Maker Notes

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Barr Hill Gin is our ode to the hardworking bees of the Northeast. Each batch is distilled in our custom-built botanical extraction still. The juniper-forward botanicals are brought to a perfect balance by the floral depth of the raw honey.

Tom Cat Gin is an expedition into uncharted territories. Once distilled, we age the gin in new American oak barrels in search of a bolder expression. The robust character of the new oak barrel mingles with the coniferous quality of the juniper, yielding an enticing aroma.

A touch of raw honey leaves this revolutionary spirit remarkably approachable, whether drinking neat or in a cocktail.

This set comes with a 375ml of each spirit, as well as 1lb jar of our raw Northern honey, which is the distinguished ingredient that makes our Barr Hill Spirits truly unique.

TASTING NOTES:

Gin: subtle honey sweetness, juniper, clover, wildflowers

Tom Cat: new, charred oak, baking spices, caramel, subtle honey, juniper.

Maker Notes

This is the man who shaped us, built us, into what we are today. Ian Hunter resides in the soul of our whisky, and in the Laphroaig Ian Hunter Book 4: Malt Master, we honour his memory with a whisky every bit as rare and distinctive as he. A tribute to Hunter’s love for being boldly different, this is a whisky with real character born of the signature Laphroaig peat.

IAN HUNTER IS THE MAN WHO MADE LAPHROAIG WHAT IT IS TODAY.

He was an uncommon soul, with his own distinct manners and moods, not too unlike the whisky he gave to the world. We honour his memory with this series of rare and collectable aged whiskies in his name. Book 4, the latest in our limited series, celebrates Ian Hunter’s establishing of our malting floors and his legacy as the Malt Master of Laphroaig. 

Ian secured the distillery’s lease in 1922, broke into America in the time of Prohibition, was the catalyst for a revolution in the use of American White Oak and is the reason why we are still among a handful of distilleries to maintain our own malting floors today. He put his heart and soul into ensuring Laphroaig was a whisky like no other. 

In Ian Hunter Book 4 we pay tribute to Ian Hunter’s dedication to Laphroaig with a whisky every bit as rare and distinctive as he is. This 34-year-old single malt was carefully crafted from our own floor-malted barley and aged in the American White Oak casks Hunter was first to procure. Perhaps not for everyone, but for the discerning few, this will be a taste like no other. We invite you to enjoy.

TASTING NOTES

COLOUR: Rich honey.

NOSE: Rich, with the classic Laphroaig smoke sitting beneath.

PALATE: Pineapple and peach notes.

FINISH: A long, ashy finish.

MATURATION: Matured in ex-Bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry casks

In 1815, Donald and Alexander Johnston began leasing nearly 1,000 acres of land on the island of Islay. Their intent was to raise and sell cattle on the land and as a result, they began growing barley to be used as feed for their livestock. Following a particularly bountiful harvest, the brothers distilled the excess grains they had grown into whisky, and sold it to the inhabitants of the island. Soon thereafter, the brothers found it more profitable to distill whisky than to raise cattle, and Laphroaig (pronounced La-froyg) Distillery was born. For over a century, the distillery would remain in the hands of one of Johnston's descendants. In 1954, however, Ian Hunter passed away childless and bequeathed the distillery to Bessie Williamson, a secretary that had been working at the distillery for two decades. Hunter was incredibly protective of the distillery while he slowly revealed its secrets to Williamson after she had earned his trust, Hunter prevented a cooper who was employed at the distillery from publishing his memoirs because they described the workings of the distillery in too great a detail. Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky is one of the most flavorful and intense whiskies made anywhere in the world. During Prohibition, it was one of the few whiskies still legally imported into the United States, as it was considered a medicinal spirit. Laphroaig Single Malt is made from the finest Scottish barley, which is malted at the distillery and smoked over a peat flame. Unlike other distilleries which source peat from the Scottish mainland, the peat used to smoke Laphroaig barley is made from the heather, mosses and lichens of Islay and adds a distinct iodine-like flavor to the whisky. After the barley has been malted and peated, it is fermented before being twice-distilled through Laphroaig's copper-pot stills. The unique stills have an usually flat base and flat surfaces, which lends to the overall intensity of the whisky. After the whisky has been distilled, it is aged in seasoned oak barrels, which are re-charred prior to being filled. The re-charring process caramelizes the remaining sugars in the barrel, and adds slightly sweet notes of vanilla and nutty dough to the whisky. Laphroaig Cask Strength 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is aged for ten years in the distillery's warehouses, which are situated along the shores of Loch Laphroaig. As a result, the whisky is imbued with a slightly salty tang that compliments the whisky's notes of peat and vanilla. Laphroaig Cask Strength 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is then barrier-filtered (barrier filtering preserves the flavors and rich, oily texture of the whisky while removing any remaining sediment) before being bottled at cask strength. The whisky was awarded the title "Best Single Malt in the World" by Whisky Magazine. In addition, it earned the Double Gold Medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the Gold Medal, along with the title "Best in Class," at the 2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Bottle size: 750ml

