Welcome to this week;s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of distillery bottled Laphroaig’s.

https://youtu.be/KusymYOtVp0

Gordon & MacPhail honours silent distilleries with rare whisky releases

–Malt whisky creator unveils 2019 Summer Collection–

Single malt Scotch whisky creator Gordon & MacPhail has unveiled its Summer Collection, which includes some of the oldest ever whisky releases from two silent distilleries.

Bottled as part of its ‘Private Collection’ range, Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery is joined by Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery, a 38-year-old single malt.

Single malts in the Private Collection are personally selected by members of the Urquhart family that has owned Gordon & MacPhail for four generations. For over a century, the specialist has matured spirit from more than 100 Scottish distilleries in its own casks to create a liquid library found nowhere else in the world.

A third Private Collection release, Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery will be available as part of the Summer Collection. The Speyside malt has been matured in a first-fill Sherry butt for 53 years, which has delivered a rich, dark mahogany colour, intense fruitcake notes on the nose and dark fruits on the palate.

These unique and rare releases are contained in bespoke crystal decanters housed in beautifully crafted wooden veneer presentation cases.

Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige at Gordon & MacPhail said, “Our ‘Private Collection’ whiskies embody the expertise, skill and patience that has been passed down over four generations of my family.

“My grandfather, George Urquhart, recognised an opportunity to match new make spirit with carefully selected casks at a time when the vast majority of production went into blends. Over the decades he was able to master this art which has become his legacy.

“He could never be persuaded to bottle a whisky before he believed it had reached its ultimate peak in terms of quality – a tradition we’re proud to continue today.”

Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery [UK RRP £6950*]

Less than two miles outside Forres, Dallas Dhu was one of the westernmost Speyside distilleries. Closed in 1983, the distillery was designed by famed architect Charles Doig, who also designed the Gordon & MacPhail retail shop in Elgin.

Matured in a refill Sherry hogshead cask no. 1656 on 10 June 1969, only 176 bottles of Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery will be available for purchase from selected specialist whisky retailers internationally.

Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery [UK RRP £1000]

The Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery is believed to be one of the oldest bottled single malts from the distillery which used to stand in Linlithgow in the Scottish Lowlands.

A distillery with a rich and varied past, St. Magdalene was initially known as Linlithgow Distillery, before a merger with Bonnytoun Farm Distillery in 1826 led to a renaming. The distillery was built on the lands of St. Magdalene’s Cross Convent, although today all that remains is the malting barn and kiln.

Laid down the year prior to the distillery closing its doors for the last time, the Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery was matured in cask no. 2092, a refill American hogshead. Only 161 bottles available to purchase from select whisky retailers internationally.

Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery [UK RRP £6950]

Unlike many Scottish distilleries founded during the whisky boom at the end of the 19th century, Longmorn has continued with constant production right up until the present day.

Just 398 bottles are available of the Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery, with the 53-Year-Old single malt whisky matured in cask no. 610, a first fill Sherry butt.

For more information on the 2019 Summer Collection visit: www.gordonandmacphail.com/our-whiskies/ranges/summer-collection/

#GordonandMacPhail

Further releases from the 2019 Summer Collection include Connoisseurs Choice 1989 from Balblair Distillery (UK RRP £400*), Connoisseurs Choice 2006 from Caol Ila (UK RRP £89.75*) and Connoisseurs Choice 1995 from Royal Brackla (UK RRP £167*).

29 July 2019

*Prices in international markets may vary due to local taxes and import duties.

Tasting notes

Gordon & MacPhail 1969 from Dallas Dhu Distillery (Private Collection)

43.1% ABV, outturn of 176 bottles, UK RRP of £6,950.

Matured in cask no. 1656, a refill Sherry hogshead. 

Colour: Mahogany

Aroma: Aromas of rich fruitcake laden with plump raisins, sultanas, and orange peel. An elegant sweetness of candied ginger, almond marzipan, and treacle toffee. Wisps of wood smoke and tobacco linger upon a backdrop of subtle oak. 

Taste: Toffee apples with fruit and nut dark chocolate flavours accompany mouth-warming cracked peppercorns. Spice sits in the background while wood tannins begin to take hold.

Finish: Lingering and warming; roasted coffee beans evolve into a subtle herbal edge. Full of character with a crisp clean edge. 

Gordon & MacPhail 1966 from Longmorn Distillery (Private Collection)

46.0% ABV, outturn of 398 bottles, UK RRP of £6950.
Matured in cask no.610, a first fill Sherry butt

Colour: Darkest mahogany

Aroma: Intense sweet fruitcake aromas align with brown sugar, sticky prunes and candied citrus peel. Spice provides warmth with cinnamon and clove. Hints of vanilla come to the fore followed by forest fruits. A delicate oak smoke is present.

Taste: Sweet with bursts of pepper. Steeped dark fruits – blackberry and ripe cherries envelop warming spice leading to flavours of liquorice with dried tobacco and oak.

