Archive for August, 2018

Milroys September / October Tastings – Whisky & Whiskey News

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MILROYS TASTING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 

Milroy’s public tasting events are held every Monday evening at 6.30pm until approximately 8pm.
Women’s Whisky Night is held the first Tuesday evening of every month.

Book a ticket to come and learn something new about a favourite distillery, try a few drams from somewhere unfamiliar, or just because the nights are always a fine time!

Head over to our website to keep an eye out for current future events.

Current Tasting Events

IN PURSUIT OF THE GRAIN

Milroys 1

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WOMEN’S WHISKY NIGHT

Milroys 2

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PERNOD RICARD IRISH RANGE

 Milroys 3

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PAUL JOHN

 Milroys 4

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NIKKA

Milroys 5

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MICHTER’S

 Milroys 6

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 GLENFIDDICH

Milroys 7

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BRUICHLADDICH

Milroys 8

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GLENDALOUGH

Milroys 9

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Tastings and Tickets

Our mailing address is:

Milroy’s of Soho

3 Greek Street

London, EnglandW1D 4NX

United Kingdom

COMPASS BOX WHISKY CO. ANNOUNCES THE WINNER OF ITS INAUGURAL GLOBAL BARTENDER COMPETITION, THE CIRCLE – Scotch Whisky News

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COMPASS BOX WHISKY CO. ANNOUNCES THE WINNER OF ITS INAUGURAL GLOBAL BARTENDER COMPETITION, THE CIRCLE 

Rosey Mitchell was revealed as the winner of The Circle after competing against
5 leading bartenders in a three-day final.
 

London, Thursday 16 August 2018. Compass Box, the Scotch whisky blending house announced Rosey Mitchell as the winner of The Circle at a reveal party in London last night.

The Circle launched earlier this year and encouraged the most inventive bartenders from around the world to compete for a one-of-a-kind opportunity – a place to work side-by-side with Founder and Whiskymaker, John Glaser to create a Compass Box Limited Edition blend, which will be sold internationally.

THE CIRCLE FINALISTS

Bartenders from Argentina, France, USA, Spain and the UK competed in regional heats, which saw the following six leading bartenders secure a spot in the final. 

  1. Adriano Marcellino | BrukBar, Buenos Aires
  2. Baptiste Etcheverry | Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos, Barcelona
  3. Charlotte Pederson | Little Red Door, Paris
  4. Max Venning | Three Sheets, London
  5. Meredith Barry | Vol 39, Chicago
  6. Rosey Mitchell | Three Sheets, London 

THE FINAL  

The three-day final was designed to encourage the bartenders to cross-boundaries with a series of blending, cocktail and design challenges.

The finalists worked closely with Compass Box Whiskymakers John Glaser and Jill Boyd, experimenting with different aromas and flavours before creating their own bespoke blend.

The bartenders got creative behind the bar, building their own signature serves inspired by their home city and bespoke highball serves featuring their very own blend.

The programme of challenges culminated in a final pitch, which was presented to and judged by a panel of experts including Ryan Chetiyawardana of Super Lyan, Matt Whiley of Scout, Sandrae Lawrence of The Cocktail Lovers, Ivan Dixon of Enotria & Coe and Compass Box’s John Glaser.

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THE WINNER

The final pitch saw the bartenders present their blend and signature highball serve as well as a design inspiration for their whisky, with Rosey receiving top-marks and the title of The Circle winner 2018.

Rosey Mitchell from Three Sheets, commented of her win: “It’s been an incredible couple of days, something I am so excited to be a part of. I have never been in a competition quite like it, John Glaser and everyone involved have truly changed the game and I can’t wait to start blending and see where the future holds.”

Commenting on Rosey’s win John Glaser, said: “I’d like to congratulate Rosey and welcome her to the Compass Box circle. The Circle is all about finding like-minded creators who aren’t afraid to do things differently, if it means doing things better, and we’ve certainly found that in all our finalists. Rosey created a blend and serve that I would be proud to put a Compass Box label on, and I’m excited about what we can create together.” 

The Circle judge and Founder of Super Lyan, Ryan Chetiyawardana said: “This was such a personal competition and it covered so many different aspects of the craft; all the bartenders should be incredibly proud. Rosey did an amazing job and I’m super excited to see what she will create with John. Compass Box has always been a brand close to my heart, and it’s great to see that The Circle competition is a fittingly progressive challenge to bartender’s passion and creativity.”

The Compass Box Limited Edition blend, created in collaboration with Rosey will be available worldwide from Spring 2019, coinciding with the launch next year’s competition.

www.compassboxwhisky.com

About Compass Box

Compass Box is a leading independent Scotch whisky blending house, which is kind of a workshop for whisky. Its whiskies span the flavour spectrum of Scotch, including blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies and blended Scotch whiskies. They are not bound by one single style of Scotch and the only limit is their imagination.

In 2000, John Glaser set up Compass Box from his kitchen with the idea to explore where others wouldn’t, to create flavours that others weren’t. John wanted to push Scotch forward rather than maintaining the status quo and fifteen years later he’s still doing the same thing with no plans to change. 

Compass Box is six-time Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year and in 2015, John Glaser was named by Whisky Advocate as one of the most influential figures in the history of Whisky – and one of only three still alive today.

