Nieuws

Vic Cameron, one of our whisky lecturers says: “A barrel is a type of cask. It’s used for making bourbon, holds 200 litres of spirit and is always made from American oak. There are lots of different types of casks: barrels, hogsheads, puncheons, butts, for example. So, all these are different types of casks.”

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Diagram: Whisky Warehousing Systems

Once a cask is filled with new make spirit, it must be matured for a minimum of three years before it can be called Scotch whisky. How is the spirit stored? This post explains the three types of warehousing systems used in Scotland.  Read the Post

Why Learn About Whisky?

We brought together a group of whisky experts and asked them why whisky is such a fascinating topic for study. Our teachers Vic Cameron and Dr Gordon Steele spoke with Fionnán O’Connor (Irish whiskey historian), Michael Walsh (Irish whiskey consultant), Jenny Karlsson (Ardnamurchan Distillery), Scott Sneddon (InchDairnie Distillery) and Andy Colman (Port of Leith Distillery).

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Bardstown Bourbon Company “Discovery Series #9” Blended Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $120)

$87.99

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Disco #9 is here and K&L has exclusive first rights to sell it in California. Aptly named, the series has always been about unique combinations of whiskies that are impeccably blended to maximize deliciousness. They often include rare ingredients in unusual combinations, but they always taste amazing. The 9th edition features a backbone built on a mysterious 8 year old Georgia produced Bourbon with a unique four-grain mashbill: corn 80%, wheat 10% / rye 5% / malted barley 5%. This makes up 35% of the blend. The next largest component is 12 year old KY Bourbon weighing in at 31% of the blend. The mashbill for this gives a few clues, but of course, nothing about the source ingredients is confirmed. corn 75% / rye 13% / malted barley 12% happens to be the same as Beam’s Booker’s mashbill and Wild Turkey’s mashbill, so either of those are a likely contributor. 19% of the blend is 17 year old TN distillate with a mashbill of corn 84% / rye 8% / malted barley 8% — surely this is George Dickel. And the final 15%? 100% corn whiskey from Ontario offering a big pop of oak and sweetness. Bardstown’s Notes: “A decadent bouquet of cocoa nib, plum, and cedar box is highlighted by lively orange peel. Vanilla cream with cinnamon spice takes the lead on the palate, building to an indulgent, sublime finish.”

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

THE GLENLIVET:
THE TWELVE ELEMENTS

Discover an exceptional 50-year-old whisky, unveiled today exclusively on The Whisky Exchange Cabinet. The Glenlivet: The Twelve Elements collection is now available to view, with the whiskies available to purchase from 11am on Wednesday 21 February 2024.

  EXPLORE THE TWELVE ELEMENTS 

WHAT IS
THE WHISKY EXCHANGE CABINET?

The Whisky Exchange Cabinet is our new blockchain-enabled marketplace that gives you access to exclusive and unique spirits, curated by our expert team and sourced directly from the finest producers around the world. You’ll need to create an account to purchase items from The Whisky Exchange Cabinet. 

 DISCOVER MORE 

You might have noticed an increase in whisky news from us lately, and it’s just the beginning as we make strides into what is going to to be a very big year for us here at the distillery. While we await the start of construction works at Nunton, Jonny is just back from an educational jaunt to another beautiful Hebridean island, where he was learning some tricks of the trade from our friends at the fantastic Kilchoman Distillery in Islay.

Kilchoman is one of the few Scottish whisky distilleries producing field to bottle whiskies, with barley grown and traditionally floor malted on the island. It was fantastic to learn from such skilled distillers and get some insights into the process that will be the backbone of our own Nunton Whisky.

Over on the mainland our much awaited stills, tanks and tuns are almost ready to set sail for Uist, and knowing how excited we are about it, the team at Forsyths have very kindly been keeping us in the loop with updates and photos of their progress. Time to start stocking up on Brasso and working on those polishing muscles before these beauties arrive in the spring!

