Archive for June, 2017

Brand New Bunnahabhain at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

Bunna

Brand New from Bunnahabhain

We’ve got a brand new release from Islay’s Bunnahabhain distillery now available to pre-order at Loch Fyne. Read on for all the details of Stiuireadair – not least how to pronounce it!

Bunnahabhain Stiuireadair

Stiùireadair, pronounced “stew-rahdur” and meaning Helmsman in Gaelic, has been matured in first and second fill sherry casks in the coastline warehouses of Bunnahabhain on Islay. Presented without chill-filtration and without artificial colouring, Stiùireadair exposes the coastal nature of Bunnahabhain.

£40 Pre-Order Now

Delivery w/c 5th June

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TALENT OF TOMORROW TO RECEIVE £5,000 CHIVAS BROTHERS’ BURSARY FOR SECOND YEAR – Scotch Whisky News

Chivas Logo Pernod Ricard

TALENT OF TOMORROW TO RECEIVE £5,000 CHIVAS BROTHERS’ BURSARY FOR SECOND YEAR

Today, Chivas Brothers began the search for bright, enthusiastic and dedicated applicants for its popular bursary scheme in partnership with the Scottish International Educational Trust (SIET). The initiative, which launched to great acclaim for the first time last year, offers financial support to ambitious employees or their family members, helping them to realise their aspirations and take their talents to the next level, whether through further education or vocational training.

This sought-after bursary scheme sees Chivas Brothers team up with SIET, a body which provides talented men and women with grants to complete further education studies. The partnership provides employees and direct family members with the opportunity to secure funding of up to £5,000 a year over three years.

Last year, the bursary, which is open to the 1,600 employees of Chivas Brothers, contributed towards the studies of an aeronautical engineer, a budding actress and a Classics student studying at Cambridge University. Employees throughout the country at 32 sites in Orkney, Speyside, Central Scotland, Ayrshire, London and Plymouth are now being encouraged to apply and further their personal and professional goals.

Mia Forbes, one of the three recipients of last year’s bursary said: “The bursary has been invaluable, it has relieved the stress surrounding my financial situation at university and allowed me to be more focused on my education. People underestimate the cost of books and other resources, but without the bursary it would have been a struggle. Chivas Brothers helped me to pursue my dream degree, easing the pressure of financial costs, something I will always be thankful for.”

Adam Donnelly, who is studying to become an engineer in aeronautics said: “It’s safe to say, I don’t know what I would have done without the bursary. It enabled me to travel to college, something which was a high expense in my plans for further education. For anyone wanting to further their learning, I cannot urge you enough to apply, it’s an invaluable opportunity and the business’s support just eases that pressure of the financial demands.”

Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers said: “When we launched the Chivas Brothers Bursary last year, we were overwhelmed by the response and the high calibre of those who applied for it. Last year’s recipients have really benefited from the funding provided and we can’t wait to see the aspirations of this year’s applicants. An entrepreneurial mind-set is something that we champion at Chivas Brothers and so to be able to support that with not only our employees but their families too, is something we are truly proud of as a business.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, said: “This bursary is such a worthwhile initiative and we are delighted to be working with Chivas Brothers again this year. The scheme shows the business’s dedication and commitment to its employees, opening up opportunities for them that might never have been possible otherwise.”

To apply, employees can visit the company’s digital hub for its staff where an application form will be available. Applicants will be required to showcase why they should be selected via three sections on personal details, education and work experience. Here there will also be a variety of information about the beneficiaries from 2016.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 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 single malt whisky that set the standard; 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.chivasspirit.com

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 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 85 “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.

About the Scottish International Education Trust The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie are Patrons of the Trusts and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate or equivalent level.

www.scotinted.org.uk

Investing in Water for the Future of Whisky – Scotch Whisky News

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Investing in Water for the Future of Whisky

 blog post by Ronald Daalmans, Environmental Sustainability Manager 

In my past five years working at Chivas Brothers, I have been right at the centre of whisky production and have seen water resources become a more prevalent issue within the industry. A sustainable, good quality water supply is critical for safeguarding the production of Scotch whisky for the future and we cannot take water availability for granted. With the steady growth the industry is seeing, it’s even more important for us to invest in and support research to preserve this important ingredient.

