Malt Messenger No. 74 – Canada 150 Sale, New Whiskies & Tastings – Whisky News
I hope this email finds you well, and that you and yours have a very Happy Canada Day weekend. We have been celebrating our great Nation’s 150th Birthday with Canadian tastings all week: Beer was on Tuesday, Whisky was last night and Wine is this evening. We are also marking the occasion with a sale on all things Canadian all weekend long. The sale is in-store and online and the details are below. I hope you’ll raise a glass to our Nation’s birth with one of our native spirits!
We have two new exclusive bottlings of whisky in the shop, a very cool Blended Scotch Whisky and a new Bourbon. The Blend is a very special whisky collaboration between ourselves and Compass Box. The Compass Box Kensington Wine Market 25th Anniversary Blend is a stunning whisky, bottled at a very low cask strength of 45%, owing to the inclusion of some very old grains. It was a hit at the launch tastings we held for it with John Glaser two weeks back. We also have our first ever exclusive Wyoming Whiskey Single Barrel Bourbon. The barrel is currently sitting on the shop floor while we decide what to do with it. Beer? Whisky? The world is our oyster…
Some other exciting new whiskies have just landed including the Bruichladdich Black Art 5.1, which is in my humble opinion the best yet. We have received both 200ml and 700ml bottles. KWM has the Calgary exclusive on the Ledaig 19 Year Marsala Finish, which has been a big hit with the staff and customers. Only 30 bottles are coming to Alberta, 24 of them to KWM. We were also offered 4/10 bottles of the Dewar’s 30 Year Ne Plus Ultra, a whisky normally only available at Duty Free (for about $175 more…).
We’ve got a pair of limited availability Japanese whiskies back in stock: The Nikka 12 Year and The Super Nikka. Both have become tightly allocated owing to the shortage of Japanese whisky. They won’t last long. And last but not least there is the new to Alberta Glen Garioch 1995 Vintage. We are looking to crack a bottle soon, so there will shortly be some KWM tasting notes on this one. I hope you enjoy this full edition of the Malt Messenger. Keep your eyes open for the Summer Tasting Schedule which should be out next week. And from me and everyone at KWM I would like to again wish you and yours a very Happy Canada Day weekend.
Slàinte!
In This Edition
- Canada 150 Sale
- The First Two New Summer Tastings
- NEW Compass Box Kensington Wine Market 25th Anniversary Exclusive Blend
- NEW Wyoming Whiskey KWM Single Barrel Bourbon
- Introducing Bruichladdich Black Art 5.1
- Introducing Ledaig 19 Year Marsala
- Introducing Dewar’s 30 Year Ne Plus Ultra Blend
- Limited Japanese Whiskies Back in Stock
- Introducing Glen Garioch 1995
Andrew FergusonKensington 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
NEW Compass Box KWM 25th Anniversary Blend
This is one of our most exciting exclusive whiskies ever… It is a Compass Box Blend that we’ve created in collaboration with John Glaser of Compass Box. The whisky was inspired by some of John’s greatest hits, and it is stunning.
$160
Canada 150 SALE!
Today through Monday in-store and online!
We are marking Canada’s 150th Birthday with a sale on all Canadian wine, whisky, beer and gin. Save 15-25% on all in-stock Canadian wine, 10-25% on all in-stock Canadian whisky and 10% on all Canadian beer and gin. Pop into the shop or checkout the website to browse the deals!
We have one feature whisky special. Save 25% on the Canadian Rockies 21 Year while supplies last! Regular $68, this weekend it is $51…
This Canadian whisky, sourced from an Alberta distillery, was originally only for export to Taiwan. But demand was such that the producer was good enough to make some available in Alberta. The whisky was selected and blended with the consultation of Davin de Kergommeaux, the foremost authority on Canadian whisky.