A Decade of Policy Advancements Propel Bourbon Industry’s Impact To Local, State and Global Economies

Commonwealth’s Bourbon Economy Thriving In Latest Report

Frankfort, Ky.— Spurred by a decade of legislative changes to Kentucky’s archaic alcohol laws, the Commonwealth’s signature Bourbon industry now provides more jobs, generates more payroll, pays more taxes, attracts more tourists and features more distilleries than ever before, according to the newly published Bourbon Economic Impact Report.

The record-breaking statistics were released today by Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, House Speaker David Osborne, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and leaders of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association trade group.

“Kentucky’s economy is booming, and the Bourbon industry is helping us build a strong economy for generations to come,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Today, this signature industry is generating $9 billion in total economic impact, with more on the way. We thank our distilleries for working hard to create more good jobs and boosting our tourism industry across the Commonwealth.”

“Kentucky’s Bourbon economy is stronger than ever thanks to the dedication of our elected officials to update archaic alcohol laws that were forcing distillers to look elsewhere and the men and women who work in the industry every day,” said Eric Gregory, President of KDA. “With modern alcohol laws now in place, the signature industry continues to help build a stronger Kentucky.”

The report used data from 100 distilleries in 42 counties and found that the industry continues to grow local communities with jobs, tax revenue, agriculture, tourism and out-of-state spending.

“Traditionally, Bourbon is known as a manufacturing powerhouse, but its influence really extends beyond production, as we continue to foster and grow partnerships with our local communities,” said Jessica Pendergrass, 2024 KDA Chair and General Counsel/Chief Compliance Officer at Heaven Hill.

“While the Bourbon report includes a deep analysis of industry metrics, forecasts, and of course, accolades from enthusiasts, our KDA members, deeply rooted in the Commonwealth, are proud to share the compelling story of how “Bourbon Builds Kentucky.”

The newest report found that distillers are making significant impacts in agriculture and tourism industries since the original 2009 report was published.

When it comes to the Bourbon economy taxes, the report found that Kentuckians are receiving $358 million in state and local taxes every year from distillers.

And, even though it remains the highest taxed large manufacturing industry in KY at $.17 per dollar, no other industry in the state has higher shares of national employment (27%), labor compensation (26%) and output than distilling. Kentucky distillers shipped more than $500 million in exports in 2022, almost all of which was Bourbon.

“Not only is Bourbon building Kentucky communities, but it’s also elevating Kentucky’s stature internationally as exports grow and distillers across the globe look to Kentucky for how to do it right,” added Pendergrass.

The full study completed by Dr. Paul Coomes can be found here and a topline summary can be found here. The industry’s recap of recent legislative changes can be found here.

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) is the worldwide voice of Bourbon.

About the Kentucky Distillers’ Association:

Founded in 1880, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association is the legendary voice for Kentucky’s signature Bourbon and distilled spirits industry. Its diverse and growing membership produces the overwhelming majority of the world’s Bourbon, from historic, global brands to emerging micro distilleries that are fostering the next generation of the Commonwealth’s landmark economic engine and its thriving, timeless craft. Member benefits include media relations, international trade development, private sampling events, technical assistance, economic development support, networking, legal defense, marketing strategies, governmental and regulatory advocacy and innovative tourism experiences through the KDA’s world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® adventures. A 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization, the KDA maintains an open membership policy, champions a strong commitment to the responsible and moderate consumption of spirits, and fights to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL®, KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL CRAFT TOUR®, KENTUCKY BOURBON AFFAIR, KBT®, BOURBON TRAIL and KENTUCKY BOURBON HALL OF FAME® are trademarks/service marks owned by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.

ralfy review 1013 Extras – When spirits cross borders.

Hazelburn 10 yo (46%, OB, 2020)
Hazelburn 16 yo 2005/2021 (58%, Cadenhead, Sherry Cask, oloroso hogshead, 240 bottles)

Happy 2nd Ramnaversary!

Today, we are marking the second anniversary of what we at Kensington Wine Market have come to call the “infamous Dodge Ram incident.” At 4:56 AM on February 11, 2022, an individual used a stolen Dodge Ram pickup truck to let himself into the store.

