Archive for July, 2017

RAFA CABRERA-BELLO TOASTS TO VICTORY AT THE BALLANTINE’S SPONSORED ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT SCOTTISH OPEN 2017 – Scotch Whisky News

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RAFA CABRERA-BELLO TOASTS TO VICTORY AT THE BALLANTINE’S SPONSORED ABERDEEN ASSET MANAGEMENT SCOTTISH OPEN 2017 

Ballantine’s celebrates 10 years as the official Scotch whisky sponsor

July 2017, Ayrshire – Spanish player, Rafa Cabrera-Bello completed an unforgettable four days today by winning the Aberdeen Asset Management (AAM) Scottish Open after a thrilling play-off against Englishman Callum Shinkwin. Sponsored by Ballantine’s Scotch whisky, the event is one of the European Tour’s flagship tournaments and precedes the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.

Cabrera-Bello was crowned champion of Scotland’s national open after an excellent week of highly competitive golf in challenging and testing conditions. The final day started with some of the world’s most popular golfers in contention. European Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter and Matt Kuchar from America were among those poised to make a challenge on the Dundonald Links on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast.

The Spaniard won his third European Tour victory with a birdie at the first extra hole after hitting a brilliant approach shot into the par-five 18th from 275 yards.

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world. Its association with golf started in 1960 when the first Ballantine’s tournament took place at Wentworth Club and it has been a proud official sponsor of the Scottish Open for the past decade.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director of Ballantine’s Prestige commented: “We are very proud that Ballantine’s is yet again a part of the prestigious Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open for the 10th year running. This year, the standard was higher than ever, with the tournament bringing together world-class players for an absolutely wonderful week of golf. We congratulate Rafa Cabrera-Bello on his fantastic win at this legendary tournament and hope that he has a chance to enjoy his Ballantine’s 30 Year Old when he returns home.”

Ballantine’s presence at this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open included: on-course signage and player awards, including a bottle of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old for a birdie on the 17th hole, a bottle of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old for the lowest round of each day, and a bottle of Ballantine’s 30 Year Old for the winner.

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past ten years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

Twitter: @Ballantines

Facebook: facebook.com/ballantines

Twitter: twitter.com/ballantines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ballantines 

About Ballantine’s in Golf:

Ballantine’s has a rich history in golf dating back to 1960 when the first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played at Wentworth Club in England. Ballantine’s founded the Ballantine’s Championship in 2008, remaining title sponsor of the tournament until 2013. Ballantine’s has also been a sponsor of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open since 2007. 

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

Twitter: @ChivasNewsRoom 

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.

GLYNNEVAN Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky Now Available at the LCBO – Canadian Whisky News

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GLYNNEVAN Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky Now Available at the LCBO

It’s time to create a new whisky tradition in Ontario! Our GLYNNEVAN Double Barrelled Canadian Rye Whisky has left the shores of Nova Scotia’s remote Eastern Shore and is now available at select LCBO whisky shops in Ottawa, Toronto and Woodbridge.

A new Canadian tradition where the spirit of prairie grain comes to rest in oak barrels in our distillery on the historic Guysborough harbour, we’re proud to bring our Double Barrelled Rye to Ontario. Barrel aging by the Atlantic lends a distinct Maritime character to our small batch spirits, a character that lives in the blood of many Ontarians whose families found their start on Canada’s East Coast.

For Ontario whisky drinkers who are new to GLYNNEVAN, our Double Barrelled Rye opens with layers of aroma starting with sweet rye spices and honey, followed by toasted oak, vanilla, cinnamon and a hint of tropical fruit. The taste is sweet and creamy delivering vanilla, spice, hazelnut, butter, toffee, and caramel. The finish is long and warm, the perfect toast to the people who matter most in your life.

GLYNNEVAN Double Barrelled Rye received the Silver Medal for Canadian rye whisky at the San Francisco World Spirits Championship and is now finally available in Ontario for you to enjoy. You can find your bottle here.

We look forward to hearing how you celebrate with GLYNNEVAN Double Barrelled Rye Whisky and invite you to share your new traditions with us on our FacebookInstagram and Twitter page.

Littlemill 25 Year Old 2015 Release at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

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Littlemill 25 Year Old 2015 Release

The Collector’s Loft, Littlemill

50.4% vol. / 70clcl

£2,250.00

Ex VAT £1,875.00

This 25 year old Lowlands Single Malt comes from the now lost Littlemill distillery on the banks of the River Clyde in Bowling near Glasgow. Born from a selection of 10 casks from 1989 and 1990, hand-picked by Master Blenders John Peterson and Michael Henry to best represent the quality and style of whisky from the distillery which closed in 1994 and burned down in 2004. The liquid has been drawn from American and European oak casks and married together and finished in first fill European Oloroso sherry casks.

