Spirits

There are few professional moments more gratifying than the work I’ve done on the recent releases of our new K&L Every Drop brand. This historic label, which predates the founding of our store by many decades, fell into my lap thanks to a thoughtful customer who won a little mini from the 1940s at auction and passed it my way. So when the opportunity arose to create a new, store-exclusive brand, I knew this magnificent, long-forgotten IP had to be revived. We painstakingly reimagined every detail of the label, staying faithful to the original design. From its classic clean lines to the timeless tag line “Supreme Quality” stretching across each bottle’s shoulders, it perfectly reflects our ethos. The label’s revival was inspired by an exceptional batch of rare bourbon that we had acquired by a stroke of good fortune: a great old whiskey from Frankfort, followed shortly by a second release of the same. But how could we continue producing whiskies that lived up to those extraordinary beginnings? My premise was never that Every Drop must be mythical in rarity, but that every bottle, yes, every drop, should offer our customers an experience of unmistakable quality, unique character and unmatched value. That’s a tall order, especially given that I have no control over the aging or production of the barrels we source. With only tiny samples representing entire lots, I set out with a wing and a prayer to find our third batch. That search led to a parcel of mature bourbons from a certain distillery near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. While I can’t name it on the label, nothing stops me from saying it outright: it’s that ol' Kickin' Chicken in Tyrone. The question then became, how could a seven (nearly eight) year old Turkey compete with the best in class? The answer lay in blending and proofing. I’ve always found immense joy in blending on the small scale that I've been afforded, and this project gave me the chance to shape the final character through careful selection and proof adjustment. When a customer emailed asking if it might be similar to W.B. Saffel, a whiskey twice the price and up to 12 years old, I knew we’d hit the mark. The proof and batch name pay quiet homage to the great blenders behind that legendary bourbon and, indeed, it was a beacon which I hoped would guide me. Now, this is my Tuesday to Sunday whiskey. It’s exuberant, balanced, and endlessly satisfying. It’s unquestionably the best value on the shelf today in this style, which is quite distinct from regular WT or Russell’s Reserve. It just so happens that it’s a style I love. Expect an elegant balance of sweet oak, fragrant fruit, zesty spice, and a rich caramel backbone. It shines in cocktails and stands beautifully on its own. And if you don’t appreciate “Minerva's Purple Wax”, I know a monk in Midway who wants a word.

This absolutely stunning value from our friends in Dornoch represents a truly unique opportunity. You might remember the last batch, which included a remarkable 27 year old Glenburgie that many overlooked until it was far too late. This is that cask but for 2026. A beautiful old barrel matured in refill ex-Wild Turkey wood from one of Scotland’s most underappreciated distilleries. It is only on the rarest occasions that we’re able to offer whisky of this age and quality at such a low price. What’s even more striking is just how delicious it is. You’ll recall we had to raise prices on the old Glenburgie and unpeated Ledaig last year, so don’t be surprised if this one climbs as well, assuming any is left on arrival. Not a warning, just the reality of how spoiled we’ve become. Three exceptional old casks from top distillers under $200 from Thompson Bros this year, and this may well be the best of the lot. From a distillery undergoing one of the most exciting revivals in Scotland, now with new floor maltings and direct fire, Glen Garioch is firmly one to watch. The color is a gorgeous, enticing deep copper (0.9). The nose is an absolute explosion of fruit: yellow plum, cantaloupe, Pink Lady apple, and apricot, layered with deeper tones of nougat, toffee, vanilla, old cellar floor, tobacco leaf, and citrus oil. It is immensely complex and deeply satisfying. On the palate, the texture is powerful, with ripe fruit leading the charge. The higher proof brings a bold midpalate spice before settling into a softer, composed finish with no harsh tannin. With a touch of water, it opens beautifully, softening slightly while retaining that incredible fruit intensity. For those chasing that old school fruit basket style that has become increasingly rare in modern Scotch, this sits right at the top.

This remarkable expression from the Arran Distillery in Lochranza on the Isle of Arran is not the oldest Arran ever released, but it comes remarkably close. It is easily the oldest Arran we have ever sold and one of the oldest independent bottlings yet to reach the market. Distilled in 1996, just one year after the distillery opened, it represents an important benchmark for this exceptional modern producer, which has consistently delivered superb malt despite all the challenges of operating as an independent distillery in Scotland. Ordinarily, we would expect a new distillery to need several years to find its stride and produce whisky worthy of extended maturation, but this cask makes it clear that Arran had things dialed in from the beginning. Bottled at an incredible 27 years old, it stands stylistically alongside the finest mature Highland malts selling for many times the price. It is no powerhouse or smoke bomb, but it offers a delicacy that borders on the transcendent. Let’s taste it. The color is a shimmering old gold (0.6). The nose is hushed at first, but give it a little air and it begins to blossom: fine honey, fresh apricot, vanilla flowers, hints of cacao and shea butter, quince, distant ocean air, old oak, and citrus oil. The palate is extraordinarily delicate without ever feeling thin or overly oaked. Sweet, lightly roasted nuts mingle beautifully with the fresh fruit before giving way to a mid-palate surge of malt and a long, striking thread of oak spice. A tiny drop of water softens the faintly bitter spice on the finish, revealing an immensely drinkable, almost sweet, aperitif-style old Highland malt of the highest order. It is so beautifully composed that it comes as no surprise to see bottles selling for several hundred dollars more in the UK. Thanks to a new relationship with this bottler, however, we are able to offer this rare and impressive whisky at a price well below the prevailing market.

The widely loved Four Roses Limited Edition bottled for the European Market in 700ml bottles, re-imported and sold in advance of its arrival. This extremely rare expression is about as rare as it gets Stateside, but our suppliers in Europe are able to offer stock at well below market prices. This is a blend of bourbons aged 12 to 20 years old. 39% of the blend is OESF at 16 years of age, 31% an OBSV at 12 years old, 23% is an OESK at 15 years, and the last 7% OBSV at aged to 20 years. The distillery describes the character, "creamy vanilla, honey and brown sugar on the nose are followed by the flavors of ripe berries and tangy citrus on the palate. Intertwined are herbal notes and Four Roses' signature mellow spice to balance out the layers of complexity and sweetness with a delicate finish."

