Archive for August, 2017

The Whisky Exchange “Whisky finishing – a recipe for success?” – Whisky News

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Whisky finishing – a recipe for success?

Our latest TWE shop tasting featured Irish whiskey producer Teeling, a distiller known for its skill in maturing and ‘finishing’ its whiskey in a variety of casks – some well known, some more obscure. What is finishing? It’s when a distiller decides to age a whisky in a different type of cask to the one it has spent most of its life in. The classic example is a bourbon-cask-matured whisky that has a second maturation in ex-sherry barrels, which typically adds rich notes of dried fruit and spice, but the whole gamut from the drinks world has been tried by distillers, all eager to add elusive extra complexity.

The Teeling tasting got me thinking about the concept of whisky finishing and why distillers do it. My first experience of them was Glenmorangie, probably around the late 1990s – I remember the small sets of bottles in airport duty-free shops, all with neat colour-coded packaging, depending on the finish: Cognac and Sauternes were definitely in there, along with port, and being a fan of all three drinks in their own right, I was intrigued. Glenmorangie was definitely on to something, because these new expressions had the wider attraction of appealing to Cognac, Sauternes and port drinkers. I suspect that most Cognac drinkers would be keen to try a whisky that has spent time in a Cognac cask, if only to satisfy their curiosity.

Glenmorangie was one of the first producers to draw attention to its whisky finishes

Personally, I am immediately drawn to any whisky that has seen some kind of sherry maturation, whether it’s rich, nutty oloroso or even Pedro Ximénez, that dark, sticky wine that resembles engine oil in texture and is like liquid Christmas cake. What sherry casks can give a whisky – wonderfully aromatic Christmas spices and fruity richness – is a huge draw, particularly when those flavours are imparted to peaty drams: an absolutely delicious combination.

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I’m more choosy when it comes to whiskies that spend time in ex-port or red-wine casks, because to my palate at least, the extra layer of fruit sometimes struggles to integrate with the rest of the whisky. One gratifying exception, however, is Teeling’s Single Grain Whiskey, matured exclusively in French-oak casks that used to contain Californian Cabernet Sauvignon. Sampled at our tasting, it was a glorious mix of butter-toffee popcorn, black pepper and red berries, yet still clean and fresh.

Alex Chasko, Teeling’s master distiller and blender, likens finishing to ‘making a curry or a soup – you have to tinker with the recipe. We have 65 different types of cask in our warehouse, and Irish whiskey is a great canvas for them. We’ve even bought some aquavit casks from Sweden, and we’ve tried Calvados casks, too.’

What impressed with the Teeling whiskeys was their balance – not once did I take a sip and felt various flavours fighting to make themselves heard. Teeling’s Single Malt Whiskey is a perfect example. Matured in five different types of wine cask (sherry, port, Madeira, white Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon), Alex says it took nine months of trialling and 27 attempts to get it right. The result is a rich whiskey that really dialled up the fruit, whether that fruit was fresh, stewed or spicy.

Balvenie was among the first whisky producers to age its whisky in more than one type of cask, although it didn’t shout about it in the way that Glenmorangie did (and still does). Its Balvenie Classic is one of the most memorable whiskies I’ve ever tried; when I tasted a 1980s’ bottling at a Whisky Show Masterclass, I described it as ‘a thing of beauty, loaded with ginger, cinnamon, stewed fruit and candied orange peel’. It was aged in bourbon casks then finished in sherry oak.

Whenever I try a whisky that has been matured in more than one type of cask, I always ask myself what that second maturation brings to the whisky. Does it make the whisky better? Are the extra flavours beneficial? Next time you sample one, try that approach. You’ll quickly learn which flavours really matter to you when you drink whisky, whether that’s fruit, spice, or smoke.

Wemyss Malts in August – Scotch Whisky News

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The awards continue to role in for Wemyss Malts Batch Strength, Batch No.001! This time a silver streak from The International Wine & Spirits Competition for both The Hive Batch Strength and Spice King Batch Strength.

Peat Chimney Batch Strength received a outstanding judges score and was noted for its flavours of: “Peat embers, recently extinguished bonfire and cough sweets mingle with vanilla fudge, Tarte Tatin cooked in honey”

All 3 of the Wemyss Malts Batch Strength, Batch No.001 have now been awarded Silver by The Spirits Business 2017 Scotch Whisky Masters and The International Spirits Challenge. Peat Chimney was singled out by Whisky Magazines World Whisky Awards, receiving a Silver in the blended malt category.

If you are interested in trying any of our award wining Batch Strength blended malts, they are available from specialist spirits retailers and from our sister company; Kingsbarns Distillery HERE.