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Dailuaine 2006 Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice at The Whisky Barrel – Scotch Whisky News

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Dailuaine 2006 Connoisseurs Choice

Sherry cask matured and bottled 2017 by Gordon & MacPhail for the Connoisseurs Choice series. Chocolate, almonds, apricot and orange peel make for a delicious expression of the Speyside single malt. Dailuaine Distillery was established by William Mackenzie in 1851 at Carron in the heart of the Speyside whiskey region. In 1889 Charles C. Doig was commissioned to design a new roof for its malt kiln and he duly produced the Doig pagoda roof, the first of which was installed here at Dailuaine. The design proved successful, was rapidly adopted by other distilleries and nowadays it is the symbol of our traditional malt whiskey distilleries. Unfortunately, Doig’s original roof was destroyed during a fire in 1917. Dailuaine 16 Year Old and Special Releases alongside regular independent bottlings are available.

Buy – £42.55

TWB 10 Yrs

Ralfy Publishes Ralfy Review #669 – Whisky News

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Ralfy explains what you need to know with Ralfy review 669 – Advice on drinking old vintage liquors

Malt Messenger No. 76 by Andrew Ferguson – Closed Distilleries, New KWM Casks & More – Whisky News

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The month of July is winding down and we are approaching the Dog Days of Summer. The whisky news continues to flow and excitement is building as new whiskies including some long awaited new Kensington Wine Market Exclusive casks start hitting the shelves.

Speaking of the new KWM exclusive casks, we have nearly sold out of our Kensington Wine Market Glenrothes 1997 Cask, $200, which only first arrived in store two and a half weeks ago. Of the 84 total bottles, nearly 60 have sold… There is also our new Cadenhead exclusive cask, which we alluded to in the Bulletin last week.

We launched the Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 25 Year KWM at a series of tastings last week hosted by Cameron McGeachy from Cadenhead. At $205 it is a very reasonably priced 25 year old single cask, cask strength whisky. It is our latest 25th Anniversary bottling to hit the shop, but not the last…

This coming week we are launching our most limited 25th Anniversary whisky, the Whisky-Fassle ‘extra old’ Blended Malt KWM, $220. Only 42 bottles have been sold to KWM of this very curious, a purportedly very old, Blended Malt. We suspect the whisky to be Edrington Stock, with a cigar ash backbone and lots of sherry. We have a bottle open for sampling in the shop.

Next week we will be introducing the whiskies of Samaroli to the Kensington Wine Market, at a tasting to be co-hosted by Evan Eckersley and Jonathan Bray. We will be sampling a range of new Samaroli whiskies and a couple of others aged up to 26 years of age at Samaroli Malt Whisky & Friends. Just $40.

We have access to some increasingly rare closed distillery whiskies, including Brora, Caperdonich, Rosebank and Port Ellen. The Caperdonich, from Maltbarn, is the first we have seen from this distillery in a couple of years. The other three are from Gordon Macphail’s Rare Old range. They are an unexpected but welcome surprise… and they won’t last long. Just 6 bottles each of the Brora, Port Ellen and Rosebank are coming, and between 3 and 5 bottles of each are already sold!

There is a new range of organic single malt whiskies from Sweden in Alberta. The Spirit of Hven whiskies are lightly peated, highly respected and curiously packaged. The whisky is made on the island of Hven, between Sweden and Denmark. We have samples of a few of them open at the shop including their gin!

The Paul John Whiskies are back in stock at the shop: Brilliance, Edited and Bold. More details on them below, as well as two cask strength bottlings from the distillery which are set to arrive in the next couple of weeks. Only a handful of bottles of Paul John Peated Select Cask, $95, and Classic Select Cask, $90, are coming to Alberta. We will also shortly be announcing a Paul John Master Class with the distillery’s Brand Ambassador Madhu Paul.

The second edition of Shelter Point Single Malt is now in store, and we are shortly expecting some new releases from Duncan Taylor. We have also received a small shipment of EH Taylor and a new release of Stagg Jr.

Last but not least: if you are a fan of either Old Pulteney 17 Year, or Old Pulteney 21 Year, you may want to grab a bottle or two over the next couple of months. The owners of the distiller – Inver House – are retooling its lineup and we have heard these two expressions are soon to be dropped. When the stock currently in Alberta is gone, these malts will be gone forever!

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Malt Messenger.

Sláinte!

In This Edition

  1. Samaroli & Friends Tasting Next Week
  2. New Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 KWM Cask 25 Year
  3. New Whisky-Fassle ‘extra old’ Blended Malt Whisky
  4. Very Rare Closed Distillery Bottlings
  5. Introducing Spirit of Hven Whiskies
  6. Introducing Paul John Cask Strength
  7. Introducing Shelter Point 2nd Release Single Malt
  8. New Duncan Taylor Whiskies
  9. EH Taylor & Stagg Jr. Bourbons
  10. Old Pulteney 17 & 21 Year Olds Discontinued

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

Samaroli

Samaroli Malt Whisky & Friends Tasting Next Week 

With Jonathan Bray & Our Own Evan Eckersley – Just $40 

Samaroli is a well respected name in the world of independent bottlers. Established in 1968 in its home market of Italy, and now available in over 20 countries around the world. We will sample a range of whiskies from Samaroli, and a couple of other bottlings aged up to 26 years of age. Take a break from the sun next week, with some fine Scotch whisky, bottled by an Italian firm.

