Maker Notes

MEXICO IS YOUR LEGACY

El Gran Legado de Vida has achieved an explosion of sensations, with the elegant design of the bottle accompanying this exquisite Tequila. It allows you to imagine the delicacy in which it is elaborated, complementing with its white color of grey and silver nuances. El Gran Legado de Vida came to the market to redefine the view, flavor and texture of 100% Tequila de agave, delighting the most demanding palates.

EL GRAN LEGADO DE VIDA

Of elegant presentation, 100% agave that distills notes aromas and natural flavors of agave. Cooked are acquired by the cooking in masonry furnaces, which in turn maintain the freshness of citrus sensations, inciting to test their flavor of voluptuous and soft profile. It's a legacy that endures through time.

El Gran Legado De Vida shows its character, accompanied by great flavor in each drink. It allows itself to denote the delicate process under which it is elaborated, and in which it is taken care of. Every detail of flavor and quality talks about its story.

The process of elaborating El Gran Legado de Vida begins with the selection of Tequilana Weber azul agaves, with the necessary characteristics to make a tequila of the highest quality, harvested until best maturity conditions are met. Finally led by a slow and harmonious distillation process.

HISTORY & CURIOSITY

For this year’s release, Trudiann Branker looked to Madeira, the beautiful Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco, that has made an iconic fortified wine for more than 300 years. Using only column distilled rums, she placed the liquid in seasoned Madeira wine casks six years ago, carefully observing how the rum aged over time.
The result is a velvety and generous blend that unfolds with every sip. The liquid has deep golden hues and the nose showcases pear, oak, grapefruit, vanilla and butterscotch. On the palate, the bold column distilled rum is married with the subtlety of Madeira wine notes from the barrel, including honey, grapes, pear, citrus rind and dried fruit.
The Master Blender Collection: The Madeira Cask Expression is bottled at 55% ABV and is non chill filtered.

TASTING NOTES

AROMA: PEAR, OAK, GRAPEFRUIT, VANILLA, BUTTERSCOTCH

Octomore 13.3 demonstrates the phenomenal force of flavour when combining super-heavy peat with the variable harvests gathered from the island of Islay, raised by friend and farmer James Brown on one singular farm.

Octomore 13.3 is distilled from barley grown on Islay, on one singular farm and demonstrates the phenomenal force of flavour when combining super-heavy peat with the variable harvests gathered from the island of Islay. This release is matured in a foundational parcel of first fill ex-American whiskey barrels and a supplementary selection of second fill European oak casks, hailing from the Rivesaltes region of France and the Ribera del Duero region of Spain.

Working with Islay barley is always a privilege. The ability to present it in a single estate, single vintage, single malt is perhaps even more poetic. From year to year, Head Distiller Adam Hannett works with the base spirit bestowed upon him by the grower, together with natural factors; the changing climate and weather system, agronomic yield and the terroir of the field itself. The European oak gives more subtle structure to the spirit, while the American oak allows the spirit to take centre stage. Expect vanilla and brown sugar, counterbalanced with fresh and round green fruit notes. The smoke is, as ever, gentle and dry, building to a long finish with hints of creosote and sea spray.

TASTING NOTES

CHARACTER: An Islay whisky through and through, the provenance of this Octomore expression is unrivalled. The complex flavour of the soil that raised the barley and the classic peat smoke define this whisky's character, speaking of the place it is from.

COLOUR: Barley straw

PALATE: A soft and delicate on the palate, sweet honey and brown sugar give way to a whisper of peat smoke. The second sip brings lemon rind and seashells, a delicate marine hint along with malty biscuit notes and marzipan and coconut. The peat smoke has hints of boot polish and ash but is gentle enough to allow the subtle floral malty notes to shine.

FINISH: The marine character develops and the smoke increases on the palate, honey and lemon with warm sand and marzipan. Final fruity traces of peach and stewed pears bring a little sweetness to the finish.

