CHIVAS 12 UNVEILS NEW ‘MADE FOR GENTLEMEN’ BY GLOBE-TROTTER LIMITED EDITIONS

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, is celebrating craftsmanship, generosity and a passion for travel with the launch of the latest instalment in the ‘Made for Gentlemen’ series. Chivas has partnered with renowned British brand Globe-Trotter in the fourth year of the series to design exclusive collectibles for connoisseurs of luxury whisky and adventure.

Containing the newly re-designed Chivas 12 bottle, the Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter limited edition gift tin is inspired by the long tradition of proud travellers applying decorative stickers onto their luggage. Featuring some of the most iconic cities around the world, the bespoke stickers adorning the tin have been hand-drawn by illustrator Andrew Davidson and represent the truly global footprint of Chivas.

To commemorate the partnership, Globe-Trotter has for the first time created a 20” trolley case for the modern gentleman. The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Carry-On Case features a colour matched burgundy vulcanised fireboard and customised lining detailing the Chivas signifier.

As the ultimate luggage piece, Chivas and Globe-Trotter have also created the Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk. The made-to-order creation is the ultimate luggage piece complete with a mini bar for the perfect service of the modern gentleman’s bottle of Chivas Regal. A bespoke backdrop expressing the modern heritage of both brands lines the trunk interior with additional compartments for suits, watches and other travel essentials. Underlining its authenticity, the design of the trunk nods to the art of whisky making with handles crafted from American white oak in honour of the casks that influence the complexities of Chivas 12 Year Old, and a hand engraved copper plaque made from a retired Scotch whisky still. All proceeds from the sale of the first Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk will be donated to The Prince’s Trust charity.

Celebrating iconic global cities and to honour this exclusive partnership, Chivas Regal Global Brand Ambassador, Max Warner, has created the ‘Chivas Maximilian’, a fresh and modern twist on a classic cocktail, the Whisky Mac, and takes inspiration from all four corners of the world.

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, comments: “Chivas and Globe-Trotter form a natural partnership as two luxury British brands. We are very proud to introduce the fourth Made for Gentlemen partnership and we believe the synergies in our values and expert craftsmanship has resulted in this fine collection of limited editions that we hope will inspire adventurous travellers and spirits connoisseurs around the world.”

The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter limited edition gift tin is available globally at RRP $40 USD in travel retail. The Chivas ‘Made for Gentlemen’ Carry-On Case is available through Globe-Trotter retail outlets with RRP £950. The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk will be for sale in the Globe-Trotter flagship store in London from October at RRP £12,000 (with all proceeds donated to The Prince’s Trust charity).

Chivas Maximilian
40ml Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
20ml Earl Grey tea (brewed, chilled)
20ml simple syrup
20ml dry red wine
1 small piece of ginger

Garnish:
Star anise + lemon twist, which should be discarded

Method:
Muddle a piece of ginger in a mixing glass.
Add whisky, earl grey tea, and simple syrup, then stir with ice.
Strain over fresh ice.
Gently pour dry red wine on top.
Garnish with star anise, and twist of lemon (discard the peel).

Serve: stirred over ice and strained into a chilled glass with fresh ice

About Chivas Regal
Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. Brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal so in 2008, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign, which has inspired Modern Gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to pursue success with integrity. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, sitting within the super-premium range, positioned between Chivas 12 and Chivas 18.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.  www.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com

Laphroaig Live 2015 returns home to the island of Islay to celebrate 200 years

On Thursday 24^th September at 8pm local time the ninth annual Laphroaig Live will broadcast live on the web from the island of Islay.

Laphroaig is this year celebrating 200 years and to mark this very special anniversary we are returning to the home of Laphroaig, the island of Islay to showcase four phenomenal whiskies as well as going behind the scenes at the distillery with Laphroaig’s very own distillery manager on this auspicious year John Campbell who will be joined by no less than five of the previous distillery managers! The first time they have all been together.

This year we will be tasting 4 very special expressions. The one off Laphroaig 15 YO – the official 200^th Expression; Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015 – distilled using only the original small stills; Laphroaig 21 YO – created for the Friends of Laphroaig 21^st Birthday; and a unique Laphroaig 32 YO – 100% sherry matured, a very rare, special expression.

Coming live from Laphroaig’s famous floor malting’s, one of only a handful left in the whisky industry, John Campbell and our five previous distillery managers will be joined by two experts Bernhard Schafer – whisky journalist and Master of the Quaich and Emma Andersson, Editor of Allt Om Whisky.

