ALL ABOOT THE DRAM – it’s not rocket science.

Other countries produce whisky (or, whiskey), but it is Scotch whisky that has caught the world’s imagination, resulting in an industry that today supports over 40,000 jobs across the UK (including ours); each year adding £5bn or more to the UK’s taxes; and contributes almost £4bn to the UK’s balance of trade.  Legally Scotch whisky within the UK the rules are set out in The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (SWR), which came into force on 23 November 2009. Under the terms of the SWR, Scotch whisky has to have been distilled at a distillery in Scotland, matured in Scotland for a period of not less than three years and one day (leap years) in oak casks of not more than 700 litres with an alcoholic strength by volume minimum 40%.

There are five categories of Scotch whisky. (a) Single malt Scotch whisky is whisky produced by batch distillation in pot stills at a single distillery. (b) Single grain Scotch whisky is any other whisky produced at a single distillery in Scotland, in addition to malted barley, grains of other malted or unmalted cereals can be used. (c) Blended malt whisky is a blend of two or more single malt Scotch whiskies from different distilleries. (d) Blended grain whisky is a blend of two or more single grain Scotch whiskies from different distilleries. (e) Blended Scotch whisky is a blend of one or more single malt Scotch whiskies and one or more single grain Scotch whiskies. In the labelling, the category of whisky must be shown, and a distillery name may only be shown on Scotch whisky that has been wholly distilled at that distillery. Where an age description is used on a label (i.e. “aged 10 years”), that must be the age of the youngest Scotch whisky in the bottle, the term “pure malt” is banned from labels – but Paul does have a bottle of Cardhu Pure Malt.  Most single malt Scotch whisky is sold at a strength of between 40% and 45% alcohol.

However, whiskies that are not diluted at all and are sold at “cask strength”, i.e. they are bottled at the strength at which they come from the cask. All malt Scotch whisky is matured in oak barrels that are second-hand: that have been previously used to mature some other alcoholic drink somewhere in the world. As a result Scotland is the destination of a constant flow of empty and dismantled bourbon casks from the USA, sherry and port casks from Spain, Burgundy and Claret casks from France, to name just a few, Edradour to my mind is a world leader in experimentation, love this distillery and the drams that emerge from it. The process of making malt whisky has the same stages wherever in Scotland it is made. Many distilleries do not have maltings, preferring to buy their barley already malted from one of the very large industrial maltings that now are available.

The best way of understanding the process is to book with MCLEANSCOTLAND on a bespoke whisky tour, they will take you to various distilleries, offer masterclasses, whisky schools and tastings – they have many industry experts working with them, many of them friends. With a team of 8 driver guides, plus Liz and Paul, you are in the best of hands, no matter if you know it all (no one knows everything) or just starting out, their tours are an education, fun and very more ish.

https://whiskytours.scot/

The National Whisky Festival – Scotland’s best celebration of all things uisge-beatha (I was told) – Paisley town hall October 2018, aye I was there!

by Paul Mclean!

Accompanying us were the drams, whisky related arts, books, crafts, live music (no the best to be honest), food from local restaurants (eh? Didnee see much grub), craft beer bar (didnee see this), myself and a few pals. So, was this any different than other festivals in a day?  For the ticket price of £25 we each inherited entrance to the afternoon sesh, over 50 whiskies (thought there may have been more), two £5 discount vouchers against purchases at the bottle shop, no cheap to begin with by the way, a branded Glencairn nosing glass (will add this to the other hundred or so at home), masterclasses and an official festival programme. Would I attend next year? Nope.

For me, Paisley is a long way away, did I need a passport from Perth? After a few drams I couldnee get home easy so planned to rough it with the “Weegies” for the night. Mr Hilton was very helpful in this aspect, a nice bed and room, he kept away the beggars and drunks who have hindered me before in our largest city. I must point out though, Mr George was no helping being totally tied up, so Mr Hilton, where are the free drinks in the free bar Mr George gives me? Aye well. I did happen to take a few wee empty bottles along just in case, at every whisky fest I have attended, and the list is long, educational research you understand, there are always people I know on the other side of the table (said with  a grin). However this time I knew no one!

Masterclasses in our sesh were: Uncle Nearest who were there fae Shelbyville, Tennessee. Their statement – Honoring (why cannee the Americans spell correctly?) the best whiskey maker the world never knew, Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green. The first African American master distiller on record in the US. To be honest, never heard of him, pass this over to Charlie (needless to say we tried it, all 4 of us almost spat it oot, drams went into the bucket directly). At £55 for a bottle of grim corn whisky, och there are much better drams out there for less – Bunny for example. Loch Fyne Whiskies whom I know very well, unfortunately for my wallet, Paul John Whisky – pals of mine fae India, just had an evening masterclass with Shilton the other night, and a smattering of PJ drams on tour up in Elgin. Aye, know them very well. Glenturret with the new style bottles, interesting as I ran advertising agency before doing whisky tourism, always interested in packaging/marketing. All with brand ambassadors. It was first come, first served at the main hall entrance. We stumbled into the Loch Fynne class. They now have 2 shops, our class consisted of 5 drams, two were great, the last, a liqueur was bad, a nasty piece of work that found a spittoon right away.