Having assessed the flow levels expected in our catchments in future, there is a need to prepare for or mitigate against periods of low flows, which will occur where the frequency and duration of warm and dry spells increase or change, especially across rural uplands. Less is know about what will happen to water temperatures, as monitoring has been limited in the past but this could limit Scotch whisky production during warmer periods, as we rely on water of a consistent temperature.

Forearmed is forewarned and through our partnership with the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute, we will be looking for the most effective techniques to help combat the impact of climate change on distillery water resources. This is not only important for us as a business but can also be passed on as best practice and used by other distillers.

 As we need help to develop and test novel solutions we have been looking at opportunities to support further research, which is why we are enabling a PhD student to embark on a four-year Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) industrial studentship. During the project they will develop an understanding of our water needs for process and cooling, as a part of our environmental sustainability team. Their field research will take place at The Glenlivet distillery, which has two water gathering areas, allowing for comparison research to take place. Much of their work will centre around identifying and testing the effectiveness of novel solutions to manage water flow. This will include identifying the best locations to use these techniques as this may vary depending on the type of soil, ground cover and land gradient.  The scale at which these measures are needed to have a suitable effect will also be assessed, using computer models of the area.

Our ambition is that this research will provide a solid foundation for further development in the future, and will take us – and the wider industry – one step closer to securing sustainable water resources in the long term. We hope that we will set the example for others within the industry and will be working collaboratively to ensure we protect an ingredient that plays such a vital role in the development of quality Scotch whisky.

You can read more about our PhD support here

Glen Scotia 25-year-old sets sail – Scotch Whisky News

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Glen Scotia 25-year-old sets sail 

Independent Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia, has added a 25-year-old single malt to its award-winning range.

The single malt, which is dominated by maritime influences, was launched at the Campbeltown Whisky Festival on Wednesday 24 May.

Founded in 1832, Glen Scotia distillery is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown, which is one of Scotland’s five recognised regions of Scotch whisky production. The Argyll town was known as the “Victorian Whisky Capital of the World” when there were over 30 distilleries operating on the Kintyre Peninsula.

Michael Henry, who is Master Blender for Loch Lomond Group, owners of Glen Scotia, explained the unique flavour of this complex single malt.

He said: “I created the 25 year old with the history of Campbeltown in mind. For many years, trade has come through this port town bringing fruits and spices from all over the world on its salty sea breezes. I wanted the liquid to reflect this.

“The signature nose has hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with subtle notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. On the palate, it boasts tangy orange and juicy red apples mixed with a caramel sweetness. Its finish is a long lingering taste of sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger.”

The 25-year-old is bottled at 48.8% ABV and is non-chill filtered for increased depth of character and flavour. The liquid was matured in the finest American oak barrels, before each cask being hand selected by Michael Henry and then married in first fill bourbon casks for a final 12 months before bottling.

Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia distillery manager, said: “We’re extremely proud of our newly released 25 year old malt and we’re confident that everyone who gives it a try is going to love it too. In recent years, our single malts have won some major industry awards and I can see our 25 year old challenging the current leaders for a few more titles.

“While our 25 year old maintains the unique character associated with Glen Scotia single malts, its gentle maturation in American oak and then finished in first fill bourbon casks delivers an intense depth and a nose that will have drinkers almost feeling the Atlantic breeze blowing in over the Campbeltown coast.”

The 25 year old won praise from renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean, who conducted a tasting of the new malt at its launch.

He said: “I’m very impressed by Glen Scotia’s new 25 year old. Even on the nose you can detect the age.

“It has all the characteristics that you’d expect from Glen Scotia but with a roundness to it. It is very nice indeed.”

The single malt will be stocked in all good whisky shops from June and will retail at £250 for 70cl bottles. The emblematic Glen Scotia bottle is presented in an oak case engraved with the Campbeltown coordinates.

Glen Scotia was recently named the Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.

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Glen Scotia 25 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky tasting notes

  • Nose – Bracing Atlantic breeze gives strong maritime influence.
  • Palate – Red apple and tangy orange peel with vanilla syrup and caramel sweetness.
  • Finish – Long lingering sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger. 

About Glen Scotia:

  • Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
  • Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
  • Glen Scotia was named Best Campbeltown Distillery of the Year at the 2017 Berlin International Spirits Competition.
  • Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.

