Archive for October, 2010

University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society Gordon and Macphail Tasting Tonight! – Scotch Whisky News

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Is it getting colder in ?

Don’t Forget
Gordon and Macphail Tasting Tonight!
 
Location: Butchart Centre, University Road, Old Aberdeen
Time and Date: 7pm – Wednesday 27th October 2010
What to Bring: Ticket + Membership Card + money for raffle!

Tickets (£3 each)
Available from Butchart Centre Reception
“Attending?”

University of Aberdeen Malt Whisky Society
The Butchart Centre
University Road
Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 3UT
aberdeenwhisky@googlemail.com

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RARE WHISKY FROM DISTILLERY WHICH CLOSED IN 1937 FOR SALE AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH – Scotch Whisky News

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RARE WHISKY FROM DISTILLERY WHICH CLOSED IN 1937 FOR SALE AT BONHAMS EDINBURGH

Rare and unusual bottles from two distilleries which have long since ceased production are the star items in Bonhams next whisky sale in Edinburgh on 17 November.

A Glamis-10 year old-20th century distilled and bottled by The Glenfyne Distillery Co. Ltd., Ardrishaig is estimated at between £8,000 – 10,000. 
Glenfyne closed in 1937 after more than 100 years of production.   The bottle for sale was imported into the USA by Greig, Lawrence & Hoyt Limited, New York.  In addition to the Glenfyne Distillery Company crest embossed on top, it also bears an American tax strip and carries the words Federal Law Forbids Sale or Re-use of This Bottle on the shoulder.  The Glamis is an unblended Pot Still Malt (more commonly referred to as a single malt).

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An early 20th century bottle of MacKie’s Ancient Scotch from the Malt Mill Distillery, Isle of Islay and blended and bottled by White Horse Distillers Ltd  is estimated at between £3,500-4,000.  Malt Mill was founded in 1908 by Sir Peter Mackie.  It was always a small scale operation and in 1962 was merged with Lagavulin. 

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For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/whisky

Notes
 
Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Sydney and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com (February 2010).

Arkwrights LADIES ONLY WHISKY TASTING – Thursday 2nd December 2010 – Scotch Whisky News

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LADIES ONLY WHISKY TASTING – Thursday 2nd December 2010*

Ladies – how about a pre Christmas night out with a difference? Our ladies whisky tasting earlier in the year proved so successful that we are holding a similar event in December where you can come along to try some great single malt whiskies in a relaxed and informal environment where it’s strictly only girls allowed.  Intended to appeal to both the novice and the experienced whisky drinker, these evenings are about having fun as well as discovering the joys of the many different whiskies now available. 

Our presenter this time round will be the lovely Willie Tait of Whyte & Mackay (memorably once described by a certain Mr McEwan as being the Sean Connery of the whisky business …) who has a wealth of experience amassed during a long and illustrious career in whisky.  Currently Master Distiller and Global Brand Ambassador for Jura Single Malt, Willie’s extensive knowledge and wonderful gift for storytelling make the world of whisky and the people who produce it come alive in a humorous and entertaining way.  We hope to include whiskies from Dalmore, Jura and Fettercairn distilleries in the line-up so this will be a good opportunity to nose, taste and enjoy a variety of expressions.

The tasting will be held in the beautiful surroundings of Stanton House Hotel and promises to be a great evening whether you are already a fan of whisky or have yet to discover the lure of single malts.  So come along, have fun and start the festive season in style!

*How to book*

The tasting will be at Stanton House Hotel, Stanton Fitzwarren (www.stantonhouse.co.uk), and will commence at 7.00 for 7.30pm. Tickets for the event are priced at just £10.00, and this includes a discount of £3 against a bottle of one of the featured whiskies if bought or ordered on the night of the tasting.

Most, if not all, of the whiskies tasted will be available to purchase on the night. We accept cash, credit/debit card or cheques.

Tickets are limited, and allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. To buy them just log on to www.whiskyandwines.com and place an order for the number you require, or telephone us on (01793) 765071, or call in and see us at Arkwrights, The Dormers, Highworth, Wiltshire. Admission to the tasting is by ticket only.

We look forward to you joining us for a great evening of whisky tasting.

Slainte!
Fran and Ken
Arkwrights Whisky and Wines
www.whiskyandwines.com

Anthony Wills of Kilchoman Distillery at The Whisky Shop San Francisco – Scotch Whisky News

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Please come and join us for a very special  bottle signing…..

Anthony Wills, Owner and Director of Kilchoman Distillery  on Islay, will be at:

The Whisky Shop
360 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA  94108

Saturday, November 6th

Kilchoman, is the first distillery to be opened  on Islay in 124 years.

It’s Summer 2010 Release has just hit the United States soil.

