Introducing Lagavulin 12 Year Old Special Releases 2023 Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at natural cask strength - Thick wisps of aromatic herbal smoke honour the ancient art of tattooing, clouds that slowly disperse in whispers of stories. The sweet scent of ripe plums lingers, as smoky black ink etches an outline of illustrious past generations ascending to legendary heights. Each work of art is a map of historic victories, imprinted on a living canvas. Inspired by the spirit of intensity and pride that shines through a Lagavulin history more than 200 years long, our Malt Master explores the famed symbols of the ancient Mesoamerican art of tattoo, rich in story and significance. The whisky, finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks, pulses with herbal flavours ancient and modern, engraving an indelible story. Amid fierce glints of gold, fresh notes of sea air, citrus and ripened berries mingle with intense herbal smoke in an enchanted swirl of heady aromas, while the creamy-smooth and robust texture plays the perfect canvas to a rich palette of swirling flavours. Sweet with juicy plums and a hint of saltiness, then ever more herbal and smokier, the flavours deep-etch their impression for a lip-tingling whisky of legends. Serving Suggestion: The distinctively spicy, dry & clean taste makes an exceptional cocktail such as Julep or Old Fashioned.

UNIQUE FEATURES: Distillery-first expression. Lagavulin 12 Year Old features in SPIRITED XCHANGE, a limited edition Single Malt Whisky inspired by the exchange of global craft and culture for Special Releases 2023.
HOW IT’S MADE: Thick whispers of rich smoke, etched with bright herbs and juicy plums, for an indelible finish. Finished in Don Julio Añejo tequila casks.
TASTING NOTES: To a Lagavulin at its most vigorous, delicious to drink and full of distillery character, the tequila finishing casks have brought indelible layers of bright, herbal smoke and dark plum fruit.
SERVE: Best served neat, pour 50ml of Lagavulin 12 Year Old in a whisky glass and enjoy.
OCCASION: Lagavulin 12 Year Old is a unique gift that stands out within the Special Releases collection, and is perfect for get-togethers with friends or family.

TASTING NOTES

PALATE: To a Lagavulin at its most vigorous, delicious to drink and full of distillery character, the tequila finishing casks have brought indelible layers of bright, herbal smoke and dark plum fruit.

Maker Notes

Our Straight Rye Whiskey pays homage to Kentucky Derby Black jockeys Isaac Murphy, Alonzo Clayton, Oliver Lewis, and Soup Perkins. These jockeys paved the way for future Black jockeys, who dominated the sport of horse racing from 1875 to 1903. However, as the Jim Crow laws and segregation began to grow, Black jockeys were not spared; often being denied licenses and facing physical harm. As a result, from 1921-2000, there were no Black riders in the Kentucky Derby. However the legacy of these black jockeys should not be forgotten. Old Hillside takes great pride in honoring the history of the Black jockeys. This rye offers a bold and complex taste of caramel, vanilla, mint and floral while finishes with a slight spice punch. Our light earthy notes complement the extra sweetness during the finish.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Dark amber

AROMA: Bold rye spice and floral notes

TASTE: Caramel, vanilla, mint

FINISH: Slight notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and mint

AWARDS

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AT THE 2023 TAG AWARDS

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL AT THE 2023 SAN FRANCISCO SPIRITS COMPETITION

DOUBLE GOLD 2023 SIP AWARDS

Embrace the dawn of a new era with Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024: a celebration of fresh beginnings. This limited-edition release represents innovation and the excitement of starting anew. It marries various straight bourbons, from Kentucky's 8-year-old elegance to Wyoming's 11-year-old richness and New York's vibrant 5-year-old spirit. The result is a symphony of unique flavors, harmoniously bold. This cask-strength bourbon showcases the art of blending, offering a chestnut-hued elixir with a nose reminiscent of classic bourbon notes such as brioche and caramel. Its palate carries the promise of the year ahead. Whether toasting to the New Year or a special milestone, Barrell Bourbon New Year 2024 invites you to savor each sip and raise your glass to the future.

R6 Bourbon Whiskey featuring The Lost Abbey.

In 2019, The Lost Abbey brewed a Bourbon-influenced beer.  When the beer was finished, they transported the entire batch across town to our plant in El Segundo, using several stainless-steel tote containers. The alchemists at R6 turned that original Bock into delicious whiskey and have been aging it every since - waiting for maturity to be just right.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Spice, Apple, Fall, Raisin Bread, and Cinnamon 
Palate: Warming Honey, Clove, Brown Sugar, and Fresh Nutty Dry Grass 
Finish: Light Caramel and a Hint of Cocoa

Aged for a minimum of four years. Enjoy in your Manhattan cocktail or over a big ice cube.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Hints of Spice, Apple, and Fall Flavors
Palate: Soft Apple and Honey warm up to Fresh Spice of Rye Wheat
Finish: Soft, Lingering Heat and Notes of Caramel

BLEND OF STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKIES

DESCRIPTION

The Discovery Series showcases the art of blending hand-selected, supremely aged bourbon. For each release, team members throughout the distillery taste, analyze, and vote on the best recipe. It is a celebration of our collaborative spirit, working together to create something unique and spectacular.