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The Circle

The Circle is the Compass Box global bartender competition, which launched in 2018. The competition encourages the most inventive bartenders from around the world to compete for a chance to create a limited edition Compass Box blend with Founder and Whiskymaker, John Glaser.

The Circle is made up of like-mined creators, boundary crossers and experimenters.

Kensington Malt Messenger No. 89 by Andrew Ferguson – Whisky News

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Malt Messenger No. 89

It has been a little over a month since the last Malt Messenger, and if like me you are living in the West, it has been a little like living in a Malt Kiln, but not in a good way. I generally prefer my smoke and peat during the winter months, and those aren’t that far away, so we’ll continue to make the best of it!

Our summer tasting schedule is winding down, not with a whimper, but a bang. You might recall an archive release of Yoichi and Miyagikyo Japanese single malts we received a couple of months back… we held on to a bottle of each of them, and we are featuring them in a special Lost in Translation tasting tomorrow night. It is the sort of Japanese tasting we won’t likely be able to do again anytime soon, and certainly not at the price we are charging. Details below.

Lots of new whiskies to tell you about, including a range of 11 new Cadenhead Small Batch whiskies, from Batch 20. There are some curiosities in there, including a peated Tobermory, Ledaig, a 1991 Cadenhead Creations Blended Malt, and some excellent value older whiskies. But before we can make room for the new Cadenheads, we need to clear out some of the old ones… We have identified 12 Cadenhead whiskies to blow out at between 15 and 25%. The sale list, as well as the list of new Cadenhead Batch 20 whiskies can be found below.

We have received a small amount of older Glenfarclas, 30 Year, 40 Year and the 1979 Family Cask. The 30 Year sold on arrival, we are hoping to get a few more bottles in the fall. The 40 Year is nearly all gone, and we won’t be seeing it again until next summer. We have a few bottles of the 1979 Family Cask in. We took the opportunity to stock up ahead of time, as it is an important vintage for anyone turning 40 next year!

Also on the aged/mature front, are a trio of Bruichladdichs. The Bruichladdich Rare Cask Series is composed of 1984, 1985 and 1986 vintage whiskies. I will be receiving just 6 bottles of each, and a number have already sold. We only have 2 of the 1986 left, which we are holding back for someone who wants a full set. The 1984 got a fantastic review from Whisky Fun, 90pts. Details below.

Two popular Japanese whiskies have been discontinued. Like the White before them, the Nikka Pure Malts Red and Black, $75 each, are no longer being produced. We have stocked up on them, but they won’t last long…

Our best selling peated whisky, The Ileach Cask Strength is back! This feisty, young, sherried, mystery malt, from the hamlet of Lagavulin on Islay, is a steal at just $80. If you are a fan of peated malts, do yourself a favour and pop into the shop for a taste. We dare you not to take a bottle home!

We have some very cool new Cooper’s Choice bottlings trickling into the shop. From a possibly Macallan (or Glenfarclas depending on who you speak to) to a 35 year old Blended Grain, there are more than a few curiosities.

All this and more in this edition of the Malt Messenger.

I hope that Malt Messenger No. 89 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. Lost in Translation Whiskies of Future Past: Yoichi & Miyagikyo
  2. Blow Out Pricing on WM Cadenhead
  3. NEW Cadenhead Small Batch: Release 20
  4. Old Glenfarclas Going Fast
  5. Introducing Bruichladdich Rare Vintage Series
  6. Nikka Pure Malts Discontinued
  7. The Ileach Cask Strength is Back
  8. New Cooper’s Choice Bottlings
  9. Balvenie 21 Year Port Wood Available
  10. Glenfiddich 21 Year Winter Storm is Back!

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

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Blow Out Pricing on WM Cadenhead 

SAVE 15-25% on 12 Cadenhead Small Batch Whiskies

We have 11 new Cadenhead Small Batch whiskies (next section), but before we can bring them all in, we need to clear out some of the old ones first. We have identified 12 Cadenhead Small Batch releases to blow out. They are on sale for 15-25% off.

Here is the list, descriptions and tastings notes are on the KWM Web site:

  1. Cadenhead Small Batch Strathclyde 1989 – $230 – SAVE 25% – 3 Left
  2. Cadenhead Small Batch Tullibardine 1993 – $215 – SAVE 25% – 3 Left
  3. Cadenhead Small Batch Linkwood 1992 – $225 – SAVE 25% – 2 Left
  4. Cadenhead Small Batch Port Dundas 1988 – $230 – SAVE 20%
  5. Cadenhead Small Batch Strathisla 1997 – $170 – SAVE 20% – 4 Left
  6. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Grant 1992 – $225 – SAVE 20% – 1 Left
  7. Cadenhead Small Batch Glendullan 1996 – $175 – SAVE 20%
  8. 8Cadenhead Small Batch Speyside 1991 – $225 – SAVE 20%
  9. Cadenhead Small Batch North British 1985 – $260 – SAVE 20%
  10. Cadenhead Small Batch Caledonian 1987 – $365 – SAVE 15%
  11. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenrothes 2002 – $130 – SAVE 15% – 5 Left
  12. Cadenhead Small Batch Burnside 1987 – $320 – SAVE 15% – 4 Left

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11 New Cadenhead Small Batch Whiskies: Release 20 

8 Single Malts, a Single Grain and a Cadenhead Creation!

There are some interesting whiskies in this release. The Ledaig isn’t likely to last long. Nor is the Cadenhead Creations Blend as we have just 6 bottles of each. They are limited to 1 per person. The colour on the Glenrothes is superb, and it is far from over-sherried. I am very much looking forward to trying the Benrinnes and Glen Spey… Springbank Society Members Save 10% on Cadenhead whiskies at KWM.