Producer Tasting Note by Davin de Kergommeaux
: “Nose: A complex synthesis of red cedar, sweet plums, white pepper, and lilacs rides a surging wave of butterscotch. Rich and full yet oh so elegant and clean with wafting vanilla and whiffs of sweet baking spices. A teasing citrus zestiness tickles the nose. The full bouquet takes time to develop and patience is rewarded. Palate: Sweet and sour kumquats, lots of spicy heat, and subtle hints of cedar move quickly to the foreground, only to be replaced by creamy caramel on the second sip. Hot chili peppers and sweet baking spices bathe in the richness of buttery corn. The whisky breathes lilacs, mint, vanilla, and hot black pepper with tinges of anise, all the while maintaining its elegance and subtlety. Then earthy tones and new-cut wood lead it in another direction. As the peppery temperature rises, a soothing creamy cushion mellows it. Slightly pulling tannins turn to quintessential cleansing Canadian grapefruit pith as the flavours move towards their finish. Multi-layered, very subtle, complex, and ever-changing. Finish: Medium-long to long. A refreshing citrus pith that moves freely through oak, toffee, fresh flowers, cedar, and hot spices as it slowly fades. Spicy, creamy and so soft. Empty Glass: Butterscotch, sweet kumquats, suggestions of oak, cloves, and lilacs.”
Call 403-283-8000 to register, or register online!
Introducing Dewar’s 30 Year Ne Plus Ultra
The Oldest Dewar’s Blended Scotch Whisky
We were offered two 2packs of this 30 year old Blended Scotch Whisky. I didn’t know much about it, but some research online shows it is a Duty Free release, and that it runs up to $500… It is the oldest blend in the Dewar’s range. The label is a revival of one used by the brand in the 1800s, reserved for its most special bottlings. The whisky’s name is Latin for “The Ultimate”.
From the Producer: “Finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for a sweet and incredibly smooth finish.”
Dewar’s 30 Year Ne Plus Ultra Blended Scotch – 40% – PX Sherry Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Perfect balance of soft fruits and rich spices with creamy notes of vanilla, plump vine fruits and citrus. The smooth finish lingers with a hint of cocoa and coffee.” $325
The First of Two New Summer Tastings
There are more to come!
We’ve been Cadenhead’s exclusive retailer in Canada for the last 3 years and over that time we’ve seen an incredible range of whiskies. Perhaps it is the firms plucky independent spirit, or the extravagant buying of casks by its owner Hedley Wright in the 60′-00’s, but of the more than 100 different Cadenhead Small Batch releases we’ve brought into the store in over 3 years, not more than 1 or 2 have disappointed! In fact, Cadenhead is in our opinion, one of the most consistently good independent bottlers, with very competitive prices. As part of Kensington Wine Market’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, we have purchased an exclusive single cask of Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Moray 1992, bottled at 25 years of age. Cameron will be here to lauch said cask and lead our guests through a range of interesting, rare and very tasty Cadenhead Small Batch bottlings.
The name Samaroli may not be familiar to many of you, but the firm is one of the world’s most respected independent bottlers. Our own Evan Eckersley and Jonathan Bray of Secret Spirits will be your guide for a range of 4-5 Samarolis and two other interesting and aged single malts from Jonathan’s portfolio.
- Rare Old Cadenhead Malts with Cameron McGeachy – Friday July 14, 7PM – Join us for a range of 8 Cadenhead Small Batch bottlings, including a new 25 year old 1992 exclusive single cask bottled for KWM’s 25th Anniversary. The range with highlight the incredible depth and variety of casks which Cadenhead bottles from and the exceptional quality of their whiskies. – $50
- Samaroli Single Malt Whisky & Friends – Thursday July 27, 7PM – 7 whiskies will be sampled in this tag team tasting of malt whiskies up to 26 years of age… Evan and Jonathan will be your spirit guides on this quest! – $40
Call 403-283-8000 to register, or register online!
New Compass Box Kensington Wine Market 25th Anniversary Blend
One of our most exciting exclusive whiskies ever!
This whisky is a project who’s origins stretch back nearly a decade. At the time Compass Box was making its name as the most innovative blender of Scotch whisky. I was impressed by their unique offerings like Spice Tree, Hedonsim Maximus, Double Single and the Peat Monster. Kensington Wine Market had been bottling single casks of whiskies for a couple of years, and it was around this time that for the first time I had the idea of creating my own custom blend for KWM. About five years later I broached the idea with John Glaser, the founder and visionary behind Compass Box. He was interested but not in a position to act on it.
While on a trip to London in March of 2016, with Kensington Wine Market’s 25th Anniversary looming, I broached the subject again with John and the Compass Box team. Could we collaborate to produce a bespoke blend to mark KWM’s 25th Anniversary. Well the answer was clearly yes… over the space of about a year we tinkered with the blend until both John and I were happy with it. The final product has greatly exceeded my expectations.
