Value Gems from Old Particular: Can't-Miss Exclusives

2011 Jura 12 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single First Fill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Isle of Jura Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($59.99)

The mystical Isle Of Jura offers one of the most isolated regions in Scotland. The 150 square mile island has just a couple hundred residents but boasts a huge population of red deer. Built in 1810 by Archibald Campbell, it fell into disrepair until two of the islands old families rebuilt in the 1960s. The distillery was ultimately purchased by famed blenders Whyte & Mackay after a hostile takeover battle over Invergordon Distillers. Now the distillery produces a modest 2.5 million liters of pure alcohol per year, mostly destined for blends. Very few single casks make it out of the distillery and even fewer IBs.

This is only the 4th Jura we've ever bottled exclusively and somehow; we've managed to offer it for even LESS than the first barrel we bottled way back in 2018. The thick still necks create a rich, bold, oily spirit unlike any other in Scotland. This is perhaps why the chillfiltered distillery versions are so different from the cask strength non-chillfiltered barrels we buy. This barrel was distilled in April of 2011 and filled into a once used ex-bourbon barrel until March of 2024. It offers a complex nose with huge raw barley grist notes coupled with pungent Seville orange pith. Air brings sweet milk chocolate, hints of camphor smoke and more citrus oils. The palate is very sweet up front, but quickly springs to action with bringing intense ginger spice and spicy marmalade. The finish is vanilla frosting, honey, and hints of smoldering peat. Only 240 bottles.

2010 Tormore 13 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Refill Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($59.99)

This lovely Tormore will certainly be the last thing most people consider, but for the lucky ones who take the plunge, it will be undoubtedly be the sleeper of the whisky season. The gorgeoous distillery is such a welcome site after hours on the A95 working your up the River Spey. The striking copper roof and stone balconies makes it one of Scotland's most attractive. It is infact one of Scotland's youngest single malt distillery, the first new distillery built in the 20th century, designed by Alexander Cullen for Long John Ltd, founders of Ben Nevis distillery in Fort Williams. The distillery was controlled by Pernod Ricard until being sold to Whisky Exchange founders Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh.

This perfect refill bourbon barrel captures the exceptional quality that Tormore can exhibit offering gorgeous orchard fruit, exotic fresh cedar, sandelwood, and rich malty character on the nose. Syrupy and rich on the palate, the sweet malt and ripe fruit are coupled on with wild spice and hints of the highest quality vanilla. Medium long and unctous on the finish, this is absolutely crushable right out of bottle, although a drop of water enhances every aspect. It was bottled at an completely reasonable 48.5% abv which is very low for a cask strength bottling, but belies the intensity and complexity of the spirit. Filled in August of 2010 and bottled in March of 2024 without chillfiltration or coloring of any kind, only 226 bottles will be sold exclusively at K&L Wine Merchants.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 08, 2024

Absolutely no one is paying attention to this Tormore. Refill bourbon barrel from a relatively mid-tier distillery at a relatively young age at a weirdly low abv at cask strength. The only thing that's giving anyone any pause is the outrageously good price. That said, the few lucky customers who been near enough to nose this whisky when it's in my glass have been astonished. I happen to have it in my glass for research purposes VERY often because it delivers on a level that nothing else in this price point can match. I'll taste it here for you, but honestly you should keep this one to yourself. Everyone who sits on this without tasting, will be back asking for more. I guarantee it. This is your chance to bunker the appropriate amount. Do not say you were not warned.

The color is pale gold (0.3). The nose is exquisite right out of the bottle offer intense orchard fruit, deep sweet malt, Seville orange peel, tangy crushed kumquat, graphite, fresh cement, and honey. On the palate it’s so sweet and fruity, you'd have thought you'd accidentally poured yourself a cocktail - huge peach, apricot character coupled with notes of menthol, wildflower honey, caramel candies, and ginseng. It's crazy how much character this has. It doesn't need a drop of water. It's perfect just the way it is. This maybe the perfect young modern highlander. If they could do this every day, Tormore would be the world's greatest distillery. A triumph honestly, the best young Tormore I can remember.