Here are the notes from Cadenhead on Release 20:

“So what should you look for this season? Simple, it’s all about taste, be it 11 years old or 20+ years each whisky is outstanding. After dinner whisky is most definitely the Glen Spey 22 57.9% and for those who want a more all-rounder might like to try the new vintage from Dailuaine 13 years old 46%. The Glenrothes 20 is possibly one of the most elegant sherry cask so far this year, If you missed our other outstanding sherry casks it might be worth checking the web shop for a few more options such the Glen Grant 22 or the stunning Speyside 21 and the sublime Mortlach 29! This Glenrothes compliments the range perfectly.”

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  1. Cadenhead Creations Vatted Malt 1991 – 43.8% – 26 Year – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: heather, brown sugar, banana loaf, mint, cocktail cherries, tropical fruiits. Palate: peach, raisins, pan fried pineapple, tinned pears, dark chocolate. Finish: custard cream, plums, parma ham. – $225 – Only 6 bottles, 1 per person!
  2. Cadenhead Small Batch Aultmore 1997 – 51.8% – 20 Year – 2 Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: ginger, peaches and cream, freshly cut grass, tarragon, bung cloth. Palate: lemon zest, coriander, black pepper. ball spice, golden syrup, honey then some citrus notes.” – $184
  3. Cadenhead Small Batch Benrinnes 1997 – 54% – 20 Year – 3 Ex-Bourbon Barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Kiwi fruits, icing sugar and Brazil nuts. Palate: Slight earthy and dunnage notes, dark chocolate and green apples. Finish: Cajun spice, paprika and a fruitiness with pears and more apples.”- $205
  4. Cadenhead Small Batch Dailuaine 2004 – 46% – 13 Year – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Grassy, light floral, caramelised sugar, sticky toffee and slightly woody. Palate: fruit syrup,  chocolate, creamy, thick, clotted cream, crushed black pepper. Finish: Initial meatiness then caramel, biscuity, almonds,  blueberries and apple peel.” – $110
  5. Cadenhead Small Batch Glenrothes 1997 – 52.6% – 20 Year – 3 Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Peanut butter, figs and treacle. Palate: Chewy.  Orange zest and juicy sultanas.  Hint of ginger in background. Finish: Nutmeg, paprika with orange peel and brown sugar.” – $180
  6. Cadenhead Small Batch Glen Spey 1995 – 57.9% – 22 Year – 2 Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: grassy notes and porridge move to  vanilla pods. Palate: Quite peppery.  Grassy notes continue before grapefruit comes through.  Finish: Long and zesty with lemongrass.” – $210
  7. Cadenhead Small Batch Ledaig 1997 – 52.8% – 2- Year – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: smoked kippers, role map herring, coastal flavours, crushed sea salt. Palate: peanut butter, apple smoked, tea leaves,  cooked fruits, tannins. Finish: sooty, pebbly, smoked herring, smoked cheese, toasted barley.” – $210 – Only 6 bottles, 1 per person!
  8. Cadenhead Small Batch Linkwood 1997 – 53.7% – 20 Year – 2 Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Lemon curd followed by strawberry jam and apple pie. Palate: Black peppercorn, cinnamon sticks and butterscotch. Finish: More cinnamon with coriander and toasted white bread.” – $188
  9. Cadenhead Small Batch Strathclyde 1989 – 55.8% – 28 Year – 2 Ex-Bourbon Barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: vanilla pods, earthy, mustiness, dunnage, cream cheese, butter scotch. Palate: hard boil sweets, biscuity, honey oats, nutty,  caramac. Finish: shortbread,  vanilla ice cream, fruit pastil.” – $234
  10. Cadenhead Small Batch Teaninich 2006 – 55.2% – 11 Year – 2 Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Very sweet, buttered popcorn followed by a hint of citrus and fresh green apples. Palate: Toffee ice cream, barley sugars and cereals. Finish: Burnt sugar, coffee beans and icing sugar.” – $120
  11. Cadenhead Small Batch Tullibardine 1993 – 43.6% – 24 Year – 2 Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: coconut oil, pear drops, butter scotch, milk chocolatey mice, cubed pineapple. Palate: syrupy, dried  bananas, apricots,  oranges, ginger. Finish: shortbread, caramel, milk chocolate, rice pudding, white grapes.” – $225

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Old Glenfarclas 

30 Year, 40 Year and the 1979 Family Cask

We have received a small quantity of older Glenfarclas, 30 Year, 40 Year and the most recent Family Cask release of the 1979 vintage. If past years are any indication, the 1979 will be considerably more expensive next year, if it is available at all. If you know anyone turning 40 in 2019, you might want to snag one now, while you can. We have just 3 bottles each of the 30 and 40 year olds. We won’t see the 40 year old again until next summer. Both the 30 and 40 year old Glenfarclas are limited to 1 per customer. We are receiving just 6 of the 1979 Glenfarclas Family Cask.