This newly released small batch bourbon represents a completely new phase in the nearly half century project launched by Even Kulsveen and his wife Harriet Willett. The Willett family has been part of the bourbon distilling apparatus since at least the late 1800s, but the slow and methodical relaunch of the Willett distillery was achieved through passion, prescient determination, and undeniable grit. The defining theme across the last five decades has been a commitment to delivering exceptional quality no matter what. While their small operation has become the darling of collectors and connoisseurs, the Kulsveens clearly understand the importance of producing bourbon meant to be enjoyed. Not every bottle must be a unicorn, but every drop must be worthy of even the most discerning drinker. That is why this new small batch 'Purple Top' is so exciting, arriving more than a decade after the release of the WFE Green Top Rye small batch. This expression is a blend of the original 13 percent rye bourbon and the much higher 38 percent rye bourbon. The batch I am tasting clocks in at 61.8 percent ABV, and future batches will likely fall in that range, making comparison part of the fun. The color shows a classical burnished hue (1.2). The nose is sweet and expressive with cornbread, maple, vanilla, and spice, though it avoids the typical Willett cinnamon profile, which makes it especially approachable. On the palate it is juicy and remarkably drinkable, offering dark red fruits such as cherry and pomegranate alongside toasted vanilla, caramel candy, gentle cinnamon, and a rich clove-driven finish. This is a lovely bourbon, clearly selected with great care. Considering its handcrafted nature, it easily outperforms its specs and price, standing up well against many younger single casks I have tasted. In a broader sense, it is a fantastic bourbon to wet your whistle and an excellent gateway into the Willett pantheon.

Year after year, Signatory brings us some of the best casks anywhere in the industry, and over the past two years they have recommitted to putting absolutely insane deals on the table for us. This year it’s a selection of classic Islays alongside this impeccable Ben Nevis. There was a period just a few years ago when similar casks were trading for twice this price, but here we have an absolutely perfect refill sherry butt, still very active, that simply transcends the market. There’s almost nothing anywhere in the world that’s better on the market today in this style, dollar for dollar. Here we go! This is ridiculously dark for a second fill sherry cask, a gorgeous mahogany (1.6). The nose is a huge mélange of waxy, earthy funk, pulverized rock, and sweet roasted nuts. It’s clearly holding so much at bay in its cask strength form, and air opens it into a basket of walnut brittle, loose leaf tobacco, dried cranberry, carnauba wax, old bike parts, semi dark chocolate, and dashi broth. Not at all for the faint of heart. We love an idiosyncratic Ben Nevis, but for the uninitiated we may need to take baby steps. On the palate it’s rich and oily, offering huge savory underbrush and salty nuts balanced by sweet raisin fruit and an underlying oily texture. It’s simply quintessentially, unapologetically original Ben Nevis. With water it softens and sweetens somewhat, though in this rare case I truly prefer it with air and time rather than the softening effect of water. The only complaint might come from those hoping for a Nevis in skimpier clothes, but the sherry is so well integrated and never overwhelms the density of the spirit that even the most staunch anti oak brigadier general might admit the superiority of this style. If you have only $80 to spend on malt this quarter and don’t need something peaty, this is the obvious slam dunk you’ve been looking for. I’m buying three.

The secret history behind K&L Faultline Indiana Bourbon is one of my most prized memories as a buyer at K&L. Nearly two decades ago, when we first began to deploy a larger-scale strategy for K&L's spirits department, my colleague David Driscoll and I were determined to launch a store label. For years, K&L had sold wine under several private brands, but we had never done the same with spirits. We did not want to simply repackage other people's goods as our own. We would seek out the very best products we could find and bottle them under a label that exemplified our commitment to doing things better. We were drawing a line in the sand, making clear that nothing less would ever go into this special new label. If we couldn't get the quality and price we wanted from our suppliers, we'd create our own products that met the highest standards possible. And thus, Faultline was born. It was a seismic shift in how spirits retailers operated at the time. The name was a tip of the hat to the very real fault lines running beneath our California stores, connecting them in both geological and metaphysical terms. After the success of our first batches of Cognac, gin, single malt, and rum, we knew we had to put a bourbon together. It was not so easy to buy barrels in bulk in those days. While there are old stories of fine MGP rye stocks being offered at ridiculously low prices, the bourbons had already become dear. So when my friend John Little sent us a huge set of samples of great 10- and 7-year-old MGP for Smooth Ambler's single barrel program, I asked how many we could have. He said there were no real limits. After tasting through the set and liking several barrels, but loving none of them, I dumped my samples into a glass to see what would happen. A sort of magic spell was cast at that moment. The beauty of blending revealed itself to me right before my eyes, or more accurately, my nose. Together, the two whiskies simply sang, without any effort or real work. It was an epiphany. With a world of possibilities now open, we began tinkering and blending the lot, selecting certain 10- and 7-year-old barrels and carefully bringing them down to 100 proof. The resulting blend would become a staple on our shelves for the next half decade. But with the sale of Smooth Ambler to Pernod Ricard in 2017, our source dried up. That, in conjunction with the unprecedented bourbon explosion, tabled Faultline Bourbon for many years to come. Now, nearly 10 years later, the cycle begins again: amazing bourbon, available at incredible prices, blended to the flavor profile we have always loved. This rich and complex bourbon does what mature high-rye bourbon can do so well. It melds the sweetness of corn and oak sugars perfectly with the deep, satisfying spice of the barrel. The whole thing is tied up neatly with a bow of beautiful rye character, while the slow proofing we employ adds texture and depth throughout. You might argue about the nuances of this batch or that, but nothing can dethrone Faultline Bourbon as the king of K&L's bourbon shelves.

Another ridiculously good barrel from our friends at Stoddard Spirits. Bill Binder is one of those guys whom everybody simply loves. His genuine love for this business is infectious, his legitimacy as an arbiter of taste is unquestionable, and his ability to connect with people is unparalleled. While he cut his teeth behind the bar, he is the ultimate front-of-house curator, making everyone who crosses his path feel welcome and special. So it is no surprise that his good name and equally good intentions have brought about one of the most remarkable partnerships this industry has ever seen. There are brands that have claimed to source whiskey from the famed Willett Distillery, but the mere public mention of that relationship could be enough to bring it to an end. Willett is fiercely protective of its trade name and contractual obligations. They have certainly created collaborative releases before, but never have they allowed their name to be used in association with products sold under another brand. It is therefore a significant coup that Bill and his team have secured access to this incredible source. Even more interesting is that the barrels they are sourcing represent some of Willett’s most prized and unusual experiments. This wonderful bourbon is proof that some of the experimental mashbills produced at Willett can occasionally outshine even the best Estate stocks. I honestly cannot remember a seven-year-old WFE tasting this good, although this whiskey remains distinctly outside the normal Willett profile. That is likely why it was never adopted as a core expression, rather than because of any issue with its quality or character. I think I’m ready. The color is a full, shimmering auburn (1.5). The nose, admittedly after the bottle had been open for a week and was already one-quarter gone, is extremely expressive, showing signs of maturity well beyond the age statement. Deep red cherry compote, stunning whipped caramel sauce, gingersnaps, hipster light-roast coffee, sarsaparilla bark, kola nut, sandalwood, and nutmeg all come pouring from the glass. On the palate, the red fruit dominates at first, with a juiciness that completely subdues the tannins. More stone fruit emerges through the midpalate alongside strong baking spice, strawberry candy, and exotic wood notes. The back end dries up beautifully, keeping the whiskey from feeling overly confectionary, while the tiniest hint of earthy, almost Wild Turkey-like funk provides balance. The lengthy finish brings back the clove-driven spice and a seemingly endless wave of candied red fruit. This barrel is both extremely distinctive and genuinely distinguished. A casual observer who does not understand the extraordinary care that went into crafting this special bourbon might scoff at the price-to-age ratio. For the initiated, who understand just how compelling even these younger barrels can be, the quality and potential here will be impossible to ignore.