Also joining John will be Marcel van Gils, author of the official 200^th book about Laphroaig as well as many of our Friends of Laphroaig from many countries around the World.

But our main audience, who will as always be posting in their questions to the panel live on the night, is our worldwide audience of Laphroaig lovers, including a live link to Laphroaig US Whisky Ambassador Simon Brooking who will be joined by 75 Friends of Laphroaig via a live link to New York.

To celebrate this special occasion, Laphroaig will be attempting to set a world record by encouraging the whole global audience to raise a toast to Laphroaig on their 200^th anniversary!

You can watch the show live at http://www.laphroaig.com/live/ on Sept 24^th at 8pm local time and if you would like to submit a question for the panel you can send it in now at the above link. Note that John sends out Laphroaig nosing glasses for the best questions.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #LaphroaigLive

Some global times of Laphroaig Live on the 24th September;

UK 8pm

New York 4pm

Los Angeles 1pm

Sydney 6am (25^th September)

Stockholm 10pm

Berlin 10pm

NOTES

http://www.laphroaig.com/

Editors Notes:

• Laphroaig is the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky globally
• Unmistakably peat-smoke flavours are delivered by burning local Islay peat, containing unique traces of seaweed and heather.
• One of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns.
• The Friends of Laphroaig programme keeps fans of the brand up to date with special offers and news from distillery manager, John Campbell. On signing up, members are allocated their own square foot of land on Islay, and their names are added to the members’ book in the friends lounge at the distillery. Members who visit the distillery are invited to collect their ‘rent’ – a dram of Laphroaig. The community comprises more than 669,000 like-minded Scotch fans from more than 190 countries.

About Beam Suntory Inc.:

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales exceeding $4 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Exclusive Amrut Indian Single Malt release of the

10 yo Greedy Angels in Canada.

Amrut Distilleries Ltd., Bangalore is a boutique distillery known for their award winning single malt whiskies. Amrut recently concluded 10 years of presence in the international markets and have launched the Amrut Greedy Angels Single Malt Whisky – 10 years old to commemorate this occasion.

This whisky is the first 10 YO single malts to be produced from India and had been launched in a limited quantity of 320 bottles and only 21 released to Canadian market. The specially designed package consists of a 750 ml crystal decanter bottled at 46% ABV and a 50 ml miniature decanter bottled at full cask strength of 71% ABV.

“The profile can be compared to some of the very old & rare Scottish single malts. You will spot a lot of tropical fruits, orange citrus & a lingering finish. Consumers will have to wait for quite some time before the next batch is released. We are not sure when the next release of this ten years old malt from the Amrut stable will emanate as keeping the balance profile of the whisky is questionable given the conditions under which it matures”. –Ashok Chokalingam, GM – International Markets, Amrut.

Very limited allocation to selected liquor stores in BC and AB.

For details see http://www.fountanabeverage.com/.

Full original text: http://www.prweb.com/releases/Amrut-greedy/Angels/prweb12624855.htm

With just six months to go until Wolfburn’s inaugural bottling, it’s all systems go at the distillery!

After a great deal of consideration, we have decided to do our bottling on site – one of only a tiny handful of Scottish distilleries to do so. Work has begun to install the bottling plant, and we’re also building a new warehouse right next door to the stillhouse, which will provide sufficient laydown and maturation space for years to come. There would be no point having a bottling plant without glassware – and we now have our own unique bottle shape, complete with the Wolfburn name embossed in the glass base of the bottle. We’re hard at work finalising the labels, corks, stoppers and foil caps – and we’re confident that everything will be finished and ready to go in plenty of time for the inaugural bottling, which is expected around the end of February.

The excitement isn’t limited to Thurso: this autumn you’ll be able to meet the Wolfburn team and sample some of our spirit at a variety of shows, including Whisky Live Paris (26-27 September); WhiskySchiff Zurich (26-27 November); InterWhisky Frankfurt (28-29 November); and Whisky Festival Tokyo (29 November).

In this edition of the Laydown: the last of our three-part series on the best oak casks, this time looking at maturation and processes that turn new-make spirit into fine single malt Highland Whisky. Our fascination with Wolfburn’s buccaneering history continues with an article about maritime smuggling. And finally, for anyone curious about the Wolfburn logo, there’s a piece dedicated to sea-wolves, romantic creatures of good fortune.