All Octomore .1 editions are distilled from 100% Scottish barley. They are primarily aged only in ex-American oak, in varying percentages of either ex-bourbon or ex-Tennessee whiskey casks. Acting as the backbone of each new series, Octomore's .1 releases demonstrate the raw character of the clean Octomore spirit, balanced with the modest ex-American whiskey influence - and offer a necessary comparison from which the other expressions alternate. After five aged years in first fill ex-American oak casks, our Head Distiller has offered a unique twist in this 13.1, having gathered and recasked the spirit in 2021 into yet more fresh, first fill ex-American oak casks. This final injection of flavour, taken from the interaction between the spirit and the oak, offers additional flavours of dark toffee, coconut and vanilla. This single malt is a testament to the trust our head distiller, Adam Hannett, has in the quality of his ingredients. Without more than patience and an understanding of how the flavours will evolve, this single malt perfectly personifies the courage of Octomore as a concept.

Octomore 13.1 is as youthful and dynamic as its super-heavily peated predecessors. Distilled patiently from the 2015 harvest of 100% Scottish Mainland barley, this single malt is malted to a stratospheric 137.3 PPM and matured in the highest quality American oak casks. All Octomore .1 editions are distilled from 100% Scottish barley. They are primarily aged only in ex-American oak, in varying percentages of either ex-bourbon or ex-Tennessee whiskey casks. Acting as the backbone of each new series, Octomore's .1 releases demonstrate the raw character of the clean Octomore spirit, balanced with the modest ex-American whiskey influence - and offer a necessary comparison from which the other expressions alternate. After five aged years in first fill ex-American oak casks, our Head Distiller has offered a unique twist in this 13.1, having gathered and recasked the spirit in 2021 into yet more fresh, first fill ex-American oak casks. This final injection of flavour, taken from the interaction between the spirit and the oak, offers additional flavours of dark toffee, coconut and vanilla. This single malt is a testament to the trust our head distiller, Adam Hannett, has in the quality of his ingredients. Without more than patience and an understanding of how the flavours will evolve, this single malt perfectly personifies the courage of Octomore as a concept.

TASTING NOTES

CHARACTER: Synonyms with the classic Octomore .1 style. Hidden peat smoke allows the floral, malty spirit and the sweet American oak to combine in perfect harmony, before dry, earthy smoke sweeps across the palate.

COLOUR: Golden Hebridean sands

NOSE: Initial impressions are of sweet nutty smoke, loaded with barley sugar and ripe fruit. Syrupy apricot and ripe pear along with malty vanilla notes of barley flour and Crème Brulee, honey and tablet. The American oak brings coconut, almonds and charred oak. The peat smoke is delicate but powerful and, along with the charred oak, brings out boot polish, leather and earthy notes.

PALATE: A viscous texture across the palate, the feeling is of densely smoked grain which comes through like smoked granola with honeyed fruit. A second sip brings the opportunity to decipher the complexity on the palate, with smoked apricot jam, barley flour, peat embers and burnt heather balanced with gooseberry citrus and sweet Turkish delight. Oak chips, sugared almonds and chocolate-limes with spicy aniseed comes toward the finish. A drop of water intensifies the smoke and brings out the minerality of the whisky.

FINISH: On the finish the sweetness fades and an earthy, mossy note remains on the palate wrapped in dry heathery peat smoke. Salty-citrus and floral notes of geranium and rose come through calmly to round off another wonderful expression of the Octomore paradox.

HISTORY

RON COLON’S STORY STARTED IN 2018 WITH TWO BEFRIENDED COLLEAGUES, THURMAN WISE AND PEPIJN JANSSENS. WITH A COMBINED EXPERIENCE OF OVER 20 YEARS WORKING IN THE SPIRITS INDUSTRY, WISE AND JANSSENS SPENT THEIR TIME TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD INTRODUCING BRANDS TO EMERGING MARKETS. IN 2018 THIS JOB TOOK THEM ON A 22-DAY, 16-COUNTRY BARHOP ACROSS LATIN AMERICA, AND IT WAS DURING THIS TRIP THAT EL SALVADOR (“SIVAR” IN SLANG) CAPTURED THEIR ATTENTION.

EL SALVADOR IS THE SMALLEST COUNTRY IN CENTRAL AMERICA, BORDERED BY HONDURAS, GUATEMALA AND THE PACIFIC OCEAN. MANY KNOW EL SALVADOR FOR ITS COMPLEX POLITICAL HISTORY, WHICH INCLUDES A VIOLENT CIVIL WAR FROM 1980-1992. WHAT MOST AREN’T AWARE OF ARE THE MAGNIFICENT VOLCANOES, WORLD-CLASS SURF SPOTS, AND AMAZING PRODUCE - EL SALVADOR PRODUCES SOME OF THE FINEST CANE SUGAR AND COFFEE IN THE WORLD. THIS TRIP SPARKED AN OBSESSION TO CREATE A PRODUCT THAT COULD SHOWCASE THE HONEST, RICH AND COLOURFUL “SIVAR”.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: On the nose, the aromas of tropical fruits are most apparent with fresh banana and sticky pineapple. Adding to this there is a deeper aroma of rich raisins and prunes.

