irish Distillers produced a one-off 15 year old to celebrate the 50th anniversary of French retailer, La Maison Du Whisky. Such was its reception that it was decided to continue it alongside the regular 12 year old as a core product. Delivering more sherry input and with zero chill filtration, it is one of the most textural and buxom Irish we’ve tasted. The entrancing bouquet is spicy, creamy-yet-fresh, all at the same time. The palate turns oily, pithy then more cocoa-like with a cascade of sweets suggested, ranging through dark chocolate to vanilla wafer and toasted marshmallow. Oak adds balancing grip, while the overall persistence is sustained by oils through the aftertaste. Equally an Irish to savour with water which brings another dimension highlighting fruits on the nose (fig, orange oils) as well as in the mouth. Almost like two whiskies in one. Superb. 46% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Redbreast 12 year old is a classic pure pot still Irish whiskey; where can you go from there? This new 15 year old expression is more muscular (bottling at 46% and not chill filtering certainly helps), but there are trade-offs. It’s a bit closed on the nose (like a great Bordeaux wine that’s too young). I do enjoy the silky/oily texture, the bold resinous oak spice grip on the finish, and the rich nutty toffee, fig, black raspberry, chocolaty, chewy nougat throughout the palate. Still, it’s not as eminently drinkable, refined, or balanced as the 12 year old. 92 points- www.maltadvocate.com, (Vol. 19, #4) Reviewed by: John Hansell
... this 15-year-old builds on the beautiful flavors of the 12-year-old version, adding big, mouth-filling caramel tones, a spicy finish and a velvety feel. 91 points - wineenthusiast.com
The nose on this pure pot still Irish whiskey is nutty with light spices, oak, and red apples. The taste is smooth with roasted almonds, figs, blackberries, oak, and dark chocolate notes. The finish has a hint of vanilla with hazelnut and charred oak notes. Outstanding! 93 points - whiskycast.com
Category winner - World Whiskies Awards 2023.
Winner - World's Best Pot Still Whiskey - World Whiskies Awards 2015
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Chatelle Napoleon V.S.O.P. Brandy (700ml)FRANCE$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 37%In spite of the fact that he took an interest in grape cultivation on the island of Elba and much cognac is connected with his name, Napoleon (who almost certainly had cancer of the stomach) was quite indifferent to what he ate and drank. This truth of history has not deterred inumerable brandies from adopting his title as a rather meaningless designation of quality.
Nevertheless, 100% French brandy at this price is uncommon. Perhaps that’s why Chatelle’s popularity as an everyday drinking brandy maintains its strength. Recommended. Always good value. 37% alc./vol.
- Wyborowa Wodka Vodka (700ml)POLAND$57. 99Bottle$695.88 Dozen"The old line about vodka is that it's colourless, odourless and tasteless. The new line is that premium vodkas are much, much better. But what do they taste like when you can't see the labels?" To get an answer to that question, an Independent journalist wrapped nine bottles in newspaper and served them to a panel at London's Wodka Restaurant. On the panel was Ian Wisniewski, co-author with Nicholas Faith of the book "Classic Vodka". Mr.Wisniewski believes that all vodkas have a flavour, either good or bad and that in Eastern Europe, where vodka is served neat, the distilleries try to give it a pronounced flavour and character….This Polish vodka [WYBOROWA] was the first tested, and it met with a rapturous response…It was the favourite of our panel, as it is of many discerning barmen." - Sourced from the THE INDEPENDENT, May 25, 1997, in a report entitled "Tried & Tested: Clear Favourites" presented the results of blind-tests of a range of vodkas, conducted by the magazine's panel of experts.size>
How Wyborowa is made…size>WYBOROWA is one of the only vodkas in the world produced exclusively from rye grain. The rye used to make WYBOROWA is grown in a limited part of north-western Poland where the soil is loamy and the climate is milder than in other parts of the country. Only winter varieties sown in the autumn and harvested the following summer are used, because of their very high starch content. The grain is selected at regional agri-distilleries which complete the first stage of the distilling process, producing so-called raw spirit. Three-stage selection - in the field, on entering the distillery and then in the distillery's laboratory - eliminates all but the healthiest ripe grain. The next steps of distilling take place in the beverage distilleries, where the raw spirit is put through a technologically advanced rectification process and then the vodka is made according to the distillers' closely guarded, traditional recipe.