Slàinte

The Wolfburn Team

Wolfburn Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW United Kingdom

A Surprise Arrival…

Speaking of surprises, the Hibiki Japanese Harmony, $106, came as a complete surprise to us. This is the first Suntory whisky made available to Canada in over 2 years, and it came without any forewarning. That surprised us, its quality did not. We have been very impressed over the years with the quality of Japanese whisky as a whole! The Harmony is another silky, fruity and very elegant Japanese whisky. And you don’t have to take our word for it, we have an open bottle if you want to come in and sample it! Hopefully it is a sign of more to come to Alberta from the famed Suntory Whisky Company…

Our 2015 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar is also noteworthy at this time. With just under 2 1/2 months until the beginning of Advent, 3/5 of them are already sold. While we might be left kicking ourselves for not producing enough of them, we won’t be quite as disappointed as you if you don’t place your order soon. This year’s calendar is even better than last’s and includes a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask for Christmas Day! More details can be found below.

Finally our Fall Tasting Schedule has been very well received this year. Many of the tastings like our Fall Single Malt Festival are sold out, but rest easy, there are a lot of exciting tastings still available like our BenRiach and Glendronach Casks Release, November 11!

I hope you enjoy this little Malt Messenger bulletin. There is more exciting whisky news to come in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned!

Slainté!

Andrew

In This Edition

1. Whisky Advent 2015 More Than 3/5 Sold
2. Upcoming Tastings
3. New Hibiki Harmony

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…

The Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar is 3/5 Sold Out!

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!

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. The final price will be $400. The calendars should be ready for pick-up before the end of October.

Pre-Order the 2015 Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar $400+GST
______________________________

Fall Tasting Schedule – Up Coming Tastings!
Many of them are going fast, and the Festival is SOLD OUT…

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!

Many of you will be disappointed that our Fall Single Malt Festival is sold out, but the night before on Wednesday the 11th we have a mini-festival of whiskies from three of our favourite distilleries, Glendronach, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh. We have casks of BenRiach (1996) and Glendronach (2003) coming, so we are throwing a release party. More than 20 whiskies will be available for sampling including the new casks with Brand Ambassador Alisdair Stevenson.

1. 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 – Only 7 spots left!
2. 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 – Only 9 spots left!
3. 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 – Only 1 spot left!
4. 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 – Only 6 spots left!
5. 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 – Only 11 spots left!
6. 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
7. 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 – Only 8 spots left!
8. 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 – Only 9 spots left!
9. 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
10. 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!

Introducing the Hibiki Japanese Harmony!
The first Suntory whisky in Canada in over 3 years… $106

The base of the whisky, Japanese single malts and grain, have been matured in American oak casks. The dressing is the more rare and complex Sherry and Mizunara (Japanese oak) notes. The single malts have been sourced from Hakushu and Yamazaki and the grain whiskies from Chita. Altogether more than 10 different whisky styles were used in creating the blend! This is the first Suntory whisky made available in Canada in more than 2 years.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony – 43% – Blended Japanese Whisky – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: clean, floral and grainy with a touch of juicy malt; delicate fruits, melon and kiwi with lots of vanilla and subtle spices. Palate: juicy, fruity and floral with toasty American oak and rich spices (Mizunara?); lots of fruits here, more melon and kiwi, silky grains and chewy malt mingle with orange peel and vanilla bean. Finish: long, toasty and silky with fading fruits, spices and sugars. Comment: Japanese blends never seem to disappoint, and this one is no exception. It is very elegant and complex. Hopefully we get more than promissed…”

Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood. Palate: honeylike sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate. Finish: subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak).”
______________________________

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

Whisky Ramblings Via Video #117

Mark Dermul, Belgian Whiskyblogger, is also a huge Star Wars fan. In 2012 he led the project Save the Lars Homestead, in which his team restored an iconic movie set in the Tunisian desert. To commemorate this event, he bottled a Save Lars Whisky. But Star Wars is a trilogy, so the Lave Lars Whisky should be a trilogy as well. After the Bruichladdich 1990 and the Auchentoshan 1989, now comes the final edition: a Balmenach 14 Year Old 2001 from a single sherry cask at cask strength, again limited to 100 bottles. A wonderful conclusion to the bespoke Save Lars Whisky series. 

https://youtu.be/dzTAJXW-z7A

Old Pulteney Unveils Second Peated Single Malt 

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky has added its second peated whisky to an already multi award-winning range, the exceptional Old Pulteney 1989. This outstanding single malt will be released to the UK in September with global markets to follow at a retail price of £135 per bottle.

To give the new vintage its peaty, smoky character, the whisky is matured in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which previously held heavily peated malt. Each distinctive bottle is natural in colour, non chill-filtered at 46% and is the embodiment of Pulteney Distillery’s exceptional craftsmanship. On the palate it is peaty to start with a heavy, spicy underpinning. With notes of vanilla, coconut and oranges this indulgent single malt has a long-lasting finish.