The whisky is bottled at a cask strength of 45%. The reason the strength was so low is that it contained a large proportion of old grain whiskies whose strength had diminished greatly. The body consists of leftover heavily peated malt from a batch of Flaming Heart left to mature in cask and some old sherried malt. Components of the whisky have been matured in American Oak, Ex-European Oak Sherry and French oak giving it a rich and complex palate.
Compass Box Kensington Wine Market 25th Anniversary Blend – 45% – My Tasting Note
“Nose: silky and sultry, soft vanilla and Earl Grey tea creme brule; savoury hints of pork belly, mouth watering gentle peat and salted caramel; clean tendrils of Manuka honey a touch of beeswax. Palate: rich, fruity and smoky with building spice, rich dried fruits and dark chocolate; lots of layers, the decadent spices being the most dominant, followed by dried fruits: ranging from apricots and pineapple to raisins and figs; there is a touch of cocoa powder, bees wax and more indulgent Earl Grey infused creme brule; the grain adds a silky backbone that contrasts nicely with the touch of pork belly and soft ashy peat. Finish: coating, creamy and decadent; the palate stays warm in the lingering light of fading spices, genteel ashy smoke and soft fruits. Comment: we were hoping for a whisky that combined the firm peat of Flaming Heart, the rich spices of Spice Tree and the elegance of Compass Box’s legendary older expressions; we got all that and more!” – $160
John Glaser’s Tasting Note: “Rich and complex, with the soft cushion of decadent aged grain whisky providing an indulgent taste on top of which the bold, spicy and dark fruit notes are able to shine.”
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”
New Wyoming Whiskey KWM Single Barrel Bourbon
Our first exclusive Bourbon from Wyoming!
Wyoming Whiskey has only been on the scene in Alberta for a little over a year now, but we’ve been fans since the beginning… Our first exclusive cask of Bourbon from Wyoming Whiskey, in Kirby Wyoming is bottled a 112.72 Proof, or 56.36%. This barrel proof Bourbon can be found nowhere in the world but Kensington Wine Market! Only 192 bottles were produced, and it won’t last long!
Wyoming Whiskey KWM Single Barrel Bourbon – 56.36% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: puff wheat squares, Aunt Jemima’s Butter Flavoured Syrup on buckwheat pancakes soaked in butter with a side of pork sausage; a hint of pecan pie and juicy raisin. Palate: thick, spicy and round; very fruity: caramelize bananas, more raisins and pecan pie; still very syrupy, more Aunt Jemima on buckwheat pancakes with some greasy pork sausage; fennel and anise with Demerara sugars and woodspice; late lime with honeydew melon. Finish: fresh, clean, decadent and fruity; more pecan pie, syrup, flapjacks and melon. Comment: although there is a spicy backbone, the sweet creamy tones, syrup and fruits make this a very approachable Bourbon; I expect it will be a crowd pleaser, and it won’t last long!” – $100
From the Producer: “This Private Stock Single Barrel of Bourbon was chosen for you because its unique character left an impression on all who have sampled it. Ancient limestone water, high-prairie grains, and five years in the best charred American oak, made this Bourbon what it is. It is 192 bottles that can’t be found anywhere else. And this bottle is yours.”
Introducing Bruichladdich Black Art 5.1
Available in 700ml and 200ml formats…
The 5th release of Bruichladdich’s Black Art, 5.1, is a bit of a departure from the first four, it is the first produced by Adam Hannet, but I think it is also the best. A 1992 vintage, we believe bottled at 25 years of age and 48.4%, it is available in both 200ml and 700ml bottles. The 200ml comes without tube, but is none the less very cool. The 700ml is very well priced in Canada, the same whisky is selling for £275.00 in the UK… same with the 200ml, £95 for the 200ml which is selling for $85.
I hope to have my own tasting note out soon!