The break-in was not exactly a precision operation. Only $500 worth of whisky was stolen, but the collateral damage to property, product, and loss of income was more than 500x times that. It was a very disruptive event, and though we were well looked after by our insurer in a material way, we still lost more than we gained. We couldn’t let customers into the store for more than a week, and it was more than a year before the store was completely restored.

But most importantly no one was hurt, so we picked up the pieces and got on with things.

During the highs and lows of the months which followed, we did our best to stay positive. And in proper KWM fashion, we never lost our sense of humour… remember the “I assure you we are open” banner? (That’s a “Clerks” reference for those who don’t know.)

Last year, we chose to mark the anniversary with a “Door Crasher Sale.” Now, following two years of effort, cleanup, and a whisky wall relocation, we are launching a “Door Crasher Bottling.” You might think it a bit macabre for us to be making light of the occasion in this way, but it is very much on brand. When life gives us lemons, we make lemonade… then we distill said lemonade, shove it in a used Bourbon barrel we had lying around, and then find a way to turn it into a marketing campaign!

The image below is from the back label of the bottle!

Others have asked if I know his name, and once more, I do not, and frankly, I am happier not knowing. I don’t know what hardships or life decisions led us to the point where our paths collided (not just figuratively), but in any case, I forgive him and sincerely hope he finds peace and happiness in his life.

I am thrilled to be releasing our first Kensington Wine Market “Door Crasher” bottling this morning. It’s another excellent whisky from our friends at Glenfarclas, it’s great value for its age, style and quality, and most importantly, it’s fun!

Whether you treat yourself to a bottle or not, I hope the label will at least give you a chuckle.

Oh, and before any of you get any crazy ideas or feel compelled to do something rash – like let yourself into the store before we open at 10 AM – let me assure you that we have plenty of bottles available… and despite the fact, we don’t open for another 5 hours… you can order a bottle online now!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition

1. Introducing: The Glenfarclas 15 Year KWM Door Crasher Edition

2. Upcoming Tastings

Introducing: The Glenfarclas 15 Year KWM Door Crasher Edition!

The idea to do a door crasher bottling was born within a couple of months of the break-in, and it was initially hoped we could release one on the first anniversary. That was in retrospect overly optimistic, as the bottling only just arrived in time for the second anniversary.

This is our 9th KWM exclusive bottling of Glenfarclas, and this is the 5th time that they’ve let us take some creative liberties with the label. Glenfarclas has been a great partner for my entire career, and time and time again they continue to offer us incredible value!

This is not a single cask, nor is it cask strength. This is a batch of 15 year old Glenfarclas, matured in sherry, and bottled specifically at 56%, because the break-in on February 12, 2022, took place at 4:56 AM. There are also 456 bottles…

Glenfarclas 15 Year KWM Door Crasher Edition – 56% – Sherry Casks – My Tasting Note: “Nose: rich, round, and sherried with classic Christmas cake notes; both dried and stewed fruits; orange peel heavy mincemeat, chocolate covered almonds and Glosset Raisins; nutty toasted oak, soft new leather, and tobacco leaf; oily and enticing. Palate: rich, oily, and fruity with firm building spices; more Christmas cake, dried, and stewed fruits, and mincemeat pie to boot; big hits of licorice root, pickled ginger slices, and a touch of clove; more chocolate, leaning to the dark baker’s chocolate side; Eatmore, earthy dunnage notes, leather and tobacco; treacle sauce and crème caramel. Finish: warming, oily and fruity with fading nuts and spices; long and coating. Comment: this is our third KWM exclusive bottling of Glenfarclas, and it might be the most sherried yet; it has a lovely balance of fruits, spices, and oak; it is a privilege to put our name on it… and a cheeky sketch!” – $150

One of the many surprises at the 2024 Victoria Whisky Festival was the unannounced sneak preview launch of these two incredible single-cask Westlands, handpicked by the team at The Strath. Discover the whole story of how these unlikely bottles came to be, and hear the panel’s reactions to tasting them again for the first time since their epic trip to Seattle.

Buy a bottle of each right now online here –

CASK 1337

CASK 6625