Finish: Long; mulled fruits and charred oak providing a subtle ash finish. 

Gordon & MacPhail 1982 from St. Magdalene Distillery (Private Collection)

53% ABV, outturn of 161 bottles, UK RRP of £1,000.

Matured in cask no. 2092, a refill American hogshead.

Colour: Golden

Aroma: Waxy lemons entwine with zesty lime and ripe banana. Creamy vanilla custard and almond marzipan aromas are layered with freshly cut grass and floral tones. Aniseed sits in the background.

Taste: Sweet; hints of cracked black pepper and candied tropical fruits give a touch of sweetness before rich dark chocolate truffle centred with salted caramel flavours come through.

Finish: Light and delicate with subtle hints of toasted malt, aniseed, and humidor.

Gordon & MacPhail Whiskies

Established in 1895, family-owned Gordon & MacPhail is curator of some of the world’s finest and rarest single malt Scotch whiskies from over 100 distilleries. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued to pursue the perfect partnership between spirit and cask.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail has carefully matched spirit to the highest quality oak casks which are sent to distilleries throughout Scotland, filled with new-make spirit, and matured either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouse in Elgin.

It is this simple but endlessly complex pairing that creates an intriguing and unique portfolio of expressions – single malts that Scotch whisky lovers will not find anywhere else.

In April 2018, the company unveiled its streamlined portfolio:

• ‘Discovery’ – Utterly dependable, this flavour-led range is the perfect introduction to our portfolio of quality single malt Scotch whiskies
• ‘Distillery Labels’ – A range celebrating our long-standing relationships with Scotland’s distilleries.
• ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ – The heart of our portfolio – always unique, these non-chill-filtered, natural coloured, small batch expressions are genuine one-offs.
• ‘Private Collection’ – Greatly-aged single malts from celebrated, little-known, or closed distilleries specially selected by members of the Urquhart family.
• ‘Generations’ – A prestigious collection of old, rare, and exclusive masterpieces.

Malt Messenger Bulletin – Surprise Summer Sale!

Surprise… we’re have a SURPRISE SUMMER SALE! This Sale is such a surprise, it is even a surprise for our staff. It seems my Store Manager Dave and I forgot to tell the floor staff about it, until a couple of days ago… Lets be honest, long weekends are slow in the retail world, so we thought we’d give you a couple of reasons to pay us a visit, whether in-store or online. If you are not in town, or are hiding out in a tent or at the Cabin, no problem, you can submit your order online, or even by email. Simply hit reply and let me know what you’d like. We have huge savings on Whisky, Wine, Beer & Spirits. In fact full 99% of our inventory is on SALE, with just a handful of exceptions. Save 10-30% on all in-stock Whisky*. Save 15-40% on all in-stock Wine. Save 10-30% on all in-stock Spirits: Gin, Rum, Cognac, Brandy & More. And Save 5-20% on all in-stock Beer. The Sale is only in-store and online (including email). No phone orders please. I have attached a PDF of all the whiskies and other spirits discounted by 15% or more. Many of them are down to just 1-2 bottles of each! You can view it by clicking this text. I have also attached a PDF of all of the Wines we have discounted by 20% or more! You can view it by clicking this link.

Sale Rules – There are always conditions, but we believe ours are fair!

• In the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct.
• Sale pricing will not be retroactively extended, nor will the sale prices be carried forward beyond the end of the sale.
• The sale pricing applies only to in-stock inventory, with the exception of exclusives. If we can get more we will honour the price on exclusive wines and whiskies – as long as they are paid for during this sale weekend.
• Sale pricing cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions.
• Most Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies are not on Sale, as are about a dozen new whiskies such as Compass Box The Circle and No Name No.2 are also excluded.

I hope this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well, and that you find something tempting… Please let me know if you have any comments, questions or requests. Feel free to submit an order by email if that is more convenient. As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the Point of Sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Slàinte!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

Dear Malt Messenger Subscribers,

New Summer Tasting Schedule  

We Have a Wide Range of Tastings to Keep You Refreshed During the Dog Days of Summer! 

Whisky & Spirits Tastings, all start at 7PM, unless indicated:

1. Scotch Malt Whisky Society August Outturn Tastings – Friday August 2 aka tonight!) 8PM – Want a peek into the world’s largest whisky club? We have opened up the August tastings to non members. You will taste the Society’s latest, exclusive offerings. We host SMWS tastings the first week of each month. Become a Member and you save $10 on class registration. This month’s tastings are especially cool, they involve beer pairings. Want to know more? – $50 ($40 for Members)
2. The Price is Right: Scotch Edition – Tuesday August 6th – The wine staff had so much fun with the concept that the whisky staff went ahead and stole it! Can you taste the difference between a top shelf dram and a bargain bottling? Find out whether you’re the frugal sort or if you truly have expensive taste in this blind Scotch tasting. – $40 – SOLD OUT
3. Compass Box No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch – Thursday August 8 – Two new Compass Box Whisky Co. limited editions is as good a reason as any we can think of to put on a tasting, so that’s exactly what we’ve done. We will be tasting the new releases: The Circle and No Name No.2. Just for fun we have tracked down a bottle of No Name No.1 for comparison. 5 other Compass Box Whiskies will round out our range! – $35
4. Blinded by Bourbon – Thursday August 15 – Brown paper bags are covering all the bottles for this blind Bourbon tasting. We are hiding your biases from you and giving you the chance to discover – or rediscover – a new favourite! – $35
5. Indie Cred: Unofficial and Exciting Whisky – Tuesday August 20th – Official bottlings are usually good and often great, but everybody loves an indie darling. We’ll indulge in some of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, which typically come in small batches or single casks, and on occasion…a dose of mystery! – $50