Distell Group brought along a few pals too; Black Bottle , Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, Bunnahabhain Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – we delved into many of their drams and, the fab Ledaig, so good that was I had seconds, thirds and a fourth, lovely lady here, Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Mull – Maclean land.  I had wondered if big Jimbo Bibleman would be there, guess what? We also hit the Mackmyra table hard, the Swedes had come a long way so it was nice of us to stay so long with them, prefer Scotch.  Wolfburn were all good. The sesh came to an end with us being asked to leave the building, I wondered if Elvis was still there? The West End had our names so we went along by taxi to the Islay bar, bad move, far too much excitement here, too many drams and music on offer, not good for auld guys (2 of us) girls didnee look like that when I was young. I found a table as they got in a round, a whisky and three Guinness. Our Mankie pal had trouble at the bar, accent or just daft as a brush, we couldnee be sure, he came back and said the bar staff had never heard of Glendronach (Man U supporter, what d’you expect). A wee bit later the Welshman and myself decided we had had enough, a taxi was stopped and hoose/hotels were found. We left the two ex Marines to cause mayhem and scarpered.

Back at the ranch with Mr Hilton, I hit the whisky mist bar (well named), confused and interested in a couple of cocktails, as you do. Trying to move the Portugese outa the way (they played Scotland next day, hotel was full of them, and the team) I politely dabbled inside a “deep in the vaults”, turning oot to be a 12 yo Bowmore Oloroso, surrounded by Benedictine liqueur and sea salt. No sure so moved on, was interested but didnee partake in the Auchentoshan & Ale; American Oak, lemon, bitters, fruit and a choice of beer – Guinness, Best, Schiehallion or Harvieston Amber, all in an enamel mug. Let this one get away, ended my night with “Penicillin”, a Naked Grouse, Laphroaig with lemon juice honey and ginger. Trying to reach my room, got in the lift with a nice wee lass who pressed floor 11. All was good except I was on 13. Oot she got and I stayed, pressed 13, nothing happened, pressed again, nothing happened. Oh no, not another night in a lift. It then hit me, I needed my room card to work the lift. Got to my bed, a bottle of Lucozade and Homes under the Hammer on tv – darkness came.

A different kind of weekend in Glasgow, I would go back and do it all again, perhaps without the whisky fest, no the best.   PAUL MCLEAN in his own view.  www.whiskytours.scot

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky worth the wait!

Award-winning whisky now available in Waitrose & Partners stores nationwide 

Cotswolds Distillery has secured a nation-wide listing in Waitrose & Partners for their its whisky, which was released in October 2017. Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky has already accumulated an impressive nine medals and awards in its first year on the market, and this is its first substantial national listing.

The whisky will be available at the majority of Waitrose & Partners stores across the UK and at waitrose.com at an RRP of £45. Described as a rich and fruity single malt, it has been aged in a combination of first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and specially shaved, toasted and re-charred red wine barriques.

The distillery began production of its whisky and gin in 2014 at its small site in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour. The original business plan was for small-scale production to sell locally but the gin soon won awards and listings in the UK and abroad, and the small company has grown rapidly ever since.

Dan Szor, founder and CEO of Cotswolds Distillery, said “We are delighted that Waitrose & Partners has chosen to list Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky so widely – it’s a wonderful statement of belief in both our distillery and in the wider ‘world whisky’ category. We are passionate about showing consumers that small distilleries like ours, outside the traditional whisky heartlands, are committed to a production ethos that champions the highest quality local ingredients and distilling methods that are driven by quality over cost. It’s painstaking work but we feel we’re really raising the bar, so we’re very proud to show off the incredible results you can achieve, even as a brand-new distillery.”

The whisky, which recently took Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and two stars at the Great Taste Awards, has benefitted from a number of production techniques often considered too costly or inefficient in the wider whisky industry. In particular, the distillery is committed to using only barley grown on local farms in the Cotswolds, and each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and farm it was grown on.

The listing of the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky coincides with an expansion of Waitrose & Partners’ listing of the distillery’s award-winning Cotswolds Dry Gin. The gin was first listed as part of the retailer’s regional producers scheme, and has been available at 10 stores in and around the Cotswolds area since July 2017 (RRP £37). Having enjoyed considerable success in the initial listing, the gin will now be rolled out to stores across the country and on waitrose.com.

Featuring lavender grown locally to the distillery, the gin was named Best London Dry in the World Gin Awards 2016 and secured the top Gold Outstanding medal in the IWSC the following year. As with the Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky, it is bottled non-chill filtered at 46% ABV, to preserve the richest flavours and mouthfeel. The unfiltered essential oils from the botanicals (including hand peeled fresh pink grapefruit zest) result in the gin’s signature pearlescent cloudiness that forms when ice or tonic are added.

For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com.

Notes to Editors

The Cotswolds Distillery:

Located in Stourton, Shipston-on-Stour, the distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and now receives 30,000 visitors a year.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky was launched in October 2017. Each bottle lists the barley variety, harvest year and local Cotswolds farm it was grown on. It recently won Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and took 2 stars (one of only two whiskies to do so) in the 2018 Great Taste Awards.

Cotswolds Single Malt Whisky is available nationally and in 12 countries across the world. Key UK retailers include Majestic Wine, The Whisky Exchange and Laithwaites.

The distillery also produces Cotswolds Dry Gin, which was named Best London Dry at the 2016 World Gin Awards and received the top Gold Outstanding award in the 2017 International Wine and Spirits Competition. Difford’s Guide recently ranked the Gin as one of the top 20 Gins available in a survey of 450 brands.

Cotswolds Dry Gin is on sale nationally and in over 23 countries.  Key national accounts include Waitrose & Partners, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.

For more information, please visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

GLENCAIRN NAMED OFFICIAL WHISKEY TASTING GLASS PROVIDER TO DISTILLED SPIRITS COUNCIL OF THE UNITED STATES

Glencairn continues to go from strength to strength Stateside this year. The family-owned award-winning crystal company has today announced that its iconic Glencairn wee whisky glass has been selected by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States to be the esteemed organisation’s official tasting glass for this year.