For the record this is Batch 6 Cask 6138 A combo of 12Yr Rye, 21 Yr Rye, 15Yr Corn, 17 Yr Corn, 22 Yr Corn and 25Yr Corn – this makes the composition 49% Rye, 48% Corn and 3% Barley. Among all the brands that we actively follow right now, Found North is one of our favorites. We have been fans for a long time and when the opportunity presented itself to us to obtain a barrel, we were excited to say the least. Immediately this cask spoke to us – at least on paper – a cherry liqueur finished product could have easily been aged too long. Upon sampling, we were all very surprised at how subtle the liqueur showed. We equated this whisky to a Manhattan but only in the best – least cocktail like way. More as if you poured a shot of whisky into a glass that previously served a Manhattan – again subtle.

There are very few things more exciting than well-aged Port Charlotte, and this single cask from Bruichladdich Distillery absolutely delivers. Distilled July 18th, 2001 and matured 21 years in a rum barrel, it offers a rare look at how Bruichladdich’s heavily peated spirit evolves with time and an unconventional cask. Bottled at a natural 48.7% from cask #260 with just 259 bottles produced, this is proper small-scale whisky. Selected by Vintage Bottlers, a focused independent bottler known for honest, character-driven casks, this release avoids unnecessary manipulation and lets the whisky speak clearly. That restraint is key here. Port Charlotte’s hallmark balance of Islay peat and Bruichladdich’s more refined, fruit-forward distillate is fully intact, while the rum cask adds subtle molasses richness and a faint tropical lift without overwhelming the spirit. The peat has beautifully integrated over two decades, evolving into aromatic smoke layered with citrus, spice, and savory depth. There’s real history behind the style as well, Port Charlotte’s roots trace back to the old Lochindaal distillery, founded in 1829 and later revived under Bruichladdich, carrying forward Islay’s deeply peated tradition. A fully mature, distinctive cask that captures both heritage and innovation in equal measure.

UPDATE: The final blend is here and it's even more incredible than the test recipe - everything is married perfectly and it tastes exactly like we wanted it. A testament to the prowess of the excellent blender, Mr James Saxon, who incidentally is stepping down from his throne as lead blender at Compass Box. This will be one of his final projects. A fitting tribute to an undeniable talent. The privilege of selecting a custom batch of Compass Box cannot be overstated. Only a handful of venues have ever been invited to participate in a collaboration with the great modern bespoke whisky maker. The blending and bottling of a K&L Exclusive Compass Box led by the illustrious John Glaser is one of our crowning achievements in terms of sheer quality. It took us almost 5 years from the moment we first approached the brand before they agreed to it. That whisky, 5th & Harrison, was a blend of old Caol Ila and sherried Glen Ord, an eternal coupling. Thanks to a killer price and a mysterious label - that was definitely NOT a drawing of any former K&L Spirits buyer - it sold out in just days for just $180. Now the few bottles that remain fetch over $1000 at auction. Since then, so much has changed. John Glaser has handed the reigns over to a new generation of whisky makers and a new era of collaboration has blossomed. K&L has a new location in Southern California, and so much more. Nearly 10 years to the day that we began the process of creating 5th & Harrison, we’re ready to release a second custom batch bottled exclusively for K&L Wine Merchants by Compass Box. Blending whisky is one of the most fulfilling and complex tasks I’ve had the incredible luck to perform. Blending whisky isn't a materialistic endeavor that can be solved by wit and measure. The simple truth of blending is that 1+2≠3 and creating a whisky of great distinction and character is not as simple as just mashing three really good malts together. So, guided, as it were, by the deft hand of Whisky Making Director and all-around splendid chap James Saxon, I embarked upon a sublime journey. We loved the original 5th & Harrison style and wanted to stay within that realm. James had an incredible array of wonderful old sherried and peated whiskies to choose from, but it was quickly narrowed down to a few lots. They had old Ardbeg, Highland Park, Caol Ila, Bowmore, and sherried Glendullan or Tormore. I wasn’t simply looking to recreate the prowess of the original in flavor terms. Instead, I felt we needed to focus on creating the same experience of unbridled value for your dollar. That immediately cut the potential of working with Ardbeg out of the question – despite the quality of the distillate, it’s not only difficult to integrate but also VERY expensive after 20 years of age. I’d assumed the same fate would hold true for the other Islay options, but after running the numbers, we found that we’d be able to use significant portions of Bowmore aged for almost 23 years in ex-bourbon. That product on its own would fetch many hundreds of dollars in today’s market. To it, we married a gorgeous first-fill sherry butt of Glendullan of at least 21 years of age. This little-known distillery can offer some distinct character and complexity when aged in quality casks. So little sees high-value sherry it’s hard to generalize about character, but this barrel was absolutely first-rate. It brought out the deep tropical fruit and wild exotic side of the Bowmore. This original blend was supple and delicious - a 5th & Harrison redux if you will, but it didn’t really show the maturity of these two wonderful old spirits. In fact, the whiskies seemed to bring out the hidden youthfulness in each other, a noble trait, though now somehow masking some deeper complexities that the two exhibited apart. At James' suggestion, we began to explore the potential of introducing a small amount of old rugged Caol Ila into the blend. This I also assumed would be cost prohibitive, but we forged ahead anyway. After nearly two and a half decades in refill American oak, the wild jagged spirit has smoldered into a dense singularity of salty ocean flavors. The feeling of boarding a weathered schooner, salt and tar covered, the captain’s pipe wafting as he steadies the wooden tiller. Whiffs of salted fish, sea spray, and diesel smoke complete the harbor scene. Eventually, this final note brought the new batch together perfectly by retaining the wild freshness but pinpointing both a base and top note that draws the deeper elements of the first two malts forward. The resulting blend is easily one of my favorite modern bottlings of scotch in at least a decade. It exemplifies everything we are at K&L, providing a superior experience for an incredible price. The component whiskies, had they been bottled on their own, would have individually fetched easily 2-3 times the price of this bottle, but put them together, a testament the incredible value we've created here. I’ll attempt to do it justice here. The color is a stunning hue of deep copper (1.0). The nose offers an incredible sense of the finest and oldest things -old teak, cordovan, salt-encrusted rope, mango syrup, balsam, seaweed, bonfire, première eau, and marmalade. On the palate, the Bowmore shines at first, offering salted tropical fruit, fried plantains in honey, grilled lemons. Then our Glendullan adds wild nutty oxidized rancio, dense spices, and freshly chopped dark chocolate. The finish brings a heavy dose of lemon oil, old wood, baked orchard fruit, apricot jam, salted almonds, camphor, and smoldering tobacco. It doesn’t need a drop of water and certainly not more than that if you must. Bottled at very near cask strength - 0.1-.2% to round out the labels - and with no chill filtration, coloring, or other additives whatsoever. Today, to commemorate the expansion of K&L into new waters, we launch both 5th & Harrison II & Culver & Sepulveda. These two sister bottlings include the exact same juice, but each label celebrates these two wonderful cities that we call home. In some comedic twist of fate, we’re able to offer these wonders – an old blended malt scotch whisky at the exact same price as the previous K&L/Compass Box collaboration from over a decade ago, a true triumph.

