GET YOUR HANDS ON THE SUPER RARE
PORT ELLEN 39 YEAR OLD

We have some tremendous bottles over on our French site whiskyshop.fr, some that are completely out of stock on whiskyshop.com and our Whisky Shop stores. Order the stunning Port Ellen 39 Year Old from The Whisky Shop France today. Orders are shipped worldwide just like whiskyshop.com

Port Ellen 39 Year Old

This is the first release of the new Port Ellen series ‘Untold Stories’, which will feature some of the remaining remaining stocks of the distillery, closed in 1983. The series aimed to explore the ‘pioneering’ background behind the Port Ellen distillery . Port Ellen: Untold Stories The Safe Spirit, was aged in a mix of ex-Bourbon casks and ex-European Sherry.

Bottled at 50.9%, there are aromas of peat smoke, but more delicate and sweet than usual with Port Ellen. There are also dried fruits and citrus fruits followed by mint, smoke, white chocolate and tropical fruits on the palate. The finish is spicy, concentrated and balanced.

€5,200.00 – Buy Now

Orders shipped worldwide 

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 247: Auchentoshan The Bartender’s Malt 02

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, enjoys another Auchentoshan. Mark felt the first Bartender’s Malt was somewhat mediocre and should be seen only as a malt to be used in cocktails. Last year the second edition finally arrived, again the result of a so-called New Malt Order contest. Twelve bartenders from five different countries were responsible for the composition. The youngest in the mix is 6 years old, while the oldest is more than 40! Again a whole range of casks was used and it was bottled at 50%.

https://youtu.be/SDVacRWJpnQ

Malt Messenger No. 97  – Another Yuge One!

Before we get in to the meat of this month’s Malt Messenger, a quick thank you to all the ladies who attended our 2nd Annual Lassies Only Whisky Festival, and to the suppliers who made it possible. The event raised more than $3500 for the Brenda Strafford Society, Alberta’s largest 2nd stage Women’s Shelter!

Our Spring Tasting Schedule is now online and open for registration. Lots of great events to keep you entertained this Spring, including a pair of Festivals. The second of which, our ever popular Spring Single Malt Festival, June 13, always sells out quickly. It even draws in some of our customers from BC, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec and other parts of our great Nation. One year we even had a guest from Turkey who’d planned his business trip just to attend. As a special incentive for our out of town guests, we have scheduled one of two nights for our Signatory 30th Anniversary tasting for the following evening. The tasting will feature 6 very rare and limited Signatory 30th Anniversary bottlings including a Bunnahabhain 1978 and a Port Ellen 1983 to mention just a few. I am happy to offer anyone travelling from outside of Calgary (at least 50km…), and planning to attend both nights, 25% off the two tastings on Thursday June 13th (The Spring Single Malt Festival) and Friday June 14th (The Signatory 30th Aniversary Tasing Part I).

The above, are just two of a number of exciting tastings planned for the months ahead. We will also be welcoming George Grant for a pair of back to back Glenfarclas Master Classes, with a range including 3 Family Casks, the KWM Cask Strength and 25, 30 & 40 Year olds. Then there is the Compass Box KWM/Tobias & the Angel launch tasting. We will be introducing the new KWM exclusive Compass Box Marrying Cask as well as the Tobias & the Angel special edition. Ardbeg Day on June 1 is also deserving of a shout out as well. We are hosting Master Classes to launch Ardbeg Drum at 1 and 3PM. The ticket price includes cover for the Ardbeg Carnival party at 4:30 at Oak Tree Tavern.

Hot on the heels of last month’s new casks, we have just received a new KWM exclusive mystery Blended Malt to add to our collection.  The Whisky Agency Blended Malt XO KWM landed in-store last week, and we promptly cracked a bottle open to do some quality control. It did not disappoint. It is yet another one of these mystery-Blended Malts, believed to be ex-Edrington stock. Matured in a sherry Butt, it is rich, fruity and very well balanced with a prominent hint of clean peat smoke.

We also have another exclusive Berry Bros. cask to tell you about. The  Berry’s “Orkney Islands” (HP Sauce) 2000 Quaich cask is a sister cask to the  Berry’s “Orkney Islands” (aka Highland Park) 1999 bottled for KWM, which we launched a little over a month ago. This new one was bottled for a whisky club, which took all but a little over two dozen of the bottles. We have made the remainder of these available for purchase to the general public. Also matured in an Ex-Bourbon, the Quaich cask is even smokier than the KWM Cask!

I am just back from two and a half weeks on the road, the second half of which was spent in England and Ireland. The British Isles portion of my trip came about on somewhat short notice. I kept getting emails from Whisky Magazine inviting me to the Icons of Whisky (World Whisky Awards) Banquet in London. After a little digging it became apparent that the Kensington Wine Market was once again, for the 7th year running, short listed for Whisky Retailer of the Year, Single Outlet, “Rest of the World”. We remain the only Canadian shop ever shortlisted, and have finished as runner up for the award twice. We didn’t win, but I was there with low expectations, more to shake hands and meet new contacts.

Truth be told, the Whisky Magazine awards dinner was really just a convenient excuse for me to make a much needed trip to London. Three of my key suppliers, Compass Box, Berry Bros. & Rudd and Elixir Distillers are located in London. You are likely familiar with the first two but not the second. Elixir Distillers is the independent bottling division of the Whisky Exchange’s parent company. Their brands may be more familiar to you, including Elements of Islay, Port Askaig and Single Malts of Scotland. We have a new batch of Elements of Islay and Port Askaig whiskies in-store. We also have some very exciting things coming from Single Malts of Scotland later in the year, but more on those when they are closer. As for Compass Box we are also expecting some new whiskies soon, but more on that in the next edition.

From Elements of Islay we recently received bottlngs of Ardbeg, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Port Askaig. The Ardbeg sold out very quickly, and the Lagavulin and Caol Ila are soon to follow, but all of them are still available in the Elements of Islay Bourbon and Sherry Tasting Kits. Details on all of the new Elements of Islay bottlings and the two Elements of Islay Tasting Kits can be found below. There are also my own tasting notes on the new Port Askaig 14 & 34 Years.

The second edition of Johnnie Walker’s Blue Label Ghost & Rare has arrived. The new release is built around whiskies from the closed but soon to reopen Port Ellen distillery. It would be very easy to dismiss this whisky as being gimmicky, trading on the Port Ellen brand, but it does not disappoint. Port Ellen is the only peated/maritime malt used in the blend, and is without question driving the whisky’s style. We enjoyed last year’s Brora edition, but we love the Port Ellen!

So many other new whiskies to tell you about that I’ll try to keep my introductory words to a minimum. We have a pair of interesting new whiskies from Cooper’s Choice, including a 10 year old Caol Ila and a 21 Year old Wardhead (cough Glenfiddich). The new core range of Old Pulteney is here, including the Huddart, 15 and 18 Year olds. There are also new whiskies from Whisky Fassle and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. We are trying to show a little more love to the Society, the worlds largest whisky club in this newsletter. If you are not familiar with it, you really need to check it out!