TASTING NOTES

A burst of vanilla, cedar, and candied orange evolves into dark chocolate and black cherry with floral accents. A bold, balanced and ringing finish completes this one-of-a kind cask strength blend.

This particular Sherry Oak maturation whisky is the result of years of curiosity and learning, but our story begins with an unexpected discovery even longer ago.

An Unexpected Discovery
Oak casks were used to transport whisky, and by the time it reached its destination, the whisky would have taken on some of the depth and richness of whatever liquid these casks once held. Storage in certain casks became a conscious rather than circumstantial choice.

The Result: A familiar honey smoothness revealing layers of spice, intense ripe fruits like freshly baked Christmas cake. Giving way to a chewy fig, and a long creamy, nutty finish.

The Story of Revelation of Cask and Character
This is a story of expertise, intuition, and the craft of Coopering - as old as whisky itself. This particular sherry Oak maturation is the result of years of curiosity and learning, but our story begins with an unexpected discovery even longer ago…

The use of casks in whisky was supposedly an accidental revelation. If you believe the folklore, hundreds of years ago, Oak casks were used to transport whisky across the British Isles. By the time it reached its destination, the whisky would have taken on some of the depth and richness of whatever liquid these casks once held. And so, storage in certain casks became a conscious rather than circumstantial choice. Over time, the use of Oak casks became instrumental in the quality and final flavour of the whisky. Our Head Cooper Ian McDonald knows this all too well, having worked with his team and his tools for over 50 years.

Round and bright, yet zesty and juicy, blood orange's dual personality blends effortlessly with the warm vanilla and spice undertones found only in the best American whiskey. A pairing so perfect you'll be sure to do a double-take!

Ever tasted a nearly 100-year-old spirit?

Bold Rye Whiskey fortified with Ancient Armagnac. BHAKTA 1928 embodies the Spirit of the Roaring Twenties—Boom Times, Boundless Optimism, and Big American Dreams. In this breakthrough blend, America’s finest rye is unified with France’s oldest spirits, including Armagnac from the rare and exquisite 1928 vintage, to capture the essence of an iconic era’s je ne sais quoi.

TASTING NOTES

Aspect: Golden Orange

Nose: Custard, caramel and vanilla

Palate: Oak, vanilla and spice

Finish: Lingering oak and mellow tannins

ALL OHISHI WHISKIES ARE FIRST MATURED IN EITHER SHERRY OR EX-BRANDY CASKS BEFORE BEING BOTTLED OR GOING INTO THEIR FINISHING CASKS. 

BECAUSE RICE WHISKY IS SO ELEGANT AND SOFT, IT HAS THE ABILITY TO TAKE ON CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CASK TYPE VERY QUICKLY. NO WHISKY IS RELEASED BEFORE IT IS READY AS DETERMINED BY KAZUNORI OISHI.

TASTING NOTES

VANILLA, NUTMEG, TOFFEE, DATES, AND CINNAMON

The bottle design of Hibiki Japanese Harmony 100th Anniversary Edition is inspired by our relentless pursuit of quality, ingenuity and expressiveness – rooted in “Monozukuri” craftsmanship and Japanese culture. A celebration of Suntory Whisky's centennial milestone, ​the design features a bridge with the traditional Japanese ​ art of Setsugekka – snow, moon and flowers to showcase ​the passing of seasons. The bridge is a connection to ​each of the four seasons connecting our past and future, ​in the hope that tradition and history won’t be forgotten, ​always to be respected as we look forward. The unique 24-faceted bottle represents 24 hours in a day, with 24 Japanese seasons in a year.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Amber

NOSE: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood

PALATE: Honey like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate

FINISH: Subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak)

Embarking on the journey with organic California rye, wheat, and malted barley, we craft the foundation for our straight rye whiskey. Infused with the acclaimed Santa Ana award-winning water, the base mash sets the stage for a spirit that matures for a minimum of 2 years in New American charred white oak casks, basking in the warmth of the Southern California climate. Despite its relatively young age, this rye whiskey presents a remarkably mature profile, featuring nuanced notes of spicy grain, caramel, and baking spices. Its palate, complex and bold, promises a sensory experience that transcends expectations.