The partnership will be showcased first at the Distilled Spirits Council’s Halloween media party at the end of October. Following this, the glasses will be featured at a number of high-profile Council tasting events, including events in New York and Washington, D.C. celebrating the 85th
Anniversary of Prohibition Repeal. At these tasting events, and others throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019, the Council will raise these glasses with media, members of Congress and other government representatives, as well as opinion leaders and influencers.

The collaboration will see the Glencairn whisky glass being used as the official glass of the Council’s regular events and tastings.

Scott Davidson, New Product Development Director at Glencairn said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by such a prestigious and influential organisation within the US drinks industry as their official glassware partner. Our design team has worked very closely with the Distilled Spirits Council to create a special version of our wee Glencairn glass for the occasion.

We are excited to be able to showcase this to so many people within the spirits sector in the USA – one of our most important and expanding markets.”

Frank Coleman, Senior Vice President at Distilled Spirits Council commented: “These special Glencairn tasting glasses are works of art befitting our members finest products. Glencairn Crystal has created an extraordinary glass for us with our new logo and tagline: “Celebrate Life, Responsibly.”

“Further, it has the 1.5 oz mark of a standard serving of spirits, which is designed to emphasise moderation and the drink-equivalent message in the U.S. Dietary Guidelines,” he added.

“These bespoke tasting glasses, while showcasing the luxurious quality of the whiskey, reinforce the spirits industry’s commitment to responsible and moderate drinking.”

For more information about the Distilled Spirit Council, visit www.distilledspirits.org. For more details about Glencairn and the bespoke services they offer, visit www.glencairn.co.uk

Notes:

About Glencairn Crystal:

Glencairn’s clients include leading drinks companies, brands and other outlets, including: BP,  Brown-Forman, Cunard, Diageo, Houses of Parliament, Muller, Google, Scottish Parliament and the majority of the Scottish Whisky manufacturers, in addition to many of the international  whisky and spirit producers.  Created in 2001, the Glencairn Glass has seen an average year on year global sales increase.  Often referred to as the official tasting glass, the company makes over 3 million per year, across hundreds of brands, distributed to over 70 countries worldwide. Glencairn has previously won The Queen’s Awards as follows:

– The Queens Award for Enterprise 2017 and 2012
– The Queens Award for Innovation 2006 (with the Glencairn Whisky Glass)

About The Distilled Spirits Council:

The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing the leading producers  and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States. The Council guards the sector against higher taxes and works diligently to reduce trade barriers across the globe, while supporting  policies that increase adult market access for spirits products, provide greater convenience  and choices for adult consumers, and encourage responsible and moderate consumption. The Council is a go-to resource for sector data, changes in public policy, cultural acceptance  programs, U.S. spirits exports to foreign markets, and alcohol and science.

Cask Series 006 – North Star Spirits

The latest cask series from independent whisky gurus, North Star Spirits. 6 new drams on offer, ranging from 9 to 36 years.

Miltonduff 36 Year Old
Caol Ila 12 Year Old
Bladnoch 28 Year Old
Tobermory 10 Year Old
Heaven Hill 9 Year Old
Glentauchers 10 Year Old

All available in very limited numbers…

BUY NOW

Glenfiddich Fire & Cane

This release is the third expression in Glenfiddich’s Experimental Series that began with Project XX and IPA Experiment before introducing Winter Storm 21 Year Old. This latest addition marries smoky whisky with non-peated malts, all matured in bourbon casks, and adds a Latin rum cask finish for an unexpected combination of flavours.

£43 Pre-Order Now
Available while stocks last
Orders will be dispatched week beginning 5th November

HAIG CLUB AND DAVID BECKHAM LAUNCH NEW PRINT CAMPAIGN:

‘MAKE YOUR OWN RULES’

Haig Club has today revealed its latest print campaign, ‘Make Your Own Rules’, starring brand partner, David Beckham.  Building on the  Haig Club “Make Your Own Rules” TV commercial released last year, the new print campaign continues to challenge some of the more traditional myths surrounding Scotch, encouraging people of legal purchase age to consider whisky in new ways and occasions.

Shot by renowned New York fashion photographer Cass Bird, the campaign shoot took place in David’s home city of London, and features a series of three print ads, each with a tag line that challenges a common myth about Scotch.

The first ad, “Who says whisky is for quiet nights in?” shows David Beckham with a group of people in a small bar enjoying a lively night out.  The second ad shows David Beckham creating a Haig Club cocktail to challenge the myth that whisky can’t be enjoyed with a mixer.  The final ad presents a different approach to how and where whisky would traditionally be enjoyed, and shows a group of friends including brand partner David Beckham with Haig Club Clubman and cola cocktails by a poolside.

The new campaign images also feature a redesigned brand logo, which includes the creation date 1627 of the historic whisky house, with the Haig heritage going back almost 400 years.

David Beckham says: “One of my favourite things about Haig Club is how it dares to be different. With this new campaign we wanted to encourage people to enjoy Scotch the way they want to.  It was a pleasure working with Cass and she perfectly captured the spirit of Haig.”

Ronan Beirne, Global Brand Director for Haig Club says: “Our philosophy on Haig Club has always been that our versatile delicious whisky is prefect for making your own rules on how, where & when to enjoy it. This campaign is a continuation of that belief and it was wonderful spending time with David & Cass bringing to life that belief in this campaign.’’