The WYBOROWA production process follows the rule of "3 X 3." This means "triple-cleaned, triple-distilled, triple-filtered." Even then, only the best, middle part of the batch ("No heads, no tails") is used for Wyborowa. The distillation process is carefully controlled to produce alcohol with the exact chemical and organoleptic parameters required for a brand that is distinguished for its consistent purity, taste and aroma. The aroma of grain spirit is difficult to eliminate, but for that it is also more desirable, so in the production of WYBOROWA some aromatic fractions are kept intentionally. The spirit is then diluted to the required strength with very soft water taken from the distilleries' deep wells and filtered with the most up-to-date equipment by reverse osmosis, the most natural way to filter. The water that is finally blended with the rectified spirit to make what is to become WYBOROWA is brilliantly clear and without any foreign taste or odour. The product is again filtered before bottling. The WYBOROWA resulting from all these painstaking procedures is a product of crystalline clarity with a character all its own. It has the barely perceptible sweetness of, not sugar, heaven forbid, but superior rye grain spirit. WYBOROWA has few equals for making martinis, serving on the rocks, and above all drinking NEAT - very well chilled (to about 3 degrees C and never more than 10 degrees C) and served in frosted shot glasses kept in the freezer. A perfect companion to caviar or smoked salmon hors d'oeuvres.
The extraordinariness of Wyborowa finds confirmation in the many awards it has won in some of the greatest international quality contests - up to now Wyborowa has gained twenty two gold medals. In 2001 Wyborowa won the gold medal Monde Selection and double gold medal (meaning the jury was unanimous) as well as the title of the best vodka in World Spirit Competition in San Francisco.
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O.P. Anderson Aquavit (1000ml)SWEDEN$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%First introduced in 1891, O.P. Anderson is named after the legendary Aquavit maker, Olof Peter Anderson. Produced from 100% grain spirit, cummin, anise, coriander and fennel , O.P.Anderson is an assertive, old world classic with a complex flavour of spice, aniseed, caraway and fennel. In addition to traditional smorgasboard dishes such as salmon and herring, O.P.Anderson adds new dimensions to dishes like Peking duck, grilled lobster, tandoori chicken, smoked salmon or prawns. To be at its best, O.P.Anderson should be served in small aquavit glasses and chilled. Shelf life is 2 years minimum. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
Tasting note: Clear. Dry, subdued scents of caraway, fennel and thyme. The palate has a juicy mouth feel with concentrated anise and sweet rye flavours delivered over a pure, silky, soft and very gently warming spirit. Good length. Finishes long with a gently spicy liquorice and caraway fade. 40% alc./vol.
SILVER MEDAL AT THE 1998 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION.
- Chambord Raspberry Liqueur (700ml)Loire Valley, FRANCE$66. 99Bottle$803.88 DozenABV: 16.5%
Made in France from hand picked, red and black raspberries (mûre), honey, vanilla, and Cognac. In the time of King Louis XIV the nobility of France entertained with feasts in their vast chateaux that were invariably concluded with liqueurs. It's in this tradition Chambord has been created- packaged in a spherical bottle with gold plastic lettered "belt". The bottle is modelled after a Globus Cruciger in order to reflect the liqueur's royal connection.
The most obvious drink to create with Chambord is of course Kir Royale - that being a dash of liqueur at the bottom of a glass of champagne. However, alternatives abound. For example, an equal mix of Chambord & Cognac gently heated in a glass makes an ideal heart warmer while the Chambord Vodka Tonic (a dash of Chambord, ice, 30ml. Vodka, tonic & lime garnish) makes for a delicious refresher. Other common drinks made from Chambord include Chambord Daiquiri, Chambord Royal Spritzer, Little Purple Men, The Purple Hooter Shooter, Sour Grapes, Grape Crush, French Martini (which started the "cocktails as a Martini" craze) and the original Sex on the Beach. Needless to say the liqueur is more than acceptable drunk neat, although it lacks some of the viscosity and intensity of its Dijon counterparts and is lower in alcohol. (16.5% alc./vol.)
As Chambord is made with all natural ingredients with no preservatives, it is best drunk within six months after opening.
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Wild Turkey 101 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (700ml)Kentucky, UNITED STATES$79. 99Bottle$959.88 DozenABV: 50.5%This is the original Wild Turkey as made by the company's founders, the Ripy Family. It was selected out of 400 to represent Kentucky at the World Fair in 1893. The style blends 6, 7, and 8-year-old bourbons using a 75% Corn, 13% Rye and 12% Malted Barley mashbill. As many competitors distill at higher (and less expensive) proofs, they must add water to bring down the proof of their bourbons. Wild Turkey, on the other hand, comes out of the barrel at about 109° allowing the distiller to add little water and retain the true characteristics of the bourbon flavour. So although it's not barrel proof, is very close to what came right out of the barrel. Jimmy Russell likens it to making a great soup; if you cook it longer at a lower temperature, you retain the best flavours. 50.5%.Alc/vol.