  1. Glenfarclas 30 Year– 43% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Full complex aromas with fruit and full sherried malty tones. Palate: With Sherry, cognac, brandy, fruit, nuts, marzipan (and even icing), this is a wonderfully indulgent Christmas cake, in a glass! Finish: A whisky you never want to end and it very nearly doesn’t. The finish is exquisite with a real taste of burnt chocolate at the back of your mouth.” – $625
  2.  Glenfarclas 40 Year – 43% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Antique leather, walnuts and chocolate covered raisins. Palate: A sweet initial taste, orange segments, chocolate. Then a lovely flavour of burnt brown sugar. Finished: The dry finish oozes big tannins and more rich dark cocoa beans. Let the whisky breathe a little or add a drop or two of water to fully open up the dram.” – $1200
  3. Glenfarclas 1979 Family Cask – 47.9% – 38 Year – Cask 8797 – 4th Fill Hogshead – 220 Bottles – $1004 – Just 6 bottles available!

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Introducing the Bruichladdich Rare Vintages 

Some of the Last Bruichladdich Casks from 1984, 1985 and 1986

These whiskies are reputed to from some of the Distillery’s last casks of whisky from 1984, 1985 and 1986. The whiskies were identified by Jim McEwan during his time at Bruichladdich and set aside for further maturation. Only a couple of cases of each are coming to Canada, and Kensington Wine Market is receiving just 6 cases of each. They are sold out at the distillery.

Head distiller Adam Hannett has released a series of three very old Bruichladdich whiskies that he describes as ‘The last of their kind”.  The final three parcels of casks from distillations in 1984, 1985 and 1986 have now been bottled here at the distillery and are making their way to exclusive retailers of premium spirits around the globe. The 1986 is the same vintage as the legendary “Blacker Still”, and is said to be from the same parcel of casks!

From Bruichladdich:

Adam Hannett says: “These rare, old single malts are a direct link to our past, to the men who made truly special spirit here while facing very different circumstances to those which we enjoy today. Testament to their skill and hard work it was laid down to mature by the shores of Loch Indaal, unaware of what the future might bring. Three generations of distillers have watched over it, each of us helping to shape the final concept. It has been my privilege to decide that the treasures we have nurtured are now ready to be brought to the world. These whiskies when tasted leave me speechless. They are in their prime, the last of their kind and can never be repeated, never recreated. Nothing quite like them will ever be seen again.”

The 1984 is drawn from just 12 casks of classic Bourbon-aged Bruichladdich, a style Adam considers to be: “the ultimate expression of our spirit. The fruit, the faint salt tang, the signature elegance is all there with layer upon layer of vanilla/butterscotch complexity.”

The 1985 comes from the final 22 casks of legacy stock originally filled into gentle third fill bourbon casks that lay untouched until 2012 when it was re-casked into fresh Bourbon before a final coup de grace in French oak from one of the greatest French chateaux.

Ultra-rare, the 1986 is derived from just seven casks of delicate, floral Bruichladdich that have been subject to intense, full-term sherry maturation. First filled into oloroso butts in 1986, this spirit lay untouched in our loch-side warehouses until 2012 when our then master distiller Jim McEwan decided to introduce it to a privileged parcel of Pedro Ximinez butts from winemaker Jan Pettersen at Bodega Fernando de Castilla in Jerez, Spain.

“They are some of the most symbolic whiskies I have worked with and they are profoundly important to me.” says Adam. “They are as old as I am. They reflect my life and experience, those moments that mean so much to us all. The moments that define us; when we marry, when we become parents and when we achieve our dreams and are recognised for our achievements. These are the moments that deserve to be celebrated with something extraordinary. In a poignant footnote to the bottlings leaving Islay, the distiller acknowledged that: “There is a tinge of sadness associated with seeing these great casks and the iconic whiskies they contain leaving our warehouses, even though memories of them will echo round these walls forever.”