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Look out for Wemyss Malts & Darnley’s Gin in the following month at these upcoming locations and events:

 10th of August – In store tasting and sampling – Robert Grahams Canongate, Edinburgh

11th to 13th of August – Edinburgh Whisky Fringe (with Kingsbarns ) 16th of August – In store sampling and tasting – Whiski Rooms, Edinburgh

 17th of August – In store tasting and sampling – Robert Grahams Rose Street, Edinburgh

19th of August – Falkirk Whisky Festival – Dobbie Hall, Larbert

19th of August – We Love Perth Whisky Festival – Salutation Hotel, Perth

 24th of August – In store tasting and sampling – Robert Grahams Canongate, Edinburgh

26th of August – The Secrets to Blending Whisky – Robert Grahams Rose Street, Edinburgh

Throughout all of August look out for Wemyss Malts as the Malt of the Moment at Bow Bar, Bow Street Edinburgh

Sample Tailor-made Old Fashioned’s all August at Solid Liquid’s Cocktail Kitchen popup at Market Street, Edinburgh

Rt Hon David Mundell MP visits Ardnahoe Distillery – Scotch Whisky News

l-r Scott Laing, David Mundell, Stewart Laing, Andrew Laing Credit - Mark Unsworth

Rt Hon David Mundell MP visits Ardnahoe Distillery

The Rt Hon David Mundell MP, the Secretary of State for Scotland, meets Stewart, Scott and Andrew Laing at Ardnahoe Distillery, on the east coast of Islay, overlooking the Paps of Jura.  The new £8m distillery is being built by independent, Scottish family business, Hunter Laing & Co and is expected to start distilling in Spring 2018.  Mr Mundell was visiting the site to learn more about investments being made in the sector and hear about the industry’s priorities for Brexit. 

Ralfy Publishes Ralfy Reveiw #672 – Scotch Whisky News

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Ralfy tackles older malt development with Ralfy Review 672 – Glenfarclas 21yo @ 43%vol

 

 

 

Malt Messenger No. 77 by Andrew Ferguson – New KWM Casks, Tastings and Other Whiskies – Whisky News

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Malt Messenger No. 77 – New KWM Casks, Tastings and Other Whiskies

is hard to believe it is already August and that September is just around the corner. Before you know it Whisky Advent 2017 will be here. On that note I have a teaser to share on our Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. The art work is done… More details below.

We have a pair of great tastings coming up, the first next Tuesday, August : Independents Day, will feature some of the best independent bottlings on the market. Cool whiskies from the likes of Coopers Choice, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Gordon Macphail, Signatory, Cadenhead, Old Malt Cask, The Whisky Agency and more… Just $50, for a very interesting range.

We are just two weeks away from our The Whiskies of Summer Festival, on Thursday August 17. This summer whisky festival will feature no fewer than 80 different whiskies including a lot of the new releases which have trickled into the store this summer. In addition to the huge range of whiskies open for sampling, the $50 price includes a KWM 25th Anniversary Glencairn Glass.

Our most exciting news is the launch of two new Kensington Wine Market exclusive Arran casks. These two whiskies are not just the oldest Arrans we’ve ever bottled, but the oldest Arrans to ever come to Canada! Not surprisingly, the whiskies, which are quite different from each other, are superb. That isn’t even the most exciting bit of news on them though: that is their price. These two 20 year old, single cask, cask strength Sherry Hogsheads are just $150+GST / bottle. Possibly the best value single casks we have ever offered! We also have a new 25th Anniversary bottling from German Independent bottler Whisky Fassle. Details on all three can be found below.

There are loads of exciting new whiskies to tell you about in this edition of the Malt Messenger. There is a trio of new Campbeltown malts: Kilkerran 8 Year Cask Strength, Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry and Longrow Red 13 Year Malbec. The latter is nearly sold out, and we just got it… We also have some very well priced new independent bottlings from Cooper’s Choice, both single malts and grains. We are most excited about the Coopers Choice Family Silver 1972 Blend. This 44 year old whisky is composed of two closed distillery whiskies: Lochside (single malt), Garnheath (single grain) as well as grain whisky from the Invergordon distillery. Only 30 bottles have come to Alberta, exclusively to KWM. Half of them are sold!

We have a huge range of new whiskies from Heads & Tails, an Ontario based importer that specializes in independent bottlings from Continental European firms like: Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency, Whisky Base and Whisky Fassle. All told there are 17 new single malts, blended malts and single grains from these firms; mostly old, rare, and always very tasty. They also have some of the most interesting labels in the world of Scotch Whisky! We are dying to try the new The Whisky Agency Speyside 1973 Single Malt, which was scored at 92pts by Serge @ Whisky Fun. 

There are a pair of new Teeling Irish Whiskies in the shop. The Teeling Revival 13 Year Vol. 3 has been finished in Pineau des Charentes casks. There is also the first release in a new Teeling Series highlighting the differences between different wines casks. Teeling Barbazon Single Malt Series 1 has been matured in Sherry.

The latest annual release, 2017, of Kilchoman Loch Gorm is in. The whisky is the most sought after of the core whiskies in Kilchoman’s stable. It is also one of the rarest. Fewer than 180 bottles find their way to Alberta most years. My tasting note is below.

Last but certainly not least, we have just been given pricing on the most recent release of Glenfarclas Family Casks. The pricing is valid through August 13th. We have to submit our orders to the importer the following day. The whiskies would arrive in November/December.

I hope you enjoy this edition of the Malt Messenger.

Sláinte!

In This Edition

  1. Whisky Advent 2017 Teaser
  2. Independents Day Tasting
  3. Whiskies of Summer Festival
  4. NEW KWM Exclusive Arran Casks
  5. NEW KWM Exclusive Whisky Fassle Blended Malt
  6. NEW Whiskies From Springbank & Glengyle
  7. NEW Cooper’s Choice Bottlings Including a KWM Exclusive
  8. NEW Whiskies From Heads & Tails
  9. NEW Teeling Whiskies
  10. Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017
  11. Glenfarclas Family Cask Pricing

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

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

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

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Whisky Advent 2017 Teaser

Pre-orders start next week!