Glen Scotia variants

  • Glen Scotia Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Glen Scotia Victoriana Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Glen Scotia 15 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
  • Glen Scotia 25 year old

Glen Scotia stockists

Glen Scotia will be available to purchase in June from all good specialists and online retailers including:

www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Kensington Wine Market Malt Messenger Bulletin by Andrew Ferguson – Great Tastings & New Whiskies – Whisky News

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Malt Messenger Bulletin – Great Tastings & New Whiskies

June is a very busy whisky month at Kensington Wine Market, with a lot going on. The month starts out with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society Outturn tastings, as does every other month. Last night’s was the first of 3 June Outturn tastings, and the whiskies were a hit. Nothing unusual there… there are 1-2 tickets each remaining for 6PM and 8PM seatings tomorrow. The Society tastings are just the warm-up. Tonight, Thursday June 1, I am hosting a Whisky Dinner at the Ranchmen’s Club, which they have opened up to the public. For $155 including taxes and gratuity you’ll enjoy a custom cocktail, six whiskies selected by yours truly and have a great meal. If you are in to smoking cigars, there is an opportunity to do that at the end of the night. If you are interested in attending this event please send me an email.

Saturday is all about Ardbeg, as we launch the new release Ardbeg Kelpie with Master Classes at KWM. The 3PM Master Class is sold out, and there are but 4 spots left in the 1PM seating. Ardbeg Day continues on to the evening in Calgary with PRLR Lounge, also in Kensington, hosting an event from 7-11. June 8th is our Sold Out Spring Single Malt Festival. You need to get in on the Spring Single Malt Festival early, it usually sells out in weeks after we’ve announced the date. The following week we are very excited to welcome John Glaser to KWM, for his first tasting in Calgary in nearly a decade! John is coming to help us launch a very exciting bespoke Compass Box / KWM collaboration Blend! We have two tastings with John on Tuesday May 13, at 5PM and 8PM. There is only 1 spot left at 8PM and there are about a dozen left at 5PM. You won’t want to miss this one!

The week following John Glaser’s tasting we are having a Scotch Malt Whisky Society 5½.25 Festival. Why the oddly named 5½.25 Festival? First it is play on the Society’s unique numbering system for its bottles. But it is also marking two occasions, Kensington Wine Market’s 25th Anniversary and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s 5½th Anniversary in Canada. There will be around 80 Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies open for sampling, including some long sold out old friends, current releases and previews of a few things yet to come. The SMWS Festival is open to the public for the price of $60, $50 for Members. In the 72 hours since we opened ticket sales to members, half of the tickets have already sold! As an added incentive, at least $10 per ticket will be donated to the Calgary Food Bank!

The night after the SMWS Festival we are having a very special version of our ever popular Master Malts tasting. As 2017 is Kensington Wine Market’s 25th Anniversary we thought it would be fun to pit a range of 7 25 year old whiskies head to head. Master Malts 25 Year Old Edition, Friday, June 23rd, is more than half sold out! And last but not least we will be celebrating Canada’s 150th Birthday at the end of the month with a Spirit of Canada, Canadian whisky tasting on Thursday, June 29th. Details on all of these events can be found on our website. Some of them are highlighted below.

There are a lot of great events to get excited about this month, but also same great whiskies. We are expecting our first KWM exclusive single barrel of Wyoming Whiskey (KWM Cask) next week. At the same time we will also see the first bottles of our Compass Box KWM 25th Anniversary Blend. There are 11 new releases from Hunter Laing, including a new First Edition and 9 excellent value, Old Malt Cask Expressions. There is also an amazing price being offered on the Tomatin 25 Year 375ml, at just $150, two bottles of it are $50 cheaper than a 750ml of the same whisky… We don’t often see small format bottles of older whiskies like this. It is also a discontinued product! And finally there is a new limited edition Highland Park Fire. We have yet to sample the whisky, which is the follow up to last year’s Highland Park Ice. But it did get a 90pt Score from Serge on Whisky Fun. Limit 1 per customer.

I hope this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well, and that we will see you at one of the great events we have planned this month in Calgary!

Slainté!