Two beloved Islay whiskies have only just returned to in-stock status. The  Ileach Cask Strength, our best selling peated whisky, and the Finlaggan Cask Strength have just landed. These whiskies, priced at $80 and $75 respectively, are amazing value. Staying on the Islay theme, I have also put together my own tasting notes on a pair of Gordon Macphail Ileachs: Connoisseur’s Choice Bunnahabhain 1998 and Caol Ila 2005, which you will find below.

I also have some “Coming Soon” whiskies to tell you about. The new Lum Reek whiskies and the  Arran 21 Year core bottling are all set to arrive in the weeks ahead. The Lum Reek whiskies (NAS, 12 & 18 years) are a fusion of sherried GlenAllachie and Caol Ila, blended by Billy Walker. The Arran 21 Year is the oldest distillery bottling ever to come to Canada, other than a pair of our KWM exclusive casks… that is!
Last but not least, a little update on our recent KWM exclusive casks, some of which are close to selling out. Firstly, the Macallan 1995 23 Year has been a hit, and there are just a dozen bottles left, they won’t last long. The Glenfarclas 15 Year KWM Cask Strength has also been very well received, and is more than 60% sold through in just 6 weeks! The Berry’s Ardmore 2010 KWM Cask and Berry’s “Orkney Islands” 1999 18 Year KWM Cask are also flying off the shelf, and are more than 60% sold in just 7 weeks… If you have yet to try the delicious drams, pop in to the shop for a free sample.

As always, thanks for reading the Malt Messenger. All of the products in the Malt Messenger can be purchased in-store, online or by phone. Don’t hesitate to email me with any questions or requests.

Slàinte!

Andrew

In This Edition

1. Spring Tasting Schedule
2. New The Whisky Agency Blended Malt XO KWM Cask
3. New Port Askaig Whiskies
4. New Elements of Islay Whiskies
5. The Other Berry’s “Orkney Islands” Cask
6. New Elements of Islay Tasting Kits
7. New Cooper’s Choice Whiskies
8. Introducing the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Port Ellen
9. Introducing: The New Old Pulteney Core Range
10. Introducing: The Lum Reek Whiskies
11. Coming Soon: The Arran 21 Year
12. New Whisky Fassle Whiskies
13. The Ileach and Finlaggan Cask Strength Whiskies Are Back!
14. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society April 2019 Outturn
15. My Tasting Notes on Two Gordon Macphail Ileachs
16. Macallan ‘M’ – The Last One ever?!

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

Spring Tasting Schedule 

Loads of Exciting New Whisky and Other Spirits Tastings 

We have some great tastings as part of our Spring 2019 Tasting Schedule. We have two great whisky festivals as well as Master Classes for Compass Box, Ardbeg Day and Glenfarclas. There are also a pair of Signatory 30th Anniversary tastings.

1. Scotch Whisky Regions? Really?! – Thursday April 25 – Scotch Whisky regions are meaningless! Don’t believe us? We’ll show you why in a tasting that shatters the myth of whisky regions in Scotland! – $40
2. Rare Malts – Thursday May 9 – One of the cornerstone tastings of our whisky program for over 20 years. Only the very rare, or whiskies over 20 years of age need apply! – $80
3. Compass Box Tobias & the Angel and KWM Marrying Cask Launch –  Saturday May 11 -James Bornn, Compass Box’s man in Canada, will be our guest as we launch a number of new releases including Affinity, Tobias & the Angel and the new Great King KWM Marrying cask. – $35 – SOLD OUT
4. 27th Birthday Whisky Festival – Thursday May 16 – We’re not going to understate this night by calling it mini again. It is going to be full on with our best deals of the year. 100+ Whiskies, a glass & Sausage rolls! – $50
5. Glenfarclas Distillery With George Grant – Thursday May 30 2 Seatings – 5PM or 7:30PM – We have an incredible range for our tasting with George Grant, 6th generation owner of Glenfarclas. We have set aside a trio of family casks and will dip in to 25, 30, and 40 year olds! – $60
6. Ardbeg Day Master Class 1 – Saturday June 1 1PM – The 2019 Ardbeg Day bottling is Drum, which we will be sampling in a pair of Ardbeg Day Master Classes at KWM. We’ll sample the core range, Drum and a special treat from down memory lane! – $25
7. Ardbeg Day Master Class 2 – Saturday June 1 3PM – The 2019 Ardbeg Day bottling is Drum, which we will be sampling in a pair of Ardbeg Day Master Classes at KWM. We’ll sample the core range, Drum and a special treat from down memory lane! – $25
8. Igor Whisky – We are thrilled to welcome our friend and whisky expert Igor Kossov for a Master Class featuring unusual independent bottlings from Archives, Jack Wiebers, Maltbarn, Whisky Fassle, Valinch & Mallet and The Whisky Agency. – $50
9. Spring Single Malt Festival – Thursday June 13 – Our 8th annual spring festival of all things malt whisky will feature at least 100 single malts from Scotland & around the world. It sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate. KWM logo tasting glass included. – $65
10. Signatory 30th Anniversary Tasting Night 1 – Friday June 14 – One of our favourite independent bottlers has turned 30, and they’ve released special bottlings to celebrate. The least we could do was order in a few of these whiskies, like Ben Nevis, Bunnahabhain, Cragganmore, Glenlossie, Mortlach & Port Ellen, for a pair of special tastings! – $175
11. Signatory 30th Anniversary Tasting Night 2 – Thursday June 14 – Same Range as June 14: One of our favourite independent bottlers has turned 30, and they’ve released special bottlings to celebrate. The least we could do was order in a few of these whiskies, like Ben Nevis, Bunnahabhain, Cragganmore, Glenlossie, Mortlach & Port Ellen, for a pair of special tastings! – $175
12. Canadian Whisky Rising – Thursday June 27 – With the explosion in micro distilling in Canada, it’s time to have another look at Canadian whisky, craft to corporate, from coast to coast! – $35
13. Making Bourbon Great Again – Wednesday July 3 – 3 tastings later Trump is still an a–hole, but we won’t stop loving Bourbon despite a less than great US President with no taste! Join us on a trip down the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and to other parts of America, all in search of Great American Whiskey! – $35

Check out the tasting page on our website for more details! 

Register in-store, by phone 403-283-8000, or on our website!

New The Whisky Agency Blended Malt XO KWM 

Mysterious Blended Malt 

We have been really impressed over the years with the quality of whisky coming from The Whisky Exchange. Their cask selection is first rate. We are especially fond of their older mystery Speyside Single Malts, and Blended Malt XOs. We recently had a chance to bottle exclusively for KWM at Blended Malt XO, matured in a Sherry Butt, and after tasting the sample we jumped at the opportunity. Only 90 bottles of this mystery Blended Malt are coming to Canada, exclusively to KWM. Bottled at 45.6%. Reputedly a blend of the usual suspects: “older Macallan, Highland Park, Glenrothes, Mortlach, Tamdhu and young Glenfarclas…” and possibly more. No one really knows!

