It has been almost exactly a month since the last full Malt Messenger. A lot has transpired over that stretch of time, and there are a lot of new whiskies to tell you about. So many new whiskies in fact that there will be another Messenger in the next two weeks so as to spread them out a little.

January is always a busy month for the Kensington Wine Market Whisky Team. The middle of the month is dominated by the Calgary MS Whisky Festival. The 7th Annual, 2018 edition was a roaring success, with 300+ whiskies showcased to over 500 guests. After accounting for costs the event raised over $50,000.00 for the MS Society. Not bad for a single night of dramming. The event was also the first appearance by Curt Robinson, a Calgary whisky blogger and Whisky Club (Dram Initiative) President, as member of the KWM Team. We would like to welcome Curt and another new hire, Keith Loach, to the KWM team!

The day after the Calgary MS Whisky Festival, Evan and I made the trek to Victoria for the Victoria Whisky Festival. Despite the drama surrounding the confiscation of Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies from their BC partner bars on the Thursday before, the organizers put on another superb event. In my opinion, it is still Canada’s best whisky festival, and one of the best in the world.

Before getting in to all the new whiskies, I’d like to make you aware of a couple of exciting events we will be holding in the next few weeks weeks. Firstly, on Thursday February 22nd, KWM will be hosting its second annual Feis Isle (Islay Festival) in-store. The event will feature over 80 Islay and Islay adjacent (aka Islayternatives) whiskies as well as a few malts from Jura & Campbeltown. The cost is just is just $50, and it includes a glass. If the current weather holds, you’ll be grateful for all the peat!

Secondly, we have also teamed up with some partners, Peasant Cheese, the Brasserie Kensington and Bamboo Ballroom, to put on the first ever Lassie’s Only Whisky Festival on Wednesday March 7. This Ladies only whisky festival event is in support of the Brenda Strafford Society, which works to prevent domestic abuse and provide shelter for families. 100% of the ticket price, $40, will be passed on to the Brenda Strafford Society to aid their efforts.

On the new whisky front, our latest KWM exclusive single cask release popped up a couple of weeks back. You may have seen it if you’ve been in-store or follow us on social media. The Duncan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain 2008 KWM Cask, is one of the smallest single casks we’ve ever bottled… only 66 total bottles. A third of these have already sold in just two weeks, blink and you’ll miss them!

We also have 4 new exclusive whiskies from Gordon Macphail’s Distillery Label range. We have a pair of savoury 18 year old Ardmores, as well as some good value young bottlings of Glen Grant and Strathisla. On the Islay side there is the first two releases of the new and very limited Bowmore Vintners Trilogy. We have a new Canadian single malt too, and Yukon Brewing and Distillings’ Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 8.

Arran marked another special anniversary late last year. The island distillery’s manager, James MacTaggart, marked his 10th anniversary with the company. Only 180 bottles of the Arran James MacTaggart 10th Anniversary release have come to Alberta. It is lovely, and a fitting tribute to a fine gentleman!

We don’t often find ourselves getting excited about Johnnie Walker whiskies, but the Johnnie Walker Blue Ghost & Rare is lovely. The whisky has been built around whisky from the closed, but soon to reopened, Brora distillery. Johnnie Walker has been unusually open about the composition of this blend, which includes the whiskies from 7 other distilleries, two of them closed (Cambus and Pittyvaich).

There are also four expressions of a new to Canada French whisky in the market. The heavily peated Kornog whiskies come from the Glann ar Mor Distillery in Brittany. If you are not familiar with the brand, you may be with its owner Jean Donnay, who is behind the project to build a distillery at Gartbreck on Islay. Two of the whiskies are extremely limited.

There are a slew of new Cooper’s Choice whiskies coming in too. We have highlighted 7 of them below including three mystery malts: “Skara Brae”, “Kilnaughton” and “Laggan Mill”. We can’t say for sure but we are pretty confident these are actually, Highland Park, Ardbeg and Lagavulin. We had suspicions, but after tasting them we are all but certain! They are pretty tasty too… my notes below.

We also have some new whiskies from Archives, an independent bottling label run by Whisky Base. These include an Ardmore matured in ex-Laphroaig casks, the oldest Port Charlotte (16 Years) that we’ve ever seen and a “Probably Glenfarclas” 18 year old Speyside single malt. I’ve written up tasting notes on three of them and they too are lovely.