Other reviews...Perhaps the most corn rich of all the major Kentucky Bourbons. 93 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2020
Bolder but hotter than the 81 proof version, this Kentucky Bourbon has a drying feel, and lots of maple, caramel and vanilla flavor, finishing long with touches of dried orange peel and clove. Add a splash of branchwater to even out the alcohol. 91 points - winenethusiast.com
Cotton candy, campfire smoke, cinnamon, pilsner beer, butterscotch, and vanilla start a whiskey conversation that's about balance, easy sipping, and the pursuit of spice. Around mid-palate, a plethora of baking spices—clove, nutmeg, vanilla, cinnamon, and allspice—charms the senses. It's set up to be a great run, but the approach softens toward the finish with muted brown sugar appearing. Still, the flavor and balance make for a fun sipper and great cocktail mixer. 86 points - whiskyadvocate.com
A surprisingly layered and robust flavor experience for a budget bourbon that might be too hot for some, but near-perfect for others. - breakingbourbon.com
Wild Turkey 101 — in its 2015 incarnation — remains restrained on the nose. Alcoholic vapor obscures a bit of what’s underneath, which is redolent of barrel char, bacon, and vanilla custard, but give this one some time if you can, as a little air helps the nose develop more fully. Wild Turkey 101’s palate is rich though boozy, loaded with butterscotch, vanilla caramel, and ample baking spice. At this point in my career, sipping on WT 101 without water is painless and enjoyable, but a bit of H2O may not hurt in bringing out the spicy and fruity elements, which meld pepper and cloves and cinnamon with a bit of applesauce — a note I continue to pick out on the 101 — with plenty of barrel char notes that add a rustic intensity to the proceedings. Still a fan. - drinkhacker.com
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Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$350. 00Bottle$4200.00 DozenABV: 43%If you like the integration of flavour and pillowy texture that only comes with extended barrel age, this will be difficult to resist.... The buxom vivaciousness of the 15 year old has dissipated - what you get instead is a fresh, cereal-forward dram with all the rough edges rounded out (indeed this may be 'too smooth' for some). Older expressions from this distillery have a reputation for building in the bottle after opening, so breathing this whisky is encouraged.
Tasting note: Deep amber gold. Attractive scents of dried figs, ginger bread, plus later hints of smokey cardamom. Wonderful softness here with a pure, uncluttered dried fruit and malt delivery followed by oatmeal biscuit and soft spices. Distant smoke? Subtle honey, cocoa and cereal in the aftertaste. Lovely freshness for its age. The personal favourite of George Grant. 43% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... 2 Double Gold Medals - San Francico World Spirits Competition 2016 & 2015
- Metaxa 5 Star Brandy (700ml)Piraeus, GREECE$58. 99Bottle$707.88 DozenABV: 38%
They say that to be Mediterranean is to have a different attitude. This attitude is embodied in Metaxa five star. From vine to bottle, it follows an unusual process. It begins in the soils of Attica. Three varieties of sun-dried Greek grapes are distilled and aged in Limousin oak casks before being married with aged Muscat wine from the Aegean islands. The result is a brandy deep in colour, full in flavour yet mellow. Metaxa 5 star can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks. 38% Alc./Vol.
- Asbach Original 3 Year Old Brandy (700ml)GERMANY$84. 99Bottle$1019.88 DozenABV: 38%
Asbach’s history goes back to the year 1892, when company founder Hugo Asbach left his adopted home country, France, to establish his own distillery in Rüdesheim on the Rhein in Germany. He had previously acquired a high degree of know-how in distilling wines from renowned French brandy producers, and he made use of this knowledge to achieve an ambitious goal: To create a product equal to Cognac that would also appeal more to German tastes.
Today Asbach has had a strong market presence for over 100 years and the brand continues to grow. Indeed, the great success of Asbach must be attributed to the initial standards of quality established first by Hugo Asbach. To begin with, the brandy is made almost exclusively of grapes from the Charente region in France (that region of France which contains the town of Cognac and where Cognac is made.) Compliance with precisely-defined specifications and the harvest of low yielding vines ensure the high quality of wines which later become the Asbach spirit. Distillation is done in small copper condensing and distilling kettles to obtain only the purest distillates. A typical feature of this process is the double distillation, in which a virgin distillate is won in the first phase and is refined later in the second one. These spirits are later stored in small barrels made of Limousin oak in order to allow the exchange of oxygen, wood and distillate. These oak barrels, also named barriques, have a maximum capacity of 300 litres. Here the distillates age for between 24 to 46 months, i.e. significantly longer than the 12 months provided for by law. Finally, it is the master distiller's experience and sure instinct that lets him compose a harmonious blend with up to 25 individual distillates of different vintages and origin making up any one bottle of Asbach. After this blending, the Asbach specialties marry in oak vats for between three and six months before they are bottled for sale.
