Malt Messenger Bulletin – Fall Tasting Schedule 2015 & Other Exciting News!
If you’re anything like me, September is your favourite month of the year. I’m sure a few of you think I’m nuts! What’s so great about September? Summer is drawing to a close, and Fall and Winter aren’t that far away, but (here it is) September is when the whisky world starts gearing up! September is when our fall slate of tastings come out and they’re all live now!
We always have a great of range of tastings at KWM: Scotch, Whisk(e)y, Wine and Beer. But the fall scheduleis special because it is when the brand ambassadors come to town. Our Whisky Week(s) celebrations include Master Classes with brand ambassadors from: Gordon & MacPhail/Benromach, Springbank, Kilchoman, Old Pulteney, BenRiach, Glendronach and more. Those 2 exciting weeks are capped off by our Fall Single Malt Festival which sells out within a week of tickets going on sale. As I write 1/3 of the tickets have already sold.
As exciting as November will be, you don’t have to wait until then for an exciting whisky tasting. In less than 2 weeks we have our 200 Years of Laphroaig Tasting which will feature 3 different vintages of Laphroaig 25 Year as well as a yet to be released special treat! We’re marking the 200th Anniversary of one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries in style! We’ve also got a pair of Classic Malts classes with Hunter and a Bourbon Casks Tasting which will feature two new single casks of American whiskey exclusive to KWM. There is a huge range or options, and some very tempting wine and beer tastings too!
September is also an exciting time because new whiskies start flooding into the market. Last month our exclusive KWM single cask Jura 1995 Boutique Barrels Sauternes Cask $160 showed up. It’s been a huge hit, 1/4 of the bottles have sold in just a month! This month it is our 4th exclusive single cask from Islay’s cult boutique distillery that has trickled in. Our Kilchoman 2010 Bourbon Cask 440 $140 is another gem, and it won’t disappoint! Our next three casks slated to arrive are BenRiach, Glendronach and most excitingly, the first official exclusive single cask bottling of Old Pulteney in Canada!
And, it’s not just exclusive whiskies that are rolling in. The Benromach 15 Year $135 has also popped up, the oldest whiskies distilled and bottled by Benromach’s owner Gordon & MacPhail. There is also the newest release of the perennial favourite Glendronach Cask Strength, Batch 4 $115. Like the previous incarnations, it will not last long! And then there are the newest releases from Glengyle Distillery, Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Sherry $75 & Bourbon Cask Strength $85. The whiskies are 11 years old, the oldest Kilkerran releases to date and there is a lot of buzz around the cask strength Bourbon release especially!
Slainté!
Andrew Ferguson
In This Edition
1. Whisky Advent 2015 – Price goes up September 15
2. Fall 2015 Tasting Schedule
3. Our New Exclusive Kilchoman 2010 KWM Cask 440
4. Introducing Benromach 15 Year
5. Introducing Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 4
6. Introducing Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Whiskies
Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market
PS- PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/scotch_guy and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1 .
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com
2015 KENSINGTON WINE MARKET WHISKY ADVENT CALENDAR
25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky…
Save $25 on the Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar by Ordering Before September 15th!
Kensington Wine Market’s Whisky Advent Calendar is back! Last year’s calendar, our second and the first one we produced entirely in house, was a huge hit. It sold out before it hit the shelves. This year’s is even better. It still includes 24 x 50ml whiskies and a custom Glencarin whisky glass. But, that is not all! We are offering an even wider range of whiskies and we are also including an extra 25th bottle. As a special treat for Christmas morning, there will be a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask bottling. This is a rare treat indeed, and usually only available to Society members. All of this year’s whiskies are different from 2014 and we are really excited about the range. There are 23 single malts from Scotland, Ireland, India and Taiwan, as well as a boutique blend and a boutique blended malt. Whether it is for yourself or to give as a gift, we know it won’t disappoint. Don’t hesitate! This one is sure to sell out fast, and the price goes up September 15!
You can pre-order the 2015 Kensington Wine Market Advent Calendar online, by phone 403-283-8000 or in store. A $150 deposit will be taken for each calendar requested at the beginning of August. The calendars will be available at the “early bird price” of $375 until September 15. After September 15 the Calendar’s price will go up to $400. The calendars should be ready for pick-up before the end of October.