Last but not least, Teeling Revival Volume IV is also here. This 15 year old Irish single malt has been matured in Ex-Bourbon and finished for 12 months in unique “Muscat Port barrels.” We are only expecting to see a dozen bottles of this release.

I hope this Malt Messenger finds you well. If you have any comments, questions or requests don’t hesitate to send me an email.

Slàinte!

Andrew

In This Edition

1. Feis Isle: Islay Whisky Festival
2. Lassies Only Whisky Festival for the Brenda Straford Society
3. New Duncan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain 2008 KWM Cask
4. Four New Exclusive Distillery Label Bottlings from Gordon Macphail
5. Introducing Arran James Mac Taggart 10^th Anniversary
6. Introducing the Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy
7. Introducing: Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 8
8. Introducing Kornog Peated Single Malt Whisky from France
9. Introducing Johnny Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare
10. New Cooper’s Choice Whiskies Part 1
11. New Next Week: Telling Revial 4
12. New Archives Whiskies from Whisky Base

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

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

KWM’s 2nd Annual Feis Isle: Islay Whisky Festival 

$50 for 80+ Mostly Peaty Islay Whiskies & a Glass – Thursday February 22!

We’ll be cracking as many Islay whiskies as we can, and a few Islayternatives, all in the name of peat and Scottish West Coast culture. Includes a KWM Whisky Glass.

We have some special whiskies lined up for this event, like the first two releases in the Bowmore Vintners Collection (see below), the oldest Port Charlotte ever bottled (see below “Archives”) and some cool Islayternatives…

Register in-store, by phone at 403-283-8000 or online: kensingtonwinemarket.com

The Lassies Only Whisky Festival In Support of the Brenda Strafford Society 

Sorry Gents This One if for the Lassies! 

Sorry gents, this whisky festival is just for the ladies. Our first ever Lassies Only Whisky Festival is in support of the Brenda Strafford Society. 100% of the registration fees from this event will go to the Center which aids women and children escaping abusive relationships. Guests will be welcomed with a cocktail and have the opportunity to sample from up to 80 different whiskies.

Tickets are $40 and include food from our friends at Peasant Cheese and the Brasserie Kensington.

About the Brenda Strafford Society: “The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence has 34 Second-Stage Shelter apartments where our families can stay for up to 6 months in safe, secure shelter. Individualized counselling for women and their children helps them heal from the effects of domestic violence and child care and parenting support is provided to assist with this. While in Second-Stage Shelter, women are at the greatest safety risk. Nearly half of all spousal homicides occur within two months of leaving their abusive partner, making safe affordable housing, specifically for women and children impacted by domestic violence, essential. In addition we have 51 Progressive Housing apartments where the women and their children can stay up to an additional two years while working on their goals with individualized counselling support provided. Our state of the art facility has been designed to enable women and children to move from Second-Stage Shelter apartments into Progressive Housing, our longer term apartments, all in the same security focused building. We believe that the cycle of violence can be broken by providing women and children with supportive programs and services that support healing, build self-confidence and self-awareness that enable long-term stability for families.”

Register in-store, by phone at 403-283-8000 or online: kensingtonwinemarket.com

NEW Dunctan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain 2008 KWM Cask 

There are Only 66 Bottles and 1/3 Are Already Sold!

Our most limited KWM exclusive single cask in a while, just 66 bottles. Matured 9 years in oak casks and finished for 4 months in a bespoke Duncan Taylor Sherry Octave. Bottled at 52.6%.

Duncan Taylor Octaves Bunnahabhain 2008 KWM Cask – 52.6% – 9 Year – My Tasting Note: “Nose: jujubes and a leather barber’s strap; old-fashioned shaving soap in a polished wooden bowl; a touch of chocolate, raisins and figs dipped in honey. Palate: big, heavy and malty with bold sherry notes over a base of honey-vanilla; a thick chocolate base with orange, raisins figs and decadent spices; more polished wood and old-fashioned shaving soap; still leathery, musty and oaky, soft nutty tones and more jujubes; spices transition into candied fennel and a touch of clove. Finish: long, drying and bold; the palate is coating and leathery with more chocolate, citrus, dried dark fruits and spices. Comment: if this was an SMWS malt, I would call it “Eating chocolate & jujubes in a barber’s chair.” – $100

Four New KWM Exclusive Gordon MacPhail Whiskies 

Distillery Label Bottlings from Ardmore, Glen Grant and Strathisla

We just received four new KWM exclusive Gordon Macphail Distillery Label bottlings. There are a pair of 18 year old Ardmores distilled in 1996 and 1998. There are also a pair of y

oung malts from Glen Grant (2008) and Strathisla (2006).