Other reviews... Amber. Spicy, dried fruit and raisin aromas. A soft entry leads to a dryish medium-bodied palate with wood spice and mild dried fruit notes. Finishes with a fruity, peppery fade of lean wood notes and peppery alcohol. Pleasant wood and spice notes, but not a lot of complexity. 38% Alc.Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Silver Medal
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Hobart Whisky Signature Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml)Tasmania, AUSTRALIA$159. 99Bottle$1919.88 DozenTasting note: [Batch 001 48.5% Alc./Vol. tasted] A marriage of small x-bourbon cask matured malt, this new Hobart Whisky is created for consistency of style and availability, so it's expected to be an ongoing expression. On the nose, vanilla-heavy aromas also hint at pecan pie and dilute maple syrup, while the palate accents more of the distillery's pure, fruity malt framed by balancing tannins and wood spice. Medium to full bodied, the finish is oaky with hints of chocolate box through the aftertaste. Very accessible.
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Jean Fillioux Le Coq Grande Champagne Cognac (700ml)Cognac, FRANCE$119. 99Bottle$1439.88 DozenABV: 40%Tasting note: [Lot 1818] A three to four year old cognac offering attractive, lifted fruit aromas of apricots, fresh raisins and dried figs. Soft and well rounded, ripe grapey flavours are matched by orchard fruits, hints of vanilla, orange peel and gentle acidity. Youthful and charming. 40% Alc./Vol 4 stars - Highly Recommended - Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal -
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Medos Honey Vodka (700ml)POLAND$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 40%The recipe is from south east Poland where honey liqueurs have been long established traditional drinks with roots back to the 1300's. Despite its ancient pedigree, Medos's popularity has not faded in Poland, where it commands more than 10 percent of the liqueur market, according to a 1996 poll by the trade journal Rynki Alkoholowe.Natural honey from wild bees in forest areas is harvested and spices are added to give a rich honeyed flavour with a spicy edge. Medos is often drunk hot, however at normal temperatures it makes a fine accompaniment to a range of deserts or cakes. In warmer weather Medos can be enjoyed on the rocks.
Tasting note: Very pale straw / gold appearance. Light aromatics reveal suggestions of dilute honey and maple syrup. Some hints of citrus peel are evident too. The palate offers moderately concentrated flavours with a delicate honey, vanilla combo and a warming spirit. Finish is clean, drier and pleasantly spicy. 40%alc./vol
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Taittinger Brut Reserve ChampagneChampagne, FRANCE$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 12.5%Closure: CorkPear and apple fruits lead the way in this stimulating Champagne that has a dry, chalk tinged finish.
A blend of 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 25% Pinot Meunier. A fine plentiful mousse gradually subsides to reveal a pale straw coloured base that has pale gold tinged edges and a nibble bead flowing through it. Nosing offers up pear and ripe apple scents which are complimented by brioche, dried honey and yeast lees notes. Pear, apple and yeast lees flavours stimulate the palate with some baked bread, citrus and subtle roasted almond characters lying underneath. Crisp acidity with a dry, chalk tinged finish that lingers gracefully.
Alc. 12.5%
Other Reviews.....
Taittinger has the largest family-owned vineyards in Champagne. This wine is 40% chardonnay, and 60% pinot noir and pinot meunier – 30% of it from reserves. It matured on yeast lees for at least three years. Balance is key, in the white flowers/peaches of the bouquet and the honey and vanilla of the palate.
94 points
James Halliday's Top 100 2023 -
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Ursus Roter Sloe Berry Flavoured Vodka (700ml)NETHERLANDS$49. 99Bottle$599.88 DozenABV: 21%Sloes (prunus spinosa) are the blue black fruit of the wild black thorn and cluster like tiny plums in hedgerows and thickets deep in the European countryside. When the berries have been softened by the late autumn sunshine, the best fruit is picked and then steeped in alcohol to make delicious flavoured spirits.
URSUS is the Latin word for ‘bear’. The brand name emphasizes the Nordic heritage of the original formula. In the early 20th century, URSUS Vodka was produced by a traditional Icelandic family of bootleggers. At that time, alcohol distillation was prohibited in Iceland. Nevertheless, they succeeded in perfecting their recipe. In the early 1990s, the URSUS Vodka Company in the Netherlands obtained the original URSUS Vodka recipe from its Icelandic owners and introduced the drink to a broader market. The subtle sweetness of sloe berries results in a delicate, very mixable vodka drink. Enjoy URSUS Roter straight, on the rocks or mixed in your favourite soft drinks or juices. - Notes partially sourced from Ursus Vodka.