  1. Bruichladdich Rare Cask 1984 – 43.7% – 32 Year – Finished in 12 First-Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: Gorgeous.. Classic old school Bruichladdich.. Coconut, warm muscovado sugar, vanilla custard, grapefruit, mango, baked ginger biscuits, marzipan. After a while notes of date syrup and sultana. Taste: Soft and gentle texture, a delicate dram. Crème brulee, buttercup and orange zest. Gently warming the palate, it opens to reveal a touch of leather, toasted oak and praline. Sweet citrus and mango come through later. Finish: So gentle but a lovely finish of warm scones and dried fruit, candied orange, lemon peel and apricot jam. Character: There is a quiet feel to this dram, delicate yet assured of its identity.” – $1250 – 90pts WhiskyFun.org: “This 1984 is an ode to refill wood, good distillate and time all working together to create a fresh, vivid, evocative and delicious old whisky. I love just how riddled with distillery identity this one is.”
  2.  Bruichladdich Rare Cask 1985 – 48.7% – 32 Year – Matured in 3rd Fill Ex-Bourbon / Finished in First Fill Ex-Bourbon – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: An amazing array of notes. Blood orange, nectarines, banana bread, desiccated coconut, vanilla custard, then more floral and nutty tones, geranium, marzipan, walnut, heather honey. Taste: Tremendous presence on the palate, the texture is wondrously soft and syrupy. The short ACE in the wine casks has given a warm, nutmeg hint and a layer of fruity notes, raspberry, blackcurrant jam and ripe plum, all perfectly balanced by years in American oak – cinder toffee, lemon meringue and coconut – bounty bar sweet. It opens continually to reveal layer upon layer of complexity. Finish: Long and gentle, the oak influence is strong with waves of soft vanilla wafer, toffee and sandalwood. Then lemon barley sugars, a hint of salted caramel and apricot syrup. Character: Attempting to describe the feeling and style of this whisky will fall woefully short of doing it justice. This is a vintage that will not be forgotten and it is my pleasure to be able to release it to the world.” $1250 – 86pts WhiskyFun.org: “Another fine old Bruichladdich.”
  3. Bruichladdich Rare Cask 1986 – 44.6% – 30 Year – Matured in Oloroso Sherry / Finished in PX Sherry – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: Dried fruit – raisins, fig syrup, prunes and Christmas cake. Muscovado sugar, a hint of hot sand and candied peel, dried tea leaves, pipe tobacco and leather rolled in PX. Taste: The aroma is truly astounding. On the palate the experience raises the bar still further with sweet PX notes, raisins, dried figs, dates, grape sugar. Leather, cigar boxes and Christmas cake. Everything a Sherry matured whisky should be and more. The complexity and balance is retained as the marine freshness and fruity notes of apricot and apple come through from the Bruichladdich DNA. Finish: Never-ending. Sweet fruit, PX, salted caramel, cinder toffee and a hint of smoke. Character: BANG! The mic is dropped…” – $1250 – 85pts WhiskyFun.org:

“A fine old sherried Bruichladdich.”

Milroys 5

Nikka Pure Malts Discontinued 

Two Staple Japanese Whiskies Set to Disappear

After more than a decade of being one of the best value propositions on the shelf in Canada and around the world, word has come down from on high that the Nikka Pure Malt Red and Black have been discontinued. We have scooped up a little stock before they disappear, but we don’t expect them to last long!

  1. Nikka Pure Malt Red – 43% – Primarily Composed of Miyagikyo and Yoichi single malts. – Producer Description: “Fruity and soft, this whisky is a blend of casks selected primarily from the Miyagikyo distillery, combined with just enough Yoichi malts to add a touch of spice and very light peat on the finish.” Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: ample, marked by orange and preserved fruity notes. Once exposed to air, it develops herbal notes. Palate: fine and unctuous, it moves from fruitiness to slightly smoky malt barley and honey. Finish: long, it develops malty and floral notes. On the whole, it is remarkably balanced and very fresh.” – $75
  2.  Nikka Pure Malt Black – 43% – Primarily Composed of Miyagikyo and Yoichi single malts. – Producer Description: “With its subtle balance of fruit and refined peat notes, the Nikka Pure Malt Black offers a rare complexity. Its aromatic depth is the result of a selection of very different malt whiskies, combining the fruity elegance of Miyagikyo, and the smokier notes and strong character typical of Yoichi. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: full yet refined, with plenty of spices (pepper), ripe fruit (mirabelle, peach) and citrus zest evolving on smoke and black chocolate notes. Palate: lively, very spicy. Sweet fruit jam (plum). Liquorice notes slowly give way to the refined bitterness of the peat. Finish: long. Revealing notes of honey, heather and sweet spices. A pleasant vegetal freshness (chlorophyll) leads to subtle ash flavours.” – $75

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The Ileach Cask Strength is Back! 

Our Best Selling and Best Value Exclusive Peated Single Malt Whisky

It is back and exclusive to KWM in Calgary again! Bottled at 58%, and it is enormously darker! This is new and exciting! The Ileach Cask Strength is a mystery malt from Islay. In other words, the distillery of origin is a mystery but, look closely at the label, and you’ll see a couple of clues: the distillery has its own bay, presumably passable on only the one side; it’s water-front has a distinct appearance; and could that be the ruins of the Dunyvaig Castle on the far right?

 The Ileach Cask Strength – 58% – (Lagavulin) – My Tasting Note: Nose: pungent, this is classic Islay, maritime, smoky, salty and medicinal; lots of brine and chewy malt, some dark fruits, chocolate, leather and earthy tones; underneath a base of vanilla and toasty oak. Palate: still maritime, smoky, tarry and medicinal, the whisky is earthy, leathery and malty; it is also big and rich, there is leather, tobacco and chocolate with loads of spices too. Finish: tarry, leathery, peaty and chocolaty with salt and oils. Comment: classic sherried Islay single malt with a very prominent sherry cask influence. Is it Lagavulin, Caol Ila, peated Bunnahabhain? We’ll never know, but the whisky’s label has clues!” – $80

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New Cooper’s Choice Bottlings 

Some Real Curiosities Including a Possibly Glenfarclas or Macallan…

A new shipment of Cooper’s Choice has just landed along with the Ileach Cask Strength. As I’ve indicated before, we have been generally very impressed with the offerings from Cooper’s Choice. The whiskies are either bottled at 46% or cask strength. They are generally very good value when compared to other independent bottlers. We have some very interesting offerings this time around, including some Madeira, Marsala and Port Cask finished whiskies. There is also a 12 year old teaspooned Laphroaig (Williamson), an 18 year old Secret Orkney (Highland Park) and the 35 year old “Golden Grain”, a blended Grain Scotch whisky. Most interesting, perhaps, is the Family Silver 1988. Officially this is a mystery blended malt, unofficially it is teaspooned Macallan. The whisky was matured in Oloroso sherry, and I can’t wait to crack one open. I have high hopes for it, but alas it is limited to 1 bottle per customer, as we are only getting 18!