The Whisky Agency Blended Malt XO KWM Cask – 45.6% – Sherry Butt – My Tasting Note: “Nose: nutty, syruppy and earthy; musty dunnage warehouse notes meet nutty oloroso sherry tones; a touch of sangria meets Demerara sugar and whisky barrel aged maple syrup; fig jam, date squares and Glosset Raisins. Palate: round, fruity, nutty and syruppy with more musty dunnage notes and dark fruits: warm date squares, appricot jam and grilled proscuitto wrapped dates filled with blue cheese; becomes drier and more leathery with a touch of tobacco and dark bakers chocolate; late spices, fennel, clove and cinnamon hearts; is there a touch of gentle peat or soft smoke? Finish: medium-long, coating and fruity; more dark fruits, syrup, leather, tobacco and dark chocolate; late earthy notes, possibly a touch of peat. Comment: this is a dumpy old school sherried whisky, and an excellent example of the style; the origins of this whisky are shrouded in mystery, but to be quite frank who cares? it is delicious!” – $205

New Port Askaig Whiskies

14 & 34 Year Old Ileachs 

The Port Askaig range has been extremely well received in our store since it arrived just a tad over a year ago. The  Port Askaig 19 is one of our bestselling exclusive whiskies in-store by our customers. It is a dangerous whisky to sample, as most who do can’t resist buying a bottle. The whisky is now slowly on its way out, with just 3 dozen or so bottles left, but as one door closes, another opens. The Port Askaig 14 Year, priced at nearly half the 19, is a lovely new expression, exclusive to KWM in Calgary with just 60 bottles coming. Only 9 bottles of the Port Askaig 34 Year have come in, with six of them having already sold. Sadly we won’t be able to get any more. Here are the details:

1.  Port Askaig 14 Year – 45.8% – 11 First Fill Bourbon Barrels – Producer’s Tasting Note: Nose: creamy and velvety with salt vanilla icing and a wood fire burning nearby; briny seaweed salad and smoked mussels in a creamy broth. Palate: creamy, honeyed, malty and tarry; creosote soaked logs, honeyed-ashy smoke and more maritime tones: seaweed salad and smoked mussels in a creamy broth; the sweet vanilla oaky tones slowly pickup speed with melons, citrus and Strawberry Twizzlers. Finish: medium in length it gently clings to the palate with lovely barley sugars, ashy smoke, vanilla, citrus and maritime tones. Comment: peated Bunnahabhain is hit or miss for me, but fortunately this one is a hit!” – $110
2. Port Askaig 34 Year – 49.7% – Producer’s Description: “Distilled in 1983, this single cask of 34-year old whisky was produced by Islay’s largest distillery, situated just north of the village of Port Askaig. This particular cask was selected for its nuanced take on the distillery’s character.” – My Tasting Note: “Nose: Juicy Fruit gum, tallow wax candles and bright citrus: oranges and tangerines; oily and buttery with loads of tropical fruits; a touch of diesel, creosote and buttery peat; silky bright and expressive; I want to climb in to the glass and be enveloped by the aromas. Palate: bigger and smokier than expected on the first sip, it settles down thereafter; creamy and waxy: loads of creamed honey, vanilla and creme caramel; the smoke settles down with a touch more diesel and creosote making way for buttery peat oils; savoury salted caramel with more bright citrus and tropical fruits: ripe mango, guava and cantaloupe; lot of layers, there is even a touch of Caol Ila’s classic bacon wrapped scallop note, poached in butter of course. Finish: long, silky, honeyed and very fruity; the gentle peat and salt are balanced by the creamy vanilla tones and fruits; quite simply heavenly! Comment: time has nicely rounded the edges, but not entirely tamed the beast; this is one of the oldest Caol Ilas we’ve ever seen, and it has held its peaty maritime edge while at the same time making room for stunning creamy notes and fruits; phenomenol! – $860 – 6/9 bottles spoken for!

New Elements of Islay Whiskies 

Some Serious Islay Single Malts 

This is the most exciting of the 3 Elements of Islay releases we’ve received at KWM. The prices for most have come down substantially, and there are some very high scoring and well-reviewed whiskies. I am working on tasting notes of my own, which I will sprinkle out over the weeks ahead. The Ardbeg is sold out, except of for the tasting kits… see below! And the Lagavulin is close!

1. Elements of Islay Ar10 – 52.4% – 17 Year – ex-Bourbon Barrel – Ardbeg – Producer’s Description: “Sweet and smoky, rich yet delicate, the classic contradictions of the distillery that make it so revered are ever-present in the latest Ar bottling.” – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet vanilla and white chocolate mix perfectly with wisps of woody smoke and iodine. Palate: More white-chocolate cookies, sweet caramel and orchard fruit (baked pears and apples) sit alongside an intense nuttiness with classic bonfire smoke and charcoal reminding us of this whisky’s origin. Finish: Pecan pie and smoked almonds.” – $235 – SOLD OUT!
2. Elements of Islay Bn7 – 55.7% – 16 Year – Oloroso Sherry Butts – Bunnahabhain – Producer Description: “Distilled in 2001 and aged for more than 16 years in a pair of oloroso sherry butts. Full of rich caramel and dark-chocolate flavour – a perfect winter warmer. Only 1620 bottles were produced. ” – My Tasting Note: “Nose: old-school sherry; dark chocolate with chilli flakes and a touch of cayenne; classic candied fruit & Christmas cake notes; a touch of earthy-dunnaga notes, soft leather and tobacco. Palate: big, rich and nutty; loads of spice, from cadied ginger and cinnamon stick to chilli oil and cayenne infused dark chocolate; earthy and a touch leathery with grilled prosciutto wrapped figs and prunes; dry Christmas cake. Finish: long, fruity, coating and spicy; chocolate, dark fruits, leather and tobacco linger long. Comment: a lovely old sherried Bunnahabhain, and a steal this price… seriously, 17 year old cask strength sherried Bunnahabhain for a tad over $100; even at 500mls this is ridiculous!” – $105 – 87pts Whisky Fun
3. Elements of Islay Ci10 – 58.2% – 9 Year – ex-Bourbon – Caol Ila – Producer Description: “This bottling of Caol Ila, from just three hogsheads, showcases the distillery’s characteristic smoke, citrus and salinity in perfect measure.” – My Tasting Note: “Nose: floral with creamed honey, scalops cooked in butter with sweet chilli and orange; clean elegant smoke with a touch of sea breeze. Palate: creamy, honeyed and maritime with firm but elegant smoke; a touch tarry and jut slightly medicinal, there is more creamed honey and soft floral vanilla; scallops poached in butter with a sweet and spicy chilli-orange jus; lots of malt, peat ash and sea salt. Finish: bone dry with flourished of cream, scallops, citrus and spice; peat and salt all the way to the end. Comment: young but elegant, layered and balanced; an absolute steal at $68 per bottle!” – $68 – 90pts Whisky Fun – Only 13 left!
4. Elements of Islay Lg8 – 59.5% – 12 Year – ex-Bourbon Barrles – Lagavulin – Producer Description: “That classic mingling of sooty fires, barbecue meat and sweet fruit characterise our eighth bottling from this Kildalton distillery, making for a deliciously comforting dram.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet aromas of caramel, mango and spices contrast with an underlying sootiness like the hearth of a cooling fire. Palate: An immediate hit of sooty smoke belies the subtle nose but slowly dissipates giving way to sweet, caramelised mango and peach, mingling with salty, charred roast ham. A subtle hint of star anise and clove lie in the background. Finish: A fresh salinity lingers, with sweet smoke and a hint of iodine.” – $110 – SOLD OUT! – 90pts Whisky Fun
5. Elements of Islay Lp9 – 54.3% – 20 Year – PX Sherry Puncheon – Laphroaig – Producer Description: “This whisky was distilled in 1998 and bottled from a single Pedro Ximénez sherry butt. The balance of rich fruit and smoke is perfect and the signature notes of 1990s’ Laphroaig distillate are present and correct. Only 714 bottles were produced.”- Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Coal fires, candy floss and lobster pots. Thick, dense smoke combines with notes of kirsch. The peat becomes more medicinal, showing classic distillery character. Darker, almost burnt-tyre notes remain. Palate: Juicy, with rich stewed fruit and smoked salt. Well balanced and reminiscent of perfectly cooked game meat covered in a port and redcurrant sauce. Notes of beach BBQ, charred mackerel and sweet langoustines develop, reminding us of a perfect summer day on Islay. Finish: Smoked sea salt and dark fruit linger, leaving the palate slightly dry and ready for a second sip.” – $265
6. Elements of Islay Pl5 – 63.1% – 9 Year – Refill Hogshead and Fist Fill ex-Bourbon Barrel – Bruichladdich/Port Charlotte – Producer Description: “Distilled in 2009, this batch is a vatting of a refill hogshead and a first-fill barrel. It is classic Port Charlotte, with dense smoke and sweet peat – like walking past a farmyard bonfire. Only 582 bottles were produced.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet tobacco and the farmyard character that’s typical of the best Port Charlottes. Pine wood and smoky oak chips follow, accompanied by sea spray and tarred rope. Palate: Refined and austere to start with. Lemon oil and woody spice develop in the glass, becoming richer. Dense and aromatic smoke billows around charred pak choi in hoisin sauce. Vanilla sweetness and dirty smoke play against each other, creating deeper and darker complexity. Finish: Dry and subtle with hints of bottle-aged Italian vermouth, wormwood, cloves and cassia bark.” – $143