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

 @scotch_guy, Instagram:  @thescotch_guy/

or @kwmwhisky and Facebook:  facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

In This Edition

  1. Ardbeg Day 2017
  2. Compass Box with John Glaser & a KWM Blend
  3. Scotch Malt Whisky Society 5½.25 Festival
  4. New Wyoming Whiskey KWM Cask
  5. New Hunter Laing Whiskies
  6. Great Deal: Tomatin 25 Year 375ml
  7. Introducing Highland Park Fire

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Ardbeg Day 2017 

All Ardbeg, All Day, Saturday June 3!

Ardbeg Day is coming up on Saturday, June 3, with a pair of Master Classes at KWM and evening festivities at PRLR Lounge. There are only 4 tickets left for the 1PM KWM Master Class featuring:

  1. Ardbeg 10 Year
  2. Ardbeg Corryvreckan
  3. Ardbeg Uigeadail
  4. Ardbeg Perpetuum (2015 Ardbeg Day Bottling)
  5. Ardbeg Dark Cove (2016 Ardbeg Day Bottling)
  6. Ardbeg Kelpie (2017 Ardbeg Day Bottling)

The 3PM Ardbeg seating is sold out. If there is enough demand we will considering opening a 3rd 5PM seating. Register On-line or call 403-283-80

Ardbeg Day/Night Festivities countinue at PRLR Lounge, tickets are $25. RSVP to info@prlrlounge.com ASAP if you would like to attend. Sorry for the short notice. We only got it a few days ago!

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Compass Box with John Glaser & a New KWM Blend 

Two Amazing Tastings, One Night Only, Tuesday June 13!

We are very excited to be welcoming John Glaser of Compass Box to Kensington Wine Market on Tuesday, June 13. This is John’s first trip to Alberta in nearly a decade, and he’s coming for a very special reason…  the Compass Box KWM 25th Anniversary Blend . We have collaborated with Compass Box’s legendary whisky maker and visionary John Glaser to produce a special blend to commemorate Kensington Wine Market’s 25th Anniversary. So far as we know, we are one of the first retailers in the world to be given such a privilege…  The whisky was inspired by Flaming Heart, Spice Tree and some of Compass Box’s other legendary whiskies. But that is not all we are tasting, among the other highlights: Flaming Heart 15th Anniversary, Spice Tree Extravaganza and The Circus. We’ve also asked John to bring a couple of treats for the occasion (fingers crossed). Attendees will also be given a special KWM 25th Anniversary / Compass Box logo glass. There are two seatings:

  1. Compass Box KWM Blend Launch 5PM – $30 – 13 spots remaining
  2. Compass Box KWM Blend Launch 8PM – $30 – 1 spot remaining

Compass Box KWM 25th Anniversary Blend – 46% –  Inspired by Flaming Heart and some of Compass Box’s elegant old blends the Compass Box KWM 25th Anniversary Blend is a very special creation! Bottled at 46% the whisky is from a mixture of old grains and both spicy and smoky malts. The components were matured in First-Fill American Oak, Sherry Butts and French Oak. More details and tasting notes on the whisky coming soon! $160+GST

KWM Compass Box

What John Glaser had to say about the Whisky: 

“We have been fortunate to work with Andrew Ferguson of Kensington Wine Market for many years, bringing our Compass Box whiskies to the Scotch enthusiasts of Canada.  

For years we’ve been talking with Andrew about creating a bespoke whisky for him.  We originally wanted to name it “Fort Whoop-Up”, after the notorious 19th century Alberta trading post, allegedly a centre for whisky smuggling and all sorts of illegal activities, near what is now Lethbridge. 

But with the 25th anniversary of Kensington Wine Market upon us, we’ve decided to name it in honour of the anniversary, so Andrew can showcase the whisky throughout his year of celebrations.  

Developed from an original brief by Andrew, this blend is a showpiece for the deep complexity that well-aged malt and grain whiskies from exceptional oak casks can deliver.  It is composed of one-third decadent old grain whiskies aged in American oak; and spicy, smoky malt whiskies aged in both American oak and sherry casks.  The combination is rich and complex, with the soft cushion of the old grain whisky providing an indulgent base on top of which the bold, smoky and dark fruit notes of the malt whiskies are placed.  

We believe this whisky is a fitting tribute to Kensington Wine Market and also to Alberta’s long history of enjoying, exploring and indeed smuggling fine whisky!  But with partners as committed and knowledgeable as Kensington Wine Market in place there will be no need to smuggle this bottle into the province – and for that we are all grateful!  