One barrel out of this release was selected by  The Whisky Shop, San Francisco and bottled  at natural strength exclusively for our customers

Bring your cameras, for a picture with Anthony Wills

For more information please call:  415-989-1030

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A First Look At Shelter Point Distillery, Comox, British Columbia – Canadian Whisky News

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Visit Shelter Point Distillery (on-line) at http://www.shelterpointdistillery.com/

Ralfy Continues His American Whiskey Journey – American Whiskey News

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Whisky Review 157 – Western Gold Bourbon. A new video review by Ralfy… very much at the ‘economy’ end of the market, but a very impressive Spirit considering the price.

www.ralfy.com

TOBERMORY 10yo AND LEDAIG 10yo SINGLE MALTS EVOLVE WITH A NEW LOOK AND MOVE TO UN-CHILLFILTERED – Scotch Whisky News

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TOBERMORY 10yo AND LEDAIG 10yo SINGLE MALTS EVOLVE WITH A NEW LOOK AND MOVE TO UN-CHILLFILTERED

Tobermory Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland has announced the evolution of its two single malts.  Tobermory 10yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Ledaig 10yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky will no longer be chillfiltered, giving the whiskies a purer taste, nose and appearance and the changes have been accompanied by a bold change in design for the bottles and packaging.

Although the two malts are now clearly from the same family, they are distinctively different when it comes to taste.  Tobermory 10yo is a gentle island malt which has become more delicate and floral, with citrus and honey notes.  In contrast, Ledaig is a sharper, smokier taste and is comparable to some of the premium Islay malts.

Tobermory and Ledaig will now be bottled at 46.3% abv, a transformation which will delight whisky drinkers as un-chillfiltration leaves in nuances of flavour providing depth and complexity to the malts. 

The new look and move to un-chillfiltered reinforce the premium quality and heritage of the brands.    The malts now have bespoke, embossed glassware to reflect the Tobermory family, emerald green glassware for Tobermory and clear flint for Ledaig with new labelling and etching of the bay on the capsule.  The bottles are presented within a quality gift carton

The move to un-chillfiltered is part of a vision from Ian MacMillan, Master Blender at Burn Stewart Distillers, owner of these award winning malts. Ian comments:  “The un-chillfiltered process allows people to enjoy whisky as natural as it can be –  just as it should be.

Katherine Crisp, Brand Manager for Tobermory said: “This evolution for Tobermory and Ledaig is a particularly exciting move for the brands, and with the lack of chill-filtration we are able offer a richer, fuller flavoured whisky.”

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Tobermory 10yo – Tasting Notes
Colour:  
Bright Lemony Gold
Nose: 
Rich Island character with tantalising hints of grass, malt, gingerbread, stewed fruit syrup and finely polished oak
Palate: 
Smooth velvety, with fruity tangs and exquisitely spiced gingerbread and aniseed for a medium sweetness to treasure
Finish
Ginger and spicy oak matched with bitter chocolate and  almond that gently fades with a tail of sweet salty seas

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Ledaig 10yo Single Malt – Tasting Notes
Colour
Bright lemony gold
Nose
Sweet briny smokiness, mildly antiseptic, creosote, wax polish, mint chocolate, floral seaside aromas
Palate
Sweet and medicinal, spicy smokiness, vanilla malty creaminess
Finish
Spicy white pepper, sweet and vibrant, hints of liquorice, and cloves, warm and salty, lingering

Notes:
• Chill-filtration is a process in which the whisky is chilled to near 0°C (32°F) and passed through a fine filter. It prevents the whisky from becoming hazy when chilled, or when water or ice is added.  It is believed by many whisky enthusiasts that chill-filtration removes some of the flavour and body from the whisky
• Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the Isle of Mull.   Built in 1798 it is one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland.

• One Distillery, two distinct single malts.  Production is split 50/50 between the Tobermory whisky for half the year, and the heavily peated Ledaig the other half.

• Tobermory Distillery is open Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm.  Tours can be booked on 0044 (0)168 8302647 

Visit Tobermory Distillery at http://www.tobermorymalt.com/

Win Tickets for The Whisky Show in London!! CONTEST CLOSES TODAY – Scotch Whisky News

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Win Tickets for The Whisky Show!!

By Tim Forbes at the Whisky Exhange

It’s that time of year again…The Whisky Show, the world’s finest festival of the distiller’s art,  is almost upon us – next week in fact!  Tickets are still selling fast, but the good news is that I’ve been able to scrounge up ten pairs of tickets for each day of the Show, and I’ll be giving them away on Monday!!

“I’d be a fool not to enter that”

If you fancy a free session with some of the planet’s finest spirits next Friday or Saturday, now’s the time to get in touch – follow the rules below and you’re in with a chance:

1.  You must be over 18 (*stating-the-bleedin’-obvious-sigh*)

2.   One entry per person.  Anyone sending more than one entry will be disqualified.  This does not mean one entry per email address, it means one entry per person.  Don’t try it on with me, Sonny Jim.