Register in-store, by phone 403-283-8000 and online!

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

Virginia Distillery Company to Release Third Annual Charity Cask on Aug. 3 to Benefit Nelson County Pantry

LOVINGSTON, Va. (July 30, 2019) – Virginia Distillery Company will release its Coffee Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky next month as part of its third annual Charity Cask program to support the Nelson County Pantry, a local nonprofit providing meals, fresh produce, baked goods and non-perishable foods to families in need. The new batch of whisky was made in collaboration with Snowing in Space, a cold brew coffee company in Charlottesville.

A release celebration at the distillery’s Visitors Center will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Last year, Virginia Distillery Company’s Charity Cask initiative raised $5,000 and benefited Almost Home, Nelson County’s SPCA, and was chosen by the public through a voting process on social media. The distillery selected the Nelson County Pantry as this year’s beneficiary, because they were the runner-up during last year’s voting. The inaugural Charity Cask supported the Nelson County First Responder teams as a thank you after these local teams put out a forest fire on the hillside behind the distillery in November 2016.

“We’re proud to be able to support the important work this organization does for the local community while having the opportunity to collaborate with a local business,” Virginia Distillery Company’s CEO Gareth H. Moore said. “Our community is important to us. Each holiday season our staff volunteers at the pantry to help pack meals for local families to pick up.”

For the unique finish, Snowing in Space brewed coffee in a Virginia Distillery Company whisky barrel. The whisky was then filled back into the cask after the coffee was emptied from the barrel. The whisky finished for 14 months, which added notes of cocoa nibs, walnuts and roasted coffee beans. Straw gold in color, the palate offers hints of vanilla and mocha, melding together for a smooth and vibrant finish.

The single cask offering produced 318 total bottles and will be available for purchase on site at the distillery’s Visitors Center. The 750 ml bottles retail for $67.99 plus tax. Net proceeds from the cask will benefit the Nelson County Pantry.

The Coffee Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky is one of several offerings from Virginia Distillery Company’s award-winning Virginia-Highland Whisky series, including a Port, Cider, Chardonnay and Beer cask finished whisky. Its Port Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky won Best American Blended Malt at the 2019, 2018 and 2017 World Whiskies Awards and the Cider Cask Finished Virginia-Highland Whisky ranks No. 13 on Whisky Advocate Top 20 whiskies of 2018.

The distillery is preparing for the 2020 launch of Courage & Conviction, its signature American Single Malt whisky. The name is a nod to a phrase founder Dr. George G. Moore was often heard saying: “Always have the courage of your convictions.”

For more information, visit the distillery’s website at www.vadistillery.com.

About Virginia Distillery Company: 

Virginia Distillery Company is currently crafting its ultra-premium American Single Malt whisky, Courage & Conviction, at the distillery located in Lovingston, Virginia. These whiskies yield a complex taste, due to the influence of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and maturation in former Bourbon, Sherry and Cuvée wine casks. The casks have been resting since November 2015 and the Flagship offering will be released in the Spring of 2020. A sneak peek pre-release product called “Prelude: Courage & Conviction” will be available in the Fall of 2019. While Courage & Conviction ages, customers may enjoy the Virginia-Highland Whisky series.

Standard-Setting Bourbons Every Collector Will Want to Own
“One of the most exciting distilleries in Kentucky.”
—Andrew Whiteley, K&L NorCal Spirits Buyer

The ancestral heart and soul of bourbon in Kentucky is Bardstown, and no one is better positioned to drive the future production, consumption, and tourism of the bourbon industry than Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC). This state-of-the-art company is transforming the way you experience Kentucky and its finest export. Aside from the award-winning bar program, replete with rare bottlings, vintage spirits, and a gourmet restaurant on site, the distillery itself is setting the bar for how whiskey is made.

Led by Steve Nally, previously the master distiller at Maker’s Mark, BBC is making some of the most exciting distillate in Kentucky while servicing the industry in every way possible, and with as much transparency as anyone in Kentucky. They make custom contract juice for brands that need a home, they make their own distillate for their own brands, and they blend sourced whiskey into some of the tastiest bottles available on the market. While K&L exclusively introduced BBC’s first Collaboration Project with Copper & Kings several years ago, the company’s first official broad market releases are finally here!