Palate: The palate brings the same tropical fruit notes, but with a developing toasted warm spicy caramel flavour. Balanced with creamy milk chocolate, roasted
almond and dried chewy apricot notes. 

The glory of Pinot Noir

As Madame Clicquot used to say 200 years ago, “Our black grapes give the finest white wines” an affirmation that still rings true. Beloved for its versatility, the Pinot Noir grape expresses itself differently according to its growing conditions and the year in which it is harvested.

As a fine blend of Veuve Clicquot’s historical Grands Crus, La Grande Dame is the pinnacle of the Maison’s oenological prowess, with an immense ageing potential.

Tension and elegance

Held up to the light, La Grande Dame 2015 reveals a beautiful, golden robe that sparkles brightly.

This solar vintage, while elegant and precise, offers fresh minerality with light floral notes of jasmine and acacia on the nose, which evolve into fruity notes of pear and clementine.

As for the first sip, it envelops the palate with a delightfully subtle, silky texture.

How to enjoy the cuvée

La Grande Dame 2015 and Garden Gastronomy - a new, gastronomic experience inspired by La Grande Dame. A gastronomy straight from the garden. “Grands Crus” vegetables for Grands Crus grapes. Both assertive and sustainable in its luxury, Garden Gastronomy expresses itself through inverted dishes, where vegetables and fruits centre stage, while meat and fish are prepared like condiments.

Perfect Pairing

A salad with lobster carpaccio, citrus fruits and pumpkin from the vegetable garden will perfectly reveal the elegance and freshness of La Grande Dame 2015.

This Hayashi Single Grain whisky beautifully exemplifies a Japanese whisky evolved from rich traditions of the Ryukyu islands. The highest quality indica rice is fermented, as it has been for centuries to make awamori, then rests in barrels amidst the lush Okinawa air, accelerating and invigorating its maturation. The result is a magnificent single grain whisky that expresses a powerful profile with tropical and flavors unique only to the Hayashi name.

Origin: Okinawa, Japan

Mash: 100% Japanese Indica Rice, Black Koji

No caramel color added

Like the forests along Okinawa’s shores, Hayashi 24 is an expression of the land it comes from. Crafted with indica rice and bourbon casks, Hayashi transforms a 500-year-old awamori tradition into a radiant 24-year-old whisky.

Origin: Okinawa, Japan

Mash: 100% Japanese Indica Rice, Black Koji

No caramel color added

Floral and fruity are its features. The flavor is dominated by whisky matured in ex-bourbon cask. Few drops of ex-sherry cask whisky give the complex body and finishing.
Non-chill filtered whisky is bottled at 46%abv to keep the best aroma and palate. No coloring, No caramel adding.
First comes with pure and refreshing white flower, gradually appearing attractive aroma of cane, vanilla, cream and honey. With the warmer climate of Taiwan that brings out the character of malty grain, cedar and angelica sinensis, creates a more subtle but balanced aroma.

This is a Special Polish Release produced in 2021. Only five barrels were produced. The Proof Varies and the label design may vary as well depending on the release.