The eye-catching detail and design of Old Pulteney 1989 reflects the high quality of the whisky and the brand’s rich maritime heritage.

Founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom, Pulteney Distillery is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. It is this unique maritime heritage that gives the whisky its identity as the ‘Maritime Malt’. A long-held favourite for whisky enthusiasts, many say they can taste a faint hint of the sea in Old Pulteney thanks to the distillery’s windswept location and close proximity to the North Sea.

The launch of Old Pulteney 1989 marks a pivotal year for the brand, which has won a stream of prestigious international awards reflecting the quality of the whisky.

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager, Margaret Mary Clarke commented: 

“We are very proud to launch Old Pulteney 1989 in response to increased consumer demand for peated whiskies and are confident that it will be a real hit with whisky enthusiasts. 

The single malt’s unique, indulgent taste is a real testament to the dedicated team at Pulteney Distillery who are passionate about the latest addition to our much-loved single malt portfolio.”  

Notes  

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky

 Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky, is diligently crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. It was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom.  The distillery lies in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, which was created for all the fishermen at the time, and is embedded in the deep rooting history of this coastal town, which used to be one of the most important and biggest herring fishing ports in Europe.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

➢  Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand

➢  Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn

➢  Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister

➢  Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941

➢  Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of people of more than 12 nationalities, speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

First Exclusive Canadian release of the Amrut Bengal Tiger Single Cask Strength.

Amrut is India’s first single malt to be exported, and has made quite a name for themselves around the world! This single cask has been selected by the distillery’s Brand Ambassador Ashok Chokalingam for the Canadian market. It was matured in Bourbon before finishing in Pedro Ximenez Sherry. Only 540 bottles have been bottled at 56.5%.

Tasting Notes by Andrew Ferguson– Keeper the Quaich, Kensington Wine Market:

Nose: butterscotch ice cream, Caramilk chocolates, baking spices, warm cocoa and jujubes; soft and fruity with malt, honey and soft toasty oak.

Palate: rich, fruity and malty with more Caramilk bars, big creamy butterscotch ice cream, cocoa powder and baking spices; a little bit of Demerara and nutty tones with some soft leather and chewy licorice candies.

Finish: soft and long with lots of fruits, fading spices and sugars.

Comment: this is a lovely single cask, not enormously complex but very pleasant and rich!

Very limited allocation to selected liquor stores in BC and AB.

For full details visit: http://www.fountanabeverage.com/.

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015

Celebrating 200 years of Laphroaig

Joe writes,

Let me set the scene:

The year 2005 – The place – Islay International Airport.

I was on Islay attending The Bruichladdich Academy and the I stayed on for the following week to attend the Islay Fest. Some friends were coming over to the island for the festival and I was waiting for the plane to come in. Laphroaig’s distillery manager John Campbell was also there, waiting for one of his importers. We started talking and a few minutes later we were talking about 2015 and Laphroaig’s 200th Anniversary.  I said to John that it would be great to have a bottling with all your own floor maltings. He had the look of a Cheshire Cat and said that it might be something that could happen. Little did I know that it had been set for almost two years at that point.  I told John That I would be there in 2015 and in the last week of May this year, I was just barely able to get over there and it was a great time!

Laphroaig hasn’t done all its own floor maltings for decades and back then their stills were much smaller. For this year’s Cairdeas, they used only their smaller spirit stills and distilled only barley they malted themselves, just like they would have done back in the 1950s. The whisky was bottled at 11 years 9 months of age and at cask strength. this is a rare glimpse into “old-school” Laphroaig, and a real cracker! The Cairdeas 2015 is a limited bottling — this is going to go fast and when it is gone, it is gone. The Cairdeas is wonderful neat but when water is added, it really opens up and it has a creaminess that is precious. This will probably be gone before many even know about it. Get it while you can. Both the 15 Y.O. and the Cairdeas are limited releases and are wonderful, heavily peated single malts.

So, curious about what exactly is meant by “old school Laphroaig”? Wondering just how close they came in their attempted recreation? Get ready to find out!

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015 $84.99

Laphroaig 15 year old $79.99

Laphroaig Masterclass at the Olde Mouldy

presented by Joe Howell of Federal Wines and Spirits

Saturday, October 3rd, 7pm

to fête the bicentennary of Laphroaig!