The Other Berry’s “Orkney Islands” Cask 

And the Peatier one at That! 

At the same time we selected and purchased the Berry’s “Orkney Islands” (Highland Park) 1999 KWM Cask, we also purchased another cask, the Berry’s “Orkney Islands” 2000 Quaich Cask. The latter was bottled for the Companions of the Quaich, a whisky club with chapters in Alberta, BC and Ontario. The Quaich cask is considerably smokier than the KWM one, an unusual and very interesting malt. The 324 bottles of this cask were initially only available to members of the Companions of the Quaich, but after 5 weeks of exclusivity to club members, there are about 30 bottles left which we are now making available to the general public. Details below:

Berry’s “Orkney Islands” 2000 Quaich Cask – 56.5% – 17 Year – American Oak Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: thick and buttery with bags of creamed and liquid honey, gentle peat and bright citrus tones; dried cranberries, apricot, orange rind and heather in full bloom. Palate: thick, coating and rich; the palate is oily, buttery and fruity with gentle smoke and loads of honey and vanilla; gentle muddy peat builds with a slight maritime edge; later some espresso bean and Dutch licorice; later it is all about the smooth elegant smoke, apricot, dried cranberry and orange peel. Finish: coating, oily and drying; soft earthy peat, clean maritime smoke and honey with citrus and dried fruit. Comment: this is a slightly smokier Highland Park than most will use to be seeing, but it also nicely highlights the distillery signature honeyed style; great structure and complexity; lots to love here!” – $125

New Elements of Islay Tasting Kits 

Your Only Chance at the Ardbeg and Octomore! 

If you missed out on the Ar10 (Ardbeg), which we only received 24 bottles of, this is your chance to try it… The Ar10 is included in the Bourbon Matured Tasting Kit, as is the Oc5 (Octomore), which didn’t event come to Canada. The Sherry Matured Kit is no slouch either. It has a superb Bunnahabhain, 1998 vintage Laphroaig from a PX cask and a lovely Port Charlotte.

1. Elements of Islay Tasting Kit Bourbon – 5x 30ml – $70
   1. Oc5 – Octomore 7 Year – 59.8% – 91pts Whisky Fun
   2. Peat – Blended Malt – 45%
   3. Ci10 – Caol Ila 9 Year – 58.2% – 90pts Whisky Fun
   4. Lg8 – Lagavulin 12 Year – 59.5% – 90pts Whisky Fun
   5. Ar10 – Ardbeg 17 Year – 54.4% – 92pts Whisky Fun
2. Elements of Islay Tasting Kit Sherry – 5x 30ml – $70
   1. Bn7 – Bunnahabhain 16 Year – 55.7% – 87pts Whisky Fun
   2. Peat – Blended Malt – 45%
   3. Ci11 – Caol Ila 10 Year – 55.4%
   4. Lp9 – Laphroaig 20 Year – 54.3%
   5. Pl5 – Port Charlotte 9 Year – 63.1%

New Cooper’s Choice Whiskies 

A Caol Ila and a Glenfiddich by Another Name 

Cooper’s Choice is a go to independent bottler when it comes to great value. This time around we have a young Caol Ila at 51%, and a teaspooned Glenfiddich… what I like to call Glenvenie! The Wardhead (aka Glenfiddich), was matured in ex-Bourbon and finished in Port.

1. Cooper’s Choice Caol Ila 2008 – 51% – 10 Year – Bourbon Cask – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: sweet peat smoke. Lemon zest and white pepper. Salty sea air. Palate: Dry smokiness with sea sale and paraffin. Smoke bacon with more peat and pepper. Finish: Long and smoky.” – $110
2. Cooper’s Choice Wardhead 1997 – 52.5% – 21 Year – Bourbon Matured/Port Finish – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Raspberry cheesecake and caramel. Rich fruit flavours from the port. Palate: oaky spices and sweet malt. More rich fruit. Crystallised ginger and dry oak. Complex with great depth of flavour. Finish: Drying slightly. The spices linger on. Warming.” – $200

Introducing The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Port Ellen 

Far From a Gimmick, This is a Lovely Whisky! 