However you source this whisky, wherever you drink it, whoever you share it with, above all, please share and enjoy. 

John Glaser

Founder & Whiskymaker”

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Scotch Malt Whisky Society 5½.25 Festival 

Celebrating Two Anniversaries with a Festival Whisky Tasting

We are throwing our first ever Scotch Malt Whisky Society Whisky Festival to mark 5 1/2 years of the Society in Canada, and Kensington Wine Market’s 25th Anniversary. The event is open to Society members, guests, and those of you in the general public curious about what exactly the Scotch Malt Whisky Society really is. Tickets are $50 for Members, $60 for Guests and the Public. We will be featuring around 70-80 different Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottlings including a few teasers, some current releases and at least 50 past releases (SOLD OUT). There are only 100 tickets available, and the first half have sold in just 72 hours!

Buy tickets online, or by phone: 403-283-8000.

 

New Wyoming Whiskey KWM Cask 

Our first new exclusive KWM Bourbon Barrel in a year!

There is not too much to tell about this one yet, other than that we are really excited to finally get it, and it will be in store on Wednesday next! Only 192 bottles at $100+GST. Image, tasting note and proper description coming soon!

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New Hunter Laing Whiskies 

10 of these whiskies are all about value, the 11th is just cool!

We are thrilled to be working with Hunter Laing again, and our

first batch of whiskies from them was a hit! I think this next batch will be even better received! 20, 21, 24 and 25 year old single cask, single malt whiskies at 50% for under $200, it is all about value. One exception, the Author’s Series Bruichladdich is a bit on the dear side, but that is nothing new for that range. It is also extremely limited!

  1. Author’s Series Bruichladdich 1990 Jules Verne – 48.6% – 25 Year – Refill Hogshead – 140 Bottles – $649.99
  2. First Edition Braeval Sherry 1998 – 54.8% – 18 Year – Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: a fruity spicy noes with chocolate overtones. Palate: rich and chewy malt and macerated fruit on the palate. Finish: a long finish with dark fruits, oak and smoke.” – $160
  3. Old Malt Cask Glenallachie 24 Year – 40% – 1992 – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: banana, vanilla, summer fruits. Palate: sweet, fruity, gentle with ripe apples. Finish: medium length with more soft fruits. – $185
  4. Old Malt Cask Glenburgie 18 Year – 50% – 1998 – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: apples, grass and toffee cake. Palate: smooth with caramel, oranges and honey. Finish: long and smooth with honey notes.” – $145
  5. Old Malt Cask Braeval 25 Year – 44.7% – 1991 – Refill Hogshead – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: sweet and floral with honey and strawberries. Palate: Mellow and sweet, with caramel, vanilla and oranges. Finish: Medium length, with a lingering gentle sweetness.” – $205
  6. Old Malt Cask Deanston 21 Year  – 50% – 1995 – Refill Hogshead – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: grassy with fresh green apples and honey. Palate: sweet, vanilla, citrus. Finish: long and gentle, barley sugar.” – $162
  7. Old Malt Cask Glen Ord 12 Year – 50% – 2004 – Refill Hogshead – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: caramel, lemon, candlewax and pepper. Palate: toffee, green herbs, vanilla and dried fruits. Finish: long and smooth with gentle fruits.” – $112.99
  8. Old Malt Cask Ardmore 20 Year – 50% – 1996 – Refil Hogshead – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: clean with apples, lemon and mellon. Palate: fresh and peppery with apples and lemon. Finish: medium length with lingering pepper.” – $160
  9. Old Malt Cask Tormore 27 Year – 50% – 1988 – Sherry Butt – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: sweet and mellow with rich vanilla fruits. Palate: smooth and buttery with nutty Christmas pudding. Finish: long, sweet and dry with a late touch of oak.” – $210
  10. Old Malt Cask Craigellachie 20 Year – 50% – 1995 – Sherry Butt – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: sweet bodied with vanilla custard, apples and rich fruit. Palate: creamy with vanilla tablet, green apples, sultanas and raisins. Finish: long and slightly dry with a fruity aftertaste.” – $190
  11. Old Malt Cask Glen Garioch 25 Year – 50% – 1991 – Refill Hogshead – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: autumn leaves, wood polish and cinnamon. Palate: waxy, spicy with stewed fruits. Finish: rich and drying with spicy oak.” – $200

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Great Deal: Tomatin 25 Year 375ml 

375ml 25 Year Old Single Malt for $150! 