Pre-Order the 2015 Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar $375+GST
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Fall Tasting Schedule Now Open for Registration!
Three months worth of amazing whisky tastings and experiences…
Our fall tasting schedule is the best of the best we have to offer all year. There is something for everyone in here, and lots of new and exciting events! I know you’ll find much t salivate over and enjoy!
1. 200 Years of Laphroaig – Tuesday September 15 – 7pm – We’re putting together a special tasting to mark the 200th Anniversary of one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries. We will sample the core range plus three different vintages of Laphroaig 25 year, including 2013, 2014 and a long lost one! – $65
2. Classic Single Malts – Tuesday September 29 – 7pm – This is our “classic” introduction to the world of single malt Scotch whisky. You’ll discover a little history, how it’s made and sample six distinct styles. – $35
3. Bourbon Cask Tasting – Tuesday October 13 – 7pm – We have some exciting new American whiskies on the way including exclusive casks from Barton, our own 1792 Ridgemont Reserve cask, and a first in Canada, our own exclusive cask of Bernheim Kentucky Wheat Whiskey from Heaven Hill. – $35
4. Classic Single Malts – Friday October 16 – 7pm – This is our “classic” introduction to the world of single malt Scotch whisky. You’ll discover a little history, how it’s made and sample six distinct styles. – $35
5. Rare Malts – Tuesday October 20 – 7pm – Only the rarest whiskies, those 20+ years of age, those from closed distilleries and/or the exceptionally rare qualify for this tasting. –$80
6. Gordon & MacPhail w/ Richard Urquhart – Sunday November 1 – 4pm – We have an excellent range for this tasting of Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies which will build to a finale including very rare offerings from Rosebank and Port Ellen. – $100
7. Springbank w/ Ranald Watson – Monday November 2 – 7pm – One of our favourite ambassadors Ranald Watson will be in to do a grand tasting of Springbank including a new exclusive Society bottling and the 21 and 25 year olds! – $50
8. Kilchoman w/ Anthony Wills – Tuesday November 3 7pm – Kilchoman is one of our favourite Islay whiskies and our 4th exclusive single cask in here. We’ll sample it against our last bottling as well as at least 4 other big smoky Islay whiskies. – $30
9. Old Pulteney, Once in a Lifetime w/ Gordon Stevenson – Thursday November 5, 7pm – KWM is thrilled to be the first store in Canada to obtain our own exclusive cask from this legendary Northern Highland distillery. We be sampling it as well as the whole Old Pulteney Range up to and including the 40 Year priced at $3000. – $150
10. BenRiach/Glendronach Cask Launch w/ Alistair Stevenson – Wednesday November 11 – 7pm – To celebrate the launch of our 5th and 6th casks we are throwing a party with Alisdair Stevenson featuring whiskies from BenRiach and Glendronach as well as their sister distillery Glenglassaugh. – $30
11. Fall Single Malt Festival – Thursday November 11 – 7pm – Our famous biannual whisky festival featuring over 100 single malt whiskies. Space is limited to the first 100 to sign up, and tickets go fast. Pre-Christmas sale prices will be in effect. – $60
12. Master Malt – Tuesday November 24 – 7pm – We pull out all the stops at this tasting featuring whiskies that are very old, very rare and very pricey. This is a tasting that will never be repeated again. – $125
Register for our tastings in store, by phone 403-283-8000 and online!
Our New Exclusive Kilchoman 2010 KWM Cask 440!
Prepare to get your peat on…
In the 10 years since the distillery opened Kilchoman has made quite a name for itself. The distillery’s nearly flawless spirit and rigorous oak policy have ensured that their young whiskies can compete with the best in the world. Our previous three casks of whisky from this maverick Islay Distillery were all big hits and our 4th has just arrived. Distilled in 2010 and matured in an American Ex-Bourbon Barrel at 5 years of age it is another cracker! Only 221 hand numbered bottles are available at a cask strength of 60.4%.