The 2nd edition of Johnnie Walker’s Blue Label Ghost & Rare series is out, the Port Ellen edition. The blend is built around the cult closed distillery of Port Ellen and two closed grain distilleries: Caledonian and Carsebridge. Single malts from 5 other distilleries were also employed in the blend: from Mortlach, Dailuaine, Cragganmore, Blair Athol and Oban. My tasting note is below, but if not sufficient to tantalize you, I have included Whisky Advocate’s tasting note… they gave it 94pts.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost & Rare Port Ellen – 43.8% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: sherried, oily and fruity; polished church pews, tropical fruit punch and clean-softly peated smoke; a touch meaty, savoury, maritime and unctuous; Eatmore and Fruit Source bars. Palate: round, chewy and fudge-y; more tropical fruit punch, loads of molasses and waxy oak; layers upon layers; very chocolatey: more Eatmore and chocolates infused with sea salt, salted caramel and bacon; loads of fruits too, mostly on the dried and dark end of the spectrum; a touch of Christmas cake too; the smoke is soft and elegant with gentle late oily peat. Finish: medium in length, oily, maritime and fruity with elegant smoke at the very end; like the nose and palate, it is very layered and complex; lovely. Comment: it will be a long time until we see a Port Ellen in the sub $600 range again, maybe when they release their first 3 year old in the 2020s ;); in the meantime this is a very well composed blend, made all the more interesting by the inclusion of a dash of Port Ellen; but that may be understating Port Ellen’s role in the blend, as the only Islay malt there must have been more than a dash included…” – $565

94pts Whisky Advocate: “This uninhibited, tempestuous expression of Blue Label highlights the artistry of the blender through the judicious use of closed distillery malts and grains. Coastal notes of sea spray, lemon, dirty peat smoke, cookies and cream, After Eight mints, caramel, and dry-roasted spice aromas. Combining lemon bonbon, waxy orange, cookie dough, fondant icing, and chocolate, with tobacco smoke, hints of peppermint, and grapefruit notes, this flagrantly outclasses the Brora variant.’

Introducing: The New Old Pulteney Core Range 

12, 15, 18, 25 Years, 1983 & Huddart 

The new Old Pulteney range was supposed to land just before Christmas last year. It took a little longer than expected for it to arrive, but we’re thrilled that it is finally here! I have included the Old Pulteney 25 Year and 1983 vintage, which came in earlier, late last year.

1. Old Pulteney Huddart – 46% – Producer Description: “A distinctively smoky take on Old Pulteney celebrating our birthplace. Richly warming, this single malt embraces a mellow smoky character, whilst very much Old Pulteney at its heart.  The combination of influence from the salt-infused sea air and the peat smoke make for a whisky with real character, depth and identity. With a richness extending into its rich gold colour, this single malt offers much in terms of complexity and flavour while subtly reminding us of the place where Old Pulteney began.” – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: Rich and warming. Brimming initially with mellow wood smoke, honey and oily leather, blooming later into crisp green apple. Creamy vanilla and a hint of burnt toffee in the background. Taste: Freshly-ground spices and soft vanilla balance the notes of smoke and peat fire. There are both richly sweet and distinctly salty coastal flavours in the background, together reminiscent of salted caramel.” – $82
2. Old Pulteney 12 Year – 43% – Producer Description: “Matured wholly in air-dried, hand-selected ex-bourbon casks, the ‘unashamedly excellent’ Old Pulteney 12-years-old is the definitive expression in the Old Pulteney family.” – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: Medium to high intensity with a briny hint of sea air. Taste: Dry, medium bodied and smooth, redolent of honey and cream, faintly salty with a slight spicy note and a sweet long-lasting finish.” – $62
3. Old Pulteney 15 Year – 46% – Matured Ex-Bourbon & Ex-Sherry – Producer Description: “Matured for 15 years, this is our most balanced and smooth single malt.  Balancing two different sides of the flavour spectrum, this single malt marries these perfectly, whilst also reflecting our coastal home and its unwavering influence. On one hand, this is an intense single malt, yet at the same time, it is truly balanced. Spice and sweetness unite in this naturally rich amber whisky to celebrate rich flavours, yet lighter, more refreshing coastal notes show another side of this single malt.” – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma: Intense yet balanced. Bursting with rich dried fruit, ripe apples and citrus, with honey sweetness and a generous chord of creamy vanilla. Slightly chocolaty and floral in the background. Taste: Fragrant spices and Christmas cake, with layers of chocolate and a distinct dark toffee sweetness. There is a hint of salty sea air on the finish, a clear connection to the influence of the sea on this single malt.” – $108
4. Old Pulteney 18 Year – 46% – Matured Ex-Bourbon & Ex-Sherry – Producer Description: “Matured for 18 years, this is indulgent and spicy thanks to the casks selected for maturation. Taking its character and colour entirely from the casks within which it has been nurtured, this is a deeply warming whisky.  The indulgence extends through this single malt with chocolate and spice defining the character but allowing for the influence of more vibrant zesty flavours.” – Producer Tasting Note: Aroma: Intense and warming. Indulgent chocolate and creamy vanilla, with rich honey sweetness tempered by vibrant spices. A whisper of flowery fruitiness yields to crisp bursts of citrus and apple. Taste: Chocolaty indulgence layered with honeyed spices and Christmas cake. Floral notes lend a dash of finesse, while zesty hints of citrus and green apple enliven a lovely long finish.” – $152
5. Old Pulteney 25 Year – 46% – Matured in Ex-Bourbon & Finished in Ex-Sherry – Producer Description: “For a quarter of a century, casks of this rare expression of Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky breathed the invigorating sea air of the Caithness coast. Sheltered from a fast-changing world by the darkened calm of a distillery warehouse, the spirit mellowed at its own steady pace, echoing the reassuring rhythm of its hometown port. Aged firstly in American oak, its spicy sweetness was later granted depth and colour by casks of Spanish oak. Elegant and charismatic, this wonderful whisky embodies both Wick’s spirit of endurance and Pulteney Distillery’s devotion to its craft.” – My Tasting Note: “Nose: sticky toffee pudding, maple syrup, dark chocolate, leather and tobacco; tropical fruits: candied pineapple, sliced mango and papaya, and honeydew melon. Palate: thick, creamy and fruity; soft smooth leather and fruity tobacco; lovely sherry tones, more maple syrup, sticky toffee pudding drowning in cream with treacle sauce, and a touch of mincemeat pie; more tropical fruits; lots of layers! Finish: long and fruity, more smooth leather, chocolate and tobacco with fading tropical fruits. Comment: this is a big step up in price from the now discontinued 21 Year, but it is also a big step up in style, profile and complexity.” – $500
6. Old Pulteney 1983 – 46% – 33 Year – Matured in Ex-Bourbon & Finished in Sherry – Producer Description: “Brought to life at Pulteney Distillery in Wick, this exclusive vintage expression of the Maritime Malt was matured in American and Spanish oak casks for over 33 years. Robust and full-flavoured, the whisky is lent rare balance and elegance by the Caithness coastal air. Its excellence stands as a testimony to a time-honoured process and unrivalled craftsmanship.” – My Tasting Note: “Nose: classic “Old Fashioned” cocktail: some rye spices, brown sugar, candied cherry and stewed fruits; musty and earthy with some firm new leather; aromatic Peychauds Bitters, some silky honey and creamy vanilla with some nutty Oloroso tones. Palate: rich, nutty and spicy; loads of firm new leather, dark chocolate and stewed fruits; more “Old Fashioned” notes and Peychauds Bittlers; the sherry tones almost smother the traces of vanilla and honey; the earthy dunnage notes add weight to the sherry. Finish: long, earthy, nutty and spicy; fading stewed fruits and firm leather; drying. Comment: this is a older malt that could stand up to the boldest cigars; reminiscent of old Armagnac.” – $900

Introducing: The Lum Reek Whiskies 

Billy Walker’s Fusion of GlenAllachie and Caol Ila 

The brand has been built on the backbone of the GlenAllachie whiskies Billy Walker & Co. acquired as part of the purchase of the distillery, married with Caol Ila.