Never judge a book by its cover, they say, unless it’s gorgeously appointed and unrivaled in its beauty, I’d add. There is no question that in the booze business, your bottle is nearly as important as the stuff that goes in it. Indeed, it was the striking package that drew my eye to this product on the backbar of a Glasgow pub five years ago. I asked to see the bottle and realized that this was not some crass, overdesigned marketing exercise. This was a legitimate and thoughtfully crafted Scottish gin with a character unlike any other I’d tasted. One sniff out of that bottle and I knew I needed to have this stuff – EVERY DAY if possible, but for one massive hurdle. The tiny distillery on the far-flung island in the outer Hebrides was already struggling to keep up with local demand, and the incredible care in the design of the bottle meant that creating a bottle suitable for the US market, which only recently allowed the sale of spirits in 700ml bottles, was next to impossible. So, we waited. I staged a relentless campaign with emails and phone calls to the distillery to make clear our interest. And when this special product final popped up with a small distributor, I bought every single bottle they had on hand. I’ve called this the next great Scottish Gin, and I truly believe that. It offers a complex expression of flavors that are perfectly balanced and wildly appealing. The nose is an ever-evolving explosion of aromas beginning with an ocean breeze. This sensation of being near the sea is so distinct, one must experience it to understand. On second nosing, a flutter of citrus and a deep whole pepper note give way to a bright piney character before the sweet, earthy aromas of licorice, Orris, and cassia come online. The underlying sweetness balances the subtle salinity perfectly on the palate. Of course, no sugar added here, and perhaps it is psychosomatic, but the sugar kelp seems to give it a voluptuous richness that balances the savory perfectly. And while this is slightly lower proof than I usually like in a gin, the texture and balance seem to be perfectly suited for the gin's character. Altogether one of my favorite products to drink, hands down from any category. Plus, that bottle is so beautiful. Now one of the best values for artisanal hand crafted gin in the store as well!

Found North Batch 012 marks another brilliantly technical release from one of the most exciting independent whisky blenders working today. This 16-year cask-strength Canadian whisky is built from an 11-component blend of mature corn and rye whiskies, with 22-year, 20-year, and 16-year corn married to 22-year and 20-year rye. The final grain ratio lands at 86% corn, 13% rye, and 1% barley, bottled at a formidable 64.1% ABV. The heart of the blend is a 2009 corn component reracked into ISC Cooper’s Reserve new American oak, made from 24-month air-seasoned wood with heavy toast and Char #2, then moved into lower warehouse conditions for 11 months. Found North layers that with 2003 corn in Kelvin heavy toast Char #1 new wood and 2004 rye in Chevalier heavy toast Char #3 new wood, building a whisky of remarkable density, structure, and spice. Expect the brand’s signature power and polish, with deep brown sugar sweetness, heavy baking spice, mouth-coating oak tannin, and that compelling marshmallow-like phenolic richness that makes these batches so singular. With just 8,088 bottles produced, Batch 012 should be on every serious Canadian whisky lover’s radar.

The Probitas Rum brand is the single most interesting thing coming out of the Caribbean right now. The simple truth about the rum industry is that a huge amount of the apparatus involved in producing rum exists outside its primary region of origin. There are undoubtedly economic reasons for dispersing the production network, especially given the cost of importing raw materials and equipment to islands far from the markets where these products are most popular. Still, there is something deeply unusual about the fact that spirits distilled in the Caribbean, but aged and bottled in Europe, can continue to be considered Caribbean rum. The Scots would certainly never allow something so ridiculous. Yet the decentralized nature of the industry is also a huge part of its success, and there seems to be little hope of changing the broader systemic issues surrounding rum production. The best we can hope for is that great producers, like the wonderful Foursquare Distillery in Barbados, create products that reshape the marketplace and challenge the status quo. Richard Seale, already an iconoclastic force in the industry, seems poised to do just that. I have always said that the rum industry follows the leader, and without a leader willing to challenge accepted norms, we will never see rum break out in the way it should. While the category may still be led in volume and dollars by the large multinational brands, its spiritual and intellectual leader is clearly Mr. Seale. His powerful vision for what rum, and Bajan rum in particular, should be offers a model for every quality producer to follow. It gives us hope that a better industry and better rum can take center stage in a true renaissance for the category. This product represents one huge step in that direction. Challenging the dogmatic anti-additive brigade to do a little soul-searching, Richard has created a blended dark rum using traditional methods that simply outperforms nearly everything in the category at an absolutely stupendous price. By carefully curating every element, they have created the new king of dark rum. From the selection of barrels and the precision of the blending to the coloring performed in-house, every detail feels perfectly proportioned. Here we go! The color is a stunning burnt umber (1.7). The nose begins with a beautiful combination of sweet woody caramel, dense baking spice, and tense rum funk, although at a considerably lower intensity than the Probitas White. Further aeration brings out burnt butter, raisiny dark fruit, and old leather. On the palate, it is powerful and rich, balanced by a lip-smacking juiciness that gives it a profoundly moreish quality. The funk takes a back seat to beautifully developed sweet fruit and honeyed character. Sipping it neat is perfectly enjoyable and makes its obvious quality immediately apparent, but there is no question that this rum was intended to be mixed. It succeeds everywhere the Probitas White occasionally fell slightly flat. I love that product in a funky Daiquiri, but it can sometimes feel muddled in a Mai Tai. This absolutely demolishes the competition as a base for that kind of drink. If you are ever considering mixing a rum-based cocktail and have not already grabbed one of these, you are clearly not maximizing your bar game. It is okay. You still have time!

Few categories have been more muddled over the last decade than Japanese whisky, which makes the arrival of Sato Shiki feel especially compelling. This 35 Year Old Single Grain is presented as a fully grain-to-glass Japanese whisky, with grain sourced from local Japanese farms, water drawn from the Hourigawa River in Miyazaki Prefecture, and every step from fermentation to distillation and maturation taking place at the historic Sato Distillery, founded in 1905. The real intrigue here is the distillery's proprietary Sato Still, a unique beehive-shaped design developed by the fourth-generation master distiller to adapt centuries-old Japanese distillation traditions into a modern whisky context. After an extraordinary 35 years in a combination of American white oak, Spanish sherry oak, and Limousin Cognac oak, the whisky lands in a beautifully polished, layered style. Expect roasted malt, gentle vanilla, mature oak, dark chocolate, raisins, dried fruit, and toffee, all carried by the soft, round texture that only extended aging and careful cask management can provide. At 40% ABV, this is not about brute force, but elegance, rarity, and poise. A fascinating luxury bottling for collectors and Japanese whisky devotees looking beyond the usual names.