3.  The Whisky Show is in London next weekend, October 29th-30th. Don’t enter if you’re not going to be able to attend.  Otherwise you’re wasting a ticket someone else could use.

4.  Your entries must be sent to me at tim[at]thewhiskyexchange.com. With your name and telephone number.  We won’t sell any personal info or use it for anything other than this competition.

5.  Your message subject/title must be either TWS Prize Draw Friday or TWS Prize Draw Saturday.  I will be creating a rule for my email that will automatically direct your entries to two special folders.  This rule is for my convenience and to make sure that you’re not a total spanner. Only entries that arrive in these folders will be considered.  Entries that arrive in my inbox will be deleted.

6. The closing date for entries is Monday 25th October at 2pm.  Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries received by 1.59pm on Monday 25th October and will be notified by 6pm that evening.

7.  Each prize is two tickets to The Whisky Show on either Friday (4pm-9.30pm) or Saturday (12pm-6.30pm).  Winners will not receive physical tickets, their names will be on the door with a ‘plus one’ at the event.

8.  No, you can’t give them to your mate.  No, you can’t have the money instead. No, we’re not paying for your transport.  No, it doesn’t include Masterclasses.

9.  My decision is final. No correspondence, disputes or whining will be entered into or tolerated after the draw.

10.  If you get thoroughly trashed at the Show you will be removed by the bouncers friendly show stewards.  You won’t be allowed back in.  Behave yourselves, drink responsibly and don’t go showing me up.

Good luck, everyone!  Remember, I must have your entries by 2pm on Monday.

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Kensignton Calgary Malt Messenger #42 – Scotch Whisky News

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Malt Messenger No. 42

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

Fall is here and the annual flood of single malts is flowing over the fertile plains of the Alberta whisky market. There are without exaggeration probably 100 new whiskies coming in to the Alberta market as a whole over the next few months. There are so many in fact that our humble shop couldn’t possibly stock them all even if we wanted to. But we do have some exceptional new whiskies coming in this fall including a sublime cask of Glendronach bottled for our store from a single Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon. We also are very privileged to be launching the first private bottling of Kilchoman in Canada, and one of the first in the world. I am told there is only one other cask coming to North America, making this a special privilege indeed!

Our exclusive new casks aside there are lots of other new whiskies coming into Kensington Wine Market. Our third round of Duthies bottlings are here, including a Gold Medal (Whisky Mag) winning Hazelburn as well as botttlings of Ledaig, Bowmore, Longmorn and Auchroisk. The Duthies range, bottled by Scotland’s oldest independent bottler (1842) WM Cadenhead, are non chillfiletered and have no added colouring. There are also 7 very rare vintages of Glendronach coming ’71,’72, ’78, ’89, ’90, ’91 and ‘93, with but one case of each available for Canada; these are exclusive to KWM. And as if that were not enough, there is more coming, including four limited edition Glendronach cask finishes. Then there is Glenfarclas’ new regular bottling of 40 year old which will be here soon in very limited quantities. Only 12 bottles will be available for the time being, initially only from the Kensington Wine Market. There are also a couple of new vintage Auchentoshans: 1977 and 1998, the newest release of Kilchoman (Summer 2010) will be here shortly, the Ardbeg Supernova has come and gone (unfortunately in embarrassingly small quantities) and there’s a little more Corryvreckan to be had too.

I was recently in Toronto attending the 10th Anniversary gathering of the Companions of the Quaich whisky club, for which I am the Calgary chapter president. It was a wonderful weekend. I was the honoured guest presenting whiskies at the Friday night dinner and Jim McEwan of Bruichladdich fame was there on the Saturday. I chatted with many an Ontario whisky aficionado and took the opportunity to scout out the flagship store of the LCBO (Ontario government run liquor store chain). The flagship store is a converted train station appointed with imported marble and fine oak. Ontario is the single largest bulk purchaser of liquor in the world, and yet its selections are boring and uninspired. This was especially true of their whisky selection which would easily be bested by no fewer than 30 independent Alberta liquor stores. The grass is greener on this side of the fence my friends, and let’s hope for our sake that things don’t change. As long as the LCBO remains an inflexible Leviathan with outrageous pricing and limited selection Alberta consumers will continue to receive the lion’s share of all the rare and unique whiskies that come into Canada.

Lots to report in this Malt Messenger, I hope you enjoy it!

Slainté!

Andrew Ferguson

PS-You can follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/scotch_guy !