Samaroli Malt Whisky & Friends – Thursday July 27 – 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 or register online!

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New Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 KWM 25 Year 

Our first and only 25 year old anniversary bottling, distilled in 1992 the year KWM was founded!  

One of the most exciting 25th Anniversary releases we’ve received… the whisky is both 25 years old, and distilled in 1992, the year we opened. Matured in refill American oak, bottled at a cask strength 51.1%, just 246 bottles! This is the first cask we’ve bottled with Cadenhead and it won’t be the last, we have a tasty young Dailuaine on the way. It is hard to emphasize how good a deal this whisky is, for a 25 year old single cask, cask strength bottling. We tried to find a 1992 25 year old with several other firms, all of them 50-150% more expensive… The whisky is light, delicate and tropical but very layered. A fine summer sipper!

ore details to come, only time to hammer out a quick tasting note!

Cadenhead Glen Moray 1992 KWM 25 Year – 55.1% – American Oak – Approx 220 Bottles – My Tasting Note: “Nose: doughy, decadent and floral; clotted cream, crystallized honey and creme brule; very delicate and tropical: melon, mango and juicy orange; a silky creamy base. Palate: soft, silky, floral, elegant and still very delicate; thin tendrils of honey, clotted cream and vanilla lead into the soft subtle tropical fruits and orange; both cantaloupe and honeydew melons, firm but balanced toasted oak and Demerara sugars; light but coating with lots of layers. Finish: long and very delicate it is both drying and coating with more soft oak tones, tropical fruits and decadent vanilla-cream. Comment: we patiently waited for this whisky to reach 25 years of age, and we’ve glad we did; it is a fine summer whisky, great value for a 25 year old single cask, and it won’t disappoint! – $205

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NEW Whisky-Fassle ‘extra old’ Blended Malt 

Only 42 Bottles Filled Exclusively for KWM’s 25th Anniversary!

This curious blended malt was offered to us by Whisky Fassel, a boutique German independent bottler and blender of Scotch Whisky. They were established in 2006, and that is about all I can tell you about them. Only 42 bottles of this curious whisky were offered to and have been bottled for KWM for our 25th Anniversary. The strength is 45.4%, possibly cask strength as the producer says: “matured very long in a sherry butt bottled 2016.” It doesn’t have our logo on it, as that looked too busy, so you’ll have to take our word for it… but it does say “bottled for Canada”! Oh and there is some sort of mallard duck on the label.

I included the original proposed KWM version of the logo on the right as proof of intent.

Whisky-Fassle Blended Malt KWM 25th Anniversary – 45.4% – Sherry Butt – 42 Bottles – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: big, thick and chewy; chocolate fudge, gentle ashy smoke and a cedar spice box full of decadent spices; warmed brown sugar and candied ginger; orange peels and a touch of mincemeat. Palate: round and fruity; dark, rich and layered; building gentle, ashy peat-smoke and dark bakers chocolate; more mincemeat in a buttery pie crust, bright candied orange peel and big candied fruits; soft sweet cigar tobacco and some late melons. Finish: like a fine Cuban cigar… more dark chocolate, mincemeat, fading gentle ashy peat and again with the melons. Comment: this is a lovely Blended malt, and I suspect another Edrington Group special… it has Macallan, Highland Park and even a touch of Glenrothes on it… regardless it is lovely!” – $220

Very Rare Closed Distillery Bottlings 

Brora, Port Ellen and Rosebank from Gordon Macphail & a Maltbarn Caperdonich

These ones arrived out of the blue… I was not expecting them, but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth! We are getting no more than 6 bottles each of Gordon Macphail Rare Old Brora 1982, Port Ellen 1980 and Rosebank 1990. The pricing on the Brora is frankly a lot lower than expected as is the Port Ellen. Most independent bottlers have been aggressively jacking up their Port Ellen pricing, Douglas Laing and Hunter Laing in particular. This is to say nothing of Diageo who’s Port Ellens now sell for as much as decent used car. The Rosebank jumped substantially in price, but Rosebank has all but dried up these days. The only Rosebank we’ve even seen in recent years has been from Gordon Macphail, and the quantities are limited. Canada’s allocation is no more than a couple dozen bottles a year! Here are the details, and prices. Let me know ASAP if there is anything of interest. I expect these will go quickly!

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scotchwhisky.com

Brora

Brora Courtesy Gordon MacPhail:

“In the annals of Scotch whisky history, many noted distilleries have stood out above and beyond the pack for their distinct flavour, or personality. Brora, first founded as the Clynelish distillery back in 1819, then taking the name Brora in the late 1960s, is one such distillery. However, the reason for its undisputed reverence is largely down to its untimely closure back in the early 1980s and the subsequent decades have seen this lost highlander truly become a sorely-missed classic.  The site of Brora lies next to its ultimate predecessor, a newly opened ‘Clynelish’ in the late 1960s, but the two whiskies are very different from a flavour perspective. Brora has matured into a phenomenal malt whisky, with a unique maltiness and rich, highly distinctive oak-driven backbone. Whilst this classic may never live and breathe again, the remaining stocks are unquestionably some of the finest whiskies one will ever encounter.”