R6 x Bottle Logic Brewing Bourbon Whiskey is a unique collaboration between R6 Distillery and Bottle Logic Brewing. This bourbon blends the rich flavors of classic whiskey with notes from beer barrel aging, offering a smooth, layered profile of caramel, oak, vanilla, and a hint of malty sweetness.

Aged in American charred oak barrels. Limited release finished in PX Barrels.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Toasted Strawberry and Pecan
Palate: Sherry, Prunes, and Coffee
Finish: Soft Fig With Lingering Heat – Apple Notes, Tropical Fruit and Papaya 

Knockmore is a smooth and easy drinking Irish whiskey. A perfect balance has been created by blending 100% Irish malt whiskey and authentic local grain whiskey. Aged in flamed charred bourbon casks the end result is a delight to behold. Enjoy neat, on the rocks or in your favorite cocktail. Knockmore is up to the task.

TASTING NOTES

Aroma: Honey, Apricot, Ocean Air

Flavor: Apricot Jam, Butter, Biscuit, Honeysuckle, Vanilla

Finish: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Honey

At 80 proof Blanton’s Special Reserve is ideal for those new to single barrel bourbons. It has a slightly floral nose that conveys whispers of cedar and raisin in between soft vanilla notes. The palate has a light airy feel to it. The taste of vanilla and toffee dance around subtle notes of dried fruit and white pepper. Its smooth consistency makes it perfect for a premium cocktail or served on the rocks. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. 

Embark on a journey with Bladnoch's Classic Collection and explore the Liora, a vibrant cask-strength Lowland whisky. Delight in its complex interplay of tropical and various fruits, alongside the warmth of vanilla and the subtle echoes of oak. This single malt gem has matured gracefully in a harmonious blend of bourbon and virgin oak casks, offering a distinctive and memorable tasting experience.

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey brings an unexpected twist to the classic holiday indulgence of eggnog. Imagine the creamy richness of eggnog meeting the nutty, velvety essence of peanut butter whiskey. The fusion of these flavors is a delightful dance on the taste buds, offering a unique and indulgent experience perfect for festive celebrations. With each sip, the warmth of traditional eggnog blends harmoniously with the bold yet smooth notes of peanut butter whiskey, creating a holiday concoction that is both comforting and pleasantly surprising.

Maker Notes

Little Book Chapter 7, “In Retrospect,” is the seventh chapter in the Little Book Whiskey series. “In Retrospect” offers any curious whiskey drinker a chance to explore where American Whiskey can go by looking back to where it’s been. Now, with six chapters written, the seventh chapter of Little Book pushes the story ahead, building on what’s come before in ways not yet seen. Little Book Chapter 7 is a blend of seven different liquid streams, blending one liquid from each of the previous chapters, then adding a record seventh. “In Retrospect” is a nod to the past but also sets the course for what’s next, not only for Little Book, but Freddie’s continued journey as Eighth Generation Master Distiller of the Fred B. Noe Distillery.

TASTING NOTES

COLOR: Deep russet with golden hues

AROMA: Subtle sweetness with notes of clove spice

TASTE: Slightly floral with light smoke and sweet vanilla, followed by caramel

Raglan Road 5 Year Old Irish Single Malt, cask strength 54.9% ABV, is another collaboration, aged in bourbon, matured in madeira, finished in imperial stout produced by Seamus McMahon’s Brehon Brewhouse. This fine craft brewery is situated in Killanny Monaghan, across the fields from poet Paddy Kavanagh’s Inniskeen homeplace. Kavanagh spent much of his life in Dublin, and was very well known around Ballsbridge and D4 in general, including the Beggars Bush (a Ryan establishment). Raglan Road seemed a fitting name for this town and country, Dublin and Monaghan, family to family, Ryan and McMahon, collaboration. An ambitious and technically difficult finish, we sent casks to Seamus in which he finished his stout, then retrieved them and filled the same day with our whiskey. We think we got it just right; judge for yourself. 3,500 bottles, numbered, and signed by Eunan Ryan.

Tasting Notes

COLOUR: Amber

NOSE: Homemade marmalade and the white toast it’s layered on. Candied orange peel, real orange peel, pound cake and panatone. Plain cookie. Cake mix and pith, and with water, orange petals on top of those peels.

PALATE: Honey nut cheerios. Bread crust. Bran biscuits, more orange peel, and thick gooey nougat. As with the nose, with water comes orange blossom water – and more cereals and citrus wax.

FINISH: Thick frosting, citrus pith, old-school orange sweets and pound cake again. Breadiness and citrus, together at last. Sultanas for a minute straight.