1. G&M Ardmore 1996 – 43% – 18 Year – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: honeyed, ashy and fruity: sliced and candied orange, before the tropical fruits take over; honey butter, clotted cream and wet slate. Palate: still ash, very smoky, buttery and curiously simultaneously drying; toasty, very tropical: mango and papaya, a touch of pineapple; waxy and still fruity: Starburst candies; chewy bacon dipped in maple syrup with building leather and dark spices. Finish: long, sweet, creamy and savoury; creamy honeyed oak, bacon fat, tropical fruits and subtle peat smoke slowly dissipate. Comment: not as meaty or peaty as some other Ardmores I’ve had, but more complex with lots of layers… lovely! – $200
2. G&M Ardmore 1998 – 43% – 18 Year – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: still creamy like the 1996 and buttery, but more of a cultured butter; grapfruit pith, Maroccan marmalade; lemon sherbet and honey baked ham with pureed eas. Palate: brighter than expected: big ctirus, chocolate covered coffee beans and Tiramisu; still ashy, a touch of Christmas cake, black licorice pipes and honey baked ham with cloves. Finish: bigger and brighter with more sherry than the 1996; rich spices and more perfectly cooked honey baked ham (with sweet mustard). Comment: a lovely, sweet and fruity malt; it is curious how much it contrasts with the 1996 G&M Ardmore, which is also 18 years old!” – $170
3. G&M Glen Grant 2008 – 43% – 9 Year – Matured in a mix of first fill sherry hogsheads and refill ex-Bourbon barrels –  Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: bakery and fruity notes leap out of the glass; very honeyed, decadent and tropical; buttery; sliced mango and papaya, honey dew melon and Starburst fruit candies. Palate: light but very fresh and fruity; assorted Starburst candies, more sliced mango and papaya and more of a melon liquor than straight melon; the honey, cream and buttery tones are still there too with some soft leather and gentle earthy notes; late spices. Finish: medium in weight, but with good length; very fresh and fruity. Comment: this is superb for a sub-10 year old single malt; loads of layers and good complexity; fresh decadent and fruity, this is “good morning” whisky!” – $80
4. G&M Strathisla 2006 – 43% – 11 Year – Refill Sherry Butts – Andrew’s Tasting Note Nose: stewed rhubarb pie right from the oven, Wine Gums and Jujubes; apple crumble rich with brown sugar; loads of candied lime and lemon; fresh, floral and creamy. Palate: still creamy, coating and very floral; a touch of green grassy malt before the citrus and oak take over (a touch of Mezcal); some earthy-leathery tones, liquorice and candied fruit; the rhubarb pie element shows its head a little later; becomes more rich and spicy with time. Finish: fresh, coating, creamy and fruity with fading spices; medium length with pleasant flavours. Comment: this is G&M Strathisla as you are not accustomed to seeing it; young, vibrant and layered, before the sherry starts to dominate.” – $96

Arran 10 Year James MacTaggart 10th Anniversary 

A Fitting Tribute to One of Scotland’s Most Underappreciated Distillers 

I still remember the first time I met James MacTaggart, before he took on the post of distillery manager at Arran. It was in 2006 on Islay, where he was the Assistant Distillery Manager of Bowmore. It was my first ever trip to Scotland let alone Islay. I was struck by how warm and welcoming everyone was. As James showed me around Bowmore for the first time I was struck not just by his warm and welcoming Ileach (someone from Islay) nature, but also by the enthusiasm and excitement he had for his craft. Internet was still spotty on Islay at the time, and James let me use his office to post some photos and blog about my visit.

I was thrilled to hear in 2007 that he had taken on the mantle of distillery manager at Arran, a post in which he has excelled as the distillery has built on success after success. 10 years on he still has that glint in his eyes and passion for his craft. He is in my opinion one of the most underappreciated figures in the Scotch whisky industry.

From the Distiller: “In 2017, Master Distiller James MacTaggart celebrates his 10th anniversary at the Isle of Arran Distillery. This fresh and vibrant expression of The Arran Malt has been carefully created by James to mark his 10th anniversary at our Lochranza Distillery. A selection of first fill 10 year-old Bourbon Barrels from James’s first months of production with us in 2007 form the much loved citrus fruit and sweet spice character of this dram. A memorable and classic expression of The Arran Malt.”

Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: rose petals, bright orange, loads of vanilla, honey and creamy oak; baked apple and poached pear; chewy-grassy malt and a whiff of the sea.

Palate: soft, chewy and malty; very honeyed and toasty, warm almond paste filled croissants with a side of sliced citrus fruits; fresh floral barley notes and decadent spice with a touch of brine; wine gums and quince paste. Finish: light, coating and sweet; this is all about the interplay between chewy malt and sweet toasted oak; elegant and fruity to the end. Comment: for a 10 year old whisky this is a standout; lots of layers and complexity; well balanced; this is a tribute to how far Arran has come, and the impact James has had on this thriving distillery over 10 year tenure.”

Arran James MacTaggart 10th Anniversary Malt – 54.2% – 10 Year – 2007 Vintage – Matured in Bourbon Barrels – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: freshly made cider, coconut water/fresh shavings, lemon oil and a hint of sea brine. Palate: the warmth of white pepper is immediate and then softens as boiled sweets start to show. Apple pastries, barley sugar and a complex winey note are in the mid-palate. Finish: the finish is long and has all the freshness of a well-made whisky-sour cocktail which sweetens to candy floss as it fades slowly. A delightful expression of Arran where the true character and complexity shines through beautifully.” – $115

Introducing: The Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy 

The First Two Releases: 18 Year & 26 Year

This new trilogy of whiskies from Bowmore features a trio of wine finished whiskies matured in Bowmore’s storied No. 1 Vaults Warehouse.  The first two releases are here, with the third on the way. The first, an 18 year old was matured in Ex-Bourbon for 13 years and finished for a further 5 years in Mazanilla sherry casks. The second release is a 26 year old, was also matured 13 years in Ex-Bourbon, before maturing another 13 years in Old French Oak Barriques. The final release, a 27 year old, due later this year, was matured Ex-Bourbon before finishing in port wine casks.

1. Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy: 18 Year Old Double Matured Manzanilla – 52.6% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon Barrels & Manzanilla Sherry Casks – Producer Description: “As the world’s oldest scotch maturation house, Bowmore’s legendary No.1 Vaults is the birthplace of coveted and collectable whiskies including the new Vintner’s Trilogy. The first of the Vintner’s Trilogy, Bowmore 18 Year Old is matured in both ex-bourbon barrels and ex-manzanilla sherry barrels, taking on a rich antique gold colour.” – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Breathe in: Notes of treacle, salted caramel, ripe blackcurrants, soft stone fruits, vanilla fudge and spiced Seville oranges. Sip: Subtle hints of menthol and chamomile. Savour: Bitter oranges and a burst of peat smoke.” – $350 – 3 Left! 
2. Bowmore Vintner’s Trilogy: 26 Year Old Wine – 48.7% – 13 Years Ex-Bourbon & 13 Years French Oak Wine Barriques – Producer Description: “As the world’s oldest scotch maturation house, Bowmore’s legendary No.1 Vaults is the birthplace of coveted and collectable whiskies including the new Vintner’s Trilogy. The second in the trilogy, Bowmore 26 Year Old Wine Matured spends time in ex-bourbon barrels and wine barriques, developing a burnt amber colour.” – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Breathe in: Redcurrant jam, camphor oil and cherry pie intermingle with earthy smoke. Sip: Tropical fruits such as papaya and mango and a honeyed sweetness with the addition of water. Savour: Oak spiced smoke and rich dark chocolate with a hint of salt.” – $590 – SOLD OUT

Introducing: Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 8 

A Hopped Single Malt 

Hot of their win in the Canadian whisky awards for Micro-Distillery of the Year, the 8th release of Two Brewers Single Malt from Yukon Brewing & Distilling is here. The whisky has been hopped and is bottled at 43%, Only 920 bottles have been released in the Yukon and Alberta.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 8 – 43% – Hopped Single Malt – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Delicate aromas of light coriander and the hop’s honeyed citrus foretell the silky, light touch of this malt. With a brandy-like core, the slightly citrus notes of hop tickle high on the palate. Honey and butter show briefly with a wisp of spice in the short finish.” – $100

Introducing Kornog Peated French Single Malt 

From Glann Ar Mor Distillery in Brittany 

Kornog is a peated single malt produced by France’s Glann ar Mor distillery in Brittany. Glann ar Mor Distillery, which translates to “by the sea” in the local Breton language, was founded by the Celtic Whisky Compagnie in 1997. The distillery opened in 2005 and its first single malt was launched in 2008. In 2009 the first peated single malt was distilled, called Kornog or “West Wind”. The phenolic level is 30-35ppm. Two of these releases have come in very limited quantities. There are just 3 bottles each available of the Kornog Sant Erwan and Sant Ivy!