The MacNair’s Story: “Ne’er happier than when exploring the globe or the spirit from the golden still, Harvey McNair was – in the parlance of his native Glasgow – a man or ‘lad o’pairts’: a true Victorian entrepreneur. A trader, thereby a traveller, an inventor of all sorts of mechanical contraptions, his genius lay in the blending of fine whiskies. He loved and championed the natural, unadulterated colour of whisky. “Pure gold’ he said with a wink. Bon viveur and raconteur, he cut a dash about town and had a bursting social calendar. His best stories were always ‘agin hisself’, like how his neighbours thought him an alchemist or, indeed, how he discovered Lum Reek. But he knew a good dram when he blended it, or indeed stumbled across it. Just like our own 21st Century Whisky legend Billy Walker, who has recreated and refined the Lum Reek blend for the modern palate.

“One autumn evening in the 1860s, after a day’s fishing, our man was quaffing a dram in the old stone bothy near GlenAllachie. Due to a blocked chimney (or lum) the room filled with smoke. It had “a marvellous effect on the whisky in my glass,” confided McNair later to his merchant cronies. “Indeed, perfection!” Ne’er a truer word was spoken. Today’s Lum Reek is the creation of our Master Blender Billy Walker, raising his hat to the top hatted Victorian. It’s a heavily peated malt, marrying Islay & Speyside whiskies with rich GlenAllachie, to extend the flavour profile. Lum Reek is matured in GlenAllachie’s warehouses, then bottled at 46% (and above), unchilfiltered, allowing its natural colour to shine like those golden autumns Harvey MacNair enjoyed, decked out in his waders.”

1. MacNair’s Lum Reek Peated – 46% – Producer Description: “This is the perfect introduction into the Lum Reek range – a peated blended malt Scotch whisky, Master Distiller Billy Walker has combined whiskies matured in first fill Bourbon, Oloroso, Virgin Oak and Red Wine casks to produce this rich golden spirit. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural colour, the spirit was first matured at GlenAllachie distillery before the final cask vatting was blended by Billy.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Crisp peat notes with barley sugar and dark chocolate. Taste: Full bodied peat reek, vanilla, barley sugar and tannins, followed by bog myrtle and sweet spices.” – $78
2. MacNair’s Lum Reek 12 Years Old – 46% – Producer Description: “Introducing the first age range statement from MacNair’s, the Lum Reek 12 years old, bottled at 46% ABV, reflects Billy Walker’s vast experience as a blender, his creative skills and his expert knowledge of wood management. A combination of whiskies from first fill Bourbon, Red Wine and Pedro Ximenez casks were blended together to produce this smoky malt.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet peat reek combining with butterscotch and mocha. Taste: Lashings of rich peat reek with mature heather notes, bog myrtle, butterscotch, toffee and sweet spices.” – $100
3. MacNair’s Lum Reek 21 Years Old – 48% – Producer Description: “A blend of some of the finest Islay and Speyside peated malts combined with richer, older GlenAllachie, the Lum Reek 21 years old was aged in Oloroso, Virgin Oak and Red Wine casks. Non-chill filtered, natural colour and bottled at 48% ABV, Billy Walker has recreated the peated whiskies of 100 years ago for the modern-day palette.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Aristocratic peat smoke with dark chocolate and fudge. Taste: Tobacco, leather, cedar wood and waves of peat reek with oodles of cocoa, vanilla, honey and spices.” – $182

Coming Soon: The Arran 21 Year 

The Oldest Ever Core Arran Expression 

The latest core release in the Arran core range is the 21 Year. Matured exclusively in ex-Sherry casks, and bottled at 46% without added colouring or chill-filtering. The first release is just 6,000 bottles globally and is not expected to last long.

Arran 21 Year – 46% – Matured in Ex-Sherry Casks – Producer Description: “Our long awaited 21 year-old has now joined our core range of Single Malt whiskies.  This limited edition release of 9,000 bottles worldwide introduces this rich and complex expression of some of the oldest whisky in our warehouses.” – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Dark chocolate, sweet spice. Taste: Sweetness, Spice, Bitter orange, Citrus, Dark chocolate, Satisfying.” – $195

New Whisky Fassle Whiskies 

Whiskies for Lovers of Duck Photos 

Whisky Fassle, where a passion for whisky and an obsession with ducks, comes together to have a lovechild… But seriously though, the whiskies are good and the labels are amazing, in an eccentric way! Whisky Fassle is a German independent bottler, and retailer, run by Jens Untwenger.

Translated from German, by google: “We have made it our mission to locate high quality whiskeys and other spirits and to offer them here. Our focus is on independent bottling, whiskey that was not bottled directly in the distillery. For this reason, we would like to recommend our own bottlings to you.”

1. Whisky Fassle Fine Blended Malt 2001 – 46.2% – 17 Year – Sherry Cask – $235
2. Whisky Fassle Fine Blended Malt 1993 – 54.3% – 24 Year – Sherry Hogshead – $300
3. Whisky Fassle / Heads & Tails Glen Keith 1993 – 47.6% – 24 Year – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – $330
4. Whisky Fassle Highland Park 2003 – 53.3% – 15 Year – Hogshead – $285
5. Whisky Fassle Ledaig 2008 – 52.7% – 10 Year – Hogshead – $200
6. Whisky Fassle Speyside 1991 – 48.8% – 27 Year – Hogshead – $375
7. Whisky Fassle Tennessee Whiskey 2003 – 49.6% – 15 Year – $330
8. Whisky Fassle Irish Malt XO – 50.6% – Bottled 2016 – Ex-Bourbon Barrel – $315

The Ileach & Finlaggan Cask Strength Whiskies Are Back 

Our Best Selling Peated Whisky Returns with an Old Friend! 

Two of our favourite cask strength Mystery Malts from Islay are back in stock, and most importantly they have maintained their incredibly affordable prices. If you consider yourself a peat head or Islay-phile and have not tasted either of these wonders before, you had better try them out while they last. Both of these Islay whiskies are exclusive to KWM in Calgary.

