Spirits

A legendary alpine herbal liqueur that dates back many hundreds of years. While comprised of a multitude of alpine herbs, the most prominent is Génépy, a petite variety of artemesia (often translated into English as “mountain sage”) found principally in the high mountains of the Savoy. Its bright herbal and fresh flavors have long been associated with the mountain air and adventure.

This 'teaspooned' whisky is for all intents and purposes mostly the beloved 1989 Balvenie with that tiny amount of Glenlivet added in order to declassify the cask

From the bottler: 

Distillers can be very protective of their hard-won malts, especially those who carry the most prestigious of names. From time to time, they must relinquish the hold on their casks, when one is sold to an independent bottler, for instance. Before spirit changes hands, the distiller - green-eyed and flush with passion - will take a single teaspoon of another distillery’s single malt, and add it to the spirit in the cask. Just a dash it takes, but that whisky can no longer bear the name its distillery of birth.

The distillery of origin is a darling of Dufftown, where nine stout stills produce a spirit rich in fruit and notably honeyed. Her sister, nestled close by in the Moray countryside, is where the ‘teaspoon’ of malt originated. Though nameless, together they are a powerful and stunning pair.

Independent bottlings of spirit distilled at the Balvenie distillery are rarely found on the market, and though the distillery is notable for having experimented with different cask types, this ex-bourbon cask allows the distillery character to sing finely and clearly, while accentuating the sweet vanilla and stone fruit character.

From the bottler:

This venerable whiskey is reminiscent of the Springbank 25 year olds of the early 1990s, and so we believe the cask is one seasoned in the old style, a rare find in today’s market. Characteristic of Campbeltown whiskeys, salt dominates on the nose, followed closely by the rich fruitiness notable in Springbank whiskey, offering up dried apricots and spiced pear. Peaty notes creep up slowly, as the coastal style makes an impact with smoky, chocolate rich notes on the palate. A rich, oily middle and a long finish, the richness complemented by lighter lemon notes and barley sugar.

Aged 12-13 months in American oak bourbon casks. Deep, complex baked agave and dark chocolate with hints of cracked pepper and toasted oak, with a lasting, lush finish.

Rested for 2-3 months before bottling. Vibrant agave flavor and nose with baked agave and ripe fruit, hints of herbs and minerals, opening up to a soft, smooth finish.

Aged 2-3 months in American oak bourbon casks. Rich, baked agave and candied yams, hints of toffee and caramel, with a long, exceptionally smooth finish.

Made by master blender Ken Usami. Shinobu's Daimyo-no was created as a symbol of the samurai spirit, which aims for perfection with patience. Daimyo refers to powerful samurai who ruled over Japan from the 12th to 19th century. Carefully selected grain and malt whiskies are aged in several types of oak barrels and blended, resulting in a perfectly balanced and harmonious flavor with a rich aroma.

Tasting Notes
Nose: Toasted grains, ripe orchard fruits, vanilla, and subtle nutty undertones.
Palate: Perfectly balanced sweetness, oakiness, hints of caramel, and a touch of spice.
Finish: Long-lasting, lingering warmth with a gentle hint of dried fruit.