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Rare Old Brora 1982 – 46% – Refill Sherry puncheon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Fragrant green apple aromas enhanced with lemon and lime and subtle menthol notes. A sweetness develops with hints of milk chocolate. Palate without Water White pepper, ripe banana, blueberry, and cardamom spice flavours are complemented by an underlying peat smoke edge. Nose with Water Subtle vanilla with fresh green apple, pear, and orange notes complemented by hints of Parma Violets. Palate with Water Peppery with hints of banana, dark chocolate, and orange zest. An undertone of dried tobacco is present. Body Light to medium. Finish Medium in length, smooth and creamy with traces of smoke.” – $1200 – Only 1/6 Left!

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islayinfo.com

Port Ellen

Port Ellen Courtesy Gordon Macphail: “Time is, in many ways, a great leveller and allows one to reflect on the past with a sense of perspective. When considering Port Ellen, Islay’s undisputed lost classic, had those in authority been able to search into the future before finally taking the decision to close the distillery back in 1983 due to economic issues, then maybe the distillery would still be producing its characterful single malt for a new generation of whisky drinkers. Despite its closure, a small number of casks are still maturing away and today, Port Ellen has a extra special reverence reserved for it. It exudes a refined elegance unlike any other Islay malt: aromas of chamois leather, lemon zest and cracked black pepper mix with a heady phenolic smoke, to produce a whisky, which many connoisseurs consider to be one of the finest ever bottled. Truly a lost classic, never to be repeated.”

Rare Old Port Ellen – 46% – Refill American Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Vanilla ice cream, ripe pear, and cinnamon aromas mingle with dried tobacco and charred oak. Palate without Water Ground white pepper leads to sweet red berries, dried mango, and kiwi flavours. A rich smoky edge is present giving way to a subtle aniseed edge. Nose with Water Floral elements with hints of lavender and violet. Green apple, tangerine, and red grape are complemented by green tea aromas. Palate with Water Sweet initially with candied fruits giving way to a touch of liquorice and salt. Peat smoke lingers. Body Medium. Finish Medium in length, drying with plenty of peat smoke influences.” – $1900 – 3/6 left!

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Rosebank Type caption tewww.discoverrosebank.comxt here.Rosebank Courtesy Gordon Macphail: “Situated on the banks of the Forth and Clyde canal close to the River Carron, the distillery has the advantage of being near a main road and a coalfield thus enabling it to have cheaply transported fuel. The main reason this site was chosen for a distillery as early as 1817 was because of the ‘inexhaustible supply of water’ from the Glenbirnie rivulet, a tributary of the River Carron.Like other Lowland distilleries, Rosebank operated a triple distillation process. It was rebuilt in a modern form in the 1800s and comprises two ranges of buildings divided by the canal. The distillery closed in 1993.”

Rare Old Rosebank 1990 – 46% – Refill Sherry and American hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose without Water Hints of lavender, rose petals, and beeswax polish combine with lingering hints of lemon, green apple, and ripe pear. Palate without Water Cracked black pepper with hints of red apple, orange peel, and almonds are complemented by a creamy milk chocolate edge. Nose with Water Lime, plum, and mandarin aromas initially. Delicate hints of pine needles and eucalyptus develop. Palate with Water Fruity flavours emerge – banana, gooseberry, and kiwi. These are complemented by an underlying honeycomb sweetness. Body Light to medium. Finish Medium with a fruity and spicy edge.” – $940 – 3/6 left!

Caperdonich Distillery

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Courtesy Malt Madness

Not a Gordon Macphail bottling, but from a closed distillery none the less, we also have a Maltbarn 1994 Caperdonich single cask. Capperdonich used to be one of the more common independent bottlings, though the stock has all but dried up in the last few years. The distillery was opened in 1897 at the start of the first Scotch Whisky Boom. It was an adjunct to Glen Grant distillery located just across the road in Rothes. The distillery only operated for three years until 1902 when it was forced to close by the Pattison Whisky Crash. During its few years of operation, it was known as Glen Grant Number 2. When it reopened in 1965 at the start of the next major whisky boom, it was renamed Caperdonich, as by that time two distilleries could not bear the same name. The distillery was closed again in 2002, dismantled, and the buildings are now occupied by Forsyths who produce stills and other copper-work for the industry. This Maltbarn bottling is the first Caperdonich we have seen in a number of years.

Maltbarn Caperdonich 1994 – 49.8% – 22 Year – Bourbon Barrel No. 69 – Tasting Note & More Details Coming Soon – $350

Introducing: The Spirit of Hven Whiskies 

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New Organic Single Malts from Sweden!