1. Finlaggan Cask Strength – 58% – Believed to be Caol Ila, the whisky is bottled at a cask strength of 58%. Finlaggan is an Islay mystery malt named for the most historically significant site on Islay. Loch (lake) Finlaggan–named after St. Findulgan who is believed to have brought Christianity to Islay–and its islands were the political and social capital of the Lord’s of the Isles, who ruled the Western Isles of Scotland for over 400 years. Finlaggan Cask Strength is put together by the Vintage Malt Whisky Company, whom are also responsible for the Cooper’s Choice and Ileach lineup. It is bottled at a batch strength of 58% ABV. – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Lovely pungent peat smoke. Smoky bacon with a touch of old leather Palate: Rich sweet smoke. Iodine, lemon zest with a beautiful mouth coating oiliness. Waves of tarry peat. Finish: Peppery peat. Soot and ash. Long and warming” – $75
2. Ileach Cask Strength– 58% – More than a decade ago, some guy with wolf eyes and a panama hat once named the Ileach Cask Strength one of the best whiskies in the world, but don’t hold that against it! It is back and exclusive to KWM in Calgary again, bottled at 58%. 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? Lagging behind and not understanding our not-so-subtle hints on which distillery this could be? Don’t worry too much – this is what makes Mystery Malts so much fun! – 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

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society April 2019 Outturn 

Six Curious New Malts … 

1. 63.46: A walk in the park – 59.4% – 10 Year – Refill Barrel – Speyside – Flavour Profile: Sweet, fruity & mellow – Panel’s tasting note:  “The nose starts off wonderfully sweet – nutty nougat, coconut confectionery and caramel apple granny cake – a complete enticement. The palate is a ‘sit up and pay attention’ experience – Soor Plooms (a sharp-flavoured, round hard candy from southern Scotland), stewed apples and SweeTarts candies entertain and linger in the mouth. The reduced nose is like being in the municipal park – flower gardens and football pitches – the goal-posts are freshly painted and the teams are being served oranges at half time. The palate is now full and satisfying – and exceedingly tasty – Liquorice Allsorts and Peshwari naan (sweet, buttery, coconut) – a real treat for the taste buds.” – $143.99
2. 7.203: Angel’s tears – 56.5% – 15 Year – 2nd Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel – Speyside – Flavour Profile: Juicy, oak & vanilla. – Panel’s tasting note: “At the start, the nose delivers orange fondant, orange coconut ice, apricot Danish and roasted peaches – gradually a floral note emerges – maybe a flower vase on a watchmaker’s workbench. The palate has a delightful soft, viscous texture and flavours of golden syrup, sweet coconut cream and pink wafers – so warming it’s almost salty – like angels’ tears. With water the nose finds chocolate tea cakes and sweetie tobacco (sugar coated chocolate flavoured coconut strips). The palate is pure expanding joy – filling the mouth with warm spice and sweetness – spiced plum crumble, cinnamon gum, hot cross – a nippy tease tantalises the finish.” – $175
3. 37.105: Wooed b honeyed words – 57.2% – 30 Year – 2nd Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel -Speyside – Flavour Profile: Old & dignified – Panel’s tasting note:  “A sweet-talking, charmer of a dram that exuded sticky jelly sweets rolled in hazelnuts and nutmeg. Sugar laden intonations extended into orange and lime marmalade with apricots in syrup and a substantial wedge of sticky toffee pudding. Layered delicately over the sweetness came floral notes of pot pouri and Turkish delight that harmonized with a weighty spice that travelled in the form of cardamom pods and spiced eggplant relish. Herbal hues characterized thick and viscous cough syrup that imparted onto the palate a glorious texture that combined most elegantly with a peppery tingle. Runny honey oozed over tinned fruit cocktail and parma violets before assuming a nutty stance that echoed earthy connotations. The finish concluded in a sweet and woody fashion, leaving behind reverberations of dried herbs.” – $565
4. 12.10: Elegance of perfection– 61.1% – 8 Year – 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel – Speyside – Flavour profile: Sweet, fruity & mellow. – Panel’s tasting note:  “A real sense of autumn on the nose neat with plenty of nuts (almonds, hazelnuts), acorns, rich damp earth, winter fruit chutney as well as rhubarb, cinnamon and custard tarts. Initially on the palate neat intense warm toasted oak spices, followed by orange-clove pomander balls, treacle sponge pudding and dark rich honey with a hint of smoky coffee. A subtle savoury note of smoked venison appeared when adding water next to caramelized coconut chips and homemade crunchy nutty granola. Silky smooth to taste, chilled berries (raspberries, strawberries and blueberries) with a white hot chocolate sauce – elegance of perfection!” – $144
5. 93.93: Summer seaside picnic – 55.8% – 16 Year – Refill Hogshead – Campbeltown – Flavour profile:  Lightly peated. – Panel’s tasting note: “Clean and fresh aromas of sea air on a summer’s day with seaweed and tarry ropes. A robust herbal honey, hot smoked salmon and sweet soy sauce. Quite approachable at full strength – charred wood in honey, sweet porridge, vanilla and barbecued sausages. Water reveals pineapple cube sweets, gingerbread and an exotic fruit salad with background notes of oily rags, biscuit and comforting coastal aromas. The palate is well balanced – sweet, gently smoky, black pepper then menthol, minerals and tangy charred wood with a pleasing finish.” – $210
6.  10.119: The chimney in a beehive – 59.3% – 9 Year – Refill Hogshead – Islay – Flavour profile: Peated. – Panel’s tasting note: “Like cleaning out the chimney in a beehive the nose combined the syrupy nectar of runny honey with dusty clouds of black soot from the sweet smoke of burning applewood. The draw up the chimney enticed a maritime draught into the room, filling the air with a salty breeze, seaweed and the distinctly nautical nose of fishing trawlers laden with crates of crustaceans. The palate exhibited further sugary temptation as toffee apples combined with fruit sherbet sweets and smoky bacon drizzled with maple syrup. Lip-smacking and devilishly delicious, the layers of flavour continued to unravel, revealling scallops with sweet vinaigrette, smoked fish soup and the clean mineralic edge of Chablis or dry German Riesling.” – $133 – Sold Out

My Tasting Notes on a pair of Ileachs from Gordon & MacPhail 

Of Caol Ila & Bunnahabhain… 

These two Ileachs are lovely, bottled as a part of Gordon Macphail’s revamped Connoisseurs Choice range. It took me a while to get around to writing tasting notes on them, but here they are!

1. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Bunnahabhain 1998 – 47.8% – 19 Year – 71 Bottles – Refill American Oak Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: honey, beeswax and tropical fruits; ripe mango, papaya and freshly sliced pineapple; coconut cream icing on vanilla cupcakes; silky and floral with a touch of malt. Palate: creamy, waxy and lush; floral, honeyed and waxy with white pepper and toasted oak; still tropical, but a little more green and less ripe; dry-grassy barley with a savoury salty-maritime flourish and a hint of smoke. Finish: long, maritime and toasty with under-ripe tropical fruits and white pepper. Comment: the nose and palate differ slightly, but in a pleasant way; the nose is lush with the palate a little drier and more maritime; this is the dry Riesling of whiskies, in search of a salad with a sweet vinaigrette dressing or dessert.”  – $260
2. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 2005 AB Cask – 52% – 13 Year – First Fill Sherry Butt – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: salted caramel and old English butterscotch icecreams; creme brulee, floral perfume and lush maritime smoke; pan seared scallops with a subtle maple glaze. Palate: creamy, waxy and oily; lush salted caramel and more old english butterscotch; still floral, reminiscent of a lavender or earl grey infused crème brulee; a touch of Iberico ham and more pan seared scallops with a sweet creamy sauce; the smoke is elegant and restrained complimented by moist maritime notes and soft earthy peat oils. Finish: clinging, lush, swee, creamy and floral; good length and a smooth delivery. Comment: Caol Ila up has a well-deserved reputation for being consistently good; seemingly hard to screw up; but in any case this is a very good bottling of a whisky that rarely disappoints, at 13 years.” – $185

Macallan ‘M’ – The Last One Ever?! 