Today, they have three stunning bottles on offer that showcase their expertise and creativity in blending and distilling.

Bardstown Bourbon Company – Fusion Bourbon (750ml) ($59.99)

The Fusion Series features their own distillate heavily, but also its fusion with other fine whiskey – in the case of Fusion #1 edition – it’s all Kentucky Bourbon. The first edition in the Fusion lineup is a showpiece made up of 60% of their own distillate blended with much older Kentucky bourbon. If you’re looking to glimpse the future of BBC’s own production – this is it.

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 29, 2019

This is a delicious bourbon. The nose is sweet and light with a hint of vanilla. It is soft and easy to drink with layers of flavors. One of the most interesting and fun things about this whiskey is that on the side of the bottle is a list of the different whiskeys used to make this bourbon. Both purchased and Bardstown Distilleries own whiskeys are blended together and listed along with the mash bill . A great effort both in taste and in providing information about the product.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 12, 2019

This new distillery started producing in 2016 and quickly started laying down some of their stock. With equal parts 11yr 7mo Kentucky sourced bourbon, 2 yr old high rye estate bourbon and 20% estate wheated bourbon, this bottle expresses what the distillery is aiming to be and gives some good insight into the juice they’re making. The nose was rich and sweet and full of spices like cinnamon and cardamom mixed with mascarpone cheese. The palate was smooth and sweet with notes of banana creme and more cinnamon. If you’re looking to venture into something produced outside of the bourbon belt, definitely give this bottle a shot.

Bardstown Bourbon Company – Discovery Series #1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($129.99)

The Discovery Series Edition #1 puts BBC’s blending chops on display. It’s a combination of 4 different sourced Kentucky bourbons ranging from 5-13 years old and is a masterpiece. Unlike anything on the market at any price, this bourbon is the definition of “greater than the sum of its parts.” The 121.21 proof is stunningly perfect to sip neat and speaks to the exceptional balance.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 10, 2019

While we visited Bardstown Bourbon Company on our annual KY trip this past April, we didn’t have the chance to taste this particular product since the blend wasn’t done yet. After receiving an explanation of what they were expecting the final blend to be made up of, we couldn’t wait! It was still on our receiving dock when I pulled a bottle and cracked it open. The nose is insane. It’s full of mint and a little bit of chocolate. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had such a strong mint nose in a bourbon before. Some of the Four Roses yeast strains give a strong mint fragrance, but this is next level. Caramel and wood spice back up the sweet herbal aroma and the high proof cuts off any sweetness from getting to cloying. The palate is equally entrancing. It attacks from all angles. You get zip and cut and weight and silky texture. The flavors are complex and layered, like a Cafe Diablo, but brighter. The finish is long and bright with a reiteration and reinterpretation of the mint note that started it all. A truly exceptional blend from the hedonistic team at one of the most exciting distilleries in Kentucky.

Cameron Hoppas | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 22, 2019

I love Four Roses for its minty and spicy aromas, but this brand-new release from Bardstown may just become one of my new favorite whiskeys. It is wildly delicious. With juice between 5-13 years old (90% is 10+ years old), the whiskey is dense and aromatically complex. Cool mint leads on the nose, with orange zest, coriander, and spiced nuts. On the palate it has an interesting spicy caramel with dried cherry and candied orange peel, but all built on a delicate and subtle, yet dark and earthy foundation. This is certainly my favorite style of whiskey, expertly crafted and blended. If this is the future of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, I’m glad I’m here to taste it.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

This is one of the most phenomenal bourbons I have ever tasted. With a brand-new, state-of-the art-facility and the reputation as the premier “custom crush” distillery in the area, the Bardstown Bourbon Company has spared no expense in bringing us an epic whiskey. The BBC even prints its mash bill on the bottle, which is very uncommon in bourbon, where many try to keep their recipes secret. The nose is a blend of mint and perfume and the palate is incredibly smooth and slightly candied. The new frontier of bourbon is here and Bardstown Bourbon Company is leading the way.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

The third in a cool series of projects coming out of the relatively young Bardstown Bourbon Company. Following their Fusion and Collaborative releases, this bottling called Discovery combines Kentucky Bourbons primarily between 10 and 13 years with some 5 year old thrown in as well for a bit of punchy youth. I like that each of the bottlings give details on what’s going into the blend regarding age as well as mashbill. In our day and age, we could all use more transparency (whether we’re talking about whiskey or politics). After well-polished wood, various fruit notes play on the nose: orange zest, canned peaches, and cherry cough drops. The medium caramel scents blend seamlessly with the vibrant spices. On the palate, the caramel comes out more prominently while the spices get more earthy (clove, coriander, anise) and more herbal (mint, fresh hay), but the finish is boldly peppery.