73 Ames Street, Cambridge

Most of you saw the announcement we sent out a month ago about Nate’s new pet project (if you missed it, find it here), and we’re happy now to announce our first collaboration. The Olde Mouldy will play host to our celebration of Laphroaig’s 200th anniversary! Laphroaig holds a very special place in my heart, and I couldn’t let the date go by without pulling out all the stops. Unfortunately, I don’t personally plan to be around for their 300th, so now is the time! This is going to be the most precious Laphroaig tasting I could ever conceive of doing (and between you and me, I’m pretty good at conceiving of ridiculous tastings!)

We’ll start with the modern Laphroaig 10 year, to reacquaint ourselves with what their spirit is like now. Then we’ll jump into this year’s Cairdeas and taste it against a bottle of Laphroaig 10 year old bottled in 1969 — exactly the spirit they were trying to recreate! From there, we’ll try the 15 year old they also released this year to celebrate their bicentenary and THEN we’ll get crazy! We’ll open up two of the oldest whiskies they have ever bottled — the 30 year old and the 40 year old distilled in 1960! To cap it all off, everyone in attendance will get a bottle of the limited edition and so precious Cairdeas all for themselves, so they can relive the magic of the evening long after the fact, sitting at home, savoring this piece of liquid history.

This will be an evening of magical whisky, and magical company. Some of these bottles are unspeakably rare and expensive, and we’re offering a line-up of malts that you won’t ever find again, and definitely not for this price! Each and every one of these bottles is precious.

Pours will be 1/2 ounce per whisky, bottles may be picked up only from Federal Wines at 29 State Street in Boston any time after payment. Bottles will not be available for pick-up on the night of the event. When the masterclass is over, all are welcome to stay, and anyone else is welcome to join us as the Olde Mouldy opens for regular business where you can order terrific food and another dram of two from their menu if that’s what you want to do.

Laphroaig 10 year old $59.99

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015 $84.99

Laphroaig 10 year old bottled c. 1969 – not available

Laphroaig 15 year old $79.99

Laphroaig 30 – not available

Laphroaig 40 – not available

Tickets are $300 per person. Space and spirits are limited. 30 seats available.

To reserve, call or email Joe Howell at Federal wines and spirits

joe@federalwine.com

617-367-8605

Joe Howell

Federal Wine & Spirits

Email: info@federalwine.com

Phone: (617) 367-8605

Web: http://www.federalwine.com/

You know it, you love it; it’s ten years old, bottled in bond, single cask, 100 proof, old school Kentucky Bourbon from Heaven Hill. Incredible value by any measure. No wonder there’s a bourbon shortage.

Henry McKenna 10 Year Old Bottle in Bond Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey 750ml ($26.99)

90-95 points Wine Enthusiast: “The bouquet features smells of new car leather, breakfast cereal, cornmeal, pepper and hemp. Entry is nicely sweet and intensely grainy; the midpalate is the high point as the taste profile expands to include semisweet flavors of caramel corn, toasted marshmallow, dried fruit and chocolate covered cherry. Concludes oaky sweet and chewy. ” (12/2008)

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 17, 2015

It seems so crazy that we can even keep this bourbon in stock given its quality and 10 year age statement. It tastes great, checks all the boxes, good richness, texture, lots of toasty spice, caramel, charred oak tones. So what’s up…? Too inexpensive…not “cool” enough yet…? Fine by me, this is a steal for people who care more about what’s in the bottle and enjoying a good drink rather than those seeking only collectables. Cheers to you!

David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 17, 2015

McKenna is one of those under-appreciated gems of the booze industry. A throwback Bourbon made by Heaven Hill (the home of Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Rittenhouse Rye, and many other great brands) that’s all from a single barrel, bottled-in-bond at 100 proof, and well-priced to boot. There’s not much of a reputation for it out west, so it tends to go rather unnoticed, but the quality is highly-regarded by those in the know. Our inventory on McKenna is inconsistent and spotty so we tend to load up when it becomes available again. I taste inferior Bourbons every week that sell for $40, $50, and $60 per bottle based on hype and perceived rarity. But this guy just keeps truckin’ along. What a deal. What a whiskey.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: September 10, 2015

The Mckenna is one of those sleeper bourbons that we all hope nobody finds out about. Age stated 10 year bottled in bond for less than $30. There’s absolutely nothing out there that can claim those states. And you know what, it’s SINGLE BARREL as well. Just more proof that Heaven Hill has massive b…bourbon stocks of the highest quality.

K&L Wine Merchants http://www.klwines.com/ Phone: 877-KLWines (toll free 877-559-4637) Email: wine@klwines.com San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA