Whisky Connosr
Menu
Buy Whisky Online

Discussions

Whisky Advocate Awards Discussion

2 9

@Bomberman
Bomberman started a discussion

I'm not one to jump all over award bandwagons, and I think that annual whisky "bibles" are hurting people who like to enjoy whisky more than it helps them. That being said, there were a few recent nominations that piqued my interest not only because I have them waiting, unopened for me at home, but because they were available and affordable.

The review of the Signatory bottling of Laphroig 15 yr sherry said that at the time of writing it would be unavailable in the UK. Well in the US it may also be rare, but I found it in stock at Mission Wine and Spirits in California. Normal price as well (USD $105). An Islay sherried expression is more awesomeness than my imagination could contain, so I bought four just in case I can never see it again. One for each (generous) estimated remaining decade I have left on this rock.

I already have some of the Arran Devil's Punchbowls awaiting my return home, and the 3rd release made the list.

That got me wondering about the rest of the nominees. The Last Drop 50 is more than I'm going to spend at this point, and I don't invest or collect, so that value is not relevant to me. But what about the others?

Has anyone tried them, or have a lead on where to buy them still? I can't find a Craigellachie 17 in the US or UK online. Doesn't seem to exist for purchase.

While I'd like to try everything I can, I refuse to pay and encourage collector pricing. So I figure if they are all going to sell-out anyway, why not share retail availability while we can? I do realize this is a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy, in that sharing it's availability will reduce stocks faster, but I think that is inevitable. This may help those of us who want to ENJOY those selections, pick them up at a reasonable, rather than helping the collectors and investors double-up.

9 years ago

9 replies

@talexander
talexander replied

Being based in Ontario, we don't get great selection, especially when it comes to indie bottlers - so I don't expect to ever see that Laphroaig, unfortunately. However, two WA Award winners I did buy in Ontario were the Canadian Club Rye and the Midleton Very Rare 2014 (I've reviewed them both on this site). The CC rye is very nice - but the Midleton greatly disappointed.

9 years ago 0

broadwayblue replied

Is the Signatory 15 you purchased actually the same casks/bottles as the WA award winner? The Mission site is pretty scarce for info...not even an ABV is listed.

9 years ago 0

@Bomberman
Bomberman replied

@broadwayblue

The same - 1998.

9 years ago 0

broadwayblue replied

Thanks. It was hard to know from the site since Signatory bottled at least a few different 1998 casks this/last year.

For example, here's the cask that sat right next to the whisky of the year winner...

www.klwines.com/detail.asp

Quite a bit more expensive though.

9 years ago 0

@Bomberman
Bomberman replied

@broadwayblue

Yes - noticed that as well. No mention was made in the award write-up of specific casks, just the year. When I saw the K&L price I figured it was just a premium they put on their selected cask, which I won't pay.

9 years ago 0

broadwayblue replied

So earlier this week when I saw your post I ordered a bottle of the Signatory Laphroaig 15, and after some deliberation between the Amrut Portonova and Intermediate Sherry I also bought the Portonova. I was quite excited and looking forward to receiving this shipment. Sadly, I got a call last night from Mission and they told me that both items were out of stock. What are the odds of that? Oh well. You'll have to let me know how those Laphroaigs treat you!

9 years ago 0

@Nozinan
Nozinan replied

@broadwayblue Come to Toronto I have some Portonova I can share...

9 years ago 0

broadwayblue replied

@Nozinan, I've always wanted to visit Toronto. Bit of a drive from NYC, but I guess I could always fly! Unfortunately I'm somewhat grounded at the moment with a new baby at home. lol

9 years ago 0

@Bomberman
Bomberman replied

@broadwayblue They only had one in stock. Still haven't shipped yet. Wondering what's up.

9 years ago 0

Liked by:

@Ol_Jas@paddockjudge