Tasting notes: Deep crimson and brown brick color. Fruity, spicy, slightly smoky dark berry pie and light molasses aromas. A soft, buoyant entry leads to a round, fruity medium-to full-bodied palate with tart, ripe dark berry, mineral oil, and wet stone flavors. Finishes with a nice melange of berries and mineral notes with no burn. Pure, deliciously ripe and tart dark fruit riding on top of a smooth, minerally vodka. Superb and fun.21%Alc/Vol
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
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Glenfiddich Gran Reserva Rum Cask Finish 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Speyside, Highlands, SCOTLAND$330. 00Bottle$3960.00 DozenABV: 40%Glenfiddich resurrects the lost tradition of maturing whisky in rum casks with this Glenfiddich 21 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky. Rum distillers from Sancti Spiritus, near the Sierra del Escambray in the heart of Cuba, worked to develop this unique Cuban rum finish. Casks of Cuban rum are decanted at the distillery in Scotland and then filled with 21 Year Old Glenfiddich to absorb the unique character lingering in the wood. The result is an unmistakable expression revealed through a new and vibrant overtone.
Other reviews... Rich, sweet, and fruity with baked apples drizzled in honey, crisp white pear, honeysuckle, dried banana, vanilla fudge, and pecan pie. This works so well with the nascent Glenfiddich spirit; lime zest, vanilla, foamy meringue, honey blossom sweetness, and pepper transitioning to lime shred marmalade, soft oak, and a dry spicy finish. Vibrant, stimulating, sophisticated, and so well balanced that it never risks becoming overly sweet. 93 points - whiskyadvocate.com
...Nose: Toasty. Biscuity. Petits fours. Palate: Vanilla flan. Sweet Cuban coffee.Finish: Juicy. A hint of dried tropical fruits.The less pronounced rum character of the two Caribbean accented whiskies in this tasting. When you cook, do you want the herbs and spices to announce themselves individually, or to be part of the blend of flavours? David Stewart seems usually to opt for the latter, and does so with great deftness and sophistication. - Michael Jackson, whiskymag.com
'Utterly assured whisky making of the first order.' - Iain Banks in Raw Spirit
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Bakery Hill Classic Malt Single Malt Australian Whisky (500ml) - Cask StrengthVictoria, AUSTRALIA$199. 99Bottle$2399.88 DozenABV: 62.1%Bakery Hill is a new Australian venture into the generally exclusive world of Whisky production. We say exclusive, because few distillers outside of Scotland have yet managed to create a whisky that approximates to 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’s Single Malts, despite their youth, are very promising initial efforts, and as the spirits spend longer in barrel, one can anticipate some very interesting results.
As with classic malts, Bakery Hill uses only malted barley [from Tasmania], yeast and water to achieve its flavour and aroma. No caramel is added in order to enhance the appearance. Barrelling 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. Three new releases include a range of Cask Strength malts, with the Classic Malt version typically bottled at around 60% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... 'Classic Malt', says the label. You have no quibbles from me. 94 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021
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The Arran Sauternes Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Isle of Arran, SCOTLAND$139. 99Bottle$1679.88 DozenABV: 50%This eight year old Bourbon cask matured Arran comes finished in a selection of x-Sauternes casks sourced from a small producer in Bordeaux. The wine style compliments Arran's typically rich malt, here adding succulence and providing a subtle overlay of yellow fruits, honey and sweet bread. While the alcohol is slightly nippy, it strikes a nice balance between wine and whisky without being overly sweet. Pair it with a creamy toffee or fudge based pudding. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Notes from Arran... Nose: Honey sweetness and citrus. Palate: Richly honeyed and backed with a lifting zestiness which slides into spice and zingy salt. Once the dram opens out, vanilla and sultana stand out followed by notes of toasted oak. Finish: Sweetness, Honey, Apricots, Melon, Honeysuckle.
- Cinzano Rosso Vermouth (1000ml)Milan, ITALY$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenABV: 15%Closure: CorkVermouth is the most widely used aperitif. The first known branded vermouth was “Carpano” produced at Turin, Italy in 1786. This was a rich, sweet red style. Rosso, or red vermouth is traditionally made using red wine. Today however, virtually all red vermouth is produced using white wine and blended with caramel to receive its distinctive red or amber colour. This dark, more richly flavoured Italian variety is imperative in many cocktails, but can be drunk alone, with cassis or as an aperitif, or mixed with lemonade, tonic or orange juice.
Ingredients in Cinzano Rosso include marjoram, thyme, musk yarrow and an alpine herb called ‘Achillea Moscata.
Other reviews... Very dark tawny tone. Heady perfume speaks of overripe grapes, quinine and roots. Agile, tar-like in the mouth as flavors of quinine, citrus peel, roots and berries combine in a piquant twang that’s neither clumsy nor cloying. Finishes tasting of ripe oranges and pink grapefruit. Very nice with a splash of fresh-squeezed O.J. Best Buy.