A soft and delicate nose offers vanilla ice cream, ripe banana, peach, and honey-sweetened breakfast cereal. The palate is gentle and smooth, but packed with flavors—more vanilla, peach, coconut flakes, lemon meringue, cherry tart, and blackberry jam—all balanced by peppery spice and fragrant oak. A long, nicely spiced finish offers balanced fruitiness, Creamsicle, and dark chocolate. Complex, balanced, deep, and well-spiced; an easy sipper. (DF, Fall-2024)

There are few things more pleasurable than the robust, oily, salty malt of Bunnahabhain paired with sultry oloroso-soaked European oak sherry casks for nearly a decade and a half. It's a style we rarely see in modern Scotch, harkening back to an older era that once seemed to define the far-flung distillery on the northeast coast of Islay. The simple fact that these casks once sold for much more does not negate their incredible quality. You'll still find previous releases of similar age from just a few years ago selling for legitimately twice our price. But that's ultimately beside the point, because these newer stocks are now coming of age and we are exploring their quality for the first time. I'm happy to report that the quality, at least of this particular butt, is simply stupendous. On we go. The color is a beautiful, robust burnt umber (1.7). The nose is universally appealing with huge notes of roasted sugar, sweet dried plums, poached pears, and sweetened whipped espresso, recalling the wafting aromas of Sant'Eustachio il Caffè in Rome's Centro Storico. Beneath all that dense sherry lies a sweet saltiness that reminds us the ocean is lapping at the foot of these warehouses. The palate is bold and rich with more herbs and sweet bark than the nose, but plenty of dense, ultra-mature rancio fruit as well. This whisky absolutely loves to swim, broadening and opening beautifully with water, adding both weight and complexity. I wish the distillery would offer more whisky like this; we'd have lots more interest in the brand. But alas, we're relegated to the occasional cask here or there showing this absurdly delicious character. I'll be praying each year that Signatory keeps the prices low on these very special stocks.

The first thing you notice is the elegant fragrance of lychee, spring blossoms, lily, rosewater, and raspberry meringue. Deeper in, grassy notes with star fruit, kumquat, and kaffir lime leaves. The flavors offer perfection in their simplicity: silky honey, soft spices, crystalized pineapple, barley sugar, lemon, and orange. On the finish, the spices chatter on and on as the sweet citrus and honey fade in and out. One to cherish. (JM, Spring 2018)

This special Compass Box tasting pack brings together two of the house’s most celebrated expressions, offering a brilliant masterclass in the art of wood management, at an unbelievable price. While both whiskies showcase the blending house's signature richness and complexity, they approach flavor from entirely different geographic traditions, creating a beautiful study in contrasts.Together, this duo offers a phenomenal look at how the same high-quality malt distillate can be steered in wildly divergent directions by the hand of a master blender. Whether you are looking to explore the fiery depth of high-toast oak or the plush sweetness of European wine casks, this combo pack covers all the bases at a price lower than each individual bottle. And with the discontinuation of The Spice Tree expression, this may be your last chance to grab this classic at an unbeatable price.

When we received the opportunity to get our hands on an uncommon single barrel of Sazerac Rye for the New York location, we all looked at each other with a smirk and a knowing head nod. Months later, the K&L pick arrived and those nods persisted albeit a little more emphatically. Coming in at 6 years and 10 months old, this 90-proof classic out kicked the coverage in every way. The nose is generous with hits of caramel covered apples, bing cherries, wafts of well-worn leather and herbal spices. The palate is super balanced carrying that signature Sazerac cinnamon, more caramel, tea leaves and rye spice which all give way to a surprising chocolate-mint on your pillow surprise. In the end it’s the rye spice and a dash of pepper that sits around awhile, like a party guest that doesn’t understand the evening is over. A great choice for fans of Sazerac and just really good rye.

The original red bitter is vivid scarlet, with a grapefruit peel-like aroma and flavor. The palate is bitter and bright, with a lighter body than many liqueurs and a hint of cinnamon on the bracing exit. Classic for mixing into a wide range of cocktails. (KN)

Eye-catchingly lurid red-orange, this classic liqueur has a mellow orange-y aroma. Though it's considered an aperitivo bitter, the vibrant flavor is more sweet-bitter than bittersweet, channeling orange and grapefruit peels. The viscosity, color and sweetness lends presence to Spritzes and other cocktails. (KN)

Calvados is near and dear to my heart and this beautiful estate being one of my favorite to visit. In a region that avoids unusual or out of the norm, Dupont has become somewhat of an iconoclast. The youthful exuberance that the estate exudes is absolutely infectious and is the continued work of the visionary who brought these expressions together, Jerome Dupont. Sadly, our dear friend Jerome passed prematurely in 2018, but his vision for adding a new chapter to the Calvados story lives on. Very few people in the industry were more passionate, thoughtful and kind as Jerome. He's deeply missed here at K&L, but his legacy lives on through these incredible brandies. And this is technically not Calvados because they've used American oak to finish this brandy, but by any logical measure it is Calvados. Let's have a taste. The color is white wine (0.1). A lovely balance between crisp classical Calva flavors, quite crispy on first nosing with the baked apple note dominating at first. Further aeration reveals a good deal of depth and a buttery flakey pie crust note, sweet pear compote, hints of savory spice and briny smoke behind it all. There is this unusual connection with the feeling of being in a Calvados distillery, the funk of all that ferment, that peeks through thanks to the wisps of peat, which weirdly brings me back to France rather than Scotland. It's this slight medicinal note that is obviously a result of the Scotch whisky but doesn't divest itself from its core character on the nose. In fact, the note slowly melds into an almost honeysuckle floral aromatic. On the palate, the whisky is more pronounced but still does nothing to overpower the gorgeous apple character. Medium bodied and supple on the palate with a soft easy finish. This is an incredible value at nearly 50% off the original price. A perfect grab for any spirit lover, but not so weird that it will scare people away.