  1. Cooper’s Choice Miltonduff 2009 – 46% – 8 Year – Madeira Finish – $80
  2. Cooper’s Choice Glentauchers 2009 – 46% – 7 Year – Madeira Finish – $87
  3. Cooper’s Choice Family Silver 1988 – 50% – 29 Year – Oloroso Sherry Cask – Teaspooned Macallan – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: rich sherry notes. Malty toffee, stewed fruits and a hint of tobacco. Palate: Christmas cake, Sherry and fruit. Exceptionally smooth. Light, smoky spice. Finish: more spice and rich sherry. Long and lingering.” – $300 – Limit 1 per customer!
  4. Cooper’s Choice Golden Grain 1982 – 50% – 35 Year – Bourbon Cask Matured – Blended Grain Scotch Whisky- $250
  5. Cooper’s Choice North British 1987 – 47.5% – 30 Year – Bourbon Cask Matured – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: coconut and vanilla. Bourbon notes. Fruity. Palate: sweet spices with more vanilla. Stewed fruits and toasted nuts. Finish: medium long. More Bourbon and fruit. – $185
  6. Cooper’s Choice Port Dundas 1999 – 53% – 19 Year – Marsala Cask Finish – $120
  7. Cooper’s Choice Ardmore 2008 – 46% – 8 Year – Port Cask Finish – $82
  8. Cooper’s Choice Secret Islay Williamson 2005 – 12 Year – 56.5% – Teaspooned Laphroaig – $225
  9. Cooper’s Choice Secret Orkney Skara Brae 1999 – 52% – 18 Year –  Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: yellow apples and light heathery smoke. Hint of sea spray. Palate: salty apples and light peppery spices. Touch of liquid honey and sea salt. Finish: long, gentle smoke with a salty edge.” – $140

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Balvenie 21 Year Port Wood is Back…

In Very Limited Quantities!

This stalwart whisky has all of a sudden become quite hard to come by. We have 9 bottles coming, and expect that is it for the rest of the year.

Balvenie 21 Year Port Wood

  – 47.6% – Finished in Port Pipes – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: A perfume of fruity and ripe raisin notes, backed by a nutty dryness. Taste: Refined with remarkable character, it is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes. Finish: Long, gentle, nutty.” – $350

91pts Whisky Advocate: “This is the ultimate PortWood expression from Balvenie and has been finished in 30 year old port pipes. A more vibrant and textured Travel Retail variant is non-chill filtered and bottled at 47.6%. Soft, red grape notes, vanilla, and milk chocolate on the nutty nose. Very discreet smoke. Rich plum flavors in the mouth, dark berries covered in cream, and spicy honey. The finish is long and elegantly drying.”

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Glenfiddich 21 Year Winter Storm is Back! 

The Most Interesting Glenfiddich in a Long While

We’ve just received another shipment of the Glenfiddich Winter Storm, quite unexpectedly, I might add. This 21 year old icewine finished Glenfiddich is one of my favourite recent releases from the distillery. This limited edition 21 year old Glenfiddich was finished for 6 months in Ex-Peller Estate Icewine casks. Limited to 2 bottle per person.

Glenfiddich Winter Storm – 43% – Finished for six months in Peller Estate Icewine casks – My Tasting Note: “Nose: big, honeyed and grapey; lots of sugars, creamed heather honey, icewine and a touch of soft leather; Scottish tablet and molten brown sugar; exotic fruits: honeydew melon, pineapple and guava; waxy oranges and beeswax candles. Palate: sweet, rich and fruity; much more spicy and earthy than the nose let on; though the earthy tones and soft and delicate, as are the spices; more exotic fruits: melon, pineapple and guava are joined by some mango and kiwi; still thick with creamed honey, beeswax candles and grapey-icewine tones; the palate is big, but round, smooth and very layered. Finish: medium-long, waxy and coating with lots of fruit, honey and cream; very layered even the delicate spices and earthy tones make a reappearance. Comment: this whisky is no gimmick; it is pretty, fruity, honeyed and layered!” – $300 – Limit 2 per customer!

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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

Kensington Wine Market

Last Chance to Book Saturday Tickets for The Whisky Show – Whisky News

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29-30 SEPTEMBER 2018
OLD BILLINGSGATE, LONDON

Last Chance to Book Saturday Tickets

BOOK NOW 

Time is running out! With just five weeks to the much-anticipated 10th anniversary Whisky Show, it’s no surprise that tickets are going fast. Saturday spaces are almost sold out so if you’re thinking 29 September is the day for you, please book now before it’s too late!