85-89 points - wineenthusiast.com - Bruadar Malt Whisky Liqueur (700ml)SCOTLAND$69. 99Bottle$839.88 DozenABV: 24%
Twenty years in the making, Bruadar (formerly known as 'Scottish Highland)' is made with single malt whisky, honey and sloe berries. It's not too sticky or sweet which makes for a versatile cocktail or cooking ingredient. Award-winning Scottish mixologist, Stephen Mutty adds "Bruadar binds sharp, fruity ingredients whilst drawing body and depth from its honeyed essence." A drizzle will instantly elevate your dish, whether it’s added to double cream on the side of a rich Christmas pudding or chocolate tart, stirred into a salted caramel sauce or simmered gently with fruit. Bruadar’s delicate balance between whisky, honey and sloe berry flavours also make it an excellent addition to a glaze or marinade for pork or chicken. In its newly presented incarnation launched in late 2021, the single malt’s contribution has been increased slightly, as has the ABV. The result is more pronounced vanilla and fruit notes from the whisky, complimenting the Scottish honey in the liqueur. 24% Alc./Vol.
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Bladnoch 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)Lowlands, SCOTLAND$220. 00Bottle$2640.00 DozenABV: 46.7%Aged exclusively in Oloroso casks, Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage is particularly pedantic about the barrel selections here, and it shows in what is an elegant, medium-bodied and well managed expression that's bestowed an attractive dryness from the wine input. There is a touch of 'old school' sherry character with precise and nutty oloroso also defined by delicious peel zest and a slightly salty, biscuity charm that by the finish, works into fruit'nut'nut dark chocolate, old leather, warming ginger and trace sulphur. A pleasing contrast to the sherry-bombs of Speyside, it's a whisky that aptly reflects that casks it was matured in. 46.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.
Other reviews... This baby was born last year. According to the colour, this was not heavy/stuffy sherry. Colour: full gold. Nose: wood smoke and walnuts, both old and fresh, then roasted sesame and coffee-flavoured chocolate, which is not exactly the same thing as coffee and chocolate, mind you. Black nougat too, drop of miso, pipe tobacco from an old leather pouch (in other words, not wham-bam fresh pipe tobacco), and a growing meatiness. Ham and parsley, another winning combo and a great Burgundian specialty (jambon persillé). Mouth: walnuts, toasted cakes, tobacco, a little leather, a little pepper, certainly some nutmeg, a tiny cinnamon mint, some softer beef jerky, Nescafé (no worries), gingerbread… Once more, 46-48% vol. do make for a perfect strength. Finish: rather long, on cloves, walnuts, a little salt and, hold on, Mon Chéri! Sure I can quote brand names, I am not a professional. Comments: extremely good. Now, it's also true that I am a huge fan of olorosos (and amontillados), while this little Bladnoch made every effort to remain very close to that style of wine. 87 points - whiskyfun.com
Notes from the producers... fruit cake, dark chocolate, and subtle sweet cinnamon on the palate.
- Scrappy's Bitters New Classics Mini Set (4x15ml)UNITED STATES$38. 99Bottle$467.88 DozenThis is the perfect starter gift for the home or commercial bartender: Four new classics in the contemporary cocktail landscape. Try adding a few dashes to your vodka sodas and gin & tonics. Four delicious recipes included on the back of the pack. The pack contains one 15ml bottle of Scrappy's Lavender, Cardamom, Black Lemon and Orleans Bitters.
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Pimm's No.1 Cup Liqueur (700ml)UNITED KINGDOM$56. 99Bottle$683.88 DozenABV: 25%Closure: CorkJames Pimm opened his first oyster bar in the city of London in the 1820’s after acquiring the "Hogshead Tavern". He supplied Londoners with good food and this unique drink which became famous as Pimms No.1 cup. Not strictly a liqueur, it is a gin based specialty smelling of herbs and peels with a bittersweet palate, designed to be served as a long drink by dilution with lemonade.
Today the drink has strong social associations with the English, or London, 'season', and the sort of people who take part in events such as Henley, Ascot, May Balls and wherever else the young (and not so young) in-crowds gather.
The semi-mythical Pimms Numbers 2 – 6 are no longer produced (with the exception of Pimms No.6, a vodka base which has recently began production again and Pimm's No.3 which has been re-marketed as Pimm's Winter Cup.)
One measure of Pimms to 2 or 3 of lemonade or ginger ale makes a pleasant long drink. Add plenty of ice, a slice of lemon or orange and cucumber if desired. 25.0% alc./vol.Classic Cocktail: Pimm’s No.1 Cup
Some insist that only adding champagne as opposed to lemonade makes a true Pimms No1 Cup.50 ml PIMMS No 1 - Gin Cup
90 ml Lemonade
20 ml Club soda
Cucumber spear
Apple slice
Method: Combine all the ingredients in a highball glass. Garnish with cucumber and apple.