I am completely in love with Longmorn, but the distillery has been sadly absent from our shelves for many years. We used to do exceptionally well with the well-priced 16-year, which was creamy, delicious, and easy to recommend. Eventually, though, the price went wild, and then the whisky was discontinued altogether. When the owners relaunched the brand, they got so much right: a limited-release 18-year-old, non-chill filtered, cask strength, small batch whisky from one of Speyside’s great underappreciated distilleries. There was only one problem: the price was absolutely insane. Nearly $300! Now, at more than half off, we are getting serious about this one. Apparently, this is the last discount they will be offering on the product, but who cares? If the price keeps going down, we will keep reloading. Let’s have a go. The color is burnished gold (1.1). The nose is absolutely classic Longmorn: rich roasted vanilla, a huge pan of roasted fruits, persimmon, pear, and pineapple, and dense, zingy barrel spice with galangal, cinnamon, more vanilla, and clove. With water, it opens toward Seville orange peel and fresh-baked biscuits, though the core remains firmly centered on roasted fruits and earthy spice. The texture is full-bodied and almost thick, with wildflower honey, wax fruit, roasted malt, dark chocolate, and buttercream. It absolutely loves a splash of water, softening and broadening in a wonderful way without losing its depth. This is still a special luxury whisky, but at this price it feels extremely fair rather than sort of silly and over the top. If you love Longmorn or Speyside whisky in general, this is an easy choice.

Product details coming soon.

If you wondered when you saw '50%,' this is indeed bottled in bond whiskey, with all the requirements that go with it. The nose is just this side of hot and brings parched corn, sawn maple wood, spicy hard candy, and dry spearmint leaf. Bright and spicy on the tongue; more candy and honey, and hints of teaberry and licorice that develop into the finish. A better package of flavor and price than the earlier Taylor releases; quite enjoyable. (LB, Spring 2013)

Sarti Rosa is a thoroughly modern Italian aperitivo built on a surprisingly deep foundation. Casa Luigi Sarti & Figli was established in Bologna in 1885, earning a reputation for creative, distinctive liqueurs before the Sarti name joined the Campari Group in 1995. This vivid pink expression revives that spirit of invention without pretending to be an unchanged historic recipe. Made with the juices of Sicilian blood orange, mango, and passion fruit, it lands on the fruitier, more exuberant side of the aperitivo spectrum, balancing ripe citrus and tropical sweetness with enough tartness to keep the whole thing bright and refreshing. At 14% ABV, it is effortless over ice and absolutely built for the spritz. The house serve is three parts Prosecco, two parts Sarti Rosa, and a splash of soda, finished with lime. Less austere and overtly bitter than many classic Italian aperitivi, this is an inviting, crowd-pleasing option for warm afternoons, brunch, poolside drinking, or anyone looking to put a vivid new spin on the Italian aperitivo ritual. Colorful, versatile, and dangerously easy to mix, Sarti Rosa feels like a natural addition to the modern home bar.

Product details coming soon.

Look for bold tropical fruit on nose and palate. Each complex sip opens slightly sweet and finishes with citrus zing, mouthwatering salinity and a mineral hint of graphite. (KN)

Cocchi makes my favorite red vermouth. I use it for Manhattan’s, in a Negroni, or in my favorite Champagne cocktail, the Negroni Sbagliato. If you are interested in seeing the recipe, search "Negroni Sbagliato" on the blog (blog.klwines.com) to find it, complete with video. If you don’t mind waiting, you can also send me an email with the button above, and I’ll send you the link.

Those who follow my tastes know that Bowmore is one of the distilleries I consider a true enigma. It remains among the finest whiskies on the planet by any measure, yet the contrast between the distillery bottlings, which are perfectly acceptable but rarely transcendent without spending ungodly amounts of money, and the quality of the independent bottlings currently available to us is truly absurd. Every modern Bowmore cask we have received from our suppliers has been absolutely spectacular, and part of the charm is that no two are ever quite alike. This is the beauty of handmade single malt, and a significant proportion of Bowmore’s barley is still malted by hand. In my opinion, it is precisely that inconsistency that makes these whiskies so compelling. If every cask tasted the same, what would be the point of buying single barrels? So here we go with another beautiful barrel of Bowmore. The color is a perfect deep copper (1.0). The nose offers a remarkable mélange of salty maritime intensity and wild tropical fruit: lychee, sweet saltwater taffy, diesel oil, camphor, roasted almonds, dried mango, pink peppercorn, and malty smoke. The palate is vibrant and angular, with a huge mineral note and dense, billowing smoke. After all that talk about the individuality of single casks, this one feels quintessentially Bowmore in the best possible way. If we continue to find barrels like this, there is no question that we are entering a new era in which Bowmore’s preeminence will once again be more widely recognized.

The initial nosing passes find subtle traces of charcoal and roasted grain which are followed by sweeter aromas of sweet grain mash and pipe tobacco. Entry is smoky and charred; the midpalate is oily, moderately viscous, semisweet and robust. Ends on a delicious oily, bacon-like note. A very well-made American pot still vodka. *Best Buy*

These now famous stocks of bourbon are some of the rarest and most storied on the market today.

Product details coming soon.

This gorgeous barrel of Braeval probably won’t strike a chord with the distillery’s devoted fans because, well, there really aren’t many Braeval fans. That’s not to say we haven’t sold plenty of excellent examples over the years, but the complete absence of official distillery bottlings and lingering confusion around the name, originally Braes of Glenlivet, have kept this excellent little malt off almost everyone’s radar. It doesn’t help that much of the spirit is destined for blending and often filled into less-than-inspiring cask stock, which may explain why only the oldest Braevals have historically achieved true greatness. But take this lovely Highland malt and place it in a fresh Oloroso hogshead, and you have a recipe for something wonderful. Here we go. The beautiful color tells us we’re firmly in sherry-bomb territory, a healthy auburn (1.4). The nose is explosive, with baking spices, roasted almonds, tinned stone fruit, and complex aromas of dark-roasted coffee. The palate is dense and chewy, offering surprising depth of roasted malt and zesty orange oil alongside rich, sweet dried fruit. It’s a classical, if not entirely unexpected, style. We might have assumed that enthusiasm for dense, dark, sherried malt would have faded decades after aficionados first embraced it, but drinkers both new and old still adore this profile. It may never have gone out of fashion, but it has certainly become far more expensive. For sherry lovers, this is the deal of the year. Hands down.