NOTES:

ABOUT HAIG CLUB:

Founded five years ago in partnership with David Beckham, Haig Club is a true whisky for the 21^st century. An award-winning Single Grain Scotch, Haig Club enjoys a 400-year legacy of master distillers, innovation and tradition, and is made at one of the most sustainable distilleries in the world, Cameronbridge (which recycles all the by-products from the distillation process to produce nearly enough power to run the entire distillery). But what sets Haig Club apart from any other Scotch is our firm belief that when it comes to whisky, there shouldn’t be any rules, except of course to enjoy responsibly. Discover more at http://www.HaigClub.com or https://www.instagram.com/haigclub/

ABOUT DIAGEO:

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.co.uk. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY JAZZ UP MONTHLY OUTTURN WITH TRIO OF RARE EXPRESSIONS 

The liquid was originally matured in the same mother cask before being split to rest in three different types of wood  

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has today released The Jazz Trio, a set of whiskies all originally born from the same sherry puncheon before being split equally across three different types of cask. The Jazz Trio is a project to showcase the influence of the wood and additional maturation on the flavour of Society whisky.

The liquid has been matured for over 20 years and then rested in three separate casks for around 18 months. True to expectation, after the further maturation, the wood has made a real impact on the flavour.

The concept for the name derives from a comparison with the wood used to make instruments in a jazz trio. When used in different ways, the wood creates a hugely different sound – across drums, the double bass and the piano.

However, they can all still come together and work in harmony as a trio. Each of the labels therefore features a different instrument from a jazz trio.

Each finished whisky is 22 years old and will be sold with the SMWS black and copper carton. The three bottles will be retailed together as a set, for a UK price of £1,250.

Commenting on the split cask concept, Spirits Manager Euan Campbell said “This was a really exciting experiment for the Society and we are truly delighted with the outcome. As we expected, the wood has made a real impact on the individual flavour of each whisky. The Jazz Trio are three of our finest and rarest releases to date, this is a set of whiskies like no other.”

24.134 A dark allurement, 56.7%VOL

One of only 225 bottles, after 20 years maturation in an Oloroso puncheon, this whisky was transferred to a 1^st fill Oloroso hogshead before being released under the Society’s Deep, rich & dried fruits flavour profile. The Society’s expert Tasting Panel describes the flavour as “dense with a hugely syrupy texture full of salted almonds, white truffle, spiced plum wine, pressed marigold flowers and dried herbs.”

24.135 An opulent temptation, 56.9%VOL

The second of the trio is one of only 241 bottles and was transferred to a 1^st fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead after 20 years of maturation in an Oloroso sherry puncheon; the expression falls under The Society’s Old & dignified flavour profile. The whisky is described as having notes of “raspberry jam, dark chocolate covered prunes, date compote and black pepper.”

24.136 A sweet seduction, 58.3%VOL

The final expression is one of only 218 bottles, the whisky was matured for 20 years in an Oloroso puncheon and then transferred to a 2^nd fill bourbon barrel and released under Sweet, fruity & mellow flavour profile. The Society’s expert tasting panel says “the arrival in the mouth is thrillingly dense, with a Muscovado sugar sweetness with runny honey and aged herbal liqueurs.”

To buy membership to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, visit https://www.smws.com/whisky-club-gift-membership

Full tasting notes

A dark allurement

A resinous, mineralic sherry – almost brittle in its purity – leaps at you from the glass. It evolves into a poetic riddle of camphor, dates, aged Borderies Cognac, supple earthiness, dark brown sugar, pomegranate molasses and aged cigars. There’s cough medicine in there as well, alongside sour cherries, redcurrant jus and cured game meats. Reduction brings forth a sense of long-aged medicines, shoe polish, peppermint tea, eucalyptus oils and pine resin. The sherry remains vibrant, nervous and beautifully poised. The arrival on the palate is mouth-enveloping. A dense, hugely syrupy texture full of salted almonds, white truffle, dunnage earthiness, spiced plum wine, pressed marigold flowers and dried herbs. With water there are more nutty qualities, toasted seed mixes, grassy olive oil, sooty inflections and notes of dry cereals, buttery brown toast and expensive liquorice. A fading, rancio-rich finish follows with notes of salted lemons and dried thyme in the aftertaste. After 20 years maturation in an Oloroso puncheon this whisky was transferred to a 1st fill Oloroso hogshead. 

An opulent temptation

The earthiness of the PX sherry strikes first with a dense cloak of autolytic brown bread, leaf mulch, aged walnut wines and cured meats rising from the glass. As this heady veil retreats there emerges raisins stewed in cognac, ancient rhum agricole, caramelised demerara sugar and sweet – almost botrytic – sultanas. Water brings a wealth of aromatic complexity; a sense of ancient balsamic, long-aged Vin Juane, menthol tobacco and aged Chinese tea cakes. Also jasmine and softer notes of earthy chamomile and dried mint. The palate is dense and yet well-chiselled and punchy. Immediately there is raspberry jam, quince, dark chocolate covered prunes, date compote, black pepper and a rich note of damp hessian sack cloth. With reduction comes a saliva-summoning acidity, leavened bread, lambic ale and aged strawberry wine. More autolytic touches such as sourdough starter and soda bread emerge. The finish melts into a chocolatey, darkly fruited, warming olfactory smog. Transferred to 1st fill PX hogshead after 20 years of maturation in an Oloroso sherry puncheon.

A sweet seduction

The initial appearance of orange-flecked gold hints at this whisky’s sherry cask origins. Indeed, the first nosing reveals a gentle abundance of gingerbread, spun sugar and precious nectars. Some quietly luscious fruit syrups linger in the background and between it all lies a warmth of peppery spice, grated nutmeg, cinnamon bark and ground allspice. A little water reveals supple green fruits, poire williams eau de vie and warm, custard-drizzled gooseberry tart. The arrival in the mouth is thrillingly dense, with an enlivening – almost gooey – Muscovado sugar sweetness. Runny honey, aged herbal liqueurs and a kind of sticky rancio all make themselves felt. Water unveils lightness; assorted citrus rinds; pink grapefruit; white pepper and truffle oil. There follows a mineral-flecked, lingering finish that treads the knife-edge of sweetness and drying earthy qualities. Matured for 20 years in an Oloroso puncheon before transfer to a 2nd fill bourbon barrel.