New Swedish single malt whiskies bottled in curious wax sealed 500ml flask shaped bottles. The whiskies are all made from organic malt and bottled without colouring or chill-filtering.From the Importer: “Recently named the 2017 European Distillery of the Year at the Wizards of Whisky awards,  the Spirit of Hven (pronounced “V – N”) is located on the island of Hven between Denmark and Sweden. The distillery produces a range of all-organic craft spirits that are now, for the first time, available in Alberta. The “Seven Stars” series are special releases, and the last of the of the second (Merak), third (Phecda), and fifth (Alioth) editions are now available in limited quantities.”

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  • Spirit of Hven Tycho’s Star – 41.8% – Producer Description: “The core of the single malt range from Hven is this medium-peated whisky. It is bright and nutty with hints of grain and chocolate. Tycho’s Star is bottled at site on Hven at 41,8 vol%, without carbon- or chill filtering, no colouring or additives. It is Organic certified, completely natural, as it should be. Every bottle is individually numbered and controlled before being dipped in wax by hand.” – $165
  • Spirit of Hven Seven Stars Merak – 45.0% – Producer Description: “This Whisky is the second release in the “Seven Stars” series from Spirit of Hven. It is a medium smoky Single Malt Whisky, created from barley to bottle at the small family owned distillery situated on the island of Hven. As the predecessor Dubhe , this whisky called Merak is soft and round with a youthful freshness. It has distinct but smooth smokiness, which in combination with liquorice and leather notes gives a rich mouth feel. Maturation involves American, French, and Spanish oak, the American contri butes toffee and vanilla, the French provides liquorice and peppery notes, Spanish oak keep the others in balance giving herbs and dried fruit .” – $165
  • Spirit of Hven Seven Stars Phceda – 45.0% – Producer Description: “As its predecessors Dubhe and Merak, this whisky Phecda is fine-tuned and gentle with a youthful freshness even if it shows a bit more maturity than the earlier two. During maturation the phenols, primarily the ones characterized with scent of leather and liquorice notes, have accentuated, giving a more full bodied mouthfeel. Maturation was conducted on Quercus Muehlenbergii from Missouri and Quercus Petraea from Allier. The American oak gives toffee and vanilla, and the French oak, liqourice and pepperiness.” – $165
  • Spirit of Hven Seven Stars Alioth – 45.0% – Producer Description: “This whisky is the fifth in the Spirit of Hven “Seven Stars” series. It is a moderately peated single malt whisky, made from grain to bottle in the small family owned distillery situated on the island of Hven in the strait between Denmark and Sweden. It has got its name from the star Alioth  in the asterism Ursa Major (the Plough). The name derives from the Arabic, alyat, meaning “the tail of a sheep” referring to the position in the asterism. Alioth is the brightest star in the constellation and no.31 amongst stars visible from earth.” – $165

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Introducing Paul John Cask Strength 

One Classic, One Peated, Both Very Limited!

Paul John Distillery in Goa, India, has been making a name for itself over the last few years. So far there has only been a trickle of the whisky into Alberta, including the Bold, Edited and Brilliance expressions. I had a chance to sample the range at the Victoria Whisky Festival, and they did not disappoint. Two cask strength bottlings are about to land in Alberta, in very small quantities. They won’t last long.

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  • Paul John Classic Select Cask – 55.2% – Matured in American Oak – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Fruity, malty aromas are intertwined with honey. A hint of bourbon teases your senses. Palate: With the very first sip, flavours of malted barley greet you. A heady mix of bourbon and manuka honey-liquorice makes for an attractive spine. And while you relish this experience, the unexpected flavour of toasted honeycomb takes you by surprise. Finish: This Single Malt has an absolutely elegant finish, with juicy Demerara tones ensuring a soft, friendly finish.” – $90
  • Paul John Peated Select Cask – 55.5% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: The smoky, sweet and earthy fragrances have mellow resonances of spice. Palate: As the crisp Muscovado and Demerara sugars create layered nuances, the smokiness of the Single Malt sets in, creating a perfect balance. A hint of spice radiates from the hickory and Dominican-style cocoa. Finish: The delicate finish of this Single Malt has notes of Dominican cocoa laced with the tart edge of marmalade.” – $95

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We also have the following 3 other Paul John Single Malts in stock:

  • Paul John Edited – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Lightly Peated – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Honey and cocoa are laced with a hint of smokiness and a shot of espresso. A deeper whiff reveals fruity fragrances. Palate: The grassy flavours of barley show up first, but gently make way for subtle peat notes. They slowly dissolve and pave the way for a rush of mint and mocha. Finish: The finish is long and drawn out. You can sense a hint of spice and chocolate mint as it ends on gentle peat notes. – $69
  • Paul John Brilliance – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: The Demerara sugars give off a whiff of sweet fragrances, with a hint of cinnamon, dash of honey and faint spices. Palate: Sweet and spice and all things nice, make this Single Malt. The honey-like smoothness is offset by the crunchy-bar-like crispness. Somewhere, there is also a tinge of cocoa. Finish: Brilliance has a smooth and beautifully relaxed finish, with a hint of mild spices and deep intense vanilla.” – $63
  • Paul John Bold – 46% Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Peated – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: After the slightest whiff of smoke, a dizzying array of Manuka honey, prickly spice and bourboneque red liquorice takes over. Palate: This melt-in-the-mouth malt has the most profound flavours crashing in like waves. At first, the delivery feels sublimely silky and studded with oak-like honey. And just when you think you’ve savoured it all, you are surprised by a hefty second wave of spice. This is followed by a cloudy, smoky feel that coats the roof of the mouth and leaves a tidal wave of dry molasses, peaty soot and a degree of copper in its wake. Finish: Bold has a light finish with a tinge of copper slowly making its presence known. You can also sense a gorgeous smoked mocha shaped by delicate and intricate spices.” – $75

KWM15

Introducing: Shelter Point Single Malt 2nd Release 

The Second Single Malt from Vancouver Island’s Farm to Bottle Distillery

The second release of Shelter Point Single Malt has been bottled at 46% after maturing in Jack Daniels barrels. The whisky is made from two row barley, grown on the distillery’s farm, doubled distilled in copper pot stills, matured and bottled on site. Rumour has it the whisky was matured exclusively in ex-Jack Daniels casks.Shelter Point 2nd Release Single Malt – 46% – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh, toasty and honeyed; a touch of sour orange opens into oatmeal-raisin cookies right out of the over and corn syrup; a touch vegetal and quite malty with aloe-like oils. Palate: still fresh, malty and honeyed; the corn syrup is still there with some simple syrup and melons; the orange note is drying with some Demerara sugar and Russian coffee dregs; still vegetal and floral with loads of toasty oak; the oatmeal-raisin cookies are still there, right out of the oven… not enough raisins though! Finish: clean, crisp and toasty; more malty tones, sugars and honey with a floral finale. Comment: more mature by a hair than the first release; further proof that they are on the right track!” – $83

KWM16

NEW Duncan Taylor Whiskies 

4 Interesting Single Malts

Duncan Taylor’s whisky prices have been rising like a helium balloon the last 4-5 years. We’ve found a few we believe we can work with though. Not a lot of details at this time (I’ve asked for them). But the pricing on the two dimensions bottlings is very good. The Miltonduff is of great interest to me. In my humble opinion it is one of the most underappreciated malts of Scotland. I haven’t come across many that I don’t love!

  • Duncan Taylor Dimensions Glen Grant 23 Year – 52.8% – Trying to track down more info! – $205
  • Duncan Taylor Dimensions Glen Spey 23 Year – 53.6% – 1991 – Outturn 260 bottles – $200
  • Duncan Taylor Glen Moray 26 Year Single Cask – 45.7% – 1988 – Outturn 190 bottles – Matured in Sherry Oak – $450
  • Duncan Taylor Miltonduff 31 Year Single Cask – 51.2% – Trying to track down more info! – $530

KWM17

JUST BACK Two EH Taylors and a new Stagg Jr.  

Three very sought after, and limited Bourbons at least in Canada!

We are getting a small quantity of EH Taylor Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbons. They are limited in quantity, and they won’t last long… But nothing new there!

  • EH Taylor Single Barrel – 50% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “The aroma carries lightly toasted oak, with dried figs and butterscotch. One sip brings flavors of sweetness balanced with tobacco and dark spices. The finish is just long enough to prepare the palette for another sip. The bottle itself is a likeness to Colonel Taylor’s original design used over a century ago.” – $100
  • EH Taylor Small Batch – 50% – Distiller’ s Tasting Note: “Tastes of caramel corn sweetness, mingled with butterscotch and licorice. The aftertaste is a soft mouth-feel that turns into subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.” – $100
  • Stagg Jr. 66.25% – 66.25% – The younger brother of George T. Stagg from Buffalo Trace distillery / Sazerac Company. It is around 8 to 9 years old and is high alcohol like its older sibling. Stagg Jr. Bourbon is a small batch barrel proof Bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery. – Producer Tasting Note: “Rich, sweet, chocolate and brown sugar flavors mingle in perfect balance with the bold rye spiciness. The boundless finish lingers with hints of cherries, cloves and smokiness.” – $85

pulteney17yo

Old Pulteney 17 & 21 Year Olds  Set to be discontinued, get em while you can!

Two of our customers’ favourite whiskies are set to be discontinued. The Old Pulteney 17 and 21 year olds will be gone forever in short order; there a limited stocks left in Alberta. Rumour has it the 17 Year is set to become an 18 year old and the 21 Year a 22 year old, likely with a price bump. Demand for these whiskies globally has been very high over the last few years, and the owners have decided to switch things up a little. If either of these are your go to malts, you may want to stock up!