1. Kornog Roc;h Hir Single Malt Whisky – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: big, rich, nutty and sugary with prominent citrus and brooding smoke in background; softens to Jujubes and Lifesavers. Palate: big, nutty, sugary, salty and oaky; there is a firm base of chewy-grassy malt, firm but yielding smoke and bright citrus; more Jujubes and Lifesavers with building spice and almond brittle. Finish: big, bold coating and ‘ong; the sugary, malty smoky tones linger longest with more bright citrus. Comment: my first taste of Kornog in years, more mature and developed; could be confused with an Islay malt.” – $125
2.  Kornog Sauternes Cask Single Malt Whisky – 46% – Matured in a Sauternes Cask – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: a massive hit of salted caramel and decadent spice from the word go; cinnamon hearts and new cured leather; floral with loads of citrus, tart and nutty: more peanut rather than almond brittle. Palate: big, chewy and nutty; more peanut brittle, new leather and spices; muscavado sugars and salted caramel; dark Russian chocolate and liquorice develop with late cinnamon hearts; under all this a base of juicy malt and smoke! Finish: for all its boldness and oppulence on the palate the finish is clean and fruity; salt, malt and smoke at the distant end once the caramel, chocolate and fruits have faded. Comment: the nose is a bit untuous, but the palate more than makes up for it; light on the finish, but I would take this over the Roch Hir.” – $170
3. Kornog Sant Erwan Single Malt Whisky – 50% – Ex-Bourbon – 90pts Whisky Advocate: “Every May, Jean Donnay searches for an exceptional single cask to bottle in honor of the patron saint of Brittany. This fresh bourbon barrel was an inspired pick. Summer honey, creamed coconut, honeysuckle blossom, vanilla panna cotta, and an attractive turf-rich peat note leap from the glass. Tart and juicy, with tangerine imbued with peat, its journey takes on a delicious malty and chocolate character, arriving at a delectable final plateau of nutmeg. He’s found superb balance this year.” $190 – Only 6 bottles. Just 3 left!
4. Kornog San Ivy Single Malt Whisky – 59.9% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Marcona almonds, toasted white bread, firm smoke, olive oil and white chocolate; there is some clean smoke and a touch of sea salt. Palate: sweet, honeyed and malty with more Marcona almonds and some soft earthy peat smoke; oily with a touch of citrus and ripe berry fruits. Finish: long, staying creamy and malty with more citrus, salt and smoke. Comment: softer and sweeter than the other 3, and a little surprising that it is nearly 60%.  – $200 – Only 6 bottles. Just 3 left!

Introducing Johnny Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare 

A Boutique-Style Blend Built Around Brora Whisky

We don’t normally get excited about Johnny Walker releases, but the Blue Label Ghost & Rare has us intrigued. For starters, the firm is unusually transparent about the components, and we are thrilled to see it bottled at 46%. The heart of this limited edition release is whisky from the closed (though soon to be reopened) Highland Distillery Brora. Brora has become a cult whisky over the last decade, its whiskies becoming increasingly older and rare with every passing year. The whiskies from two other closed distilleries have been incorporated into the blend, Pittyvaich and Cambus (grain). These Ghost distillery whiskies have been complimented with single malts from Clynelish, Royal Lochnagar, Glenkinchie and Glenlossie as well as grain whisky from Cameronbridge.

Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: silky, creamy and tropical on the nose; buttercream icing, cinnamon butter, Manuka honey and tendrils of soft grains; melon, oranges plucked from the vine and mango salsa; leave it in the glass a while and bright berry fruits emerge. Palate: still silky, almost ethereal, a deft marriage of malt and grain; layer upon layer of delicate flavours, silky honey, subtle floral notes and waves of fruit: melon, kiwi, mango, papaya, berry fruits and citrus; still buttery and waxy (the Brora and Clynelish showing through); the grains feel like an accent rather than the base; some subtle savoury salty tones late on the palate. Finish: delicate but long and layered; creamy, more subtle salt and honeyed with the waves of fruit slowly fading out. Comment: this is not Brora… but it is a beautiful blend in the vein of something we are more accustomed to seeing from Compass Box. Is Johnnie Walker cool again? this is a step in the right direction!”