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Saturday will soon sell out, but not to worry – the UK’s largest whisky festival is a two-day event and Sunday will not disappoint. You’ll find all the same great experiences at the show on both days, and we’ll be releasing three more masterclasses for the Sunday session in the coming weeks – trust us, they’re good.

BOOK NOW 

OLD RIP VAN WINKLE 25 YEAR OLD Party Source Raffel – American Whiskey News

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OLD RIP VAN WINKLE 25 YEAR OLD 

Our friends at The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are raffling off one of the rarest Bourbons available, a bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old. Tickets are almost sold out with just a few remaining for this week’s drawing. We wanted to make sure our Bourbon-loving audience is well aware of the opportunity. This amazing opportunity to support a great cause. Check out the details below and click the link to purchase raffle tickets directly from The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Only 500 Old Rip Van Winkle raffle tickets will be sold, at $100 per ticket. The winning ticket will be drawn on Friday, August 24th, 2018 at 2 pm at The Party Source. You do not need to be present to win.

*Bottle must be picked up instore at The Party Source

Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Raffle

AA Party Source

 

Welsh Whiskey: Penderyn with Ambassador Jon Tregna Friday August 31st, 3-6PM at The Whisky Shop #SFO – Welsh Whisky News

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Friday August 31st, 3-6PM

Welsh Whiskey: Penderyn 

with Ambassador Jon Tregna

Wales’ first distillery in over a century, Penderyn has received worldwide acclaim for its stunning single malt whiskies. Whisky ambassador Jon Tregena presents a variety of whiskies to try at this tasting, plus in depth knowledge and insight about Penderyn’s innovative distilling practices.

See full Pourlist & RSVP 

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Ralfy Publishes Whisky Review #740 – Scotch Whisky News

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ralfy.com re-awakens with . ralfy review 740Glencadam 13yo (re-awakening) @ 46%vol:

THE VIKINGS ARE COMING: Highland Park partners with world’s largest sailing Viking ship on 2018 East Coast Tour – Scotch Whisky News

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THE VIKINGS ARE COMING:

Highland Park partners with world’s largest sailing Viking ship on 2018 East Coast Tour  

NEW YORK (Aug. 13, 2018) — Highland Park, the Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul is proud to present the Draken Harald Hårfagre Expedition America East Coast Tour 2018.   The partnership brings together these two modern and bold Viking spirits to inspire people to seek adventure, embrace challenges and realize their daydreams just as the founders of both the Draken and Highland Park did. 

The Draken is no replica but a genuine recreation of a Viking ship brought into existence through ambition, relentless teamwork and expert knowledge on Viking history, the Norse sagas, archaeology and traditional boat building. The tour will see the Norwegian ship travel the US east coast from Maine to South Carolina, visiting 14 harbors over the span of four months.

“The Draken ship and its journey exemplify the spirit of the modern-day Viking and everything that Highland Park stands for: determination, adventure, quality craftsmanship and rich history,” remarked Martin Markvardsen, Highland Park’s Senior Global Brand Ambassador. “Our founder Magnus Eunson was a direct descendant of the Vikings who settled on Orkney over 1,000 years ago and today, our whisky continues to be crafted in the old way by a new generation of Vikings. Highland Park is proud to be an official partner of the Draken ship and honored to support its vision and tour of the United States.”

Each stopover on the tour will offer a unique once in a lifetime opportunity to relive history in a way never before experienced. The experience will include:

  • An arrival ceremony where guests are invited to greet the ship as it sails into port
  • Guided deck tours from 10am to 8pm daily.
  • Screenings of the new Draken documentary which traces the ship’s journey from Norway to the U.S., following in the footsteps of the Vikings who made the first transatlantic crossing and discovered the New World more than a thousand years ago.
  • Talks by the captain and crew as they share their personal experience of the thrill of having relived one of the world’s most legendary sea voyages.
  • Viking Village: An event installation featuring a photo and video exhibit, Highland Park whisky tasting, merchandise and other local vendors.

Construction of the Draken, the largest modern-built Viking ship in the world, began in 2010 and was completed in 2012; the ship performed its inaugural transatlantic crossing (from Norway to the United States) in 2016. The ship measures 115 feet long, with a 26-foot beam and a 79-foot mast made from Douglas fir. She carries 260 square meters of silk sails and a crew of 35 men and women from all over the world, representing a diverse mix of age, gender, nationality and background.

For the full Draken schedule including stopovers, please visit https://www.drakenhh.com/east-coast-tour-2018/ The Draken is now also accepting applications for public volunteer crew positions. To take part in this rare opportunity, visit www.drakenhh.com/join-the-crew.