Midnight Moon Moonshakes are the combination of two American classics - moonshine and milkshakes. Inspired by the golden age of American diners, this irresistible blend of traditional ‘shine and rich vanilla cream was created to serve up a taste of nostalgia that’ll have you jumping over the moon.

Midnight Moon Lightning Lemonade is a delicious blend of our legendary moonshine recipe and lemonade. This exceptionally smooth 70 proof spirit (35% ALC./VOL) delivers a crisp, sweet and slightly tart flavor. Are you thinking what we’re thinking – Adult Lemonade Stand?

WhistlePig began when a ragged band of Rye enthusiasts dared to set forth beyond the bounds of past or possibility. In pursuit of independence, innovation – and ingredients – we landed upon an abandoned dairy barn in the heart of Vermont farm country. Today, after years seeding, harvesting, mashing, fermenting, distilling and patiently waiting, our first barrel of 100% WhistlePig Farm-to-Bottle whiskey is here – and better than we imagined in our wildest Rye dreams.

Beyond Bonded FarmStock Rye is a Straight Rye Whiskey crafted from grain-to-glass at the WhistlePig Farm and Distillery.

Devil’s Sister Peach is infused with a lush peach flavor balanced with hints of smokey caramel and a kiss of honey to yield a sinfully sweet, savory spirit with a sultry smooth finish.

The search for the precise coffee flavor ended in Colombia where we found just the right espresso flavor. Van Gogh Espresso Vodka has a wonderful aroma of fresh roasted coffee beans complemented by a spark of cocoa. The taste has just the right amount of bitterness for espresso lovers. The finish is long and lingering, like a great cup of espresso.

5 Stars, Spirit Journal
tsunamis of rich, espresso tasteSolid Five Stars.
4 Stars, BevX.com
true espresso flavorsvery pleasing on its own but allowing for an infinite number of cocktail possibilities.
Chilled Magazine: Van Gogh Vodka has captured the brilliance of a skillfully roasted cup of espresso

Bottle size: 750ml

Situated in Seattle's Capitol Hill Neighborhood, Oola Distillery was founded by Kirby Kallas-Lewis as "a labor of love, intellectual curiosity and commitment to the neighborhood." Oola Waitsburg Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon is crafted from a mash of approximately 65% corn and 20%-28% rye, with the remaining balance split evenly between malted barley and white winter wheat "All our grains are sourced from two organic farms in Eastern Washington," says Kirby. In addition, the use of wheat in the bourbon's mashbill "allows me to hold back on the corn and add more rye. This results in a more complex, balanced and less overly sweet bourbon." Once the ingredients arrive at the distillery, they are milled and mashed before being distilled through Kirby's copper-pot still. Following distillation, the bourbon is matured in small, American white oak casks that are subjected to large temperature swings of up to 50-70 each day. "The idea is to extract a lot of the influence from the barrel early on in the aging process." After this initial beautyrest, the bourbon is transferred to 53-gallon, American white oak casks that boast an alligator char. The alligator char allows the whiskey to penetrate the wood, which hails from the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, up to a inch. There, the bourbon rests for an additional three to four years. Whereas at that point, multiple casks are typically married together to create a blended bourbon whiskey, Oola Waitsburg Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon represents a single barrel bottling from Oola's finest stock of maturing whiskey. This particular batch no. 6, bottled at cask strength exclusively for members, produced only 216 bottles at a robust 114 proof. Doing so allows "the full richness of the nose and flavor profile to stay as intact as possible," says Kirby. Oola Waitsburg Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon has a spicy aroma, with touches of cinnamon, ginger and black peppercorn that give way to notes of caramel, vanilla, cherry and oak on the palate. The finish is warm and balanced, with hints of brown sugar, toffee and maple syrup complementing each other. The bourbon was "highly recommended" by the Beverage Testing Institute, and has a "pleasingly long and mellow finish," according to the Capitol Hill Times. In addition, it earned the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013 and the Silver Medal at the Beverage Testing Institute Competition in 2012. Pick up a bottle today!