We have gotten a very good deal on Tomatin 25 Year 375ml bottles. The Tomatin 25 Year is a discontinued product and will shortly no longer be available in full size bottles let along the 375ml format. The 750mls sell for $350+GST…

Tomatin 25 Year 375ml – 43%  – Matured in Amerian Oak – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Light and fresh. Citrus fruits, vanilla, fruit cake. Oak prominent throughout. Palate: Good balance. Smooth, medium body, delicate honey and mild orange.

Finish: Quite long; lingers on the palate.” – $150

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Introducing Highland Park Fire Edition 

The follow up to Highland Park Ice Edition

We couldn’t even announce the first release of this we received, because it was just 6 bottles. Well we’ve got six more. Limited to 1 per customer. Get em while they are hot!

Highland Park Fire – 45.2% – 90pts Whisky Advocate: “Fire is the first Highland Park expression to be fully matured in “refill port wine-seasoned casks” and it carries a 15 year age statement. Very fruity on the nose-raspberries and prunes -plus lightly-smoked pineapple and vanilla. More smoky, spicy fruit features on the palate, with a light sprinkling of cinnamon. The peat dries to leave ashy licorice and black pepper in a lingering finish. The port is pleasingly discreet.” – $440

From the Distillery: “FIRE EDITION represents one half of a special two-part bottling, celebrating the great sagas of the Viking age recorded in the oldest Norse poems, the Poetic Edda. The Poetic Edda tells the tale of the apocalyptic battle between the Gods and the Fire and Ice Giants, where the old world perished in a blazing ball of fire and the new world was born from its ashes. Celebrating this re-birth, or Ragnarok, we released 28,000 bottles of FIRE EDITION, encased in specially commissioned crimson glass. Matured in 100% refill Port seasoned casks – a first for Highland Park – the result is a vibrant single malt with the natural hue of glowing flames. Here, damsons, cinnamon, dried fruit and chocolate dance on the tongue, before sizzling to an intense fruity finish.”

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 and 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

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

The Whisky Shop “New Release: Jura Tastival 2017” – Scotch Whisky News

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This week the whisky world has been celebrating the 2017 Islay Festival of Music and Malt, or Fèis Ìle to locals. All 9 of Islay’s distilleries have their own open day, and there is also a special guest appearance by neighbouring island distillery, Jura. To celebrate the day, Jura haved released the latest limited edition of Jura Tastival and we’ve managed to get a hold of a few bottles for our customers!

Stictly limited

Only available while stocks last

Jura Tastival 2017

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Released in celebration of Jura Tastival at the 2017 Fèis Ìle, this limited edition from the island distillery marries some of the finest aged spirits in the Jursa warehouses, enhanced in first-fill American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and hand-selected Graham’s Port pipes from Portugal’s Douro Valley. Bottled at a natural strength of 51% abv, each bottle in uniquely numbered.

Amer gold in colour with falshes of crimson mahogany. The nose opens with Black Forest fruits, chewy liquorice, ripe plums and creamy white chocolate. The palate brings orange zest and glazed pineapple with walnut cake and crème de cassis.

£85 Pre-Order Now

Glenfarclas Month at Milroys of Soho – Scotch Whisky News

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GLENFARCLAS MONTH

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Since 1865 Glenfarclas has been owned and managed by just one family, the Grants of Glenfarclas. On the 8th of June 1865 John Grant acquired the tenancy for the Rechlerich Farm and as part of the transaction purchased the Glenfarclas Distillery for £511.19S.0d. To this day Glenfarclas is one of only a few distilleries in Scotland to remain family owned and managed. Now in the hands of the fifth and sixth generation of the family, the Grants remain committed to the vision of creating the best quality Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, in the traditional Speyside style.

Malt of the Month Glenfarclas 15 

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Malt of the month for June is a ‘must try’ and a Milroys top 5 classic Year on Year. Glenfarclas 15. Part of sherry cask hall of fame, this classic was a favourite in the Grants’ household. Dark chocolate and fruit cake with winter spices, rich Berries, marzipan and a long lived finish.  