We couldn’t resist sharing the artwork for our 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar. In the four years we have been producing our own Calendar, this is the best yet! This year’s Calendar features 25 all new whiskies, not featured in any of the previous 3 editions. It also includes our first Canadian, and Dutch whiskies. We are feeling very nostalgic, in the midst of celebrating our 25th Anniversary. We wanted the design to reflect that, and we think our designer delivered. Here is a teaser image of our Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar.

We will formally begin taking pre-orders for the Kensington Wine Market 2017 Whisky Advent Calendar on Monday August 7; but we will track any requests made before then. In the meantime we are diligently working to finalize the price!

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Independents Day, Tasting 

Tuesday August 8, $50

With the price of distillery bottlings soaring, Independent Bottlers are offering some of the best value single malt whiskies, especially when it comes to mature bottlings. Join us for an exploration of independently bottled single malts from some of our favourite bottlers including: the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Gordon Macphail, Signatory Vintage, Old Malt Cask, Coppers Choice, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency and more!

Call 403-283-8000 or register online!

 

The Whiskies of Summer Festival 

Thursday August 17 2017 – $50 Including a Glencairn Glass 

This festival style tasting will feature 80-100 whiskies with a high proportion of single malts, highlighting some of the newest arrivals in store. We have several new KWM exclusive casks, Gather your friends and fellow whisky connoisseurs for a night of great whisky.

Call 403-283-8000 or register online!

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Two New Amazing Value KWM Exclusive Arran Casks 

Both 20 Year Old Sherry Hogshead Casks, at Cask Strength and just $150! 

Arran has been one of our favourite malts for a long time now. The distillery is now in its 22nd year and it is still one of our best value propositions. When we ask for cask samples from the distillery, to select our own casks, rather than having a hard time selecting, we have a hard time turning casks down. That’s why when presented with the opportunity to bottle our first 20 year old Arran, the oldest bottling of Arran yet to come to Canada, we couldn’t settle on just one cask we had to have two. These are our 9th and 10th exclusive single casks of Arran at KWM!

  1. Arran 1996 KWM 20 Year Cask 964 – 52.5% – Sherry Hogshead – 262 Bottles – Distilled: 12/08/1996 – Bottled: 05/04/2017 – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: bright, floral and citrussy; lemon slices, peeled orange and tangerines; cinnamon spiced honey butter and soft leather leads to appricots and dried dark fruits; all along there is a creamy base with bright floral top notes. Palate: very honeyed: liquid, honey butter and honey sticks; more orange and tangerines, big juicy citrus tones and a base of creamy, floral vanilla bean (American oak?); chewy with sweet waxy Starburst fruit candies and a touch of darker dried fruits; more dried apricot and soft silky leather; some gentle earthy tones and soft leather hinting at sherry seasoning and dunnage warehouse maturation. Finish: long, sweet, coating and citrussy with more bright floral tones and all kinds of honey. Comment: despite its age which has given it a silky backbone, this malt is still bright, fresh and layered; it is to borrow a phrase, eminently quaffable; perhaps dangerously so!” – $150
  2. Arran 1996 KWM 20 Year Cask 1649 – 50.8% – Sherry Hogshead – 233 Bottles – Distilled: 28/10/1996 – Bottled: 05/04/2017 – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: jujubes, melon, Seville orange and soft polished leather; bread and butter pudding with a side of Christmas cake; very jammy: raspberry, strawberry, plums and figs; infused dark chocolate, toasted oak and honey; darker than cask 964, but far from over the top. Palate: round, fruity, citric and honeyed(it is after-all still an Arran) with lovely decadent spices, dark sugars and more soft polished leather; the fruit and spice infused dark chocolate is still there with more jammy tones (mixed berry and fig being the most prominent); the oak notes are soft, silky and balanced. Finish: long, coating and decadent with loads of fruit, honey, chocolate and gentle oak spices. Comment: like the sister cask, 1649 is also fresh, silky; layered; darker in profile it is a more traditional sherry matured whisky; darker, spicier and more decadent but still complex.” – $150

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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

 

New Whiskies From Springbank & Glengyle 

Hazelburn, Kilkerran and Longrow Oh My! 

There are three new single malts from the J.A. Mitchel & Co. family, Springbank and Glengyle distilleries. These Campbeltonian malts are very limited, with no more than 120 bottles having come to Canada.

  1. Kilkerran 8 Year Cask Strength – 52.6% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: The peat aroma from the lightly peated barley is apparent from the off and some of the green apples which are becoming a feature of Kilkerran are also present. This whisky is like a favourite dessert, rhubarb crumble, stewed rhubarb, vanilla and all butter shortbread. Palate: There’s an earthiness and saltiness, exactly what you want to taste in a Campbeltown dram. This is combined with icing sugar and puff candy which gives a sweetness to the whisky, along with milk chocolate and walnut flavours. Finish: The peat remains, along with a sootiness, pencil shavings and a liquorice influenced maltiness.” – $85
  2. Springbank Hazelburn 13 Year Sherry – 47.1% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Initially raisins, marzipan, Demerara sugar followed by treacle, sticky toffee and wood shavings. Taste: Homemade strawberry jam, sugary and filled with cream, orange zest, brandy snaps and a white chocolate creme brûlée. Finish: Chocolate orange, creamy coffee liqueur, buttered popcorn, cocoa beans and mocha coffee with a delicate finish of sweet orange marmalade.” – $118
  3. Springbank Longrow Red 13 Year Malbec – 51.3% – Matured in ExRed Wine Malbec Casks – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: A very coastal beginning; sea salt with a fresh sea air breeze, then becomes very fruity. Sweet cocktail cherries, blackberries and red currants. A faint and subtle note of cigar boxes and tobacco comes through. Palate: The fruitiness continues with rhubarb crumble, stewed apples and juicy plums. Cured ham follows with a very soft and delicate touch of peat with more coastal, sea salt notes. Finish: Red wine tannins dominate, combined with smouldering campfire smoke and the ever present fresh fruit notes of prunes and cherries.” – $112