In Los Altos, Mexico the heart of Tequila Valley Corzo Distillery has pioneered and patented a distillation process that begins when expert jimadors trim the shoots and stalks from young Highland Blue Weber Agave plants, allowing the plants to focus more of their energy on developing rich and flavorful pias, or hearts. Native to Mexico, Highland Blue Weber Agave plants favor high altitudes and rich, sandy soils. In Los Altos, which is located a mile above sea level and blessed with rich, red soil, Corzo's jimadors harvest the pias at their peak of maturity. After the pias are harvested, they are slowly roasted for five hours in order to extract the their sweet nectar. Corzo uses a longer, slower fermentation cycle as compared to other distilleries, going so far as to play Mozart during fermentation in order to help relax the yeast and provide for a more mellow tequila. After fermentation, the tequila is distilled three times. Corzo's patented distillation process makes large cuts to the distillate to ensure that only the "heart of hearts"is bottled. As a result, each bottle of Corzo Silver takes about 22 pounds agave to make, nearly twice as much as any other tequila! The aggressive cuts also lead to a sweeter, more ripe tequila. Afterwards, the tequila is sparged a process where microscopic air bubbles are introduced into the tequila in order to let it breathe and provide for a smoother taste before being bottled. Designed by Fabien Baron, the French designer whose work includes some of the most iconic perfume bottles of our time, Corzo Silver Tequila's bottle reflects the contemporary style of Mexican architecture. Its strong, rectangular lines and perfume bottle shape hint at the fragrant and full-bodied tequila that are contained inside. If tequila represents the revolutionary spirit of Mexico, Corzo represents Mexico's modern elegance.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Charred oak, along with dark chocolate. A hint of caramel, with a floral tone.

Palate: Sweet and fruity

About the Brand

The Breckenridge Distillery is the “World’s Highest Distillery”. Founded in 2008, the Breckenridge Distillery is most widely known for its blended bourbon whiskey, a high-rye mash American-style whiskey. Breckenridge Bourbon is one of the most highly awarded crafted bourbons; 4x winner of Best American Blended (2016, 17, 18, and 2019) from the World Whiskies Awards and Bourbon of the Year in 2011 at the Int’l Wine & Spirits Competition, and 2019 Colorado Distillery of the Year at the New York Int’l Spirits Competition. In 2018, Breckenridge Distillery won the coveted Icons of Whisky for Brand Innovator of the Year.

Since coming online in 2008 and releasing its first vodka and bourbon three years later, Breckenridge Distillery has quickly become an award-winning producer of fine spirits, being designated one of the top three bourbons in the U.S. How it all came to be, however, stems from a mix of just the right ingredients, a hint of luck and a deep love for quality whiskey.

Breckenridge Bitter

Hand-harvested alpine herbs mingle with ancient bitter roots and spicy dried fruits in a symphony of aromas and flavors that recall the mystery of old world alchemy. This exquisite aperitif bitter strikes a remarkable balance of alluring aromatics and bittersweet flavors that will inspire the adventurous imbiber to the last sip. Best in Show at the 2014 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition.

Leopold Bros. painstakingly re-engineered a Three Chamber Still from old manuscripts and grew the heritage grain Abruzzi rye that was favored by Pre-Prohibition distillers to resurrect this one-of-a-kind whiskey. 

​The 2022 summer release of the Three Chamber Rye is a Single Barrel offering. Todd Leopold worked through our dunnage warehouse, searching for the best barrels that are at least 5 years old.

He found some commonalities: rich aromas of peanut shell, maple syrup, cocoa nibs, and hazelnuts followed by wafts of fruits like plum, cherries, apricot and orange marmalade. In the finish, you will find the floral notes that are the hallmarks of Three Chamber Rye: lavender, rose, elderflower, and chamomile. Each barrel he selected has differing intensities of these notes and thus every bottle from this collection is marked with the barrel number and the date the barrel was filled. We hope you enjoy this rebirth of an American classic as much as we enjoyed making it.

The Limited Edition Woodford Reserve Holiday Bottle is made-to-gift and ready to dazzle. This season, wrap up 200 flavor notes for every holiday home bar, Christmas party, and hard-to-shop-for friend. Just like the holidays, Woodford Reserve is a Spectacle for the Senses.

TASTING NOTES

APPEARANCE: Clean, brilliant honey amber.

NOSE: Heavy with rich dried fruit, hints of mint and oranges covered with a dusting of cocoa. Faint vanilla and tobacco spice.

TASTE: Rich, chewy, rounded and smooth, with complex citrus, cinnamon and cocoa. Toffee, caramel, chocolate and spice notes abound.

FINISH: Silky smooth, almost creamy at first with a long, warm satisfying tail.

Infused with botanicals, spices, and citrus, Batch 22 is a spirit that inhabits and defines a category all its own.

A unique American spin on a traditional Old World aquavit recipe, Batch 22 offers a smoother, more mellow, citrus-and-herb forward drink that’s as versatile as it is delicious. No other liquor or alcohol elevates the flavor profile of a craft cocktail the way Batch 22 does.

Created in a kitchen in L.A. in 2019, this unique aquavit recipe was developed and perfected by three best friends.