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single cask, single malt whisky, grain whisky and occasionally blended whisky, along with a range of other spirits.
• The Society predominantly bottles single casks – each cask is unique, making every Society bottling a limited edition
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 136 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 30 releases every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership’s packages which can be tailored. Please see https://www.smws.com/whisky-club-membership
• For more information about the Society, visit https://www.smws.com/
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Malt Messenger No. 91

 3 New KWM Exclusive Casks & More!

The new KWM exclusive single cask to tell you about in this Malt Messenger, we also have a new Kilchoman, and it is really exciting. The Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask is our 7th exclusive single cask of Kilchoman and the first single cask of 100% Islay to come to Canada which we are aware of. It is also at 10 years of age, tied for the oldest Kilchoman to come to Canada!

And that is just the start of the new whisky news, ours is not even the only new Kilchoman cask in Alberta. Andy Dunn, owner of Gold Medal Marketing, has also selected a Kilchoman cask to be bottled exclusively for Alberta. Our team here at KWM was invited to provide input into its selection. It is a lovely Portugese Red Wine finish.

There is also a new edition of Compass Box’s legendary Flaming Heart, and you can buy it in either 700ml or 1.5L (Magnum) formats. We are really excited about this, the 6th Editon of Compass Box Flaming Heart, which for the first time has a prominent sherry component. There are a trio of limited new Springbanks to tell you about, a massively sherried looking Mortlach 1987 from Gordon Macphail, a 41 year old Canadian Club, Glenfiddich’s new Fire & Cane and the Nikka Coffey Gift Set.

Lots to digest in this the 91st Malt Messenger. I hope you enjoy this yuge, overflowing Malt Messenger, Slàinte!

Andrew

In This Edition

1. KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar Update
2. NEW Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask
3. NEW Old Malt Cask Mortlach 11 Year KWM Cask
4. NEW First Editions Aberlour 1995 KWM Cask
5. NEW Kilchoman 2012 Red Wine Finish Alberta Cask
6. Introducing Compass Box Flaming Heart 6th Edition
7. NEW Springbank Whiskies
8. NEW Gordon Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 1987
9. Introducing Canadian Club 41 Year
10. Introducing Glenfiddich Fire & Cane
11. NIkka Coffey Gift Set

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

TWO New Arran 1996 KWM Single Casks 

Arran 1996 KWM Cask 559 21 Year

Our 1st 21 Year Arran Cask is here, don’t panic if it says sold out, there is more on the way!  One of a pair of new KWM Arran single casks, it was selected by and bottled exclusively for the shop.

Arran 1996 KWM Cask 56 22 Year

The Oldest Arran to Come to Canada is here, don’t panic if it says sold out, there is more on the way!  One of a pair of new KWM Arran single casks, selected by and bottled exclusively for the shop.

$200 / Each

More Information

KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar Update  

The 5th Edition is More than 60% Pre-Sold  

Whisky Advent is just a little over a month away, and the Whisky Advent Elves are busy at our warehouse pulling together our 5th annual Calendar. We are really excited about the  Kensington Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar. For the first time we have a Japanese whisky in our Whisky Advent Calendar. We also have two different Canadian single malts, both of which are really exciting. One of them is from a cask bottled exclusively for KWM, and the other is a highly sought after limited edition whisky. We also have award winning whiskies from England and France, and that is just a taste of what is to come… we have more than a dozen single casks whiskies in this year’s edition, and a number of distilleries never before featured in the Kensington Wine Market Whisky Advent Calendar. The bulk of the Calendar, over 75% is Single Malt Scotch whisky, but there are also a pair of exciting Blended Malt Scotch whiskies.

The KWM Whisky Advent Calendar consists of 24 50ml premium whiskies, one for each day of Advent. There is also a bonus 25th bottle, a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society cask strength, single cask, single malt Scotch whisky. This year’s Society whisky will only be featured in the Calendar. You can follow along on social media with us, as well as on the KWM Blog, as we highlight the day’s whisky and its producer. The Whisky Advent Calendar also includes a discount card, giving you the chance to save on any must have bottles…

The  KWM 2018 Whsky Advent Calendar will probably be ready for pickup between November 7 & 9. We are taking pre-orders now, including a $150 deposit. The balance of payment will be applied a week before the Calendars are ready for pickup. Order a KWM 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar for yourself or as a gift before October 8, and you will be able to take advantage of our $35 early bird discount.

You can order the Kensington Wine Market 2018 Whisky Advent Calendar in-store, by phone 403-283-8000 and  online.

NEW  Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask 

Our 7th KWM Exclusive Single Cask 

Our 7th exclusive KWM single cask of Kilchoman is also our most unique, and not because it is 10 years old… we have already had one of those! It is our first KWM exclusive cask of Kilchoman’s 100% Islay. We were touched when Anthony Wills let us have a cask of his 10 year old last year. Cheekily I asked if we could bottle a barrel of 100% Islay this year. I expected the answer to be no, but not only did he agree, but he sent us samples of 10 year old 100% Islay casks… Cue blew my mind meme! Distilled on August 8 2008, the whisky was bottled on August 8 2018 at exactly 10 years of age to the day. Only 209 total bottles at 56.6% after maturing in Ex-Bourbon.

