MS Calgary Whisky Festival Tickets Now On Sale 

Get em while their hot…    

Tickets are now on sale for the 5th Annual MS Calgary Whisky Festival. The event takes place at the Arts Commons (formerly Epcor Center) in the foyer of the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Thursday January 14, 2016. Last year’s event was a sell out with 500 tickets sold and excellent feedback from suppliers and participants alike. This year’s event is expected to grow to 600 participants, where we will be capping it moving forward. It is very important that we continue to offer the best possible quality of experience for our guests.

This 2016 event is expected to feature more than 200 whiskies from more than 70 distilleries around the world, mostly Scotland. Like the last two years events there will be three Master Classes (details to be announced in December) held during the evening as well as an early entry VIP Master Class with Dan Volway which will feature the full Highland Park Valhalla range: Thor, Loki, Freya and Odin. Participants with the VIP Master Class ticket will also get an extra 50 minutes in the festival room, after the tasting, before the rest of the participants arrive. As the VIP Master Class is limited to 40 participants we have also opened 60 VIP Early Admission Tickets which will give participants a full hour before the rest of the participants arrive. General admission will begin at 6:30PM and the event will run through 9:30PM. Tickets are now on sale on the www.calgarywhiskyfestival.com website, with the following available:

1. 40x         VIP Ticket with Highland Park Valhalla Masterclass – $150 (Master Class Starts at 5PM and will run for 40min)
2. 60X         VIP Ticket with 5:30 Entry – $125
3. 475x       General Admission Ticket – $99

Three 40 minute Master Classes running from 6:00-9:30PM will be announced in early December!

Tickets are available exclusively through www.calgarywhiskyfestival.com.

KWM Whisky Advent Calendar Update 

25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky, Now In-Store…   

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!

The calendars are now ready for pick and purchase in store. At the time of writing there are fewer that 50 of the 384 calendars produced left in store for purchase!

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

OUR EXCLUSIVE NEW KILCHOMAN SINGLE CASK 

The best new peaty whisky in the shop…    

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

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.

Sláinte!

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

Each has been meticulously bottled and wax-dipped by hand, and is presented in a signature Last Drop Distillers leather case. Each case includes a generous 50ml miniature and a leather-bound booklet that with room for personal tasting notes as you explore this extremely rare single malt. Scored an impressive 96.5 points in the Jim Murray 2015 Whisky Bible!

This magnificent malt has matured with elegance. Heady notes of cognac-soaked fruitcake, marzipan and icing are balanced with ripe apricot and a hit of peaty smokiness, softening to a delicious vanilla and honey nectar.

Order Now £4,500

Scotland

Johnnie Walker 10 Year Old “Select Casks” Rye Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whisky 750ml  $49.99

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

Glenmorangie House announces final Whisky Weekend for 2015  

Glenmorangie House, the boutique hotel operated by the Glenmorangie Company, has announced the final date for its 2015 series of whisky weekends on the 20^th and 21^st of November.

Often hailed as the pinnacle of a whisky lover’s calendar, the Weekends are the perfect way to be introduced to whisky, its history and heritage, all enjoyed in the luxurious surroundings of Glenmorangie House.

A special part of the weekend will be a tasting of Glenmorangie ‘A Midwinter Night’s Dram’, a new UK only limited edition single malt whisky, crafted by Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Whisky Distilling & Creation at Glenmorangie.

This whisky is inspired by the long held tradition where The Men of Tain were treated with a special whisky in the festive season created by the Master Distiller as a thank you for their role in the creation of Glenmorangie. This gift was shared by the Men of Tain with friends and family from St Andrew’s Day to Christmas to Burns Night.

There is a full programme of events over this whisky weekend including a visit to the Cadboll Stone which was the inspiration for the Signet logo that you see on all Glenmorangie products.

Rooms start at £900 for double occupancy and include all activities, tastings, dinner on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday and Lunch on Saturday.

NOTES:

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create “unnecessarily well-made whiskies”.

Glenmorangie House:

Glenmorangie House is the highland home of the Glenmorangie Company, based on the shores of the Cromarty peninsula, only 20 minutes from the distillery at Tain. Once a 17th Century mansion of some note, this exclusive and beautiful hotel has retained many of the period features from the original building and has been fused with modern amenities throughout to please the 21st Century traveller. Each and every guest room has luxurious furnishings and many enjoy views over the fantastic local countryside. Glenmorangie House is presented as your home away from home with guests joining together for dinner “as one” in the elegant dining room.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Full Itinerary:

Friday:

• Home-made afternoon tea on arrival
• A Sensory Whisky Session to awaken your senses
• Pre-dinner canapés, and a whisky serve sampling
• 3 course Highland dinner followed by coffee and Petit Fours
• Overnight accommodation in one of our luxurious bedrooms 

Saturday:

• Full traditional Scottish breakfast
• Personal tour of Glenmorangie Distillery
• Visit to Tarlogie Springs to sample the source of the rich mineral water used for the whisky
• View the Cadboll stone: the inspiration behind the emblem on each bottle of Glenmorangie
• Tasting of Glenmorangie Midwinter Night’s Dram (a limited edition UK only expression)
• Lunch at Glenmorangie House
• Clay pigeon shoot
• Home-made traditional afternoon tea
• Blind tasting
• The fabulous Signet tasting – this is quite a whisky experience!
• Pre-dinner canapés
• 4 course Gala Scottish Dinner followed by coffee & Petit Fours

Sunday

• Full traditional Scottish breakfast

Famous For Making Ours Yours This Christmas at Selfridges

This Christmas, shoppers visiting Selfridges will have a unique opportunity to make their loved ones famous by gifting a personalised bottle of the UK’s favourite whisky, The Famous Grouse. This timeless keepsake is the perfect gift for your loved ones or for marking a special occasion you shared together.

Following the release of The Famous Grouse’s new look premium packaging the personalisation service will be available exclusively from 30 October in Selfridges, Birmingham; and from 7 November in Selfridges stores in Manchester and London. Shoppers who purchase a bottle of The Famous Grouse will receive a free personalised label, printed live in store and added to their bottle – instantly transforming it into a perfect memento.

Behind the label is also something special. The Famous Grouse is a blend of the finest scotch whiskies, expertly married and matured in seasoned oak casks for a rich, sweet, well-rounded whisky, and is a perfect ingredient for quality drinks at home.

For a winter warmer, shoppers can try creating The Famous Hot Toddy. Take 50ml of The Famous Grouse, one teaspoon of honey, a squeeze of lemon juice, a spiced tea bag such as apple and cinnamon and top with hot water. Please note each Hot Toddy contains 2 units of alcohol and the tea bag should be removed before drinking. The Famous Grouse will be sold in Selfridges for £27.99 for 70cl bottle and the label is free of charge.

Notes

The Famous Grouse (http://www.thefamousgrouse.com/)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2014).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in the home of Scotch whisky, Scotland since 1980
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
• The brand became so popular that on August 12^th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.

The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show 2015 – Gone But Never Forgotten

We conclude our round-up of this year’s Whisky Show masterclasses with Gone But Never Forgotten, a tasting of six whiskies from closed distilleries. Such tastings always attract a lot of interest, for the simple reason that whiskies from closed distilleries are almost always in very short supply, so whisky fans will jump on any chance to try them. All of the distilleries whose whiskies we tried either closed in 1983 or 1985.

Gone But Not Forgotten – six much in-demand whiskies, all from closed distilleries

The six whiskies were:

 Glenesk Maltings 1969 25th Anniversary
 Millburn 1975 18 Year Old Rare Malts
 Glenury Royal 1970 36 Year Old
 Convalmore 1977 36 Year Old
 St Magdalene 20 Year Old Waterloo Street
 Brora 30 Year Old 9th Release Bot.2010

Our host was Diageo brand ambassador Colin Dunn, who addressed his congregation: ‘We’re in church on a Sunday morning and the Holy Spirit is with us!’ We began with a 1969 bottling of Glen Esk, a distillery that was mothballed in 1985 and demolished 11 years later:

GLENESK MALTINGS 1969 25TH ANNIVERSARY, 60% ABV
On the nose, this has lots of aromatic tropical fruit, with notes of green apple, butter, toffee and caramel, with some waxy resin in there. Fresh and gentle. Similar on the palate, with a curious mix of toffee, grass and cinnamon, along with some green, herbal notes. Quite an unusual whisky, but not without charm.
Colin Dunn: ‘Tasting these whiskies, you never quite know what you’re going to get’

We moved on to a 1975 bottling from Millburn, located in Inverness. The distillery closed in 1985 and a hotel now stands on the site.

MILLBURN 1975 18 YEAR OLD RARE MALTS, 58.9% ABV
A very fruity nose, with notes of kiwi fruit, mango and peach, with some nuttiness, too. Similar on the palate, with some woody spice and toffee sweetness, and a fresh, citrus-led finish.
CD: ‘This is an exceptional whisky – the impact is massive’

The third whisky was from Glenury Royal, which shut its doors in 1983 and was demolished 10 years later. I’ve tried Glenury Royal a couple of times in the past, and what stayed with me each time was the classiness of the spirit, coupled with a sweet toffee note. This 1970 bottling delivered the same:

GLENURY ROYAL 1970 36 YEAR OLD, 57.9% ABV
Golden syrup and hot sponge pudding on the nose, with honey, nuts, malt and a sprinkling of herbs. Even bigger honey and sweet-spice flavours on the palate, with malt and polished oak tables. A rich, honeyed dram – absolutely exquisite.
CD: ‘I would never guess that this had spent 36 years in oak’

The fourth whisky was from Convalmore – ‘a hidden gem’, said Colin. The distillery, located just a stone’s throw from Balvenie in Dufftown, is now a cask warehouse, having closed permanently in 1985.

CONVALMORE 1977 36 YEAR OLD, 58% ABV
Big and rich, with sweet honey and a lovely malty aroma. There’s fruitiness in the form of papaya and grapefruit, and a delicious savouriness of leather books, cigar box and sandalwood. A big, hearty dram that needs time to enjoy. Rich and enveloping.
CD: ‘The perfect blend between the grain and the wood – this is perfect!’

On to whisky number five, and a much-anticipated St Magdalene, bottled at 20 years old at cask strength. This Lowland distillery used to be known as Linlithgow, and was one of the first-ever licensed distilleries. It was converted into flats, with the pagoda roofs integrated into the design.

ST MAGDALENE 20 YEAR OLD WATERLOO STREET, 62.7% ABV
An incredibly rich, buttery nose, with aromas of soy sauce, cherry menthol and subtle spices. In the mouth, the texture is plush, with a lovely umami character. There’s also caramel and toffee adding sweetness. Hugely characterful. Despite the high ABV, this dram doesn’t take too kindly to water, nor does it really need it.
CD: ‘A rich, liqueur-like whisky. This reminds me of my childhood – it smells of Blue Bird Toffee’

The tasting ended with the most famous of the six whiskies: Brora. Colin mischievously claimed that Diageo have been ‘secretly making Brora up there for years’, even though the distillery closed in the early 1980s. Diageo built Clynelish right next door to Brora, and both distilleries have that same waxy character beloved of whisky fans.

BRORA 30 YEAR OLD 9TH RELEASE BOT.2010, 54.3% ABV
Colin likened this whisky to ‘meeting up with an old friend’, and it certainly delivered the goods, displaying grassy, brambly fruit, with that trademark waxiness and notes of green apple and egg custard. Rich and smoky, and very moreish.
CD: ‘This whisky finishes like Cristiano Ronaldo!’

It’s a strange feeling tasting whiskies you know are in short supply and will never be made again, and that they were so delicious makes it even more frustrating that the distilleries that made them are no more. The one consolation is that all six whiskies we tasted are still available at The Whisky Exchange! Get them while you can, because once they’re gone, they’re gone…

Aberdeen Exclusive Tasting – Caledonian Thistle Hotel – Thu 19 Nov  More >

Brighton Exclusive Tasting – Hotel du Vin – Fri 20 Nov  More >

Glasgow Exclusive Tasting – Radisson Blu Hotel – Fri 20 Nov  More >

Aberdeen Exclusive Tasting – Caledonian Thistle Hotel – Sat 21 Nov  More >

New Members Tasting – 19 Greville St – Mon 23 Nov  More >

Charles Heidsieck Champagnes Dinner – 28 Queen St – Thu 26 Nov More >

Dundee Exclusive Tasting – Malmaison – Fri 27 Nov  More >

Harrogate Holidays Tasting – Hotel du Vin – Fri 27 Nov  More >

Inverness Exclusive Tasting – Kingsmills Hotel – Fri 27 Nov  More >

Newcastle Exclusive Tasting – The Caledonian Hotel – Fri 27 Nov  More >

Wokingham Exclusive Tasting – Cantley House Hotel – Fri 27 Nov  More >

St Andrews Day – with Robin Laing – The Vaults – Mon 30 Nov  More >

FREE MEMBER ENTERTAINMENT AT THE VAULTS

Free Live Music >  Mon 23 Nov

Browse All Tastings >

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ Contact:mailto:sales@smws.comor call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

This week Joe Ellis reviews The Macallan Sienna.

https://youtu.be/ifAP1qEAf6A

http://Twitter.com/whiskytube

https://www.facebook.com/whiskytube

Gordon & MacPhail roll out ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ Campaign 

Gordon & MacPhail, one of the world’s leading single malt whisky specialists, has selected a special series of whiskies to showcase the company’s ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ campaign which highlights the importance of this essential element in the whisky maturation process.

For over 120 years Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit with oak in order to ensure a premium taste which reflects the company’s philosophy. Through ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ campaign consumers are invited to gain a more in-depth insight into how Gordon & MacPhail’s approach to matching wood to spirit has shaped a number of whiskies in their portfolio.

Using expertise honed over four generations, Gordon & MacPhail believe that wood really does make the whisky, with their skilfully coopered casks delivering a full spectrum of flavour compounds; from sweet vanilla notes found through Bourbon cask maturation to rich toffee, dark chocolate and spice notes derived through maturation in Sherry casks.

The array of flavours derived from oak are abundant across the Gordon & MacPhail portfolio, with each whisky demonstrating a unique flavour profile which reflects the cask type as well as the distillery character.

Gordon & MacPhail has selected a series of whiskies, from various Collections including Connoisseurs Choice, The MacPhail’s Collection and Rare Vintage, which they feel best demonstrate ‘The Wood Makes the Whisky’ philosophy.

A book and website have been created to accompany the campaign which can be used to guide whisky lovers through the series, explaining the flavours of each whisky and how this relates to the wood.

Ewen Macintosh, Chief Operating Officer said: “Here at Gordon & MacPhail we have always been focused on the close relationship between oak and spirit, and have learned from vast experience that wood really does make the whisky. We have selected the special series of whiskies to demonstrate this complex relationship.

“Our unrivalled collection is a liquid library showcasing whiskies from numerous Scottish distilleries, age profiles and whisky characteristics. From branch to barrel, we aim to deliver a perfectly matured whisky time and time again.”

For more information on the Wood Makes the Whisky campaign please visit www.gordonandmacphail.com/wood  

Notes 

About Gordon & MacPhail 

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned Scotch Whisky specialist which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch Whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts.  In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honor that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 2015 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 75 Year Old Mortlach, distilled in 1939.

About the Wood Makes the Whisky Series

Connoisseurs Choice Speyburn 1991 (46% ABV)

A delicate and well balanced Single Malt Whisky, Connoisseurs Choice Speyburn, is fresh and sweet with hints of pineapple and honey. The palate is peppery initially with banana, aniseed and milk chocolate flavours developing. It’s matured in a Refill Sherry Hogshead cask.

The MacPhail’s Collection Bunnahabhain 8 Years Old (43% ABV)

The MacPhail’s Collection Bunnahabhain is sweet and fruity initially, with ripe banana, kiwi and vanilla. The palate is sweet and creamy with hints of soft tropical fruits and a lingering milk chocolate edge.

Distillery Labels Ardmore 1996 (43% ABV)

This long, smooth Highland Single Malt has rich sherry influences with hints of stewed fruits and charred oak. The palate has black pepper initially with green apple and ripe banana flavours. An underling peat smoke edge lingers in the finish.

Rare Vintage Glen Grant 1954 (40% ABV)

This Rare Vintage Single Malt Whisky is very fruity initially with strawberries, raspberries and melon. Delicate hessian and old leather aromas develop. The palate is deliciously smooth with summer fruits and menthol flavours and is matured in 1st Fill Sherry casks.

Connoisseurs Choice Glen Spey 2004 (46% ABV)

Connoisseurs Choice Glen Spey has sweet vanilla with tropical fruit aromas, pineapple and mango. Subtle floral and toasted malt notes develop. The palate has chilli spice initially with citrus flavours and a creamy milk chocolate finish. It is medium in length, with sweet fruit elements.

Connoisseurs Choice Tormore 1997 (46% ABV)

This light Speyside Single Malt Whisky is sweet and fruity with hints of toffee, green apple and subtle vanilla notes. On the palate very sweet and peppery initially with honey, tropical fruit and honey and a long and smooth finish.

Speymalt Macallan 2006 (43% ABV)

Speymalt Macallan has delicate Sherry influences with red apple, lemon and subtle beeswax aromas. The palate is peppery initially with ripe banana and orange zest flavours, complemented by a creamy milk chocolate finish.

Rare Vintage Strathisla 1965 43%

Rare Vintage Strathisla is sweet and fresh with hints of bees wax, ripe gooseberries and aniseed. On the palate it’s creamy with toffee, ripe summer fruits and a subtle hint of charred wood. This sweet and lingering malt is matured in 1st Fill Sherry Butt casks and is an ideal after dinner dram.

#WINMWFTICKETS Twitter Competition!

We’re launching the Twitter competition #WINMWFTICKETS offering you the chance of winning tickets to the Midlands Whisky Festival 1-2 April 2016. We’ll be giving away tickets to a different lucky winner each day for seven days. All it takes is just a few clicks! To be in with the chance to get your hands on FREE tickets to the best whisky festival in the universe, follow these simple steps…

1. Follow the Midlands Whisky Festival Twitter Account
2. Follow the Nickolls and Perks Twitter Account
3. Retweet the daily promotional competition #WINMWFTICKETS before 9:00 GMT the following day.

If you complete all three steps above you may be one of those lucky winners, Good Luck! Please ensure you read the terms and conditions of the competition below: Terms and Conditions of the #WINMWFTICKETS Twitter Competition

• There will only be one winner each day of the competition.
• Entrants must be of legal age to purchase alcohol.
• Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash.
• No other prizes are available.
• You must enter the competition between Monday 16 November 2016 and Monday 23 November 2016 9:00 (GMT).
• Entrants must Retweet the promotional tweet and follow Midlands Whisky Festival and partnering company Nickolls & Perks on Twitter.
• The Twitter Competition will be run on the Midlands Whisky Festival Twitter account.
• Winners will be announced on the Midlands Whisky Festival Twitter and the Nickolls & Perks Blog.
• The winners will be notified the following day of each daily promotion.
• Tickets will be emailed to the winners.

Promotor: Midlands Whisky Festival, Nickolls & Perks, 37 Lower High Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 1TA. By Nickolls and Perks