Web store Discount price throughout June

£47.95

New to The Party Source – Whisky News

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The Arran Malt Single Malt Scotch 18 yr – Arran is 20 years old this year, and this is the third special bottling to celebrate that mile marker. This beautiful 18-year-old malt is aged exclusively in sherry casks. However, they must be second, or likely third fill sherry casks as this whisky is by no means a “sherry bomb”. In fact, if the fact that it is indeed 100% sherry cask aged was not specified, one could easily assume ex-bourbon casks were used initially, and sherry was just a finish. Aromas and flavors of caramel, vanilla, and brown sugar show initially, and then red fruits, berries, and citrus follow. Overall it’s a very nice, balanced, and well-aged Arran malt worthy of any single malt lover.

Compass Box Introduction Collection – For anyone in the know, Compass Box is kind of a big deal in the world of malt whisky. John Glaser produces high end blended malts to rival the great single malt houses of Scotland. If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting any Compass Box whisky, this is the perfect way to do so.

Suntory Whisky Toki – This is the newest release from Suntory. Toki translates to time, and is a blend of whiskies from Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries. Hakushu malt provides a main component, and is countered by Chito grain whisky. A little Yamazaki rounds it out and adds some depth. Overall it’s a light, young, and easy going whisky of elegance and balance. Think of this as a nice Pinot Grigio of Japanese whisky.

Three Bines Hop Flavored Whiskey – Here’s a neat new whisky. It’s a younger, yet smooth, base of whisky that has been nicely integrated with Simcoe, Cascade, and Amarillo hops. It’s not too bitter, not too sweet, and delightfully drinkable.

Woodford Reserve Chocolate Bitters and Orange Bitters – Barrel aged bitters with flavors perfect for your Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or house styled cocktail!

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95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073

K&L California “THE REBRANDING OF LUXCO” – American Whiskey News

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THE REBRANDING OF LUXCO

When I first started learning about American whiskey back around 2007, one of the first things I noticed when talking and emailing with drinkers across the country was how much good, value-oriented, drinkable Bourbon was available outside of California. That’s not to say we didn’t have quality, inexpensive options here in the Golden State, but rather there didn’t seem to be a real appreciation of them. Everyone was dead set on drinking “the best” rather than something dependable on the daily. I remember Chuck Cowdery at one point telling me to try Very Old Barton on my first trip to Kentucky, a whiskey not distributed out west that symbolized to him a great example of Bourbon’s true value. To this day I buy a 1.75 liter bottle of Barton each time I visit. At the CVS in downtown Louisville you can get the giant Weller-shaped jug for about $22, which comes out to about $9.50 per 750ml. Whiskey at that price is suspicious to us snooty San Franciscans who think great Bourbon has to cost at least $50 to even be considerable.

The joke is on us, however.

Bourbon wasn’t expensive when the boom hit back around 2009 and-with the exception of the oft-discussed, impossible-to-find trophy bottles-it still isn’t priced like a luxury liquid in most places. Not only can you still get a top-notch bottle of Bourbon for less than $30, in many states you can get a decent bottle for less than $20. Two such brands that come to mind are Rebel Yell and Ezra Brooks, labels owned by Luxco-a St. Louis-based company that contracts much of its whiskey from Heaven Hill and MGP, but recently has begun production on a new distillery along the Kentucky Bourbon trail. While I often hear serious Bourbon drinkers and industry professionals discuss Luxco’s labels with a smirk or a snicker, I’m not sure what’s so ridiculous about quality Heaven Hill and MGP-distilled products between $10 and $20 a bottle. Am I supposed to be embarrassed? I don’t get it.

The only thing that would have embarrassed me about drinking Rebel Yell Bourbon a few years ago might have been the label, but that’s all changed now. Luxco has finally brought their new and improved packaging out to the West Coast so that we can finally get a taste of what $13 wheated Bourbon tastes like out of a more respectable bottle. The other kicker is the $24 bottle of 101 proof 7 year old Kentucky Bourbon from Ezra Brooks. It’s the same price as Elijah Craig, likely comes from the same formula, and it’s higher in proof. Again, what am I supposed to be snickering about? It’s delicious, inexpensive, and easy to drink with a supple graininess that really hits the spot. If you’re a whiskey purist, you can always take shots at MGP rye products that have the name of a different distillery on the front (like the Minor Case), but at the same time there aren’t a lot of sherry-aged ryes out there to choose from. At least Luxco is offering you something different here, in a nice little flask no less.