100% Islay is whisky that Kilchoman produces from its own barley, grown, malted, mashed, fermented, distilled, matured and bottled on site. This is farm to bottle whisky, with 100% of the production taking place at Rockside Farm. Kilchoman refers to it as Islay’s only “Single Farm Single Malt”. 100% Islay is peated to approximately 20ppm, though this can vary, considerably lighter than the distillery spec malt at 50ppm.

Kilchoman 100% Islay 10 Year KWM Cask – 56.6% – Ex-Bourbon – Distilled: August 21, 2008 – Bottled: August 21, 2018 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft and creamy, delicate smoke, wine gums and white cupcakes with vanilla icing; poached pear and cooked apple, candied lemon and chewy malt; a touch waxy with white chocolate and fresh berries: raspberry and strawberry; so-oh buttery. Palate: still buttery, silky, honeyed and sweet; loads of white chocolate, vanilla and caramel; the soft earthy peat and faintly medicinal smoke build quickly with some seafood-y tones; the mouthfeel is big and oily, delicately coating the palate; more wine gums, berry fruits and candied lemon but also melons and pineapple. Finish: long, coating, buttery and malty with soft earthy peat and bright citrus. Comment: this is confident, elegant and refined; Kilchoman 100% Islay taking full strides and not looking back; a softer take on one of Scotland’s boldest whiskies!” – $195

NEW  Old Malt Cask Mortlach 11 Year KWM Cask 

Not your average, average Mortlach! 

Our first ever exclusive single cask of Mortlach was bottled for us by Hunter Laing, and it is a steal. Bottled at 50% after 11 years maturing in a Refill Hogshead, Ref: HL14889, it is a bargain at just $95! This is only our second Old Malt Cask exclusive single cask in the last few years. The last, a 21 Year Bowmore sold out in just a couple of weeks. The whisky will be in-store on Wednesday October 31, but we have an open bottle in shop for those who just can’t wait that long. We will be tasting it in-store on Saturday with Andrew Laing.

Old Malt Cask Mortlach 11 Year KWM Cask – 50% – Refill Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: apple-cinnamon pastries, dried pineapple chunks, vanilla extract and white chocolate bars with cocoa nibbs; silky malty, soft citrus and decadent honey. Palate: soft, malty, honeyed and sweet; loads of white fruit, sliced pear and more warm apple-cinnamon pastries; fruity, a touch of melon, more tart pineapple and crisp citrus tones; floral vanilla and white chocolate with cocoa nibbs; warming and toasty. Finish: fresh, malty and honeyed; white and citrus fruits fade slowly along with some spices, warm pastry and raw cocoa. Comment: I remember when we selected the cask, I had very low expectations, they were shattered; for $95 a bottle it is a gem.” – $95

NEW  First Editions Aberlour 1993 KWM Cask 

A Massive, but Smooth 23 Year Old Single Cask!  

This is our 2nd KWM single cask of Aberlour, and our first ever exclusive single cask under the First Editions label. We bottled a very popular Aberlour single cask under the Berry’s Own label about 4-5 years ago. This one is a curiosity for a number of reasons, starting with the fact that we hardly ever see independent bottlings of Aberlour. When we do they are often very light and delicate; the distillery doesn’t seem to trade its more heavily sherried casks. This is a very bold, but balanced and layered single cask of Aberlour, but it isn’t overtly sherried. The term “Refill Hogshead” is rather vague, and could refer to a 2nd or 3rd (or 4th…) fill ex-Sherry or ex-Bourbon hogshead. It also doesn’t stipulate the type of oak, which in the case of sherry casks can be American or European… On the balance of probabilities, and flavours, I would suggest this is probably a refill ex-Bourbon hoggie, which is also not characteristic of Aberlour. Aberlour Distillery’s house style is very much sherry driven. Another reason why this whisky is a little unusual, relates to its age. The oldest official bottling of Aberlour is just 18 years of age, and our single cask was well into its 23 year at the time of bottling. Finally, we think there is something else curious going on here. We think the whisky was made from lightly peated malt, or possibly matured in a barrel which had previously matured a peated whisky. Only 151 bottles were filled from a Refill Hogshead cask reference: HL14881, bottled at 58.8%. This one won’t last long!

First Editions Aberlour 1995 KWM Cask – 58.8% – Refill Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: old English butterscotch, tarte tatin, pecan pie and candied nuts; the nose is big and oily with candied orange; polished Italian leather shoes, brandy soaked cherries and freshly opened cedar cigar box; is there a slight trace of peat? Palate: sweet, fruity and coating and them boom… wow this packs some power; more old English butterscotch, tarte tatin and candied nuts but also creme brule, ginger-molasses cookies and treacle tarts; leather and tobacco are there too with building spice; as it settles down (and or the palate adjusts) more delicate tropical fruits emerge: mango and papaya; late chocolate and prominent licorice; there is also a delicate thread of smoke?! Finish: long, sweet and very fruity; builds into a crescendo of lovely spices, tobacco, leather and tropical fruits; warming, silky and smooth. Comment: this is a gentle beast of a whisky; the complexity is nearly off the charts including a tantalizing trace of smoke; this is a bold but layered Aberlour, very different from the sherried house style of the Distillery bottlings.” – $180

NEW  Kilchoman 2012 Red Wine Finish Alberta Cask 

This Might Change Your Mind on Wine Finished Whisky 

Our team was invited to help Andy Dunn, owner of Gold Medal Marketing, and Kilchoman’s Alberta importer to select this cask. I have to be honest it was not my first choice of the samples we reviewed. But it was the unanimous favourite of the members of the rest of my whisky team at the shop, as well as Mr. Dunn himself. It is a lovely single malt, and my impression of it having now sampled the final product is much improved. Wine finished whiskies generally speaking are just not my style, but this one is lovely!