Getty Images for Draken

About Highland Park

Highland Park is a renowned single-malt Scotch whisky from Orkney, a remote set of islands off the far north coast of Scotland. Established in 1798, the distillery combines the highest standards of craftsmanship with the pride and fierce independence of the early Viking settlers who made Orkney their home over 1,000 years ago to create a perfectly balanced single-malt Scotch whisky that stands apart. Highland Park’s range of single-malt whiskies is consistently acclaimed by whisky lovers around the globe, with the brand receiving the accolade of “Best Spirit in the World” from industry expert Paul Pacult on three separate occasions. www.highlandparkwhisky.com

About Draken Harald Hårfagre

In 2016, the Draken successfully crossed the North Atlantic Ocean, re-creating one of the most epic, mythical explorations of all time in the wake of Viking explorer Leif Ericsson. Visiting numerous ports and encountering thousands of people along her transatlantic journey, the Draken Harald Hårfagre emerged as a pillar of culture, education and enrichment, bringing the illustrious Viking age of exploration to life in today’s modern age. Curated by Sigurd Aase, construction of the Draken began in 2010, creating what would be the largest Viking ship ever built in modern times. Named after Harald Hårfagre, the king who unified Norway into one kingdom, the great dragon ship came together in the town of Haugesund in western Norway. The Draken measures 115 feet from stem to stern, is 26 feet wide, and has 260 square meters of silk sail and a 79-foot-tall mast made from Douglas fir. She is a seaworthy ship, able to sail the oceans of the world. www.drakenhh.com.

The Kikou Japanese Whisky from Dekanta – Japanese Whisky News

Discover the famous whisky from one of Japan’s most renowned distilleries.
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Dekanta

2-49-7 Minamiikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Smooth Ambler “Big Level” Wheated Straight Bourbon at K&L California – American Whiskey News

Smooth Ambler

Allocation Alert: The Hottest New Thing in Wheated Bourbon
Smooth Ambler “Big Level” Wheated Straight Bourbon ($54.99)
“This release marks a new era in American whiskey.” – Andrew Whiteley

So you’ll have to excuse our enthusiasm, but today’s offer is a really big deal. At long last, the much-anticipated release of Smooth Ambler’s Big Level is here — a bourbon crafted at their very own distillery in West Virginia. Not only is the juice amazing (we’ll get more into that later), but it marks a new era in American distilling. For years, the American spirits market was dominated by a few big players with the little guys buying casks from them and crafting their own special blends. Many, Smooth Ambler included, were wildly successful with this approach. Still, there was no getting away from the fact that they were working with someone else’s juice. The release of “Big Level” changes all that. With this wheated bourbon, Smooth Ambler has followed the process from grain to flask with otherworldly results.

With a mash bill of 71% corn, 21% wheat, 8% malted barley and aged over five years, it is as irresistible as a slice of warm pecan pie. Fans of Pappy and Old Fitzgerald will want to take note, as this possesses much the same profile that earned that pair such acclaim (and hordes of adoring followers). Impeccably balanced with just the right level of heat, Big Level seduces with generous flavors of caramel, rich butter, candied nuts, cocoa, and citrus. If you have ever found yourself rhapsodizing about the good old days of bourbon, when you didn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a classic bottling, then you owe it to yourself to pick up a bottle of Big Level. It is everything we’ve been looking for and more in the sub-$100 category for bourbon. We’ve always loved Smooth Ambler, but with Big Level, they have changed the game entirely. This is a not-to-miss opportunity and one that warrants a purchase of multiples. For more on this groundbreaking spirit, be sure to check out Andrew Whiteley’s post on K&L’s Spirits Journal.

Smooth Ambler “Big Level” Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($54.99)

Smooth Ambler’s Big Level Bourbon is a unique wheated bourbon, meaning after the requisite base of corn (in this case 71%) the next largest contribution to the mashbill is 21% wheat followed by 8% malted barley. It’s entirely mashed, distilled, aged, proofed, and bottled at the Smooth Ambler distillery in West Virginia and does not undergo chill filtration. That high portion of corn and wheat makes for – you guessed it – a rather smooth and elegant bourbon! Its relatively young age (5+ years) gives it a jovial, fresh edge. Gentle flavors of caramel, pound cake, toffee, brownie and candied nuts waft through and there is a lingering bright finish.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2018

This is what we’ve been waiting for. Smooth Ambler has finally released a bottling that is 100% their own juice. The Contradiction bottling, which contained some of their own distillate and some Indiana whiskey was a sneak peak at the greatness that is the Big Level. It’s hard to miss the nose here. When you pour yourself a glass you’ll smell it long before you raise it to your lips. It’s incredibly inviting – full of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Cinnamon, vanilla, and caramel dominate, while an easy fresh pepper hides in the background. The palate is full blown wheater: creamy, rich, and textural. The sweet corn that makes up the bulk of the mashbill really shines on the finish. Bottled at 100 proof, that finish lasts for a mighty long time. This release marks a new era in American whiskey. As the original “craft distilleries” finally come online with their own product at respectable ages, the world of brown water is about to get a lot more interesting. Get on the Big Level and find out for yourself.

Shaun Green | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2018

The heavy on corn and wheat bill gives us a rich and creamy caramel and maple laced bourbon that is remarkably smooth and gentle for a 100 proof whiskey. Less spice and more bright edges, with a long and seductive finish. This one was hard to put down even tasting at work!

Chantel Carroll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 20, 2018

I’m delighted with this bourbon!! The nose is so welcoming and comforting. Caramel, cinnamon, Tahitian vanilla, and baked apples and pears. As the nose opened up a bit, I smelled fresh baked biscuit, dripping with warm butter and topped with hot maple syrup. The palate was just as wonderful, smooth, rich and creamy. Cocoa powder, sandalwood and green apple lingered on the finish.

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