Johnny Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare – 46% – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: On the initial nose, you get a sweet vanilla aroma with hints of demerara sugar and salted caramel but this soon fades into delicate fresh fruit citrus notes with just a trace of hazelnuts and spice. Finally, the richness of berry fruits comes to the fore with a touch of oak and toffee. Palate: From the beginning the flavor gives you the impression of richness and elegance -smooth and creamy. On the palate like the aroma the brown sugar sweetness slowly dissipates revealing dried apricots, woody spice and fragrant smoke. The finish is lingering and warming with a sweet chocolate orange aftertaste with a subtle hint of waxy apples.” – $560

Producer Description: “Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare is a rich, velvety smooth blend of eight treasured Scotch Whiskies including three “ghost” whiskies from the silent distilleries of Cambus, Pittyvaich and the Highland Single Malt, Brora, which lies at the heart of this special release bringing a deliciously light peatiness and sophisticated subtle sweetness. Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Dr. Jim Beveridge, has long been fascinated by how whiskies from a small number of iconic distilleries that closed many years ago can bring the extraordinary richness for which Johnnie Walker Blue Label luxury Scotch is known. In crafting Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare, Jim blended the three ghost whiskies with five rare expressions of malt and grains from the existing distilleries of Royal Lochnagar, Clynelish, Glenkinchie, Glenlossie and Cameronbridge. The result is a wonderfully smooth Scotch, with the fruity sweetness of pineapple, rich notes of hazelnut and dark chocolate and a subtle smoky finish.”

NEW Cooper’s Choice Whiskies Part 1 

Mystery Single Malts & More 

Copper’s Choice represents some of the best value in single malt whiskies these days. We love the fact that everything is bottled at 46% or cask strength, and their pricing is on the low side, even by the standards of other independent bottlers. But that doesn’t mean they don’t offer good quality. The quality of their whiskies is consistently high. We have 13 new Cooper’s Choice whiskies coming in, 6 of them are exclusive to KWM! There are some real curiosities on the list this time around. There is the Skara Brae 2005, “The Secret Orkney”, Laggan Mill 2009 “The Secret Islay” and Kilnaughton “Sherry Cask Finish.” The whiskies will be trickling in over the next few weeks, and we will be writing up tasting notes as opportunity permits. In the meantime, here are the first 7 whiskies:

1. Ardmore 2001 – 51.5% – 16 Year – Bourbon Cask Matured – More Details to Come! –$145
2. Glen Grant 1996 20 Year – 46% – 20 Year – Bourbon Cask Matured – More Details to Come! – $200
3. Glenturret 1986 – 46.8% – 30 Year – Bourbon Cask Matured – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: creamy, buttery, floral and fruity; almond paste filled croissants and fruit flan; moist jujubes and tropical fruits; soft leather and decadent spice. Palate: creamy, fruity and very spicy, much spicier than expected: cinnamon heart and candied ginger; creamed honey, jujubes and more baked goods; tropical, floral, waxy and toasty.

Finish: long, dry and spicy; very toasty, jujubes and tropical fruits. Comment: this is a beautiful, elegant, fruity and floral malt; mature with lots of layers. – $285