The world's most produced and popular rakı, Yeni Rakı, which proudly represents a 500-year-old rakı culture, is produced by processing carefully selected fresh and dried grapes from Turkey. Yeni Rakı achieves perfection by adding high-quality aniseed to suma obtained from a well-balanced mixture of dried and fresh grapes. Yeni Rakı, which gives a name and life to a unique culture, has an alcohol content of 45%.

Food Pairing: It perfectly matches with different mezzes and main dis​hes of Turkish cuisine.

Indulge in the rich heritage of Jamaican rum with Myrtle Bank 10 Year 120 Proof. Carefully aged for a decade in the tropical climate of Jamaica, this exquisite rum boasts a depth of flavor and complexity that can only come from time-honored craftsmanship. With its intense character and robust profile, it offers notes of caramelized sugar, tropical fruits, and hints of oak, all complemented by a smooth, warming finish. Perfect for savoring neat or elevating your favorite cocktails, Myrtle Bank 10 Year 120 Proof is a true expression of Caribbean excellence.

Our story begins in 1905 when the state of Chihuahua used to produce 472,752 liters of Sotol every year, the drink was used as a tonic, anesthetic, intoxicant and medical supply.

Sotol, as a fermented beverage has been produced by Raramuris (Chihuahua’s Natives) since 205 AD. With the Spanish arrival to the new continent, this beer-like drink was distilled to obtain the spirit of the desert.

In 1905 the state of Chihuahua produced around 475,000 liters of Sotol each year. Sotol distillate was used as a tonic, anesthetic, and intoxicant.

2021 Sotol Guerra Seca

A complete expression of ancestral process. Carefully selection of mature sotol plants, harvesting with an ax, underground cooking, distilled in a copper alembic with mood bottom. All process is fully handmade, from harvesting to labeling.

AROMA

Citrus, floral and mineral, with notes of almond, black pepper, tobacco and cinnamon.

The Macallan Double Cask 30 Years Old, aged for thirty years in a harmonious union of American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, to create a unique taste and character.

SWEET OAK. SOFT SPICE. TOFFEE.

A perfectly balanced single malt matured for 30 years in sherry seasoned American and European oak casks. The Double Cask range tells the story of an incredible wood journey, from the vast green forests of northern Spain and the French Pyrenees and the lush forests of Ohio, Missouri and Kentucky, to create the perfect harmony.

This release showcases our unwavering commitment to uncompromised excellence as oak influence is the single greatest contributor to the quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours of our single malt whiskies.

THE EXPERIENCE

COLOUR: Golden acorn and 100% natural

AROMA: Fresh honeycomb, sweet toffee, red apple, fig and vanilla pod

PALATE: A smooth melody of cinnamon, ginger, Madagascan vanilla, dried fruits and oak

FINISH: Sweet oak, soft spice and toffee

Founded in 1757 by Matthias McManus, Kilbeggan Distillery, Ireland's oldest active distillery, sits on the Brosna riverbanks, abundant in whiskey-making essentials: water, grains, and turf. Passed to John McManus, he managed it until his execution during a local uprising. Ownership changed hands often for two centuries. After closing in 1957, local efforts and John Teeling's Cooley Distillery helped reopen Kilbeggan in 2007. This single grain whiskey, made from 94% corn and 6% malted barley, ferments in wooden washbacks and is double-distilled in copper pot stills, preserving raw flavors. The second distillation uses Ireland's oldest pot still. Aged in former bourbon casks for a minimum of four years.

Tequila Insolente solves with all the character, aplomb, the frankness of putting to your delight, a striking and imposing Tequila in its aroma, in its flavors that palate a richness of notes without equal, that in each of its classes invite you to discover permanently the exquisite taste of the Blue Agave.

Tasting Notes

Dark coppery color that is characteristic of the agave ripening time, in addition to soft notes of nuts, wood, and sweet agave.

Age: 60 months

Smell the richness of Aruba espresso and sherry before a contrast of sizzling spices and bitter mocha hit the tongue. As the flavors settle, feel the senses relinquish to a spring-like finish of mint and bright citrus.

Awards: 96 Points Ultimate Spirits Challenge Finalist, Gold Medal San Francisco World Spirits Competition