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NEW Coopers Choice Whiskies Including a KWM Exclusive 

Some amazing value Single Malts, Single Grains & Introducing the 25th Anniversary Family Silver, a 44 Year old Blend 

First and foremost the Cooper’s Choice 25th Anniversary Family Silver bottling, a 44 year old Blend created with a rare old single malt and two rare old single grains, all distilled in 1972. The blend consists of 40% Lochside 1972 Single Malt, 30% Garnheath 1972 Single Grain; and 30% Invergordon 1972 Single Grain. The whiskies were married in a single cask, yielding just 480 bottles. Only 30 are coming to Alberta, exclusively to KWM.

Cooper’s Choice The Family Silver 1972 Blended Scotch Whisky – 41% – 44 Year – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Coconut and stewed fruits. Orange blossom. Palate: Oaky vanilla. Peaches. Chocolate orange and tropical fruits. Exceptionally smooth.  Finish: Soft and sweet. The fruit and coconut lingers long in the memory.” – $300

Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: very oily, decadent and juicy; loads of creamed honey, Scottish tablet, floral tones, waxy pears and corn syrup; honeydew melon, peaches and some bright orange. Palate: thick, creamy, coating, decadent and fruity; warm oatmeal with cream and brown sugar; more waxy pears, dried apricot, honeydew melon and orange pith; soft, decadent crisp spices; still sweet and decadent with clean silky grains notes. Finish: long, coating, creamy and silky with floral vanilla and more soft fruits: melon, citrus and apricots. Comment: this whisky is both showing its age, but still very lithe and elegant; there are no bitter edges in this grain forward blend; not mind blowing but very good, especially for the price! – $300

As to the other Cooper’s Choice bottlings, there is Croftenga, a peated single malt from the Loch Lomond distillery, which is fairly rare; and the price on this one is very competitive compared with some others we’ve seen. We also don’t see many bottlings of Ben Nevis anymore, and this 20 year old is very reasonably priced. The Glen Keith is also the most equitably priced bottling from that distillery we’ve seen in a while; although the distillery is still open, it had a long period of closure and its whisky is not often as often see bottled as it was… The distillery did go through period of closure by was recently reopened. The Invergordon at Cask Strength looks like the best deal, a 30 year old for less than $180… and the Cameronbridge actually sold out instantly. Fortunately we were able to find another case. We are expecting just 12 bottles of each whisky, and have just 6 of the Cameronbridge left!

  1. Cooper’s Choice Ben Nevis 1996 –  46% – 20 Year – Sherry Cask – $180
  2. Cooper’s Choice Cameronbridge 1995 – 46% – 21 Year – Hogshead – $120
  3. Cooper’s Choice Croftengea 2006 – 46% – 10 Year – Heavily Peated – $86
  4. Cooper’s Choice Glen Keith 1996 – 46% – 20 Year – Jurancon Finish – $165
  5. Cooper’s Choice Glenlossie 1997 – 46% – 19 Year – Madeira Finish – $163
  6. Cooper’s Choice Invergordon 1984 – 57% – 30 Year – Refill Butt – $178

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NEW Whiskies From Heads & Tails 

Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, Whisky Fassle & The Whisky Agency 

There is an assortment of very limited and unique new whiskies from Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, The Whisky Agency and & Whisky Fassle on the market. Look for these to trickle into the shop over the next couple of months. More than half have tasting notes from Serge @ WhiskyFun.org or Ruben @ WhiskyNotes.be . Some of them have gotten very good reviews. The mystery Speyside malt from 1973 is especially interesting. We don’t see many 43 year old, possibly “Glenfarclas” bottlings for around $600 anymore!

Details are thin on some of them, we will be updating our website with them as time permits.

Jack Wiebers

  1. Jack Wiebers Ben Nevis 1996 Old Train Line – 52.9% – 20 Year – Bourbon Barrel – No Tasting Note at this time! – $340
  2. Jack Wiebers Glenrothes 1996 Old Tran Line – 49.1% – 21 Year – Bourbon Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $320

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Maltbarn

  1. Maltbarn Capperdonich 1994 – 49.8% – 22 Year – Bourbon Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $350
  2. Maltbarn Craigellachie 2007 – 48.6%- 9 Year – Sherry Cask – No Tasting Note at this time! – $200