Batch 22 is an American aquavit that has its roots in some of the traditional spirits of Northern Europe; we've added our own twists to make it uniquely smooth, warm, and inviting. It’s an aquavit liquor that pairs effortlessly with an infinite variety of mixers and ingredients.

As a mixer, Batch 22 breathes new life into old standards like, the Bloody Mary, the Manhattan, or the Negroni. As a straight sipper, Batch 22 aquavit offers a complex array of aromas and flavors that beg to be quietly contemplated.

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION

Our namesake is the legendary poet and iconoclast François Villon (born in 1431), who penned some of France’s most enduring works before disappearing in the late 15th century. The poet’s enigmatic views and tumultuous lifestyle are still evocative and modern, centuries after his death, date and place unknown. Like our namesake, we are rebels.

THE BLEND

Crafted in the heart of beautiful southwestern France, Villon represents a revolution of France’s oldest and most renowned spirits.

Villon is distilled and blended according to a unique, closely-guarded family recipe. It’s smooth, balanced and complex, with luxurious aromas of vanilla, spice, and toasted oak.

THE BOTTLE

The Villon experience begins with the bottle. Our stunning black glass bottle is made from high-end, heavyweight glass with silver and white décor. A tarnished silver “snake and dagger” medallion is the centerpiece of the bottle. An eye-catching, heavyweight embossed stopper and gorgeous embossed details on the rear and bottom of the bottle complete a luxurious package that stands apart from any other liquor in your collection.

In our opinion, Villon is best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube, but is equally well-suited to countless cocktails. Visit our Cocktails page to learn more.

Villon Awarded 96 points

“With notes of hazelnut, chocolate, and molasses mingling with dried fruit, vanilla, and spices. It is, in a word, fantastic, either on the rocks or in a cocktail. Don’t miss this one.” - Tasting Panel Magazine (2021)

There is a saying that “Good Things Come in Threes”. “The rule of three” (or if Latin is preferred “omne trium perfectum” suggests things that come in threes are inherently more humorous, satisfying and effective than any other number of things. There is no better illustration of this than in the new release from Lagavulin and Nick Offerman.

Nick is a lover of all things wood, Lagavulin and steak. By combining these three passions, a most delectable and exceptional whisky is born. Introducing Lagavulin Offerman Edition: Charred Oak Cask. This 11 year old Single malt Scotch Whisky has been aged in heavily charred ex-bourbon and ex-red wine casks creating the perfect whisky to accompany any medium-rare steak. With hints of vanilla, red berries, sea salt brine and Lagavulin’s signature smore, this whisky not only shines on its own, but highlights and accentuates those perfect steak flavours.

TASTING NOTES

NOSE: Peaty, chocolate, treacle, with some red berry notes. A little bit of creaminess comes through, without taking over.

PALATE: Pungent, peaty, woody and spicy, cocoa. Sweet berry notes. Chocolatey and warming on the palate.

FINISH: Warm, lingering, spicy, sensational.

AWARDS: San Francisco World Spirits Competition DOUBLE GOLD 2022

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Dinastia Real Anejo Tequila Day Of The Dead is aged for an extended period, allowing the flavors to develop and mature. The result is a tequila that showcases the depth and complexity that comes with time.

The Day of the Dead-themed packaging adds an element of artistry and celebration to the experience. The colorful and intricate label design captures the essence of the holiday, paying tribute to the rich Mexican traditions associated with honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed.

Upon opening the bottle, enticing aromas of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak fill the air, setting the stage for the tasting experience that awaits. The tequila delights the palate with a rich and velvety texture, coating the tongue with layers of flavor.

Notes of sweet caramel, roasted agave, and hints of chocolate intertwine harmoniously, creating a complex and indulgent taste profile. The oak aging imparts a subtle spiciness and adds depth to the overall character of the tequila.

Dinastia Real Anejo Tequila Day Of The Dead offers a smooth and satisfying finish that lingers on the palate, inviting reflection and appreciation for the tequila's craftsmanship and the cultural significance of the holiday it represents.

Whether sipped neat or enjoyed in a crafted cocktail, Dinastia Real Anejo Tequila Day Of The Dead provides a memorable drinking experience that captures the spirit of Dia de los Muertos and the rich heritage of Mexican tequila production.