IN THIS ISSUE

1.       GLENDRONACH CASK RELEASE PARTY W/ ALISTAIR WALKER

2.       GLENFARCLAS 40 YEAR OLDS TASTING W/ GEORGE GRANT

3.       COMPASS BOX DINNER W/ JOHN GLASSER AT JANICE BEATON

4.       !!!BIG NEWS!!! KWM HAS BOTTLED ITS OWN CASK OF KILCHOMAN AND IT’S HERE!

5.       !!!BIG NEWS!!! OUR GLENDRONACH 1995 KWM PX SHERRY CASK IS HERE

6.       GLENDRONACH VINTAGES

7.       GLENDRONACH LIMITED RELEASE BOTTLINGS

8.       FIVE NEW EXPRESSIONS FROM DUTHIES

9.       SWEEDISH WHISKY

10.   NEW WHISKIES

11.   RETURNED WHISKIES

12.   COMING SOON

GLENDRONACH CASK RELEASE PARTY W/ALISTAIR WALKER – Tuesday October 26th – $45

Our latest cask purchase—a very rich and chocolaty Glendronach 1995 KWM PX Sherry Puncheon—will be formally unveiled at a special tasting featuring Alistair Walker of Glendronach/BenRiach distilleries this coming Tuesday October 26th. And can you believe it the whisky is here on time. Last fall our BenRiach cask made an unscheduled detour across the equator in much the same way that the Madeira wine cask in which it was matured. It arrived about  3 months late, but was, nevertheless, a huge success. This year Alistair Walker will not only be able to sample the whisky with our guests, but will also be available to sign any bottles purchased that night. This is very exciting…

Alistair will guide us through a formal tasting of 4 whiskies from Glendronach: 12 Year, 15 Year, 18 Year and 1995 KWM PX Sherry Puncheon while introducing his distillery. After the formal tasting guests will have the opportunity to sample a wide range of whiskies from both Glendronach and BenRiach distilleries (see the list below). After the formal tasting Alistair will also be available to answer your questions and sign bottles.

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Everyone in attendance will receive a special Glencairn glass produced just for this occasion and featuring the logos of both Glendronach and Kensington Wine Market. And as a special incentive for this evening we will give you a store credit of $45 (the value of the tasting) when you purchase $200 or more of any of the Glendronach or BenRiach whiskies exclusive to Kensington Wine Market for future use.

The whiskies we will sample:

1.       Glendronach 1995 KWM PX Sherry Puncheon

2.       Glendronach 12 Year

3.       Glendronach 15 Year

4.       Glendronach 18 Year

5.       Glendronach 14 Year Sauternes Finish (see below)

6.       Glendronach 14 Year Virgin Oak Finish (see below)

7.       Glendronach 15 Year Moscatel Finish (see below)

8.       Glendronach 20 Year Tawny Port Finish (see below)

9.       BenRiach 15 Year Dark Rum Finish

10.   BenRiach 15 Year Madeira Finish

11.   BenRiach 15 Year Tawny Port Finish

12.   BenRiach Arumaticus Fumosus 12 Year

13.   BenRiach Heredotus Fumosus 12 Year

14.   BenRiach Importanticus Fumosus 12 Year

* We will also sample at least two of the new vintages of Glendronach (see below).

GLENFARCLAS 40 YEAR OLDS TASTING WITH GEORGE GRANT – Thursday October 28th – $165

No distillery in the world has such a depth and range of older whiskies as does Glenfarclas. Their Family Cask range which consists of 43 vintages from 1952 on is the envy of every distillery in Scotland. That might help to explain why they are the only distillery in Scotland which can release a official 40 year old bottling for less than $600. Glenfarclas’ larger than life brand ambassador George Grant will be our special guest at the Petroleum Club as he leads us through a tasting of the new core bottling of Glenfarclas 40 Year Old alongside the collectible Treasure Island 40 Year old (was $4500 now $3000) bottling released a few years back. We will also be sampling the 1960 Family Cask bottling and at least three other whiskies. The full line up is as follows:

1.       Glenfarclas  105 Cask Strength

2.       Glenfarclas 15 Year

3.       Glenfarclas 30 Year

4.       Glenfarclas 40 Year

5.       Glenfarclas 40 Year Treasure Island Bottling

6.       Glenfarclas Family Cask 1960

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There are only 600 bottles of the Glenfarclas 40 Year Old Treasure Island bottling, which were originally released for around $4500.00/bottle. The price has recently been reduced to $3000.00. Only 12 of the new regular release 40 Year Glenfarclas are coming into Alberta before Christmas, and all of them are coming to the Kensington Wine Market. This is your first and possibly only chance to sample this whisky this fall!

