Following on the heels of our instant-sellout 50 Year Invergordon comes another amazing selection in with an inimitable character and stunning age statement. Those who like their whisky old and rich will definitely be interested in the 1973 Carsebridge 42 Year Old “Sovereign.” Those who like it rare will love the fact this ancient cask only produced 72 bottles in total. Those who like their whisky dark will revel in the dark mahogany of its hue. Those who only drink whisky from “closed” distilleries can rest easy: Carsebridge was closed in 1983 and demolished in 1992. This 42 year old grain whisky is old, rare, dark, rich, and from a long lost producer. The only thing it isn’t is overpriced! Once again, we used our direct buying power to keep the price reasonable. You’ll find this whisky picks up right where the now-sold out Garnheath left off. The only problem is that we only have 72 bottles.
Much like our other 42 year grain whisky cask from Garnheath distillery, this 42 year old grain also comes from a long lost producer. Carsebridge was one of the many industry casualties of 1983 and was permanently closed after the whisky business suffered serious economic setbacks. The grain facility was originally founded at the end of the 1700s, making it one of the oldest in Scotland until it was completely demolished in 1992, after staying dormant for almost a decade. This 1973 single cask of Carsebridge, bottled for us by Sovereign, is another rich and full-bodied whisky that brings serious bang for the buck. While malt whisky prices for 30+ year old expressions continue to reach four figures, the misunderstood grain whisky market continues to stay low and reasonable. Candied citrus, toasted oak, sweet vanilla, and a richness that can only come from over forty years in wood dance over the palate in waves of Scotch whisky deliciousness. Due to the ancient age, however, this barrel evaporated down quite heavily. Less than 80 total bottles were retrieved and sent to over to us, making this selection a true rarity. Bottled at 53.3%
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 20, 2016
As long as Scotland is willing to sell us 40+ year old grain whiskies for the price of 20 year old single malts, I’m going to keep buying those casks. Grain whisky is one of the most misunderstood categories in the industry and it’s exactly that lack of understanding that keeps costs low. Just like Nikka’s Coffey Grain or the new Haig Club from David Beckham, grain whisky is distilled like Bourbon on a column still from unmalted barley, wheat, corn, or rye, to a more neutral character before being aged in oak like single malt. It’s what’s eventually blended with single malt to create “blended whisky” (the blend being two different types of whisky) like Johnnie Walker. While we’re used to seeing single malt as its own commodity, we rarely see grain whisky make a solo performance. When you taste this Carsebridge, however, you’re going to be wondering why not? It’s rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying. It’s also more than forty years old, at full proof, and satisfying in a way that few 20 year old whiskies can ever be. I think you’ll be pretty happy no matter what kind of whisky you like, ultimately!
Also For Purchase – Limited Availability on our Best Mature Whiskies:
1973Carsebridge 42 Year Old “Sovereign” K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Whiskey (750ml)$249.99 View
1992Longmorn 24 Year Old K&L Exclusive “Signatory” Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)$159.99 View
1996Springbank 19 Year Old Single Fresh Port #731 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)$259.99 View
1996Springbank 19 Year Old Single Rum Barrel #761 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)$259.99 View
1996Springbank 19 Year Old Single Refill Sherry #507 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)$259.99 View
1996Springbank 18 Year Old Hunter Laing’s “Old & Rare” Single Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky (750ml)$299.99 View
1988Highland Park 28 Year Old “Cadenhead” Small Batch Cask Strength Single Malt Sotch Whisky (750ml)$309.99 View
Springbank 21 Year “Single Cask” Oloroso Sherry Butt Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)$449.99 View
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA