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Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey (700ml)Tennessee, UNITED STATES$64. 99Bottle$779.88 DozenABV: 40%Other reviews... Golden amber color. Muted, faintly fruity, burnt caramel nose reveals heat. A brisk entry leads to a light-bodied palate with sharp, charred oak, and toffee notes. Finishes in hot manner with a burnt, ashy character. International Review of Spirits Award: Bronze Medal 81 points - tastings.com
...The nose is thick, oily, smoky, dense, corn syrupy... it's Jack Daniels. Sweet, fat, chewy, various types of burnt notes: toffee, toast, etc. etc... Quite a sweet, fat and toffeed finale. A quite unique whiskey, at which many American whiskey connoiseurs turn up their noses. I always think it's worth the occasional visit: you can't beat roughing it a little. 40% Alc/Vol. 87 points - Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible, 2006
...Initially, it's earth and fruit. This develops into sawdust, more earth, and bananas. From here, it's green pepper, banana nut bread, and warm corn tortillas over a soft mouthfeel with little complexity. This will work in a pinch and it's great in ginger ale, Coca-Cola, or lighter cocktails, but it's probably best over ice. 80 points - whiskyadvocate.com
Bourbon holds a special place in American culture. Its origins are linked to the beginnings of the country. In the late 1700's , settlers streamed westward taking their household arts with them including the art of distilling. They found Kentucky to be ideal for the production of whiskey. Corn was plentiful and pure water gushed from deep underground limestone springs. It is an interesting twist of history then, that the oldest and most well known name in American whiskey production, Jack Daniel's, actually had it's inception in Lynchburg, Tennessee (pop.351) (what'smore, Lynchburg is designated a dry area!)
Jack Daniels, born in 1846, purchased his own still at the age of 13 and by the time he was twenty, owned his own distillery. His full name was Jasper Newton Daniel, born to a large family (he was the tenth child). Nicknamed 'Jack,' he left home at an early age and learned his craft in whiskey making from Dan Call, a Lutheran preacher In 1904, he entered his whisky in the World Fair in St.Louis and was awarded first prize. Mr. Daniel never married but was seldom without female companionship. Known to be a very kind and generous man, he donated plenty of money to the local churches and charities (and also paid for the musical instruments to start the Original Silver Cornet Band ). When Jack Daniels died after kicking a safe door and contracting gangrene in his foot, the business was successfully carried on by his nephew, Lem Motlow.
Aged four to six years, the distinctive pungent nose and powerful flavour of Jack Daniel's have made it a favourite around the world; and although some find it too assertive, there can be no denying its quality. Mr.Daniel's promise that 'Every day we make it, we'll make it the best we can' is perpetuated to this day with an almost religious devotion.
Little known fact... Strictly speaking, Jack Daniel's is not considered a bourbon because it is charcoal-mellowed -- slowly, drop by drop, filtered through sugar-maple charcoal -- prior to aging, which many experts say gives it a different character. The process, called the Lincoln County Process, infuses a sweet and sooty character into the distillate as it removes impurities. Up to and after the charcoal filtering however, the Jack Daniel's production is much the same as any other Bourbon. We'll leave it to you to make up your own mind!
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- Special Order Product – Delayed Dispatch
Brown Brothers Premium Cuvee NVKing Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA$24. 99Bottle$299.88 DozenMinimum 12 bottlesCellar: Drink now (2017)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkPours well with a frothy white mousse that shows good hold. Bright pale straw colour with pale gold edges and a delicate yet profuse bead. Nosing yields a rich aromatic profile of oily baked bread, yeast lees and toast with hints of dried honey and roasted almonds also chipping in. Light and refreshing, yet with a soft creaminess the palate has flavours of baked bread and oily toast like characters intermixed with yeast lees, subtle dried honey and roasted almonds. Dry finish concluding with baked bread, oily toast like characters, yeast lees and almond. An excellent entry level sparkling that shows good richness and character.
Drink now.
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Averna Amaro Siciliano Digestif Liqueur (700ml)Sicily, ITALY$59. 99Bottle$719.88 DozenABV: 29%Closure: Screw CapA speciality of Sicily, Averna’s secret recipe combining herbs and roots was developed by monks over 200 years ago. The deep sienna brown coloured elixir appears slightly viscous in the glass and smells like 'Chinnoti" with an attractive sarsaparilla / quinine combination and hints of dried citrus peel. Viscous entry follows with moderate intensity, becoming semi-sweet at mid palate before finishing mildly bitter. The ABV has dropped since our first encounter, and while we prefer some of the higher strength Amaros for all round concentration and added bite, this value digestif remains a pleasant way to finish a meal, every time. 29% Alc./Vol.