Due to a Change to Alberta Beverage Recycling Rules… Bureaucrats!  

 

We have just one bottle, and I expect this will be the last we will see for some time, as spirits with leaded crystal decanters will no longer be available in Alberta. Every time we have tried this whisky is has been spectacular. The bottle is pretty sexy too!

Macallan ‘M’ – 45% – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Dried fruits ripen, then soften. Vanilla accompanies green apple hand in hand. Ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon create an ensemble in the background, with strong notes of polished oak and a depth of resinous, juicy oranges. Palate: The palate opens rich in wood spices, slowly showing all their viscosity. Wood smoke flits in and out. Finish: The heavier raisin and sultana flavours take over, meandering to a long full finish.” – $5500

Producer Description: “Part of The Macallan Masters Decanter Series created to showcase the beautiful range of The Macallan’s natural colour, M is born of a collaboration between three masters of their crafts to create a completely individual spirit.

“M is the iconic result of an unprecedented collaboration between three masters of their crafts who shared the same unique objective – to create the world’s most sophisticated whisky contained in an exquisite, exclusively designed crystal decanter. A masterpiece of design, M is brought to conception by creative director and legendary designer Fabien Baron, brought to life by Lalique mastery of crystal and brought to purpose by The Macallan.”

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

Event Name: Bartenders Spirits Awards

Website: https://bartenderspiritsawards.com/

Judging Date: May 19-20, 2019 Location:South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 South Airport Boulevard, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States.

Bartender Spirits Awards Judged by Bartenders, Bar Managers and Off-Premise Managers for The On-Premise Industry. This event will take place in San Francisco on May 19-20, 2019 and will become the first spirits competition within the United States judged entirely by top bartenders within the industry. Using the tagline “Judged by Bartenders, Bar Managers and Off-Premise Managers for the On-Premise Industry,” the Bartender Spirits Awards will recognize, encourage, promote and celebrate excellence in the U.S. drinks industry.

The aim of the new competition is to provide independent and honest reviews for brands targeting the U.S. bar trade. The judging panel consists of some of the most renowned names in the U.S. bar industry, all of them with extensive expertise within the on premise industry.

Medals will be awarded to those spirits that meet very specific judging criteria, with a goal of identifying spirits that should become additions to bar inventories. Double Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals are awarded to the best-performing spirits based on the following three factors: quality, value, and packaging.

KEY DATES:

Early Bird Registration: Now until April 10, 2019 Registration Ends: April 30, 2019 Warehouse Closes For Samples:05 May 2019 Judging: May 19 & 20, 2019 Winners Announced: 10 June 2019

FEE SCHEDULE:

$125 from till 10 April 2019

$165 from 11 April 2019 to April 30, 2019 Entries for the 2019

Bartender Spirits Awards is now open. Get your spirits rated by quality, value, and packaging. Enter Now and get early bird pricing. For further more inquiries, feel free to email us at info@bartenderspiritsawards.com

Contact Details: Company: Beverage Trade Network Website: https://beveragetradenetwork.com/
Office: 501 Silverside Rd, Suite 77, Wilmington, DE 19809
Phone Number: +1 855 481 1112

Distell Named Overall Distiller of the Year

-17 global accolades secured across whisky portfolio- 

Distell has been crowned ‘Overall Distiller of the Year’ at the Icons of Whisky Awards in London last night (28 March). The leading spirits producer’s winning streak continued at the World Whisky Awards later that evening with three additional awards recognising the company’s international single malt and grain brands.

The Icons of Whisky and World Whisky Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony with some of the industry’s most respected figures in attendance. Distell picked up gongs during the World Whisky Awards, including Best Scotch Islay Single Malt for the second year in a row for Bunnahabhain 25 YO; Best South African Grain for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky 15YO and Distell itself was recognised as Distiller of the Year.

The portfolio was also awarded 10 accolades in the first round of the World Whiskies Awards 2019, including three category winners, three gold medals, two silver and two bronze.

Derek Scott, Brand Director for Malts at Distell International, said: “We are passionate about our malts portfolio and are continually working to provide exceptional whisky for new and loyal audiences alike. These awards are amongst the most respected and influential spirits competitions in the world and to have received so many accolades across our brands is huge testament to the talented teams across the distilleries.”

Meanwhile, in Glasgow, the team were celebrating a trio of awards at the 12th annual Òran Mór Whisky Awards. Ledaig PX won Best Newcomer and Bains won Best Overseas Whisky. Sarah Farrugia, Business Development Manager at Distell with a strong background in food and drink, received the Whisky Rep of the Year accolade.

Commenting on the awards, Cameron Bowes, Channel Controller North at Distell, said: “We are extremely proud of Sarah’s award win, she always goes above and beyond in her role and it’s great to see this being recognised at an industry level.”

Notes: 

World Whiskies Awards 2019 first round results:

Deanston 12 Year Old	2019	Gold
Scottish Leader 12 Year Old	2019	Gold
Black Bottle	2019	Silver
Scottish Leader Original	2019	Silver
Scottish Leader Supreme	2019	Bronze
Deanston Virgin Oak	2019	Bronze
Ledaig 10 Year Old	2019	Category Winner
Bunnahabhain 18	2019	Category Winner
Bunnahabhain 25	2019	Category Winner
Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dha	2019	Gold

 About Distell: 

• Distell is Africa’s leading producer of wines, spirits, ciders, scotch whisky and ready-to-drinks (RTDs) with a portfolio of close on 100 brands.
• Within the portfolio, Distell owns four single malts and a number of scotch brands produced across three distillery sites.
• The three distilleries include: Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay; Deanston in Doune, Perthshire and Tobermory based on the Isle of Mull.
• With a global network of offices and distribution partners, the company employs nearly 5000 people worldwide and has an annual turnover of R14.2 billion. (£1.09 billion)
• In Scotland, the company’s operations are based in East Kilbride where it has a bottling hall, with blending and warehousing facilities at Airdrie, both near Glasgow.
• Distell is the 2015 “Distiller of the Year” award winner at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.
• Bunnahabhain Distillery was named the 2016 Tasting Panel Magazine Distillery of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

For more visit: www.distell.co.za

 

 

APRIL AUCTION NOW LIVE!
(ends Sunday 28^th April)

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

ralfy.com does a generational comparison with . . .

https://youtu.be/Lp9QsQPQxUU

Ben Nevis 10 Year Old New Bottling

New official bottling from the Highland distillery in Fort William. This Western Highland single malt boasts gentle peat smoke, chocolate, tropical fruit and dark chocolate flavours. While stocks last. Ben Nevis 10 Year Old Highland single malt Scotch whiskey from the distillery in Fort William. A big full bodied highland malt.

Ben Nevis Distillery is a Highland malt whisky distillery established by John McDonald in 1825 at Inverlochy just north of Fort William and rests at the foot of Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. A Coffey’s Still was installed in in 1955 and both malt and grain whiskies were produced simultaneously until 1981. The core range comprises Ben Nevis 10 Year Old, McDonald’s Traditional and single cask bottling are released from time to time. The distillery is owned by Nikka of Japan.

Shop – Ben Nevis 10 Year Old – $54.14