Mars Shuzo is the quiet giant of Japanese whisky. The best kept secret in the whisky world are the two exceptional distilleries, Komagatake and Tsunuki. While both have been available on occasion in single malt form, they are almost never seen in the US as single casks, and typically a single barrel of either commands a significant premium. The company can trace its roots to the origins of Japanese whisky through their founder, Kiichiro Iwai. Just like Suntory, Hombo Shuzo was there from the start. It was in fact Iwai who enlisted Masataka Taketsuru to travel to Scotland in order to learn the age old techniques for making the world’s most complex whisky. Upon his return, Hombo was not able to construct the distillery, so Taketsuru-san took the plans to Suntory. But in 1949, Kiichiro Iwai would complete his dream of building pot stills and distilling Hombo’s own malt whisky. And while Iwai-san represents one of the three pillars of Japanese whisky, their modern commitment to the category rests squarely on the shoulders of one great man, Kazuto Hombo. Hombo-san is a true lover of the finer things, and his love of whisky kept the wonderful old stills running. His belief that Japanese whisky would one day be a worldwide success is singularly connected to the construction of the Nagano plant where the original stills were moved, and while Hombo-san was ahead of his time, the plant would see very little production over the next 30 years. He was ready when the whisky boom began and production restarted in 2014. Now Komagatake is making some of the world’s best whisky. Stylistically, the distillery offers an elegant and refined malt, but this single cask is truly superb. Peated to 20 ppm, you might expect something very smoky and forward, but instead you have an elegant, ultra complex expression of malt that is on par with the very finest available anywhere. Let’s dive in! One of the old single casks out there. The color is a shimmering yellow gold (0.5). The nose is an explosive mixture of maritime flavors and sweet orchard fruit: oyster shell, yuzu peel, galangal, creosote, white ash, pear preserves, licorice root, salted grilled lemons, and lanolin. The palate is razor sharp and chiseled, with a big citrus note and a strong saline character up front, followed by similar white ashy smoke, which does not dominate whatsoever the fresh, juicy fruit: greengage, apricot, green grapes. It absolutely adores water, softening the smoke and reminding me of a well matured, less tarry style Caol Ila. An absolute winner by any measure that feels like a rapturous eye opener to the potential of this wonderful little mountain distillery.

The distillery describes the history of this bottling, a "limited annual release" from Brown-Forman "celebrating another milestone in Old Forester’s storied history." "During Prohibition, more than 200 distilleries were forced to close. Old Forester, however, continued operations because the federal government issued us one of six medicinal licenses, P-3. In 1924, Old Forester acquired barrels from closed distillers, with different mash bills, and bottled that liquid as Old Forester. This release commemorates that moment in time."

The first time I saw it we were in Scotland. I full on freaked out at a small spirits shop in Edinburgh when I noticed this quirky bottle of gin sitting on the shelf. For years, the Monkey 47 had been unobtanium, a regrettable situation for the knowledgeable and gin soaked. None of us had experienced this legendary gin yet, but thanks to the UK's lax wine shop regulations -the old "taste whatever you like" rule was in full effect. We were soon dunking our noses in a few splashes of its magnificence. I think tasting this after several other gins really put into perspective how special it really is. Created through the confluence of British aesthetics, Indian flavors, and the distinctly Teutonic natural treasure that is the Schwarzwald, The Monkey packs an enormous amount of complexity into that little bottle. It's the sort of gin that will save that cocktail you're about to ruin. You could have just as well served it straight because it sips beautifully even at room temperature. It’s quite a departure from your standard recipe gin, although some familiar elements are layered throughout. There is a strong yet soothing evergreen presence. A keynote if you will, but by no means the only focus. On the nose a dried floral aroma is accented by a twinge of spicy ginger. At the front, what seems like a citrus or chamomile quickly morphs into tea tree and sweet herbs, lemon verbena -now cucumber peel and pepper, it just keeps on going. No point in continuing to describe its flavor, its not working. It has a glorious tendency to be completely different with each sip, a true roller-coaster of flavors. Every single one of its 47 botanicals is tuned to the same perfect frequency. It's wild and utterly fabulous, but not in an awkward way. Instead, it seems to be all very deliberate, even stoic. I gladly forked over the £s the shop was asking, as did my colleagues. We nearly cried when we heard it would finally be arriving stateside.

One for no age statement naysayers. An eloquent expression of sweet osmanthus, baked lemon, yuzu, violin resin, rich malts, and bonfire aromas on a favorite woolen jumper. It glides across the tongue with sweet barley sugar, but attests to greater depths; grapefruit, spicy ginger, and mandarin developing milk chocolate-coated, candied lemon flavors. A firm finish: green cardamom spices slowly releasing their grip on the front of the palate, leaving clingy vanilla. Unbound by an age statement, it's a beautiful offering. (JM, Winter-2016)

A top pick for tiki and tropical drinks, this practically begs for lime juice. Scented with warm honey notes, the palate shows lots of brown sugar and spice, plus an enticingly untamed, funky finish (the fabled 'hogo'). Since it’s 'Navy Strength,' you might not want to sip it straight up—the producer wisely recommends exploring the profile first in a daiquiri—though it’s smooth and interesting enough if you want to try. (KN)

The secretive world of Cognac remains one of the most poorly understood spirits categories, especially considering its broad popularity. Perhaps that lack of transparency is hurting the category, but nothing about Cognac is straightforward or simple. When I first visited the region, I was a young and ardent supporter of additive-free spirits, searching far and wide for excellent, unadulterated expressions to bring home to our customers. We found some very special lots here and there, but it was also clear that a great deal of additive-free Cognac needed those additives, or “blending materials,” as they preferred to call them, to feel complete. I was astounded by the doublespeak and subterfuge surrounding the subject, even among the most reputable houses, both large and small. When we raised the question at the wonderful Ragnaud-Sabourin estate, in the heart of Grande Champagne, the curtain was finally pulled back. Madame Ragnaud was remarkably open about the process, explaining that the wonderful Ragnaud products we knew were built in part around the extraordinary boisé the family had cultivated over many decades. Their oldest and most prized eaux-de-vie, once they had fallen below proof, were segregated and cared for with great reverence, then incorporated in increasingly generous proportions throughout the range. After tasting her exquisite example of the right way to use additives in Cognac, along with literally hundreds of undrinkable young additive-free Cognacs, not to mention plenty of fully dosed young Cognacs that were equally bad, our hardline view began to soften. At the same time, our appreciation grew for those rare producers capable of creating a beautifully balanced spirit without relying on the traditional tools of the trade. It was at that moment that the extraordinary brandies of the Dudognon estate rose in my mind above nearly all others. Their ability to produce such impeccable Cognac without additives suddenly seemed even more remarkable. The Dudognons’ admission that their refusal to use additives was not some dogmatic battle cry, but simply the result of never having learned those techniques, only reinforced the point. Their Cognac was not built around ideology. It was built around exceptional farming, distillation, aging, and instinct. The point of this story is to highlight just how difficult it is to create superlative young Cognac without high-quality boisé serving as the backbone of the blending process. Finding the balance between freshness, oak, fruit, spice, and all the other flavors we expect after only five or seven years in a spirit capable of aging for a century is almost unbelievable. So when we first encountered this special product, I was not remotely shocked to learn that it was intended to sell for more than $100. This batch was purpose-built to achieve a nearly impossible goal. Its quality far exceeds even my wildest expectations, and while I am not necessarily surprised that the producer could not sell through it at the original price, that does not mean it was not worth every penny they were asking. So here we are with an outrageously delicious Cognac, created around a commitment to avoid additives while still delivering a genuinely grandiose experience. Is it simply a younger, more affordable version of Dudognon? Let’s find out. The color is a surprisingly robust deep copper, around 1.0. Many, if not all, of the young additive-free Cognacs we have sold over the years have been closer to white wine or pale straw. Here, the aromas begin to emerge the moment the bottle is opened, and once poured, there is no need to wait for the magic to begin. The layered aromatic profile starts with expressive tropical fruit wrapped in baking spice, slathered in coconut cream, and dusted with cocoa powder. It is far less primary than expected, offering secondary and tertiary notes normally reserved for much older expressions from Grande Champagne. This may be the secret of Fins Bois on full display. When handled perfectly, the faster development associated with this supposedly lesser region can mimic the complexity of far older and more expensive Cognacs from Fine Champagne. With air, the oak and fruit integrate and expand, adding taut, exotic wood tones to the dried-fruit character. The palate opens with an absolutely perfect note of dark chocolate, followed by vibrant, juicy fruit that broadens beautifully through the mid-palate. The 90 proof is carried effortlessly, and a bold line of spice ties the exceptionally long finish together. Were we determined to nitpick, the only missing element might be the profound weight and density of truly old Grande Champagne. But I can point to only one producer capable of achieving that character without additives, and Dudognon needs more than 20 years and two or three times the price to get there. At this price, for as long as it lasts, this exceptional brandy surpasses everything else in the category for sheer value. It is affordable enough to throw around in a summer cocktail, yet deep and complex enough to pour contemplatively for several hours in front of the fire. There is simply no reason to buy another Cognac under $50 right now. The headlines may insist that no one is drinking Cognac, but I would argue that no one should be drinking anything but this. It is a tremendous deal by any measure. Load up while you can. I bought everything I could get my hands on, but opportunities like this have a habit of disappearing far faster than anyone expects.