Bardstown Bourbon Company – Collaboration Series Phifer Pavitt Reserve Bourbon (750ml) ($129.99)

The followup in the Collaboration Series, the new Phifer Pavitt Reserve bottling more than anything shows the deft hands at work at BBC. 9 year old Tennessee whiskey is finished for 18 months in Phifer Pavitt Reserve Napa Cabernet barrels. While most wine-finished bourbons lack freshness and finesse, the Phifer Pavitt has both in spades. Bottled at 107 proof, everything lines up perfectly. Simply pour it on ice and enjoy the best and most balanced Manhattan you’ll ever “mix.”

Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 01, 2019

This bourbon is finished in used California Cabernet barrels which add a beautiful dark color. The nose is interesting and pretty. In the mouth it is full bodied and has a wonderful creamy mouth feel. It is layered and complex and will make a wonderful special occasion whiskey.

Jackson Lee | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 12, 2019

A nine-year-old Tennessee whiskey finished in Napa Cab barrels? What more could you want? The nose is super expressive, giving off sweet, burnt caramel, seared pluots, and black cherries. The palate reflects some of the big tannins you get from Napa Cabs with the oak flavor coming along with them while also providing a corn sweetness, not dissimilar to the Kix cereal of my youth. The finish was a sweet plum sugar, almost jammy, undoubtedly another contribution from the Cab barrel. This dram offered the best from both worlds and played together nicely.

Things are turning fizzy as August sees us sharing the joys of pairing a Society whisky with a beer and celebrating the enhanced enjoyment that we can get by matching one with the other. Click over to our website now to view our First Friday collection of new casks plus our expert pairing recommendations.

August Outturn will be released on Friday, 2 August at 9am. Get ready to order your favourite flavours now.

AUGUST OUTTURN          ALL BOTTLINGS

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 268: Miltonduff 7 Year Old 2011 Asta Morris

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries an independently bottled Miltonduff. Milltonduff from Elgin is another one of those noble unknowns. Like Glenburgie, it is one of the more important malts in the famous blend Ballentine’s. And like Glenburgie, it really is worth getting to know it as a malt. This single cask – a sherry butt – was shared between Europe and Maltoyama in Japan. It’s the very first Miltonduff bottled by Asta Morris.

https://youtu.be/wlYsEOJm5Ps

CRABBIE’S LAUNCHES NEW YARDHEAD SINGLE MALT IN LONDON

Edinburgh based whisky brand John Crabbie & Co released a special single malt whisky last night at iconic music venue and pub, The Macbeth in London.

Described by Managing Director David Brown, as the company’s most significant release to date, Crabbie’s Yardhead (RRP £26) is aimed squarely at the growing sector of young spirits drinkers who want to do more with whisky than just sip it.

“Crabbie’s Yardhead is a single malt that is made for mixing” said Brown. “We want to encourage consumers to look at single malt differently, and for bar staff to use their skills to develop new ways of using single malt in long drinks and in cocktails”.

The Crabbie name has been associated with Scotch whisky for over 200 years and the founder John Crabbie is recognised as one of the pioneers of the industry that has grown to be Scotland’s largest export.

His success was founded on changing the way whisky was produced and consumed, and in doing so he made Scotch whisky a drink that could be enjoyed by everyone. He experimented in blending whiskies together to improve their taste profile and he created the Whisky Mac, probably the first ever whisky cocktail, and also the legendary Hot Toddy.

It is therefore perhaps appropriate that it should be the company that he founded that is once again at the forefront of innovation in Scotch whisky with Crabbie’s Yardhead single malt scotch whisky.

Brown said “Crabbie was an innovator who challenged convention and I think he would have approved of the new Crabbie’s Yardhead single malt. We have seen the rise in popularity of American whiskey with younger consumers, largely drunk with a mixer over ice. Single malt Scotch whisky still tends to be consumed as a straight drink but it actually mixes really well.  Blended malts have tried to tap into that market, but what we are launching today is a single malt which we believe offers a premium alternative and a different taste profile, ideally suited to be enjoyed long over ice with a mixer.

“The massive resurgence in popularity of cocktails has given rise to a new generation of bar staff with the talent to create some amazing drinks, and single malt Scotch whisky gives them the perfect premium base to develop something sensational.”

The name Yardhead comes from the site of the original maturation warehouses in Leith, Edinburgh used by John Crabbie & Co from 1822.

Notes:

Crabbie’s stopped production of Scotch whisky in Edinburgh in the early 20th century, but in 2018, the business made history by building the first new single malt whisky distillery in Edinburgh: the Chain Pier distillery in Granton.  The first casks were laid down in November 2018, and production is ongoing. A new, larger home for John Crabbie & Co is being built at Graham Street in Leith, very close to the original Yardheads warehouses. Production at this second distillery is scheduled to commence late in autumn 2019.

In the 19^th century, John Crabbie travelled throughout Scotland, visiting distilleries and selecting some of the best whiskies of the day to bottle under his famous Crabbie family label. Today the rediscovered John Crabbie & Co is following in his footsteps selecting the very best whiskies from all over Scotland. The whisky selected for Crabbie’s Yardhead is a Highland single malt with rich vanilla and biscuit notes, combining with vibrant citrus, sweet apple and caramel flavours which make it perfect for mixing.