1. Kilnaughton Sherry Finish – 55.5% – NAS – Matured in American Oak, Sherry Cask Finish – Andrew’s Tasting Note:”Nose: massively malty, briny and subtly peated; big orange and new carpets; dried kelp an seaweed crisps; dark chocolate and soft leather. Palate: very medicinal, briny and seaweedy; more dried kelp and seaweed; creamy with some vanilla and leather and spices; orange with fennel, licorice and clove; cigar ash and cedar smoke. Finish: dry, medicinal and smoky; soft peat, dried orange and leather with firm spices. Comment: the is a firm, youthful, but surprisingly smooth considering its young age; the profile is very Ardbeggian, so there I’ve said it, I am confident this is Ardbeg!” – $90 (Ardbeg) (Only 30 Bottles)
2. Laggan Mill 2009 -52.5% – 8 Year – Refill Butt – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: grassy, malty and oily; a touch of diesel exhaust, soft leather and bright sugars; lemon and lime with chunky sea salt. Palate: oily, grassy and savoury with soft but firm peat and medicinal maritime notes; oily, more diesel smoke, juicy malt and tangy citrus; some leather, muted Wine Gums and liquorice Jujubes. Finish: long, coating and tangy; the peat oils, diesel and maritime notes tingle and warm the palate through a long finish. Comment: this is a reminder of how good young Lagavulin is… as with the 8 year old 200th Anniversary bottling, there is a lot to love here; and some good complexity for the age!” – $98 (Lagavulin) Only 30 Bottles!
3. North British 1991 – 42.5% – 26 Year – Bourbon Cask Matured – More Details to Come! – $140
4. Skara Brae 2005 – 46% -12 Year – Bourbon Cask Matured – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: malt, honey and soft oily peat; very buttery, bright lemon, Manuka honey and sliced waxy honeycomb; very maritime, sea breeze and gentle beach fire smoke. Palate: creamy, honeyed and waxy, very waxy; honey comb, clotted cream and white chocolate fudge; juicy malt, becomes savoury and salty with gentle oily peat and more clean wood smoke from a beach fire; still citrussy, fresh and fruity. Finish: sweet and savoury all rolled in to one; medium length it cotes the palate with the honey, malt and gentle peat fading last. Comment: delicious, sweet and savoury; this feels a little sinful, a naked Highland Park stripped of its cloak of sherry. – $110 (Highland Park)

* News on more Cooper’s Choice whiskies in the next Malt Messenger! 

New Teeling Revival Volume 4 

A Limited Edition 15 Year Old Finished in Muscat Port Barrels 

The fourth release in the Teeling Revival series is a 15 year old single malt, initially matured in Ex-Bourbon and finished for 12 months in “unique Muscat Port barrels that impart very distinct hints of citrus, rose petal and ripe peach.” The whisky is part of a limited release of 10,000 bottles. The whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46%. KWM may only see a dozen or so bottles of this release.

Producer Description: “Teeling Whiskey, Ireland’s leading progressive Irish whiskey producer, is proud to unveil the fourth and penultimate bottling of “The Revival”, a limited edition commemorative Single Malt. Recently awarded Irish Whiskey of the Year at the 2017 Irish Whiskey Awards, The Revival Volume IV is a unique addition to The Revival Commemorative Series, a series crafted to celebrate the opening of the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and with that the revival of the tradition of distilling in Dublin.”

Teeling Revival IV 15 Year – 46% – Matured in Bourbon – Finished in Muscat Port Barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Subtle floral notes, aroma of peach, pineapple, and satsuma mandarin. Taste: Ripe fruits and spices, with and hint of vanilla and cream. Finish: Dry finish with tannins and lingering wood.”  – $175

NEW Archives Whiskies from Whisky Base 

Including a Laphroaig Finished Ardmore and the Oldest Port Charlotte We’ve Ever Seen! 

This is the third wave of Archives to come to Canada, I’ve had a chance to sample three of them, and they don’t disappoint. We initially thought one of them was from Speyside Distillery, 18 years of age, which was cool. But upon closer examination it appears to be from “A Speyside Distillery”… curious, and even more cool? Could this be something akin to “Probably Speyside’s Finest Distillery”, “Blairfinday” or “Ballindalloch” (there is a new distillery by this name now). But that is not the only curiosity, there is also a 16 year old Port Charlotte, the oldest yet to come to Canada, a Tobermory at 68.2% and an Ardmore matured in an Ex-Laphroaig barrel. That’s the good news, the bad news is there are only 12-16 bottles of each, and some of them are already half sold out! Two of them have been reviewed by Serge and scored 88 and 90pts respectively.