Other reviews... Hailing from Sicily, Averna is sweeter than most of its compadres, striking a pleasant balance between bitter and sugary. The body is oily and thick, but the flavor is light considering the appearance in the glass. On the nose: Cinnamon and citrus. In the mouth, the same, more lemon on the finish. A touch of nutmeg and licorice. All told, Averna is an excellent intro to bitter liqueurs, a smoother and simpler way to please both your sweet tooth and your sour stomach at the same time. - drinkhacker.com
Inky soy-mahogany. Flowers, fresh herbs, licorice and mince meat. Rich texture. Lovely sensuous palate of wild, alpine fresh spice and succulent flavors. Very concentrated with a firm, yet silky presence on the palate and into the very deep, lingering finish. 91 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com
Other reviews… An initial aroma of bittersweet dark chocolate, orange peel, and herbs; air contact stimulates scents of flowers, jasmine, bark, forest, honey, and very light quinine. The palate entry is intensely sweet and floral; at midpalate the taste profile turns cocoa-like with notes of citrus rind, molasses, brown sugar, and grass. Concludes sweet, thick, and luscious. 90-95 points - wineenthusiast.com
- Gran Centenario Plata 100% Agave Tequila (700ml)Jalisco, MEXICO$99. 99Bottle$1199.88 DozenABV: 40%Closure: Cork
Other reviews... Clear with a straw cast. Subtle, olive, meringue, cider vinegar aromas. A gentle supple entry leads to a dry medium-bodied palate with light toast, agave juice, herbaceous sandalwood, and cinnamon. Finishes with a perfumed, peppery, somewhat drying, grilled fruit fade. Refined and very close to reposado in nature. 40%Alc./Vol.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
90 points (Exceptional) - tastings.com - Kirin Fuji Sanroku 18 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)JAPAN$999. 00Bottle$11988.00 DozenABV: 43%
Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.
As Kirin owns Four Roses in Kentucky, quality x Bourbon casks dominate their maturations, which makes this limited edition a little unusual. Released around 2016 and now hard to find, the whisky was finished in x Oloroso sherry casks. The label says ‘Blended and Bottled by Kirin’, not ‘distilled’… so it may contain an imported element. Regardless, the malt content is typically high in these bottlings. Similar Kirin limited editions have been runs of around 3000 bottles. Expect the same here. One only. 43% Alc./Vol.Almost unknown outside of Japan, Fuji Sanroku, which means "at the foot of Mount Fuji", is produced in Fuji Gotemba distillery, opened in 1973 and owned by the Kirin Group. As iconic locations go, it's hard to beat this distillery's picturesque environ. The water source is rain and melted snow from the top of Mount Fuji.
While the focus is on grain whisky, a quantity of malt whisky is also produced and marketed under various labels (Gotemba & Sanroku), as well as making up a component of the Kirin blended whiskies. The less expensive ''Fuji Gotemba'' label contains only 18 year old malt, while ''Sanroku'' reputedly contains malt up to 24 years of age (malts are aged by their youngest component), hence the higher price tag.
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Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne Magnum (1500ml)Champagne, FRANCE$218. 00Bottle$2616.00 DozenCellar: Drink now - 4 Years (2017-2021)ABV: 12%Closure: CorkPours with a creamy white mousse that holds well eventually dissipating to reveal a base wine colour of pale straw with pale gold edges. Very fine and profuse bead. Good aromatics with baked bread melding into yeast lees characters and hints of toast followed by citrus and brioche notes. Flavours of freshly baked bread intermingle with oily toast like characters and yeast less underpinned by subtle cashew and citrus nuances. A dry creamy like finish is counterpointed by good crisp acidity. Long oily baked bread, toast, yeast lees and subtle cashew aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc 12%Tasting Notes sourced from Moet & Chandon:
The Moet & Chandon Non Vintage is a blend of wines from a specific year, with the addition of different reserve wines from earlier years (the precise proportions vary from year to year) in order to achieve consistent quality and character. Moet & Chandon sources grapes from nearly all the different classified vineyards of Champagne which greatly assists to acheive this consistent quality.A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot and Pinot Meunier. Pale yellow colour with a tinge of green. The nose is delicately vinous, with an initial aroma of both lime and vine blossom. The palate shows predominantly Pinot characteristics. Light, persistent sparkle. Very ample in the mouth, with a discreet finish. Esentially an aperitif, but is also a good acompaniment to fish.
















