The current Crabbie range of whiskies includes Crabbie 8 y/o Highland single malt, a peated island 12 y/o, Crabbie 25y/o, Crabbie 30y/o  and Crabbie 40y/o all from Speyside. Both Crabbie 8 year old and Crabbie 30 year old won double gold at the recent world spirits competition in San Francisco.

Crabbies Gin is also produced at the Chain Pier distillery in Edinburgh 

NOTES

John Crabbie & Co is owned by the UK’s leading independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer, Halewood Wines & Spirits. www.crabbiewhisky.com

About Halewood Wines & Spirits (www.halewood-int.com)

Halewood Wines and Spirits is the UK’s largest independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributor. Still family owned and based in Merseyside, Halewood has a comprehensive product range covering all drinks categories, including wines, spirits, beers, ciders, and bottled water. The key brands include award-winning Whitley Neill Gin, J.J. Whitley Gin and Vodka, Liverpool Gins and Vodka, Marylebone Gin, Bajan Rum Sixty Six, Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, The Pogues Irish Whiskey, and Red Square Vodka.

Malt Messenger Bulletin – New Compass Box Whisky & a New Tasting!

The Dog Days of Summer are here, and most of you have likely turned your attention to things other than whisky. And who can blame you? Summer is short in our great nation, but it is glorious nonetheless. I wasn’t expecting to send out a Malt Messenger Bulletin until later in the week – and for a completely different reason, which I will hint at below – but then two whiskies we weren’t expecting to arrive until the Fall showed up unexpectedly.

One of our best selling whiskies in 2018 was the Compass Box No Name, aka “Compass Box Ardbeg”. John Glaser caused quite a stir when he took a parcel of Ardbeg and blended it with Caol Ila and Clynelish. Many people couldn’t believe the sacrilege of taking Ardbeg and polluting it. But having had the privilege to sample the Ardbeg on its own before blending, as well as the final product, I can assure you John took something good, and made it great. At the time we assumed it would be a one off. I was confident it would be a hit just because it contained Ardbeg. Then when I sampled it, I was certain.

The release of a second No Name came as a bit of a surprise. John didn’t have a special parcel of Ardbeg casks to work with this time, but rather sherried Caol Ila. Once again, John and his head blender Jill Boyd went to work making something good, great! That is, after all, the whole point of Blended Scotch whisky in the first place. Making something better than the constituent parts. Compass Box No Name No.2  is built primarily around Caol Ila with the addition of Clynelish, Talisker and a mystery Highland Blend. It is a worthy successor to the first edition, and not the only new Compass Box Whisky we are expecting on Wednesday.

We are also expecting the Compass Box The Circle this week. This is the first edition of a whisky named for Compass Box’s bartender program and contest. The first winner of the contest, a London (UK) bartender names Rosie Mitchell, wanted to create in her words: “an approachable whisky to be shared with friends.” The Circle, a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky,  is built around a special parcel of Tamdhu, blended with Clynelish matured in sherry, peated Orkney malt and Highland blended malt matured in French oak. I can’t wait to try it…

The two new Compass Box Whiskies got us thinking… maybe a tasting is in order? So, we are holding a Compass Box No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch tasting on Thursday August 8th. We will be comparing No Name No.1 vs. No.2, as well as sampling The Circle and 5 other Compass Box Whiskies. Only 22 spots, you won’t want to miss this one!

There are a couple of other new whiskies to inform you about, including the  Highland Park Twisted Tattoo. It is a 16 Year old, matured predominantly in Rioja seasoned wine barriques, but also ex-Bourbon. We are also expecting a dozen bottles of a heavily sherried Blended Malt from Morrison MacKay, the Old Perth 23 Year. You can probably guess what it is composed of? Likely the same stuff as the other mystery, sherried, lightly peated blended malts we’ve been seeing for a few years.

I’ve also finally written up my own tasting note on the Amrut Madeira Finish. It is lovely, and exceeded my expectations. I am a bit of skeptic when it comes to wine casks, but this did not disappoint.

Last but not least, this is a note to keep your eyes open for another Malt Messenger Bulletin Thursday night or Friday morning. We are having a Surprise Summer Sale this coming weekend… It will not include new products, such as any of the whiskies in this news letter!

I hope this Malt Messenger Bulletin finds you well. Please let me know if you have any comments, questions or requests. As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the Point of Sale at KWM will be taken as correct.

Slàinte!

Andrew Ferguson

In This Edition

1. New Compass No Name No.2
2. Introducing: Compass Box The Circle
3. Compass Box No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch Tasting
4. New Old Perth 23 Year Blended Malt
5. Introducing: Highland Park Twisted Tattoo
6. My Tasting Note: Amrut Madeira Finish
7. Up-coming Tastings

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

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or @kwmwhisky and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

New: Compass Box No Name No.2 

A Worthy Successor! 