  • Old Pulteney 17 Year – 46% – American & European Oak – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet with traces of apples and pears: slightly woody with a hint of butterscotch. Taste: Sweet with soft fruits: kiwi, guava, peach.” – $135
  • Old Pulteney 21 Year – 46% – American & European Oak (with a higher proportion of sherry than the 17) – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Full bodied with traces of fruits (apples and pears); slightly fragrant with spicy overtones. Palate: Creamy, toffee, vanilla, baked red apple with a hint of smokiness and a dry finish.” – $190

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

403-283-8000Calgary, Alberta, Canada

 

The Whisky.Auction Preview – Whisky News

AA Whisky Auction

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ONLINE PREVIEW CATALOGUE

Did you know that the first lots are already available to view in our online preview catalogue? As soon we receive items at Whisky.Auction, our team of experts carefully checks and photographs them. Every day we add items to the preview, right up until the moment the auction goes live on Sunday 23 July, so check in regularly to build up your watch list.

FIND OUT MORE

DON’T MISS OUT!

Remember, your last chance to deliver bottles for the following Whisky.Auction is Thursday 17 August. The auction starts on Sunday 27 August.

FIND OUT MORE

Maker’s Mark® Unveils Exclusive Art Exhibition By Celebrated Artist Dale Chihuly – American Whiskey News

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Maker’s Mark® Unveils Exclusive Art Exhibition By Celebrated Artist Dale Chihuly

(Loretto, Ky.) June 29, 2017 – Two American icons are coming together once again to create an experience that captures the imagination and dazzles the senses. Maker’s Mark®, the pioneer of premium bourbon, is proud to celebrate the work of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly with the unveiling of Chihuly at Maker’s.

Inspired by the distillery’s light-filled Burke House Welcome Center and surrounding lush campus grounds, Chihuly at Maker’s is a temporary, site-specific exhibition and the second installation commissioned for Maker’s Mark by Chihuly. His first celebrated permanent installation, The Spirit of the Maker, was unveiled in 2014 as a tribute to Maker’s tradition of bourbon making in Kentucky.

“I had the privilege to visit the landmark Maker’s Mark Distillery in 2014 when we worked together to install The Spirit of the Maker,” said artist Dale Chihuly.  “I was inspired then by its unique landscape and architecture and am excited to share my work from the perspective of its special surroundings.”

Chihuly at Maker’s is comprised of six large-scale art installations sited throughout the distillery grounds.  From July through October of this year, the Maker’s Mark Distillery will be transformed by Chihuly’s dramatic works of art purposefully set throughout the historic landmark campus to complement the distillery’s landscape and architecture. Included in the exhibition is: Summer Sun, a 12-foot tall blown glass and steel sculpture; a collection of five fiery-red Baskets; and an 18-foot wide Crimson and Chestnut Fiori Boat, which combines a range of forms massed together in a traditional wooden boat.

The Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower, which stands at approximately 12-feet, is a classic demonstration of Chihuly’s desire to mass color on a steel armature for dramatic effect. For centuries, blown glass pieces were small, intricately designed and admired from atop a table. In contrast, Chihuly’s Towers rise from the ground like huge stalagmites and have been an iconic aesthetic of installations in art museums and botanical gardens worldwide. Like all Chihuly sculptures, the Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower was designed specifically for its location, in this case, in front of the distillery’s cellar and natural water source.

“Just as my grandparents, the founders of Maker’s Mark, first envisioned, we’re committed to enhancing our visitor experience with culturally immersive opportunities unlike any other distillery in the world,” said Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation whisky maker and Chief Operating Officer of Maker’s Mark. “Creating our handmade bourbon isn’t a job – it’s an art form. It’s an honor to have formed such a lasting relationship with world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.”

Chihuly at Maker’s is one of several site-specific installations from Chihuly that have been featured at high-profile locations around the country, including recent exhibits at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the New York Botanical Garden and the Catalina Island Museum in Avalon, California.

The official Grand Opening of Chihuly at Maker’s will take place Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 6:30 p.m., with a viewing picnic at the Maker’s Mark distillery. Admission is $50 and includes a meal and two drinks from the distillery’s new fast-casual restaurant, Star Hill Provisions™. From July 1 – Oct. 31, admission to Chihuly at Maker’s is included as part of the tour ticket cost ($12) during the distillery’s daytime operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In addition, on Saturday nights from July 22-Oct. 7, visitors will be able to enjoy the remarkable art of Dale Chihuly in a new way with “Chihuly Nights,” an exclusive and stunning look at the exhibition after dark. As the sun sets, guests will experience the enchanting glass sculptures glowing with light against the dark Kentucky sky. Maker’s Mark Bourbon and cocktails alongside fine Kentucky fare from the distillery’s resident chef, Newman Miller of Star Hill Provisions, will be included. Admission to Chihuly Nights is $20 and includes admission to the distillery grounds for self-guided tours. Separate tickets are required for day and night.

For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.makersmark.com/chihuly or contact the distillery Visitor Center at 270-865-2099.