Kilchoman 2010 KWM Bourbon Cask 440 – 60.4% – 5 Year – ExBourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh with big notes of marzipan, orange pith, toasty oak and sea salt caramel; underneath briny coastal notes begin mingling with tar and earthy smoke begin to develop; the are soft fruits too, Asian pear, honey dew melon and mango salsa; Palate: juicy, smoky and fruity there is immediately a lot going on: chewy malt, barley sugars; sea salt caramel, candied salmon and building earthy peat and dark spices; more Asian pear, mango salsa and a touch of melon, bright orange notes all atop a creamy base; the smoke is clean and firm but soft; sticky soft Panda brand licorice comes to the fore; Finish: refreshing, almost minty, with fading fruits, sugars, malt and smoke maritime flourishes; Comment: if you love peat, you are going to adore this one! – $140
Introducing Benromach 15 Year
The oldest Benromach ever distilled and bottled by the distillery’s current owners…
Only 240 bottles of this landmark whisky are coming to Canada, and many have already sold. This is the first 15 year old expression bottled by Benromach Distillery that was distilled by the new/current owners, Gordon & MacPhail. The whisky was matured in a mix of Bourbon and Sherry casks and bottled at 43%.
Benromach 15 Year – 43% – Distillery’s Tasting Note: “Nose: There’s a lot going on… beautifully balanced sherry aromas with vanilla pod, zesty orange and spicy ginger complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. With Water: The whisky shifts into another gear with subtle hints of cocoa, nutmeg and cinnamon giving way to sweet honey notes and hints of bonfire embers. Palate: There’s luscious, rich fruit cake with stewed plum, red apple skin and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit. With Water: It’s a very satisfying palate with traces of charred oak complementing sweet tangerine, plum and nectarines… completed by a gorgeous touch of milk chocolate. – $135
Introducing Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 4
More heavily sherried goodness…
The 4th batch of this insanely popular whisky has been bottled at 54.7% from Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. It is a limited release bottled at cask strength without colouring or chill-filtering. Like the previous batches it won’t last long!
Glendronach Cask Strength Batch 4 – 54.7% – PX & Oloroso Sherry Casks – Distiller’s Tasting Note: Nose: Delicious molten toffee and wild honey poured over ripe figs and dates. Subtle hints of tangerine, coffee grounds and a dusting of cinnamon add a perfect balance to the nose; Palate: Vibrant oak spices and warming stem ginger complement the rich sherry and dark fruit characteristics. Waves of sour plums and subtle gingerbread combine with stewed barley and roasted coffee beans, softened by a gentle hint of walnut; Conclusions: A perfect harmony of the finest sherry casks and traditional Highland characteristics.” – $115
Introducing Kilkerran Work in Progress Batch 7 Whiskies
The Final Work in Progress Release…
The Kilkerran single malt from Glengyle distillery is nearly 12 years of age, and we are on the final releases of the Work in Progress Series, batch 7. There are Bourbon and Sherry cask matured releases, both 11 years of age. The Bourbon cask is also cask stength, a first! Very small quantities, these will not last long!
1. Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Bourbon Cask Strength – 54.1% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Immediate hit of lush green apples mixed with marzipan and hot baked vanilla buns. A gentle smoke hugs the fruit notes throughout. Let it breathe in the glass for a quarter of an hour and you are greeted by immense Madagascan vanilla pod seeds in warm full fat milk; Palate: Puff of smoke mixed with tangy apple, yet elegant and mature – fantastically well rounded dram. Finish: Long, smooth and luxurious.” – $84.99
2. Kilkerran Work in Progress 7 Sherry – 46% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Toasted pink marshmallows spinning around fresh rhubarb and green apples. Toffee and treacle adds to the sweetness but an earthy note keeps this whisky well balanced and not overpoweringly sweet; Palate: Heather honey and digestive biscuits. Creamy milk chocolate, black cherries mix with oak and wood spice. A truly complex and interesting dram; Finish: Dry nutty finish with some gentle peat lingering along with some further oak notes… delicious. – $74.99
Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger!
Contact & Disclaimers
If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.
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, don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.
Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.
Slainte!
Andrew Ferguson
Manager & Scotchguy
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
www.kensingtonwinemarket.com
Owner & Opperator
Ferguson’s Whisky Tours
www.fergusonwhiskytours.com
scotchguide@fergusonwhiskytours.com
Kensington Wine Market
403-283-8000