Kilchoman 2012 Red Wine Finish Alberta Cask 408 – 58% – Distilled: July 5, 2012 – Bottled: August 21, 2018 – Finished in a Portugese Red Wine Cask – 256 Total Bottles – My Tasting Note: ” Nose: strawberry Twizzlers, dark wine gums, dark goats milk chocolate, black licorice pipes and creosote soaked ocean docks; very malty with a base of vanilla cream and wood ash from a forrest fire; a touch of bacon wrapped scallops to boot. Palate: bold but balanced with juicy malt; the vanilla-oak tones hit first before the leathery wine finished elements kick in; strawberry puff candies, black licorice, tar and firm new leather; more dark milk chocolate and subtle tarry-creosote tones; maritime with some soft elegant smoke and firm spices. Finish: long, coating and spicy with firm earthy peat, clean smoke and juicy malt. Comment: this is a lovely Kilchoman, and the wine finishing is deft; another bold but balanced, and ultimately beautiful Kilchoman.” – $155

Introducing Compass Box Flaming Heart 6th Edition   

Both 700mls and Magnums!   

I had a chance to preview the 2018 edition of Compass Box Flaming Heart in September at Whisky Live Paris. I was impressed, but didn’t have time to write up a proper tasting note. The 2018 edition of the whisky has come in both 700ml bottles and 1.5L “Magnums”. This 6th edition of Compass Box’s legendary Flaming Heart Release is arriving in-store today. For the first time Compass Box has introduced a subtle sherry cask influence to compliment the classic Flaming Heart elements of bold new French oak and medium-peated tones. Bottled at 48.9%, just a smidge over 15,000 bottles have been released world-wide, as well as 800 Magnums.

From the Producer: “This is our sixth edition of Flaming Heart, a whisky born of oak, smoke and fire. In this 2018 edition, we have reintroduced a subtle sherry-cask influence that adds an additional layer of complexity and richness. A medium smoky-peaty base is enriched by a sweet maltiness and notes of baking spices and dried fruit. It’s a whisky to enjoy late into the night, perfect served neat or paired with rich cheeses.

“Bottled at 48.9% / Not chill-filtered / Natural colour / First released in 2006, Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the rich, complex spice of Scotch aged in new French oak with the evocative peat-fired smoke of Islay malt. It created a genre-defying style that was smouldering, spicy, complex – and so popular that we’ve re-released it five more times in the years that followed.”

Compass Box Flaming Heart 2018 – 48.9% – Recipe Details Below – Producer’s Tasting Note:  “A medium smoky-peaty base is enriched by a sweet maltiness and notes of baking spices and dried fruit. Full on the palate and very long.” – $135 for 700ml / $380 for the Magnum (1500ml) 

The other bottle in the photo, the Compass Box Story of the Spaniard is not expected until late December or early January!

NEW  Springbank Whiskies 

That Won’t Last Long! 

The three new Springbank Distillery bottlings following, have arrived in Alberta in very limited quantities, and accordingly each are restricted to one per customer. All three will be sampled with Ranald Watson of Springbank Distillery tonight in-store (see above for tasting details).

1. Springbank 12yo Cask Strength – 56.2% – Matured in 70% Sherry casks and 30% Bourbon casks – Tasting Note: “Nose: A fruity and nutty combination; cherries, apricot jam, pistachios and toasted oats. Salted caramel and marzipan begin to emerge. Taste: Sweet and delicious, Scottish tablet, prunes and honey. The classic Campbeltown style develops; sea salt and a light smoke coat the mouth. Finish: A long and warming finish; honeycomb, orange marmalade and liquorice closely followed by Demerara sugar, almonds, oats and prunes.” – $105 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Only 5btls left! 
2. Springbank 18 Year 2018 – 46% – Matured in 80% Sherry casks and 20% ex-Bourbon casks – Tasting Note: “Nose: Lemon meringue pie, pear skin, olive oil, almonds and digestive biscuits. A typical Kintyre coastal brininess comes to the fore. Palate: In the background; dried bananas, cocounut shavings and butterscotch. The more prominant; carrot cake, treacle and freshly squeezed limes engulf the palate. Finish: Very delicate; liquorice, gingerbread and Madagascar vanilla. Closely followed by mint, trinity cream and vanilla milkshake.” – $210 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Only 9 left!
3. Longrow 14 Year Sherry Wood – 57.8% – Matured in Oloroso Sherry – Tasting Note: “Nose: Very fruity! Toffee apples, pears and strawberry chocolates in the background; salted popcorn kernels, mint leaves and honey. Taste: Salty and coastal, the fruitiness continues with raisins, chocolate orange and prunes. A dryness develops with demerara sugar and digestive biscuit. Finish: Drying BBQ spices; cayenne pepper and paprika followed by cinnamon sugar, oats, pecan nuts and the typical gentle Longrow smokiness.” – $122 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Only 8 left! 

NEW Gordon Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 1987 

A Dark Sherried Beast of a Dram 

On the premium end of Gordon Macphail’s newly revamped Connoisseurs Choice range. The whisky was bottled in 2018 at 54% after maturing in a Refill Sherry Hogshead. That last fact is a little crazy, the whisky is so dark… how is it a refill hoggie. Only 18 bottles are coming to Canada, six of them to KWM. 3 of our 6 bottles have already sold! The whisky is not inexpensive, but early reviews have been very favourable.