Luxco’s Bardstown distillery is still in the construction phase, but in the meantime enjoy the closest thing we have out here in CA to a Very Old Barton-like value. Ezra Brooks rye for $15? Wheated Bourbon for $13? They’re all yours starting today…

Rebel Yell Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($12.99)

Rebel Yell “Reserve” Straight Kentucky Bourbon (750ml) ($21.99)

Rebel Yell Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($21.99)

Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml) ($14.99)

Ezra Brooks Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($15.99)

Ezra Brooks 7 Year Old Bourbon (750ml) ($24.99)

Minor Case Sherry Cask Rye Whiskey (750ml) ($49.99)

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Treat your Dad to a special dram this Father’s Day – Scotch Whisky News

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Treat your Dad to a special dram this Father’s Day

Whether your dad enjoys the classic peaty malt or prefers the gingery, vanilla notes of a fruity and spicy dram, Benromach has something to offer everyone this Father’s Day.

Based in the market town of Forres in Speyside, Benromach has a range of expressions that will suit all tastes, from sweet and fruity to heavily peated. It’s available across price points to suit every budget. At Benromach, we handcraft our single malt Scotch whisky and make it slowly, the time-honoured way. Using the finest natural ingredients, our distillers orchestrate every second of the distillation process; there are no short cuts to perfection. Every cask is hand-filled, hand-weighed and hand-stamped before maturing for many years in our traditional dunnage warehouses.

A bottle of Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is sure to put a smile on your dad’s face this Father’s Day.

For the traditional whisky fan   

Matured in a mixture of first fill bourbon barrels and first fill sherry casks, Benromach 10 Years Old is an impeccable dram. It exemplifies the classic pre-1960s Speyside single malt character, with notes of rich sherry, delicate spice, green apples and a touch of light peat smoke. It is the perfect malt for those dads who appreciate the sweet notes of a traditional Speyside whisky. RRP £34.25.

For the whisky connoisseur 

A full bodied and complex dram, Benromach 100° Proof will be a welcome Father’s Day surprise for whisky loving dads across the globe. Intense sherry notes lead on the nose, followed by stewed apple, pear and vanilla aromas that give way to delicious toasted malt with an underlying menthol edge. Flavours of cracked black pepper and juicy fresh strawberries and raspberries lead on the palate, before creamy notes of milk chocolate emerge. With a long, rich finish of lingering, subtle smokiness and bonfire embers, it is a sumptuous dram. RRP £48.25.

For spice lovers  

With a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, Benromach 15 Years Old is a stunning dram. Beautifully balanced sherry aromas lead on the nose followed by vanilla and spicy ginger, complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. This is followed by flavours of stewed plum, red apple and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit on the tongue. RRP £50.25.

For the father with a sweet tooth

The world’s first wholly certified organic single malt Scotch whisky, Benromach Organic is a beautifully balanced malt matured in virgin American oak casks. A delightfully sweet and malty dram with vanilla, toffee and banana influences on the nose. Savour the taste of creamy pepper and sweet fruit flavours followed by a dark chocolate edge with a smooth long finish. Organic from start to finish, this rich, fruity and spicy whisky is the finest choice to serve your father after dinner this Father’s Day. RRP £36.99. 

For the Dad who loves seriously smoky whiskies 

The seriously smoky taste of Benromach Peat Smoke is a unique gift for fans of peated whisky. Sweet vanilla, honey and cured meat aromas combine with hints of apricot and lemon and a subtle tobacco note, followed by the rich flavours of cracked pepper and the lingering edge of bonfire embers. RRP £36.99

For the extra special treat this Father’s Day

If your dad really appreciates a special dram, or maybe he is celebrating a big milestone this year, he will be sure to appreciate Benromach 35 Years Old, a satisfying, complex malt with beautiful golden amber hues. The nose offers rich sherry influences with orange marmalade, kiwi and grapefruit aromas, complemented by gorgeous cinnamon spice. The flavour opens up with water to a fabulous combination of white pepper followed by dried tobacco, dewy stewed pair, raisin and zesty orange peel flavours, all heightened by a delicate edge of charred oak. A mature, contemporary whisky. RRP £425.

For further information on Benromach, and to explore the wide range of expressions available alongside stockist information, please visit www.benromach.com.  

Notes

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

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