Bottled at 48.9%, this second edition of No Name, by Compass Box, is composed of predominantly Caol Ila, blended with Clynelish, Talisker and a mystery Highland Blend. Composed of whiskies matured in Sherry seasoned oak, American oak Hogshead and French oak. 88pts Whisky Fun.

 Compass Box No Name No.2 – 48.9% – Composed of Caol Ila, Clynelish and Talisker – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: round, creamy, doughy, floral and fruity with a summer-y maritime effervescence; juicy, malty and honeyed with a velvety nose feel; oodles of citrus: juicy orange, lemon oil and dried apricots; a firm hint of clean smoke emerges later, with soft muddy oily peat and a touch of potpourri. Palate: starts bold and creamy, going through waves of flavour and intensity; buttery-creamy vanilla, tarry peat and cigar ash; chocolaty with hot spices: is that Talisker chili oil poking through?; seafood-y Caol Ila notes are there too; juicy citrus, chewy malt, melons, apricot and even a touch of tropical fruits; salted caramel, fennel seeds and Dutch licorice. Finish: long, coating and creamy with soft vanilla, bright fruits and hot spices; cigar smoke and tarry peat; like the palate, lots of layers. Comment: anyone hoping for a repeat of No Name No.1 will be disappointed; those in search of a complex, layered and elegant pleated malt will find themselves full satisfied; a worthy successor to the first release!” – $172

Producer Description: “For this, the second Limited Edition of the No Name series, we’re again allowing the whisky to speak for itself. Still very smoky indeed, there is a new depth and delicacy. To borrow a musical analogy, No Name was peat as power chord; No Name, No. 2 has brought some harmonics to the party. Built around an elegantly smoky Islay malt matured in refill Sherry butts, the second peated whisky we have used comes from the Isle of Skye. To these we added some old and ethereal single malt whisky from the Northern Highland village of Brora and just a dash of malt whisky finished in new French oak to add an underlying richness.”

More info on the KWM Website!

Introducing: Compass Box The Circle 

An approachable whisky for sharing with friends!    

A lightly peated limited edition Blended Malt built around a special parcel of Tamdhu, the circle was also created with Clynelish matured in sherry, peated Orkney malt and Highland blended malt matured in French oak. The blend was created with Rosey Mitchell, the winning bartender from Compass Box’s global, The Circle Competition. Bottled at 46%.

Producer Description: “Rosey Mitchell is the 2018 winner of The Circle, our programme designed to inspire bartenders around the world. Rosey’s prize? To create a blend with Compass Box founder John Glaser and whiskymaker Jill Boyd. Rosey wanted to make an approachable whisky to be shared with friends, something for the daytime, a whisky with brightness. She called it “sunshine in a glass. The Circle is based around a parcel of fruity and creamy single malt from the Tamdhu Distillery in Speyside. This is supported by malt whisky from the Clynelish Distillery. A touch of peated malt whisky from an Orkney distillery and a small proportion of a French oak-finished blended malt whisky complete the recipe. We think we’ve achieved exactly what Rosey envisaged. The whisky is bright and warm with a creamy softness. It practically radiates sunlight!”

Compass Box The Circle – 46% – Distilleries: A single malt whisky from the Tamdhu Distillery, supported by malt whisky from the Clynelish Distillery, a lightly-peated single malt from Orkney, and a small proportion of a Highland malt blend. – Wood: First Fill Bourbon barrels, refill Sherry butts, recharred American oak hogsheads, and a small proportion of whisky finished in French oak casks with a light toast. – Producer Tasting Note: “Bursting with apple, vanilla and malty notes. A very delicate hint of smokiness is noticeable on the finish.” – $165

Compass No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch Tasting 

Yeah, We Are Going to Have Tasting…  

Two new Compass Box Whisky Co. limited editions is as good a reason as any we can think of to put on a tasting, so that’s exactly what we’ve done. We will be tasting the new releases: The Circle and No Name No.2. And just for fun we have tracked down a bottle of No Name No.1 for comparison. 5 other Compass Box Whiskies will round out our range!

Compass Box No Name No.2/The Circle Launch – Thursday August 8, 7PM – $35

New Old Perth 23 Year Blended Malt Whisky 

Another Mystery Sherried Bomb Blended Malt 

We had the 22 year old sister bottling last fall. Once people tried it, it flew off the shelves. This 23 year old is getting some good early reviews, and our expectations are high. Unfortunately we are only getting a dozen bottles, so it won’t last long. Just 515 bottles available globally, from a sherry cask, bottled at 44.9%.

Like a lot of the other sherried, mystery blended malts out there, this whisky is believed to be ex-Edrington stock, vatted together for botting as a Famous Grouse Blended Malt. The whisky was never used, and has been sitting in casks ever since. It likely contains malt whisky from Macallan, Highland Park, Tamdhu, Glenrothes, Glenturret and others.