The Whisky Agency

  1. The Whisky Agency Blended Malt XO Three Rivers Tokyo – 45.8% – Ex-Sherry – No tasting note at present. – $210
  2. The Whisky Agency Cragganmore 1989 – 52.1% – 27 Year – Hogshead – 90pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “Nose: crustier, maltier, cakier, and above all, more mineral and earthy, while the background remains very orange-y. More multi-dimensional, with also some camphor, humus, damp pipe tobacco, and autumn leaves. The others where more ‘immediate’, perhaps thanks to the sherry, while this one’s more complex. With water: these notes of fresh plaster and wet chalk that I enjoy so much. A little menthol. Mouth (neat): a lot of peppermint, lemon curd, earthy stuff, drops of cough syrup, mint cordial, bitter oranges as always… I find this extremely good, and perhaps a tad more ‘islands’ than the average Cragganmores. With water: I’ll tell you, it loves water. Totally loves water, totally (Donald, come out of this body!) Cointreau and crème de menthe, with a little wax. Finish: long, soothing, herbal, lemony, mineral, Sancerre-y. Comments: an unusual Cragganmore, perhaps ex-Clynelish wood? Right up my alley – and did I tell you that it loves water?” – $385
  3. The Whisky Agency Fettercairn 1988 – 49.9% – 28 Year – Hogshead – No tasting note at present. – $390
  4. The Whisky Agency Glen Elgin 1995 – 53.5% – 21 Year – No oak type specified – No tasting note at present. – $245
  5. The Whisky Agency Irish Malt 1990 – 48.1% – 27 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – 91pts Whisky Notes: “Nose: luscious fruits, ranging from gooseberries to tangerines, lime, pineapples and fresh banana. Also a warmer side of guava and tiny hints of vanilla ice cream. Hints of rapeseed oil. Mouth: pretty stunning (again). Always a pleasure to find so much pineapple, bananas, coconut, mango and lychee in whisky. Simple pleasures. There’s a slight herbal edge which becomes rounder with a drop of water. Finish: long, still tropically fruity but with a drier feel to it now, more coconut and an almost mineral finale.” – $490
  6. The Whisky Agency Irish Malt XO – 45.8% – Average age of 18-30 Years – Bourbon Barrel – A joint bottling with Head’s & Tails – No tasting notes at this time! – $255
  7. The Whisky Agency Mannochmore 1988 – 46% – 28 Year – Hogshead – 87 Points Serge @ Whisky Fun: “Colour: straw. Nose: it’s very fruity! No varnish this time, no nail polish, rather marshmallows aplenty and a rather perfect maltiness, plus green branches and leaves. It’s rather sharp, ‘nervous’, and kind of delicate at the same time. Wulong tea, kiwis, rhubarb… There’s an obvious parentage with the F&F, but this is rather deeper. Old age, I suppose… Mouth: very good, green-fruity, with more kiwis, more grapefruits, and indeed more rhubarb, greengages… It’s got a perfect acidic side, very refreshing, and you don’t even need to add ice. Perfect body. Finish: rather long, superbly acidic and green. And wait, in the aftertaste, some green melons! Comments: an uplifting Mannochmore, and quite bizarrely, the exact opposite of Loch Dhu. Do you know Loch Dhu? Do you know Rosebank?” – 6 Left – $375
  8. The Whisky Agency Speyside 1973 – 46.9% – 43 Year – Hogshead – 92pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “There’s no doubt whatsoever that this will be excellent. Colour: pale gold. Nose: walnut oil, ink, paraffin, beeswax, plantain bananas, and a wee slice of white ham. Austere, beautifully so. Also leaves, bay leaves, cut grass, and apple peel. Mouth: hell. Mint, sauerkraut, turnips, green olives, green bananas, manioc, turmeric, and some guava juice to make all that sweeter. We’re clearly in riesling territories, and since the bottler is German, I’d say Knipser’s Steinbuckel. Great German Riesling – this from an Alsatian, so take my word! Finish: medium to long, a tad sweeter and rounder. Orange and passion fruit compote, and a wee touch of lavender honey for good measure. Comments: these are the malts to buy these days. There’s no better new old Speysiders, anywhere. Yeah, unless, you know, at auctions for hefty prices… Seriously, buy this if you can find it! Or its siblings…” – $620
  9. The Whisky Agency Teaninich 1973 – 48.8% – 43 Year – Ex-Sherry Butt – Bottled under “The Perfect Dram” Label – Only 1 bottle left! – $650
  10. The Whisky Agency Tennessee Bourbon 2003 – 52.6% – 13 Year – 88pts Whisky Base: “Nose: much more caramel aromas now, with waxed furniture. The polished aspect of oak, rather than the spicy, plankish notes. Very round. Sweet corn. Coconut cream, hints of Mexican chocolate. The most liqueur-like of the three. Almonds and pecans, almost sherried in a way. Mouth: very much on the coconut flakes again. Hints of pomegranates, then the eucalyptus and herbal tea. Cloves. Somehow smoother than you’d expect from a 13 years old bourbon. Finish: long, on polished oak, char and spices.” – $235 

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Whisky Fassle

  1. Whisky Fasle 1964 Single Grain – 47.7% – 52 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – Undisclosed Lowland Grain Distillery – Whisky Notes Tasting Note: “Nose: nicely vannilled and syrupy, with pear juice and warm oak. Hints of both American bourbon and exotic rum. Coconut and bananas flambéed. Hints of pencil shavings. Creamy mocha candy. A little toasted oak and warm brioche. Crushed mint in the back. Easy to like, more complex than expected. Mouth: now more bourbonny than rummy, but still quite smooth. Honey and caramels, vanilla custard, a little leather. Heavily baked cake. Coconut. Maybe some papaya. Certainly influenced by the oak (baking spices) but not tired or woody, very smooth and creamy actually. Finish: long, slightly spicier now (pepper, clove). Something of flan with sweet oranges and burnt sugar.” – Only 12 Bottles – 6 Left – $730
  2.  Whisky Fassle Irish Malt XO – 50.6% – A marriage of Irish Single Malts Distilled 1989-91 and 2000-3 – Bottled 2016 – Whisky Notes Tasting Note: “Nose: fresh, bright and very fruity. Banana, lemon, pineapple, whitecurrant. Rather great. Sweet barley. Hints of lime blossom, grasses, buttercups and light honey. Mouth: same fruitiness. Melons, pears, pineapple, sweetened grapefruit juice too. More of a vague Haribo fruitiness, lacking some of the unique passion fruits of the old (non-blended) Irish malts, if you know what I mean. Some minty notes and young grassy touches. Back to powder sugar and almonds. Hints of vanilla, and perhaps a little latte. Green spices too. Finish: long, on biscuits, fruits and a little green oak.” – Only 12 Bottles – $315
  3. Whisky Fassle KWM ‘extra old’ 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