1. Archives Ardmore 2009 – 59.6% – 7 Year – Ex-Laphroaig Barrel – The Fishes of Samoa: “The picture of the Roundnose Grenadier drawn by F.G. Levrault  and published over 150 years ago in “Histoire naturelle des poisons.” – No Tasting Note at Present – $150
2. Archives “A Speyside” 1998 – 52.7% – 18 Year – Sherry Butt – Cask 1034 – Echinoderms from Australia: “The picture of Goniodicaster Bicolor was drawn by H.L. Clark and published over 80 years ago in “Echinoderms from Australia.” – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: soft sherry, hazelnut milk chocolates, soft leather gloves and fruity espresso; bright with candied cherry and orange; doughy and silky, slightly tropical, lots of layers. Palate: round, fruity, sherried and smooth; the classic profile of a rounded sherry bomb; more leather, chocolate and also some tobacco and treacle; candied fruits abound with flambéed banana as well as ripe mango and papaya; there is a nutty component to it too, hazelnuts and pistachio. Finish: long, elegant and very sherried; not much more you can say about it other than that it is lovely. Comment: this is the sort of malt you want to nestle into a comfy chair with while you get to know if over a couple of hours. 88pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “This is a single. On the label, some Australian Echinoderm. Do they have such animals around Scotland? After that existential question… Colour: full gold. Nose: rather grassier than the Vega, a bit rougher, with more tree bark, leaves, green nuts, liquorice wood… And in the background, a few raspberry bonbons. Are they lost? With water: hay and stone dust, then orange blossom. Mouth (neat): we’re much closer to the North Star, much much closer. Same fruity arrival, same freshness, same young-cognac-ness, same honeys and oranges… With water: it loves water. Many tinier herbal and fruity notes appear, figs first, then sweet agave syrup, honeys… Wins two or three points here. Finish: long, with  touch of ginger and Aperol. Ha, Aperol… Comments: for good people who drink their whiskies. Excellent. SGP:551 – 88 points.”- $264.99
3. Archives Ben Nevis 1996 – 56.6% – 20 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – The Fishes of Samoa: “The picture of the Rock Hind was drawn by M.E. Bloch over 200 years ago in “Allgemeine Naturgescichte der Fische.” – 90pts Serge @ Whisky Fun: “Colour: pale gold. Nose: similar to the previous one but with more punch from the alcohol, and more minerality (Angus says mineralism, ha). A little buttery as well, with some fermenting fruits, lilies, liquorice allsorts, a little Turkish delight as well… With water: leaner, getting tropical. Hessian and fruit salad, olive oil… Angus remembers Colin (the Manager) telling him that in those years they had made experiments with brewer’s yeast. Makes sense now. Mouth (neat): very tropical, with passion fruits and green guavas, pineapple cubes, confectionary pineapple, and always this mineralic background (see, I’m learning). Szechuan pepper, pink grapefruits, tangerines, blood oranges… With water: Juicy Fruit bubblegum, more fruit salad, some preserved lemons, lemon oil… And a touch of salt. Finish: rather long, with a little green pepper beyond the obvious citrus, a lighter waxiness, and some lovely notes of citra-hopped IPA. Comments: a wee bit easier, but just as magnificent. Ben Nevis! SGP:551 – 90 points” – $280
4. Archives Port Charlotte 2001 – 59.7% – 16 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – The Fishes of Samoa: “The picture of the Rock Hind was drawn by M.E. Bloch over 200 years ago in “Allgemeine Naturgescichte der Fische.” – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: creamed honey sprinkled in sea salt; firm wood-smoke, scallops poaching in butter, shortbread cookies and morning aromas in a French bakery; salted Dutch licorice and bright lemon-citrus tones. Palate: briny, medicinal and smoky; vanilla icing, salted caramel and tarry ropes; candied fennel, more Dutch licorice and loads of spice: baked cloves, cinnamon hearts and candied ginger; the peat is much more firm on the palate than nose, tarry, medicinal and smoky; the honey, vanilla and citrus fruits are there too, but firmly in the back seat. Finish: long, smoky, briny  and mecinal; honey and vanilla cream hold it all back and return to the fore as the bolder elements fade away. Comment: Port Charlotte at 16 years, lots of layers and complexity, but the bold smoky malt you all love is still there! – $350
5. Archives Tobermory 2008 – 68.2% – 8 Year – Sherry Butt – The Fishes of Samoa: “The picture of the Lagoon Triggerfish drawn by M.E. Bloch and published over 200 years ago in “Histoire naturelle des poisons.” – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: brown sugar melting in butter in a pan; Panda brand licorice, soft leather, jujubes and some chewy malt. Palate: big, rich and very sherried; more licorice, firm new leather, Christmas cask and candied fennel; dark chocolate and engine oil; softer orange and malty notes struggle to emerge from underneath the powerful, but not over the top sherry. Finish: the greatest trick this whisky every pulled was convincing the world it didn’t exist; puff… and like that it was gone. Comment: this is a beast, but a tame, characterful and interesting beast; it would be hard to fault anyone for adding a single drop of water, it is almost 70%…”  – $160

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