COMPASS BOX DINNER W/ JOHN GLASSER AT JANICE BEATON – Tuesday November 2nd – $65

John Glaser is a Maverick in the Blended Scotch whisky industry. Over the last 10 years he had earned a much deserved reputation for being one of the world’s best and most innovative blenders. Most of his whiskies fall into the blended malt category, meaning that they are blends of single malts, and do not contain grain whisky; Peat Monster being his most famous. John also makes a blend Asyla and even a blended grain whisky Hedonism. He will be presenting seven of his whiskies, each of which will be carefully paired with a food offering prepared by the staff of Farm Restaurant/Janice Beaton. Two of the whiskies are new and exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market: Peat Monster Reserve 1.5L ($154.99) and Hedonism Maximus ($259.99). $65 for a tasting of 7 whiskies paired with some first rate cuisineis a steal!

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The Complete list of whiskies to be sampled:

Compass Box Asyla
Compass Box Oak Cross
Compass Box Spice Tree
Compass Box Peat Monster
Compass Box Peat Monster Reserve (Exclusive to KWM—Coming Soon)
Compass Box Hedonism Maximus (Exclusive to KWM – Coming Soon)
Compass Box Flaming Heart

!!!BIG NEWS!!! KWM HAS BOTTLED IT’S OWN CASK OF KILCHOMAN AND IT’S HERE! – $114.99

Ours is the first private bottling of Kilchoman in Canada, and one of only a handful in the world. Only one other North American retailer is getting a cask, making it a real honour and privilege! Our Kilchoman has been bottled at an impressive cask strength of 61.9%. There are but 270 bottles, and I don’t expect they will last long, as this is one of the most collectible and highly sought after young whiskies in the world. We are expecting collectors from far and wide will be seeking out these bottles. 

Kilchoman is Scotland’s youngest active distillery. Established in 2005 in the north-west corner of the Island of Islay, it is the first new distillery to be built on the island in over 120 years. Kilchoman released its first single malt in the summer of 2009. The first bottle of this 3 year old was sold at auction for £5,400.00 with the proceeds donated to charity. The other 9000 bottles of the first ever whisky (Kilchoman Inaugural Release) offering from this distillery sold out quickly and now sell for at least double the original price at auction. Only 60 bottles made it to Canada, and they sold out almost immediately. The second and third releases (Autumn 2010 and Spring 2010) also sold out quickly. The fourth release—Summer 2010 is available now—see below (New Products).

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I haven’t had an opportunity to produce a formal tasting note—one will shortly follow in a future Malt Messenger or Bulletin—but having selected the cask and sampled it after arrival I can assure you it is spectacular. The key factor in the selection of this cask was the balance of soft fresh vanilla notes with the robust smoky peat and salt of the spirit. Our cask may be young, but it is an exceptionally deep and rich whisky. The first sip shows some heat, how could it not at 61.9%, but succeeding ones become much softer and rounder. This whisky is not for the faint of heart, but will amply reward its drinker!

!!!BIG NEWS!!! OUR GLENDRONACH 1995 KWM PX SHERRY CASK IS HERE – $114.99

Shortly after BenRiach Distillery Company took over Glendronach in 2008 the distillery launched a new core range of 12, 15 and 18 year old whiskies. All of them are bottled without coulouring or chillfiltering at a strength of 46%. They are all excellent, but I was most impressed by the 15 year old with its very smooth deep and rich character. This winter I approached Alistair Walker about bottling a cask of Glendronach for the store. When he asked me what I was looking for I told him I wanted something like the 15 year old, a first fill sherry cask matured whisky, but I wanted our cask to be bottled at cask strength to concentrate the flavours. Early in the spring a small group of about 15 of Kensington Wine Market’s customers gathered to help me select a cask. We reviewed 6 different cask samples of Glendronach and settled on cask 1410, a Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon matured whisky.

Pedro Ximenez is a very sweet style of sherry that can give icewine or maple syrup a run for its money. Many distilleries will finish their whiskies in Pedro Ximenez casks to add rich, sweet and chewy notes, but it is more unusual to see a whisky matured in such a cask. Our cask, #1410, is also unusual being that it was a sherry puncheon rather than a more common sherry butt. The cask produced 682 individually numbered bottles at a cask strength of 52.2%.

I haven’t had time to do my own tasting note, but will write one for inclusion in the next malt messenger. In the meantime here is the distillery’s tasting note for our whisky: “Nose: pronounced toasted almond notes with a beautifully interwoven sherry base; sweet stewed fruits provide an added twist to the profile; Appearance: full gold with a distinctive tawny element; Palate: a bold concoction of chocolate, nut and alcoholic fruit cake; superb sherry notes bring added elegance and class into the frame.”

Our cask will be available for purchase during and after our Glendronach cask release party coming up this Tuesday October 26th at 7PM. The tasting is only $45, and anyone who purchases $200 or more of our Glendronach or BenRiach exclusive whiskies will get a $45 store credit for future use.  See above for more details.