Bruichladdich Black Art 5.1 – 48.4% – 1992 – 25 Year – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: It takes time to decipher the full array of sensory magic on offer. As the warmth of your hand heats the glass you will tease the threads apart to find lavish fruit notes of cherry, mango, apricot, damson and a warming orange citrus all swathed in an oak blanket of soft brown sugar, vanilla and figs dipped in syrup. Each time you go back to the glass there will be different notes coming to the fore as the constant evolution of flavour hints at the depth and secret complexity of this dram. Palate: There is a grace with which the whisky gently settles on your palate; a black velvet quality that comes from the age of the spirit, with the pedigree of casks coming together to give you a mouthfeel that is unlike anything else. The influence of great wood is decadently expressed through the never-ending release of fruit. On the nose, you find damson, mango, pineapple, melon strawberry, plum and apricot. One after the other they weave in and out of focus on your palate while the structure of the oak gives honey, tobacco, vanilla and hints of spicy cinnamon. as elegant and refined a dram as you will find. Finish: The true DNA of Bruichladdich spirit shines through on the finish. Light stone fruits and a cream texture are a delight with a perfect balance of oak, malt and fruit. As the flavours begin to fade a gentle floral mellowness settles to leave a lasting impression. Mood: while walking in the dark warehouses drawing inspiration for my first edition of Black Art, I would recall the lessons learned at the hands of the legendary distiller. Finally arriving at this moment has been a spiritual journey in every sense for me.” – $300 (700ml) / $85 (200ml)
Introducing Ledaig 19 Year Marsala
Only 30 Bottles are Coming to Alberta, 24 to KWM!
Ledaig, the name given to peated whisky from the Tobermory distillery, has been increasingly in vogue as of late. We’ve seen some very interesting independent bottlings as of late, and then this unusual bottling dropped in our laps… Only 30 bottles of the Ledaig 19 Year Marsala Finish are coming to Alberta, 24 of them to Calgary, exclusively to KWM. Bottled at 51% it recently scored 89pts from Whisky Advocate!
Distiller’s Tasting Note: Beautiful rich single malt with a mouth-filling sweetness of berries and dark chocolate with a full peat explosion of black pepper and bonfire smoke.
89pts Whisky Advocate: “Some of the first peated spirit produced in the late 1990s at Tobermory Distillery has gone into this bottling, which has been finished in Marsala wine casks. The nose yields earthy malt, new leather, printer’s ink, and a final fragrant note. Big, bright flavours of orchard fruits and sweet peat on the palate, plus black pepper and dessert wine. Ashy peat, burnt oak, and lingering pepperiness in the finish.”
Ledaig 19 Year Marsala Finish – 51% – Evan’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Pungent, earthy peat. Ashy smoke and oak, grass fire, salt and pepper seasoning, strawberry quince jam, oranges, cloves, roasted sweet potatoes, dark chocolate drizzled on crispy bacon. Palate: Ash and spice right up front lead into strawberries, green apples, orange marmalade, chocolate chips, bacon bits, lemons roasted on the barbeque, rooibos tea, root beer and candied ginger. Finish: Lingering earthy smoke and chocolate. Comment: An ashy, smoke driven older Ledaig with finesse. The Marsala cask finish has added nuance to the often carbon-heavy delivery of heavily peated Tobermory.” – $285
Limited Japanese Whiskies Back in Stock
The Nikka 12 Year & The Super Nikka
Japanese whisky is becoming as rare as Hen’s Teeth. These two just re-emerged, they won’t last long. Just 12 and 24 bottles respectively…
The Nikka 12 Year – 40% – Evan’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Grain, custard, hints of earthy peat, white chocolate fudge, peeled apples and pears, dried mango and dried pinapple slices. Palate: Citrus, honeydew melon, tart green apples, pineapple, black pepper, light smokey peat, new leather, grain cereals, oily and creamy with a hint of spice. Finish: whispy peat smoke stays with you along with black pepper and light honeydew melon notes. Comment: The elegance that you expect from Japanese Whisky as a whole with the light, ethereal peat that seems to be Nikka’s signature. Lovely stuff.” – $166
The Super Nikka – 40% – Producer Description: “One of Nikka’s classic brands, the Super Nikka was introduced to the market in 1962. Its luxuriant aroma, gentle hints of peat and scent of vanilla and chocolate are all in harmony, and its flavor is smooth, rounded and well-balanced.” – $73
Introducing Glen Garioch 1995
Only 30 bottles coming to KWM!
Just 120 bottles of this vintage Glen Garioch has landed in Alberta. We’ve taken 30 of them. Great value for a cask strength whisky from this vintage.
Glen Garioch 1995 – 55.3% – First Fill Ex-Bourbon – 87pts Whisky Advocate: “One of two new Glen Garioch vintages to be produced under the auspices of Morrison Bowmore Distillers’ master blender Rachel Barrie, this 1995 offering is limited Globally to 6,000 bottles and maturation has taken place in first-fill bourbon casks. Spice, vanilla, pears, honey, and very discreet smoke on the nose. Hazelnuts, baked bananas, apple strudel, and lots of spice on the sweet creamy palate, backed up by a gentle note of lingering char.” – $120
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
403-283-8000