KWM9

NEW Teeling Whiskies 

Two New SIngle Malts from Ireland’s Most Innovative Whisky Firm 

Two new limited edition single malts from the Teeling Distillery have just arrived. The first is the third release in the Teeling Revival Series, Volume 3. The whiskey is a 14 year old finished for a year in Pineau des Charentes casks, after maturing 13 years in Ex-Bourbon. The other malt is the first in the new Barbazon series, released to highlight the influence of different oak types on the maturation of whiskey. The first is matured in ex-Sherry. Both are available now and are not expected to last long!

  1. Teeling Revival Volume 3 14 Year – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Finished 1 Year in Pineau des Charentes – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Earthy dried fruit and roasted hazelnut, with marmalade, peach, plum and burnt toffee. Taste: A rich sherry sweetness, red berries, nuttiness and toffee, with a hint of liquorish and clove. Finish: Lingering mixed spice, trail-mix, crisped marshmallow, dry tannins and spice with toasted wood.” – $175
  2.  Teeling Barbazon Single Malt Series 3 – 49.5% – Matured in Ex-Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Earthy dried fruit and roasted hazelnut, with marmalade, peach, plum and burnt toffee. Taste: A rich sherry sweetness, red berries, nuttiness and toffee, with a hint of liquorish and clove. Finish: Lingering mixed spice, trail-mix, crisped marshmallow, dry tannins and spice with toasted wood.” – $108

Loch Gorm 17

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017 

Just landed… it won’t last long!

Loch Gorm was the second core release from the Kilchoman distillery, and it has been one of its most consistently popular, so much so that it is released once a year and sells out almost immediately. The whisky was distilled in 2009, matured in Oloroso Sherry and bottled in 2017 at 46% without colouring or chillfilerting. Alberta’s once annual allocation has arrived, it will not last long.

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 2017 – 46% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: an Ileach Christmas: Christmas Cake by the peat fire, after a seafood supper, with a healthy sherried dram; cedar spice box, salty Dutch licorice, dark chocolate shavings and tobacco. Palate: round, rich and oily; more Christmas cake, oily peat and salty Dutch licorice; a touch of tar, dark chocolate and loads of spices; the warm cedar note is still there; some subtle citrus tones underneath with a base of juicy malt. Finish: medium long and coating; oily and sherried with gentle peat, salty licorice and more juicy malt. Comment:

this is a very drinkable Loch Gorm, the softest I can remember sampling; truly an Ileach Christmas in a glass! – $118

Producer Description: ” Loch Gorm is the name given to our annually bottled sherry cask matured limited edition. The 2017 edition is the sixth and oldest instalment of the range, having been matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry butts filled in 2009. With the majority of our whisky being matured in ex bourbon barrels, Loch Gorm is the only release to be maturated exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, only 13,500 bottles will be available worldwide. Like many of our expressions, Loch Gorm releases have been evolving over the years and this, the 2017 edition, is the oldest yet.  This extra maturation has afforded it a full-bodied richness which combines with the peat smoke and fruity flavours typical of Kilchoman to create a truly unique Islay single malt.” – $118

GF FC

Glenfarclas Family Cask Pricing 

Taking Requests Until August 13th, for Late Fall Delivery 

We have been offered pricing on available Glenfarclas Family Cask bottlings, including a large number of new bottlings. The Glenfarclas Family Casks have become a global commodity since they were first launched more than a decade ago. They could sell everything they release to Taiwan and Asia, who are the principal driving force on price, but they make an effort to spread it around. Attached you will find pre-order pricing for Glenfarclas Family Casks. Bottles would be delivered in late 2017. You’ll note some of them have surged in the last few years. Vintages with prices which look inflated, are a reflection of the fact the distillery is nearly out of whisky from that year. Please get back to me ASAP, available quantities of some of these whiskies is limited, and this offer was sent out to retailers around the world! The Order Deadline is August 13 2017.

Please note, we used a formula to calculate the pricing, you’ll note it has not been rounded. Prices do not include GST. The pricing is only valid through August 13, 2017, while we put together our order! Bottles should arrive late in the fall. >

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

Isle of Raasay Distillery Opening in September 2017 – Scotch Whisky News

Isle of Raasay Distillers

Isle of Raasay Distillery Opening in September 2017

In September 2017, whisky makers R&B Distillers will officially open the Isle of Raasay Distillery, the first (legal!) whisky distillery on this small Hebridean island. R&B Distillers are bringing this traditional Scottish craft to an unchartered whisky region, harnessing the raw elements of the unique terroir to create the first Raasay Scotch, which will be ready to drink from 2020.