The incredible Iseya distillery in Sagamiko is simply one of a kind. The proprietor lives and works on the farm with his mother and partner, but his demeanor is more that of a mad scientist than a humble farmer. Moto-san began his career at the famous Top 50 bar Ben Fiddich in Tokyo. It’s simply a matter of chance that he ended up at this small farm in a quiet village on Lake Sagami. His obsession with flavor is not limited to liqueurs. In his small R&D bar he keeps old and rare vintage single malt, vermouth, chinato, grappa, and much more. His understanding of the entire spirits category is second to none and he boasts one of the most accomplished palates I’ve ever encountered. But Scarlet is all about exploring the past and the future. He never stops experimenting and is constantly searching for new sources of flavor, yet his creations remain fundamentally classical. Many might eschew this product for fear of the dreaded Fernet profile, that menthol bite of Branca can be too much for some. But if you’re at all interested in bitter liqueurs, skipping this would be a real missed opportunity for discovery. Nor is this a big, peaty, gnarly powerhouse as the Laphroaig cask might imply. Instead, you get one of the most complex and balanced drinking experiences you’ll find. The mint is present, but far fresher and more precise than typical Fernets. The richness of character feels limitless. The structure is spot on, with serious bitter tension throughout. It’s unmistakably Fernet, but never abrasive or aggressive. While this handmade, farm to glass product is not inexpensive, the level of care and dedication Moto-san brings to each bottle is extraordinary. With that in mind, don’t shy away from using it in cocktails. It won’t replace every bitter liqueur, but it shines in the right applications. Highballs with a lemon twist, Black Manhattans or Boulevardiers, even split with Angostura in a Trinidad Sour. It’s both inspired and inspiring. I’ve never been more excited about a liqueur in 22 years of doing this. We’re extremely lucky to have this rare release, adorned with one of Moto-san’s hand drawn masterpieces. There’s nothing else like it, and there may never be again.

*96 points, Ultimate Spirits Challenge Top 100 of 2020* Ocho's tequilas were created by Carlos Camarena, a third-generation Tequilero, and Tequila Ambassador Tomas Estes. And each vintage (yes, these are vintage designated tequilas) comes from a single estate with its own mesoclimate, making them the most terroir-driven tequilas on the market. The NOM 1474 or Tequilera Los Alambiques actually represents a new facility on the outskirts of Arandas built by Senor Camerena the famous distiller of Tapatio and El Tesoro Tequilas. This collaboration seeks to distill the purest form of agave to highlight the distinct flavor differences between agave grown in different terroir. Carlos uses estate grown agave and traditional methods to slow ferment and distill his specially selected single estate agave. (Estate and vintage pictured do not represent current stocks. Current vintages and estates change regularly and will not be indicated in our system.)

Sweet, with subtle, crisp, nutty oak, then comes fudge, ripe banana, and peach. The overall effect is like eating vanilla ice cream with toffee fudge and hazelnut sprinkles. The structure is thick and physical, the palate sweet and quite fat, with light hints of raspberry, fruit salad. A jag of acidity freshens the delivery on the finish. With water there’s more toffee, and it becomes slightly more yielding, with less oak. For me the gold standard of grain. (DB, Fall 2015)

One of a trio of new gins from this artisan distiller, this gin's claim to fame is that it was inspired by a hike on Mt. Tam, and the distiller describes it as akin to 'drinking a martini in a pine forest.' Some will find the juniper essence too strong, although it also reads as clean and bracing, and it's laced with a peppery finish. Botanicals include Douglas fir, fennel, bay laurel and sage. A portion of the profits from the gin are donated to support California wilderness. (KN)

Bartenders will want to experiment with this lovely, lightly floral gin for spring cocktails. It has a light touch, from the citrus scent to the sweet flavor that finishes with a bouquet of rose petals, violets and honeysuckle. One of a trio of new gins from this small-batch distiller. (KN)

The bouquet is subtle and alluring, with distant notes of buttered popcorn and escarole broth; aeration stimulates aromas of peanut butter, rye toast and damp cobblestone. Silky palate entry is slightly sweet, concentrated and grainy; at midpalate, the flavor turns drier, lightly spiced and almost fruity (as in dried fruit). Aftertaste is long and spicy. Well crafted and quality driven.

For devotees of Springbank, vintage releases occupy a category of their own, and this extraordinary 1994 bottling captures everything that has made the distillery one of Scotland’s most revered producers. Established in Campbeltown in 1828, Springbank remains fiercely traditional, carrying out the entire production process on site and preserving labor-intensive methods long abandoned elsewhere. Its lightly peated spirit and unusual two-and-a-half-times distillation create the oily texture, maritime depth, and eccentric complexity that define the house style. This rare vintage marries whisky matured in 80% bourbon, 10% sherry, and 10% red wine casks, bottled at 45.1% ABV with just 1,180 bottles released. The nose opens with dried pineapple, mango, ripe melon, honey, sandalwood, and that unmistakable earthy, old-school Springbank character. The palate brings caramelized lemon, custard cream, tropical fruit, polished wood, and toffee popcorn before turning savory and herbal on the finish, with coconut, fresh basil, gorse, and lingering Campbeltown earthiness. A deeply individual malt and a genuine piece of Springbank history.