The April 2026 K&L Spirits Newsletter showcases the depth of our buying bench and the singular access that defines K&L. From a remarkable 36‑year‑old Speyside whisky and a deep lineup of exclusive Kentucky bourbons to spring‑ready spritz essentials and pre‑arrival single casks from the Thompson Brothers, this issue captures what we do best: sourcing exceptional spirits and telling the stories behind them. Buyer‑driven, seasonally inspired, and available in limited quantities.
Read MoreWalking Kentucky rickhouses in the dead of summer, the K&L team and I set out to recreate—and elevate—one of K&L’s earliest bourbon bottlings. This is the story of tasting dozens of barrels, trusting my palate, and blending Faultline 100 Proof Bourbon one decision at a time.
Read MoreWhen I’m stocking the bar for a Mother’s Day brunch, I look for bottles that make great cocktails feel effortless. A few smart aperitifs, good sparkling wine, and quality soda go a long way—especially when you want to stay at the table, not stuck mixing drinks.
Read MoreFor me, spring marks the unmistakable return of spritz season at K&L, when Prosecco, Italian aperitifs, and fresh botanicals once again define how I drink as the days grow warmer. The classic Aperol Spritz is always my starting point, but I’m just as drawn to lighter, more aromatic variations like the Hugo Spritz, where elderflower liqueur adds a floral lift perfect for brunches and Mother’s Day celebrations. When I want more depth, the Negroni Sbagliato and the historic Americano showcase the versatility of vermouth and bitter aperitivo. Built on sparkling wine, soda, or aromatized wine, the spritz remains my go‑to cocktail for spring.
Read MoreGreetings from Midtown Manhattan, where I’m proud to represent the third generation of my family to work in the New York wine and spirits trade. With decades behind the counter—and now a new chapter as a Spirits Buyer at K&L—I’ve pulled together ten bottles I genuinely believe deserve your attention this spring. As warm‑weather holidays stack up, these selections span mezcal, tequila, whisky, rum, gin, and bourbon, each chosen for character, craftsmanship, and sheer drinkability. These aren’t trend‑driven picks or flashy one‑offs—they’re bottles I reach for, recommend, and enjoy. If you’re looking for smart, celebratory spirits with real stories behind them, start here.
Read MoreOur Sommelier Services program is built around thoughtful, sommelier‑led tastings tailored to your group and your interests. As we turn our focus to Italy, we’re reminded how rewarding the country’s wines can be, especially alongside food. With hundreds of native grape varieties, Italian wine can seem daunting, but our sommeliers help guide the conversation and bring clarity to one of the world’s most expressive wine traditions.
Read MoreItalian wine has been the focus of my work for many years, and it’s still the category that excites me most. No other country offers the same range of native grapes, regional nuance, and deep historical continuity—nor the same opportunity to find wines that feel truly meaningful to drink. This email brings together a collection of Italian releases I’m especially proud of, spanning cellar‑worthy icons and bottles I reach for on a weeknight, all sourced with the same philosophy: trust the grower, honor the place, and never lose sight of value.
Read MoreFew estates in Piedmont occupy the rarefied position that Vietti holds today. Founded in the late 19th century in Castiglione Falletto, Vietti has long been both a guardian of tradition and a catalyst for progress, helping to define how the world understands Barolo and Barbaresco. Decades before single‑vineyard bottlings became the norm, Vietti was already isolating and elevating individual crus, insisting that Barolo was not a monolith but a mosaic of distinct sites. That conviction—paired with meticulous farming, sensitive winemaking, and an unerring sense of balance—has made Vietti one of the great reference-point producers of Piedmont.
Read MoreLocated east of Rome between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo produces some of Italy’s most food‑friendly wines—and Tenute Inverso may be its most exciting under‑the‑radar estate.
This tiny, family‑run winery focuses on Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, farmed responsibly and made with minimal intervention. No oak. No ambition to impress. Just honest wines that belong at the table.
Read MoreI’m honored to welcome the cult Brunello di Montalcino estate Cerbaiona to our Direct Import portfolio. Located on a prestigious Galestro ridge in Montalcino, Cerbaiona is world-renowned for its high-altitude elegance and uncompromising traditional winemaking. This is a massive milestone for our Direct Import program. In the world of Montalcino, Cerbaiona is one of those names that collectors and buyers discuss in hushed, reverent tones. As the national buyer for Italian wine, I have spent years tracking this estate, and bringing it into our DI portfolio is a career highlight.
Read More2021 Brunello di Montalcino is starting to hit our shelves. This is the great “vertical” vintage—defined by precision, al dente structure, and mineral-driven energy. Transparent, cellar‑worthy, and built for the long haul, 2021 captures everything that makes Montalcino the benchmark for Sangiovese collectors.
Read MoreJoin me on this journey through the Loire as we highlight some of the best bottles on our shelves and hear from team members who share this passion for one of France's most diverse and exciting wine regions.
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