Gordon Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Mortlach 1987 – – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma A fireside dram; rich Sherry harmonises with stewed raisins, prunes, sticky dates, and cinder toffee. Dark chocolate and liquorice aromas develop. Taste Sumptuous and smooth; warming cinnamon and clove notes linger in the background. Candied orange peel enhances flavours of marzipan covered dark fruitcake. Finish Creamy and lingering; charred oak leads into slightly drying cocoa powder.” – $875

Introducing Canadian Club 41 Year 

The First Release in the Canadian Club Chronicles Series 

We are unfortunately only expecting a little more than a dozen bottles of the oldest whisky ever bottled by Canadian Club, surpassing last year’s 40 Year. The whisky was distilled in 1977 and has been bottled at 45%. 96pts Whisky Advocate.

Producer Description: “Following the unprecedented release of Canadian Club® 40-year-oId last year comes a new series featuring our highest aged whisky expressions – CC Chronicles will highlight the rich history of Canadian Club. This 1st issue  of CC Chronicles continues the story of behind our whisky that was batched and barreled 41 years ago in 1977 and pays tribute to the birthplace of Canadian Club in Windsor, Canada. The city and its nearby river featured so prominently in our history that CC is often referred to even today as the ‘Water of Windsor’; a fitting beginning to this new chapter from our storied past.”

Canadian Club Chronicles 41 Year – 45% – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: caramel and toasted oak harmonizes with spiciness and a slight vanilla sweetness. Taste: notes of dark plum and vanilla balanced with caramel, oak and a rye spiciness; complex but smooth & satisfying. Finish: warm and lingering.” – $300

96pts Whisky Advocate: “Recently, a new “oldest Canadian whisky ever,” appears every year. In 2018, the honor goes to Canadian Club. Cedar lumber, fresh apricots, hints of bonfire, and sweet applewood on the nose. On the palate it’s butter tarts with vanilla, waves of pepper, pears, peaches, bonfire notes, and hints of pipe tobacco. Crisp, clean, and slightly bigger than Canadian Club 40 year old, the 41 is woodsy, silky, and mouth filling. (2,472 bottles for U.S.) -Davin de Kergommeaux”

Introducing Glenfiddich Fire & Cane 

A peated Glenfiddich finished in rum casks! 

The 4th release in the Glenfiddich Experimental Series is a peated single malt finished in sweet rum casks. Bottled at 43%.

Distiller’s Description: “Glenfiddich Fire & Cane features a fusion of two bold flavours coming together to form the unexpected combination of smoky Glenfiddich whisky finished in sweet rum casks. Fire & Cane is inspired by the early innovation of Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman, who in 2003, first ran peated spirit through the Glenfiddich stills, birthing the concept of what would become the innovative Experimental Series. As the fourth expression of the Experimental Series, Fire & Cane fuses the brand’s smoky whisky with malts that had been maturing side-by-side in bourbon casks, showcasing Glenfiddich’s sweet and fruity signature style. Taking it a step further, all of the whiskies were finished in Latin rum casks to produce a surprising overlay of added caramel toffee sweetness.”

Glenfiddich Fire & Cane – 43% – Peated Rum Finished Glenfiddich – Distiller’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Billowing soft peat notes, like distant smoke on the wind. Rich sweet toffee with zesty fresh fruit notes and spiciness. Paste: Like a Highland peat campfire, with oak notes and toffee. Sharp green fruit, sweet baked apple and soft smoke. Finish: Lingering smokiness and sweetness.” – $82

Nikka Coffey Gift Set 

Grain / Malt / Vodka /Gin 

The people at La Maison du Whisky, Nikka’s Global Exporter, keep coming up with interesting ways to promote the Nikka brand. Take for instance the Nikka Coffey Gift set, Coffey being a reference to Aaneas Coffey, the inventor of the Coffey Still, the world’s fist column still. Nikka’s Coffey Malt and Coffey Grain have been rising stars in the Japanese whisky category for the last few years. The company recently released a vodka and gin too, both of which have been very well received. The Nikka Coffey Gift Pack consists of a bottle each of the Coffey Malt, Grain, Gin and Vodka in a presentation box, along with a Nikka Coffey Table book tracing the history of Aeneas’ Coffey still, and including cocktail recipes. KWM is only expecting 15 of these very cool gift sets!

Order the Nikka Coffey Gift Set – $365 

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

STONE CIRCLE VOLUME 3

Our Third Edition of the Single Cask Stone Circle Series is now available to Pre Order.

This stunning 10 Year Old Single Cask Malt Whisky from the Glenallachie Distillery in Speyside is bottled at 53%.

We have selected to represent the very local Balquhain Stone Circle, a Pictish artefact here in Inverurie.

Set amongst the Barley fields rolling off the slopes of Bennachie, a mile North of Inverurie Balquhain was a stronghold to the Leslie family who still reside in the area, the historic Tower still stands. The name of Balquhain lends itself to various legends and stories surrounding the Aberdeenshire countryside.

It is in this area that an ancient Pictish Recumbent Stone Circle lies. Sighted from the A96 Inveramsay road opposite the Harlaw Monument, the stone was made up of up to 12 stones, of which 4 remain.

Our choice of whisky perfectly encapsulates the area. The green grass and surrounding Barley fields accompany the ruggedness of Bennachie with its forested base. All rounded off with a sweetness and friendly, welcoming aura that the Shire is famous for.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet malt, Shortbread, Toffee Apples, and Fresh Summer Grass

Palate: Caramel, Fresh Apples, Oak, Cinnamon, Spice

Finish: Liquorice, Raisins, Coffee, Dark Chocolate

BUY NOW

Inverurie Whisky Shop

1 Burnside, Inverurie, AB51 3RY, United Kingdom