EXCLUSIVE – 7 NEW GLENDRONACH VINTAGES

Glendronach distillery has a vast selection of casks dating all the way back to 1968. Every year the distillery bottles a selection of handpicked casks from different vintages. These vintage single casks are bottled at their natural cask strength in individually numbered bottles. Batch 2 released in July of 2010 consist of seven different vintages for which there are only six bottles of each in Canada, and all of them are exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market. Most of the bottles are already spoken for, and I don’t expect most of the vintages to even make the floor.  Tasting notes are not available at the moment, but may be by the next Malt Messenger. There are some reviews online, but not from sources I am familiar with.

1.       Glendronach 1971 – 48.4% – 39 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! Tasting note to come. – $436.99

2.       Glendronach 1972 – 51.5% – 38 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! Tasting note to come. – $399.99

3.       Glendronach 1978 – 51.2% – 31 Year – 20 Year – Oloroso Sherry Puncheon – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! Tasting note to come. – $262.99

4.       Glendronach 1989 – 53.2% – 20 Year – PX Sherry Puncheon – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! Tasting note to come. – $155.49

5.       Glendronach 1990 – 57.9% – 20 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! Tasting note to come. – $155.49

6.       Glendronach 1991 – 51.7% – 18 Year – Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! Tasting note to come. – $139.99

7.       Glendronach 1993 – 60.4% – 17 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! Tasting note to come. – $139.49

EXCLUSIVE – 4 NEW GLENDRONACH CASK FINISHES

Glendronach is famous for its rich sherried whiskies. Shortly after the distillery was taken over by BenRiach Distillery Company in 2008 a plan was hatched to offer some unique twists on their classic style. The first of these cask finished bottlings were released in July of 2010, and they are exclusively available from the Kensington Wine Market in Canada.

1.       Glendronach 14 Year Sauternes Finish – 46% – Distillery Tasting Note: Nose: Sweet, smoke and spiced fruits in 3 very defined waves. Juicy and fresh. A blanket of creamed soda and wild strawberries backed up lush late harvest desert wine. Hints of sherbet and ripe cherries. Very fruity. Palate: Apples and rhubarb drenched in homemade custard. Sweet desert wine influences emerge with ripe sultanas and a lovely creamy heart. Conclusions: Sweet fresh and fragrant with balanced acidity. Lots of finesse and elegance, whilst still maintaining the lively youthful elements. Exclusive to KWM. Only 18 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $82.49

2.       Glendronach 14 Year Virgin Oak Finish – 46% – Nose: Toasted oak elements which are so intense that smoky attributes emerge. Sweet and lush tropical fruits rise with prominence. Banana and cacao, with roasted coconut. Palate: Spiced ginger and cinnamon cake with a beautiful smoky twist. Creamed mokiness coconut and fresh buttered toast with a handful of hazelnuts on the side. Exclusive to KWM. Only 18 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $82.49

3.       Glendronach 15 Year Moscatel Finish – 46% – Nose: Golden syrup and nutmeg. Poached peaches and apricot flavours with fresh figs and dates. Subtle marzipan on the tail intensifies the aromatics. Palate: Sweet summer fruits of melon and pineapple intertwined with sweet ripe raisins and alcohol infused figs. Subtle marzipan adds a smooth round nutty edge. Exclusive to KWM. Only 18 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $84.49

4.       Glendronach 20 Year Tawny Port Finish – 46% – Nose: Lashings of fine fortified wine elements and a generous portion of Mediterranean fruits including figs and dates. Palate: Stewed fruits of prunes, pears and apples. The stewed fruit is balanced with an injection of liquorice and subtle aniseed flavours. Massive power and definition. Exclusive to KWM. Only 12 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $124.99

EXCLUSIVE  – 5 NEW EXPRESSIONS FROM DUTHIES BY CADENHEAD

Duthies is a range of independently bottled whiskies from WM Cadenhead. Established in 1842 Cadenhead is Scotland’s oldest independent bottler. Being such an old and established business Cadenhead doesn’t need to buy up casks from among the scraps of the blended whisky market, but rather can rely on the deep inventory of casks maturing in their warehouses. The Duthies line of whiskies are all bottled at 46% meaning that they are non-chilfiltered, retaining the natural oils which add to the flavour and mouth-feel. The whiskies are also bottled without colouring in their natural colour. The Duthies range is exclusive to the Kensington Wine Market in Canada, and we have a new batch of five whiskies which have just arrived:

1.       Duthies Auchroisk 20 Year – 46% Founded in 1974 Auchroisk is one of Scotland’s more obscure distilleries. Its owner’s Diageo dedicate all of its production to Blended whisky. Nose: Big fudge and toffee with caramelised sugar, cream soda and toffee popcorn. A little bit of smokiness lends some authority to the whisky. Palate: All of the aromas from the nose are transferred to the palate and are joined by hints of raspberry, rhubarb and vanilla. Finish: Long, smooth and sweet, like a home-baked custard pie.  Exclusive to KWM. – $96.99

2.       Duthies Bowmore 17 Year – 46% – Could this please fans of the long lost distillery bottling of Bowmore 17? Perhaps! But it is a cracken whisky on its own. Nose: Not exactly a typical Bowmore. Earthy with notes of caramel, toffee sauce, gentle sherbet and hundreds and thousands ice cream topping. Palate: Rich and very sweet. Coffee beans and vanilla sweetness but with smoke very evident throughout. Finish: More smokey sweetness gives this dram a very reassuring finish. Exclusive to KWM. – $90.99

3.       Duthies Hazelburn 9 Year – 46% – Hazelburn is one of only two triple distilled whiskies made in Scotland. Very small quantities are distilled by the Springbank distillery in Campbeltown. A recent Gold Medal winner and EXCLUSIVE to KWM! Nose: The sherry cask influence is immediately apparent. Rich and fruity; figs, stewed fruits and a sweet caramel note. Palate: Weightier than you would expect from a triple distilled whisky. Vanilla ice cream and stewed fruits contribute to a very rich mouth feel. The Campbeltown character is very evident here. Finish: Rich, fruity and lasts forever! – $84.99

4.       Duthies Ledaig 13 Year – 46% – Tobermory, established 1798 on the island of Mull, is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Its heavily peated whisky is called Ledaig (pronounce Le-Cheg). Nose: Woah! A smokey sensation. Coal and tar, like the west coast fishing boats of old. Also gently reminiscent of old copper coins. Palate: Less aggressive than the nose. Sweet and grassy with a very pure and clean mokiness. Finish: Hints of citrus fruits before the smoke comes back to complete a really intense sensory experience.Exclusive to KWM. – $79.99

5.       Duthies Longmorn 19 Year – 46% – Longmorn has long been considered a first rate malt whisky, but it is the single largest component of the Chivas 18 year old blend, and it is almost never bottled as a single malt! This whisky is an excellent expression from BenRiach’s sister distillery. Non-chillfiltered and no added colouring. Nose: Beautifully fruity. Raspberry pavlova, marshmallows, fruit jam, raspberry cordial and just the right amount of smokiness. Palate: Burnt caramel, vanilla and smoke complement the fruity flavours. Finish: A pleasant smokey tingle complete with ripe red fruits. Exclusive to KWM. – $96.99

SWEEDISH WHISKY

Sweden’s first distillery began production in Gastrikland in 1999, making it a little over 11 years old. It is the first distillery to be built in Sweden and the northernmost malt distillery in the world. Their early days were small scale indeed, with a capacity of only 100 L of spirit per run. After perfecting their techniques on a very small scale they increased their capacity modestly with the addition of new equipment in 2002. Since then the distillery has operated nearly 365 days a year, on occasion distilling two batches a day. Although overall production has increased the whisky is still made in small batches, with an emphasis on quality meaning that production is intentionally restricted.

Mackmyra uses Swedish ingredients to make their whisky. The distillery matures their whisky mainly in 100 litre casks, but also uses some Swedish oak casks made from trees planted on the island of Visingso more than 160 years ago. These casks rapidly and powerfully mature the spirit giving the whisky a full robust character at a young age. Barrels are warehoused 50m below ground in an old mine.  The distillery’s owners are so pleased with the success of Mackmyra that they are in the process of planning a second distillery which will give visitors the opportunity to make their own whisky.

The Kensington Wine Market carries two bottlings of Mackmyra:

1.       Mackmyra First Edition – 46.1% – Nose: fresh, light, floral and fruit with grassy malt and clean smoke; Palate: light, apple notes, soft, floral, clean malt and soft smoke; Finish: light and clean with soft oak and smoke. – $66.49

2.       Mackmyra Special ’03 – 48.2% – Nose: creamy vanilla, berry fruits, and grassy herbal notes; Palate: clean and buttery with some bitter herbs and melon; Finish: bitter and woody with some sweet dry notes.  – $91.49

NEW PRODUCTS

1.       Kilchoman KWM Fresh Bourbon Cask – 61.9% – 3 Year – Soft vanilla, rich thick peat and salty smoke. Our exclusive cask!  For more info see above. – $114.99

2.       Glendronach 1995 KWM PX Sherry Cask – 52.2% – 5 Year – Rich, spicy and chocolaty with a long smooth finish. Our exclusive cask! For more info see above.  – $114.99