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon 

In 1954, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches, using soft red winter wheat, with a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness. He then rotated each barrel by hand for consistency, and finally, aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon exactly the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s 46®, Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength and Maker’s Mark Private Select™, the brand’s first-ever custom barrel program.

In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit www.makersmark.com.

About Dale Chihuly 

Dale Chihuly is known for revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. Over his 50-year career, he has become known for his iconic glass sculptures, but glass is just one of the media he employs to realize his vision – he also draws, paints and sculpts using other materials. Chihuly is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world, in historic cities, museums and gardens. Dale Chihuly’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Corning Museum of Glass. Major exhibitions include Chihuly Over Venice (1995-96), Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999), de Young Museum in San Francisco (2008), the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2011), Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond (2012) and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal, Canada (2013.) Chihuly Garden and Glass opened at Seattle Center in 2012. For more information, visit chihuly.com, Facebook.com/Chihuly and @ChihulyStudio.

JUST WHISKY AUCTION ENDS SOON! FROM 8PM ON SUNDAY 23RD JULY 2017 – AUCTION WHISKY NEWS

AUCTION ENDS SOON! FROM 8PM ON SUNDAY 23RD

JW1

View over 1,500 lots online at www.just-whisky.co.uk

Don’t leave bids too late!

 

Jim Beam Black® Announces First-Ever Barbershop Experience at Iconic Clermont Distillery – American Whiskey News

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Jim Beam Black® Announces First-Ever Barbershop Experience at Iconic Clermont Distillery

This article is published today as a ‘catch~up’ article – WI

Chicago – (2017) – In anticipation of Kentucky’s annual Derby season, Jim Beam Black® is helping fans elevate their style with a limited-time barbershop pop-up at the Jim Beam® American Stillhouse. Visitors will be offered complimentary hair cuts and men’s beard trims from 5th generation Philadelphia-based barbershop, The Duke, from 9-5 p.m. on May 4 and 5.

With more than 12 combined generations of experience in both bourbon and barbering, Jim Beam and The Duke are providing an experience that combines both heritage and tradition for the city’s most historic event. To ensure that guests are looking and feeling their best for the big race, services will be available to anyone of legal-drinking age.

The Jim Beam Black barbershop pop-up is the first of a series of nationwide events taking place throughout the summer of 2017. The world’s highest-rated bourbon according to the 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition* is partnering with well-known barbershops in nine cities across the country to host events centered around elevating your style, through grooming and through your cocktail choice.

“We’re traveling across the country, starting right here in Kentucky, to show our fans that it doesn’t take much to elevate your taste and style,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “Jim Beam Black, one of my personal favorites, is a delicious extra-aged bourbon to sip on if you’re looking for a more flavorful drink choice for the big race.”

In addition to complimentary hair cuts and beard trims, the barbers at the Jim Beam Black barbershop experience will provide hair curling and makeup touch-ups to women visiting the distillery as well. Services for both men and women will be offered on a first-come first-served basis throughout the course of the two-day experience.

Jim Beam Black is a premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a more flavorful character made to be sipped and savored. At 86 proof, this bourbon is aged longer than original Jim Beam Bourbon in the same white oak barrels, giving it a full-bodied flavor with smooth caramel and warm oak notes.

Tours of the Jim Beam American Stillhouse will also be available to visitors throughout the week. A variety of tour options that allow guests to participate in the full bourbon production process – from mixing grains to bottling your own Jim Beam product – are available at www.JimBeam.com.

*Awarded International Wine & Spirits Competition’s Bourbon Trophy. All trademarks are the property of their respective owner

About The Duke

The Duke is the modern man’s answer to a classic barbershop venue. Established by 5th generation owner and Master Barber, William Brown, the barbershop was created in response to the growing demand for upscale grooming services in the Philadelphia area. The Duke specializes in traditional shaves with hot lather, trims, haircuts and more and is home to several of Philadelphia’s most talented men’s barbers.

About the Jim Beam American Stillhouse

Nestled in the rolling foothills of Clermont, Kentucky, the Jim Beam American Stillhouse provides an intimate look at the world’s No. 1 bourbon. Visitors are immersed in more than 220 years of Beam family heritage through a series of educational bourbon tastings and in-depth guided tours. For those looking to enjoy Jim Beam whiskies in a whole new way, the new Jim Beam® Bourbon Bar located on Beam Hill delivers a best-in-class cocktail experience. Guests can also enjoy bourbon-inspired Kentucky fare at Fred’s Smokehouse, which is named after seventh generation master distiller and great-grandson of Jim Beam, Fred Noe. Monthly “Distillery Days” offer everything from blue grass concerts to cocktail classes, offering guests even more reason to come as friends and leave as family.

The Jim Beam American Stillhouse is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

For more information or to reserve your tour tickets online, visit the Jim Beam American Stillhouse online at JimBeam.com. Or, like Jim Beam American Stillhouse on Facebook and follow @JimBeam on Twitter.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

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 commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, 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.

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