Co-founders Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie are realising a dream to make whisky in this uncommon location. Alasdair Day describes the uniqueness project: “It is the location; an island off an island with complex geology, water and island climate with probably the best views form any distillery in Scotland, that makes Raasay ideal for our innovative Scotch whisky distillery.”

Raasay is a small island, only fourteen miles in length, situated off the East coast of Skye. The island’s 120 residents have watched eagerly as this disused Gothic villa hotel, Borodale House, has been transformed into the new distillery, adjacent visitors’ centre and Na Tùsairean Club members’ accommodation which will be opening later.

In February 2016, R&B Distillers received permission from the Highland Council to bring the first distillery to Raasay. The young brand subsequently secured grants from the Food Processing Marketing and Co-Operation Grants Scheme, as well as the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, for the development of a visitor’s centre which is projected to bring in 12,000 visitors to Raasay in the first year.

Designed by Olli Blair from ABIR Architects and Allen Associates, the distillery incorporates the Victorian Borodale house and the modernity of a brand new distillery. However, the main feature of the design brief was to showcase and compliment the stunning views from the distillery site. This has been taken into careful consideration throughout.

The distillery on Raasay will be furnished with two copper pot stills sourced from Frilli in Tuscany and R&B predict that it will be able to produce 150,000 bottles of Scotch whisky a year. Single malt, Raasay While We Wait is an aptly named taste of the style of whisky that will be produced on Raasay. It is lightly peated to reflect the volcanic mineral content in the water supply, and balanced by fruity notes from Tuscan red wine finishing casks. The team also has the long-term ambition of using all-local ingredients – water, peat and barley– to create a spirit that is a true reflection of this uncommon terroir. In June 2017, R&B Distillery commenced Barley growing trails on the island to assess the possibility of growing and ripening barley suitable for whisky making locally with farmers and crofters.

The distillery will be independently owned and operated and is expected to generate employment for up to 10% of the island residents. In July 2017 R&B announced the distillery team who will be integral to whisky production: the team is comprised of an island resident, a young distilling graduate and a master distiller with decades of whisky prowess.

R&B Distillers are proud to be utilising some of the raw talent found on Raasay: they have employed Raasay local, Norman Gillies, as Distillery Manager. Norman was born and raised on Raasay and has been involved in the distillery project from the early days, working as Site Engineer and then Ground Foreman on the construction process. With a strong engineering background coupled with experience on the build from the outset, Norman understands the workings of the distillery.

Iain Robertson has been appointed as the Distiller and has relocated to the island to join the team. Iain is a recent Honours graduate of the Heriot Watt Brewing and Distilling school. During his studies, he took a placement at North British grain distillery and worked at Edinburgh’s The Scotch Whisky Experience as one of their highly knowledgeable tour guides. Iain is not only formally educated in the art and science of distilling but is innovative and enthusiastic about respectfully pushing the boundaries of the spirit.

Master Distiller Chris Anderson will be joining Iain and Norman for the inaugural 5 months to oversee the initial distillation. He has experience at Dewars and United Distillery, and has helped with production at Ardnamurchan and Kilchoman distilleries – he will lend this expertise to the Raasay Distillery. Most recently he has been involved with the Lakes Distillery in Cumbria and the construction of neighbouring Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye. Chris will be invaluable to R&B Distillers as they establish one of Scotland’s newest whisky distilleries.

R&B stands for Raasay and Borders, two unique landscapes brought together through one unique whisky company. Co-founder Alasdair Day embodies this coupling. His great grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides while his other great grandfather, Richard Day was a Masterblender in the Borders in the early 19th Century. It is this history that has prompted R&B’s ongoing project to build distilleries at these twin roots. The former, on Raasay, will soon be a reality.

NOTES:

Isle of Raasay Distillery will produce Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

• Capacity: 94,000 LPA

• Fermentation Time: 90 hours

• Spirit Still: 3,600 L

• Wash Still: 5,000 L

• Washback Size: 5,000 L

• Maturation: All maturation on site

Produced using local water supply at every stage of distillation and reduction

Isle of Raasay Distillery

Borodale House, Isle of Raasay, Kyle IV40 8PB

www.raasaydistillery.com

Facebook: RaasayDistillery Twitter: @raasaywhisky Instagram: @raasaydistillery

 

Sip & Sense: VR Cocktail Experience – VR News

Sip

Baptiste & Bottle of The Conrad Hotel in Chicago and The Macallan have collaborated to create the ultimate Rare Journey cocktail experience that will transport guests to The Macallan Cooperage in Scotland. Launched July 27th, the $95 cocktail will explain the symbiotic relationship between scotch whisky and sherry through the senses and a virtual reality cocktail experience.

Guests begin with a shallow box laid out in front of them, which is then filled with items that tell The Macallan story.

The experience kicks off when guests put on the virtual reality headset, and are transported to the distillery. During the trip, they will see the entire whisky process and other highlights. Baptiste & Bottle will then create the cocktail and pour it into special glassware that can uniquely house an ounce and a half of liquid without releasing alcohol vapors – allowing guests the opportunity to only experience the aromas of sherry and scotch. By the time the virtual trip is complete, the cocktail is waiting for the guest to enjoy.

sip1

Milroys August Tastings – Whisky News

aa-milroys1

Milroys August Tasting Events

August 7th ~ Scotland v The World

Buy Now

August 12th~ Introduction to Whisky ~ 3pm

Buy Now

August 14th ~ Hunter Laing

Buy Now

August 21st ~ Douglas Laing

Buy Now

Glencairn1

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom

Cadenhead’s 175th Picture This…- Scotch Whisky News

Caden1

175th Picture This…

Here we are in the hight of the summer season and obviously still turning out some amazing new single malts. The response to the last outturn took us all by surprise in London as vintage after vintage vanished from the shelves. Taste was the main driving force for the sudden demand that overtook us as customer after customer was blown away. Back in January we did say 2017 was going to be special I think we can agree it’s lived up to all our expectations and more. August sees the largest release of the season, with our small batch range and the 175th Picture Labels.