3.       Glendronach 1971 – 48.4% – 39 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $436.99

4.       Glendronach 1972 – 51.5% – 38 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $399.99

5.       Glendronach 1978 – 51.2% – 31 Year – 20 Year – Oloroso Sherry Puncheon – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $262.99

6.       Glendronach 1989 – 53.2% – 20 Year – PX Sherry Puncheon – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $155.49

7.       Glendronach 1990 – 57.9% – 20 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $155.49

8.       Glendronach 1991 – 51.7% – 18 Year – Pedro Ximenez Sherry Puncheon – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $139.99

9.       Glendronach 1993 – 60.4% – 17 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butt – Exclusive to KWM. Only 6 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $139.49

10.   Glendronach 14 Year Sauternes Finish – 46% – Rhubarb, raisins and desert wine. Exclusive to KWM. Only 18 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $82.49

11.   Glendronach 14 Year Virgin Oak Finish – 46% – Ginger and cinnamon with smoke. Exclusive to KWM. Only 18 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $82.49

12.   Glendronach 15 Year Moscatel Finish – 46% – Melon, pineapple and melon. Exclusive to KWM. Only 18 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $84.49

13.   Glendronach 20 Year Tawny Port Finish – 46% – Stewed fruits and liquorice. Exclusive to KWM. Only 12 bottles in Canada! For more info see above. – $124.99

14.   Duthies Auchroisk 20 Year – 46% All of the aromas from the nose are transferred to the palate and are joined by hints of raspberry, rhubarb and vanilla. Exclusive to KWM. – $96.99

15.   Duthies Bowmore 17 Year – 46% – Rich and very sweet. Coffee beans and vanilla sweetness but with smoke very evident throughout. Exclusive to KWM. – $90.99

16.   Duthies Hazelburn 9 Year – 46% – Weightier than you would expect from a triple distilled whisky. Vanilla ice cream and stewed fruits contribute to a very rich mouth feel. Exclusive to KWM. – $84.99

17.   Duthies Ledaig 13 Year – 46% – Less aggressive than the nose. Sweet and grassy with a very pure and clean mokiness. Exclusive to KWM. – $79.99

18.   Duthies Longmorn 19 Year – 46% – Burnt caramel, vanilla and smoke complement the fruity flavours. Exclusive to KWM. – $96.99

19.   Kilchoman Summer 2010 Release – 46% – 3 Year – Matured 3 years in fresh bourbon barrels. Sweet, smoke and spiced fruits. – $89.99

20.   Ballechin 3rd Release Port Matured – 46% – Big fruit with a big dollup of smoky peat. – $84.99

21.   The Singleton of Glendullan – Matured in both American and European oak, this whisky shows both sweet honey and vanilla as well as some dark fruits and a dry edge. – $43.49

22.   Auchentoshan 1998 – This is a cask strength sherry matured Auchentoshan. Bottled at a cask strength of 54.6%. – $64.49

23.   Auchentshan 1977 – Matured in Oloroso sherry casks this bottling is very limited, fewer than a couple of dozen bottles are available in Alberta, bottled at 49%. – $509.99

RETURNED PRODUCTS

1.       OMC Probably Speyside’s Finest Distillery 41 Year – 50% – This exceptional bottling of whisky is a steal at any price, but even more so when you discover it has been distilled by Glenfarclas distillery. At less than $300.00 a bottle it begs the question, how can Douglas Laing afford to give it away at this price? – $275.99

2.       Robbie Burns Single Malt – Only one distillery can produce whisky with the name of Scotland’s favourite son. The whisky comes from the Isle of Arran distillery and some of the proceeds go to supporting the World Burns Federation – $51.99

COMING SOON

1.       Glenfarclas 40 Year Old

2.       Old Pulteney 17 Year

3.       Old Pulteney 21 Year

4.       Glenglassaugh 30 Year

5.       Glenglassaugh 40 Year

6.       Compass Box Peat Monster Reserve

7.       Compass Box Headonism Maximus

  ——————–

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store. Feel free to forward me any whisky news you feel should be included in a future issue of The Malt Messenger; it might just get included.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com.. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change!

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger!

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson
KWM Scotchguy

403-283-8000
888-283-9004
1257 Kensington Rd. NW
Calgary, AB, Canada
T2N 3P8

The Nth, the Ultimate Whisky Experience at The Wynn Resort and Casino, March 18th & 19th, 2011 – Scotch Whisky News

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The worlds first premier luxury whisky show is planned for Las Vegas at the Wynn Resort and Casino March 18th & 19th, 2011. The Nth, the Ultimate Whisky Experience is presented by Universal Whisky Expirence and full details can be viewed at at http://universalwhiskyexperience.com/ 

Tickets are on sale as of Tuesday October 26th, masterclass tickets and hotel room details will be added soon.

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