The Fellowship Of The Cask

In London, a small group who answered a call on Facebook took part in 17 blind samples, from the 17 our group (The Fellowship of the Cask as they are known) selected a top 5 based on taste. No other detail was revealed to them be it age, wood or distillery. They narrowed their top 5 into order with the Glenburgie 25 years old, distilled 1992, bottled a few weeks ago coming out on top. They loved the taste and complexity of the dram and for once they did not go for an Islay!

This same process of selecting and tasting was carried out in each of the Cadenhead’s 9 Shops. We expected a few to go for the same product but they all chose a unique cask, so no issues over who would get their first option! 10 Casks have been bottled, one for each shop plus a Springbank for the first outlet in Aberdeen back in 1842, this also marks the move from Aberdeen to Campbeltown of Cadenhead’s.

All the casks selected are listed at the end of this Newsletter. I bet you guys think this is it for the 175th! Well not quite is all we can say for now…

Now to the whisky and the ones to watch…

When I select a whisky I am looking for taste obviously, age and the cask type…Same as most others no doubt unless it’s a rare cask bottling you want! Lets dig into the taste over the age shall we so where should you start?

Ord 2005 (See notes below), this is a rare highland whisky that’s had several vintages released, each one becomes highly prized due to reviews and tasting room demand. Think summer fruits with a dash of vanilla make this dram drinkable on it’s own or after dinner.

Glen Spey 2001, this has always been a top favourite here in London since way back in 1995! Citrus freshness for a clean palate with a touch of old school elegance, this is a must have dram for all-round drinkers.

Each vintage is exceptional this season, as always our selected top dram will be down to how different it is and what the reaction was. The great thing about whisky is the ever changing tastes we get, so much so we are always updating what was the best in the tasting via our shops Facebook page you will see what others say via Stephen Worrall (Cadenhead’s London) you do need a request to view the full page.

AA Cadenheads

 

SCOTTISH WHISKY EXPERT OPENS GLASSMAKING STUDIO AFTER CROWDFUND CAMPAIGN

Studio Launch - Charles MacLean opens the studio

SCOTTISH WHISKY EXPERT OPENS GLASSMAKING STUDIO AFTER CROWDFUND CAMPAIGN

An award-winning family firm, which specialises in gifts for whisky lovers, has opened a state-of-the-art glassmaking studio following a Crowdfunding appeal.

Whisky expert and author Charles MacLean cut the ribbon on the new facility at Stirling-based giftware company Angels’ Share Glass.

It will allow co-founders, Tom Young MBE and his daughter Karen Somerville, to increase production of their glass creations and train a new generation of glassblowers to continue their glassmaking legacy.

Mr MacLean said: “I’m so pleased to have been invited here today to open the studio – this is already a terrific company and the new venture will move it even further forward.

“The glass angels they make are very fun and appealing while the whisky water droppers are so elegant and useful – in my opinion every whisky connoisseur should have at least one of them.

“It’s wonderful to see a small Scottish company doing so well and selling their gifts all over the world.”

The firm launched a crowdfunding campaign which raised £11,000 to help fund the studio.

The co-founders also received extra funding from the Scottish Microfinance Fund allowing them to develop a well-equipped bespoke studio at their headquarters.

This will now be used instead of Mr Young’s home workshop which is too small to keep up with rising demand.

At the launch ceremony, guests – including local dignitaries, business clients and Crowdfund supporters – had the chance to watch the firm’s glassmaker Bee Hardy demonstrate her glassblowing skills in the new studio.

Stirling Bailie Chris Kane, representing the Provost’s Office, said: “It was fascinating to see one of Tom’s legendary Angels being blown in the new studio, particularly by new glassblower Bee showing just how well Tom has taught her the secrets of the trade.

“It is testament to Tom – and his daughter Karen – that their creativity and business acumen has taken the journey from Tom’s garden shed to a purpose- built studio in just four years.

“With their products held in such high regard by both the whisky industry and whisky drinkers all over the world, I can’t wait to see what’s next for this Stirling business success story.”

The firm’s Managing Director Karen Somerville was delighted to see the studio open and thanked everyone who has supported the firm since it was established in 2013.

She said: “The studio is badly needed thanks to increasing demand for our products and the phenomenal growth we’ve experienced since start-up.

“It will give our glassmaker Bee a fantastic base to work from and ensure the art of glassmaking continues to have a bright future in Stirling.”

Her father, Tom Young, has been making glass by hand using traditional methods for 60 years and recently received an MBE for his services to glassmaking.

He said: “Having a new studio with more space for staff to work in means a lot to me.

“It will be a great advantage when it comes to passing glassblowing skills onto a new generation of young glassmakers and making sure we keep the tradition alive.”

More information on Angels’ Share Glass can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Studio Launch _ Glassmaker Bee Hardy makes a Glass Angel

Notes  Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm is co-directed by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found on the website at www.angelsshareglass.com

 


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