Older Perth 23 Year – 44.9% – 1994 Sherry Butt – No producer tasting notes or reviews yet! It has a good average score of 88pts on Whisky Base. – $235 – Limit 1 Per Customer

Introducing: Highland Park Twisted Tattoo 

A Very Unusual Highland Park, Predominantly Wine Cask Matured! 

This limited edition Highland Park was created by marrying 153 casks of the whisky matured in casks seasoned with Spanish Rioja, with 70 more first fill ex-Bourbon casks. 46.7%.

Producer Description: “For the first time, we’ve married whisky matured in oak casks seasoned with Spanish Rioja wine – 153 casks in total – with whisky matured in 70 first-fill bourbon casks. The result is TWISTED TATTOO 16 Year Old, a rich and full-bodied single malt whisky with a distinctively different character.”

 Highland Park Twisted Tattoo – 46.7% – Matured in ex-Spanish Rioja & ex-Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Sweet vanilla | Sun-ripened peaches | Summer berries | Full-bodied red wine | Light peat smoke” – $120

The Story Behind the Brand: “Tattoos are a vital part of our cultural heritage today. They tell the world who we are, without saying a word. In collaboration with Danish tattoo artist and modern day Viking Soul, Colin Dale, we created the bold design for this whisky, which celebrates the tattoo as a mark of both standing apart and being part of a tribe – just like Highland Park. Colin’s intricate design is inspired by the free-flowing Nordic knotwork found on Viking wood carvings and reflects the Norse legend of the Midgard serpent, which grew so large it twisted round the Earth to grasp its tail in its mouth.”

My Tasting Note: The Amrut Madeira Finish 

I Love it When Something Exceeds My Expectations!   

Sometimes you just need to try something for yourself to be sure. The Amrut Madeira Finish exceeded my expectations! The Amrut Madeira Finish is the first whisky from India finished in Madeira casks. Only 4,800 bottles of the whisky were bottled at 50%. It is limited at KWM to 2 per customer. 92pts Whisky Advocate.

Amrut Madeira Finish – 50% – Matured in Bourbon finished in Madeira Hogsheads – My Tasting Note: “Nose: honeycomb, sour dough and fresh glazed fruit flan; soft, floral and dusty; cooked raisins and madeirized fruit; French soap and Indian curry spices; loads of firm but gentle oak. Palate: soft on the approach it quickly builds in to a warm, rich, fruity and spicy whisky; hot but far from sharp; more honeycomb, fruit flan and toasty oak; more cooked raisins, orange marzipan and English marmalade; soft leather and loads of decadent sugars and spice. Finish: long, warming and rich; it cascades through waves of spice, decadent sugars, fruit and creamy oak. Comment: this exceeded my expectations; it is complex, elegant and beautiful; a very good malt!” – $155

New Summer Tasting Schedule  

We Have a Wide Range of Tastings to Keep You Refreshed During the Dog Days of Summer! 

Whisky & Spirits Tastings, all start at 7PM, unless indicated:

1. Scotch Malt Whisky Society August Outturn Tastings – Thursday August 1 8PM or Friday August 2 8PM – Want a peek into the world’s largest whisky club? We have opened up the August tastings to non members. You will taste the Society’s latest, exclusive offerings. We host SMWS tastings the first week of each month. Become a Member and you save $10 on class registration. This month’s tastings are especially cool, they involve beer pairings. Want to know more? – $50 ($40 for Members)
2. The Price is Right: Scotch Edition – Tuesday August 6th – The wine staff had so much fun with the concept that the whisky staff went ahead and stole it! Can you taste the difference between a top shelf dram and a bargain bottling? Find out whether you’re the frugal sort or if you truly have expensive taste in this blind Scotch tasting. – $40 – SOLD OUT
3. Compass Box No Name No.2 / The Circle Launch – Thursday August 8 – Two new Compass Box Whisky Co. limited editions is as good a reason as any we can think of to put on a tasting, so that’s exactly what we’ve done. We will be tasting the new releases: The Circle and No Name No.2. Just for fun we have tracked down a bottle of No Name No.1 for comparison. 5 other Compass Box Whiskies will round out our range! – $35
4. Blinded by Bourbon – Thursday August 15 – Brown paper bags are covering all the bottles for this blind Bourbon tasting. We are hiding your biases from you and giving you the chance to discover – or rediscover – a new favourite! – $35
5. Indie Cred: Unofficial and Exciting Whisky – Tuesday August 20th – Official bottlings are usually good and often great, but everybody loves an indie darling. We’ll indulge in some of Scotland’s best-kept secrets, which typically come in small batches or single casks, and on occasion…a dose of mystery! – $50

Register in-store, by phone 403-283-8000 and online!

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

An Award-Winning Bottler Delivers a Tantalizing Single Barrel
Barrell Bourbon “K&L Exclusive” 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Barrel #E522 Straight Bourbon ($109.99)

Barrell Bourbon’s founder, Joe Beatrice, has created America’s preeminent independent bottler of spirits. Working only in small batches or single barrels, Barrell has assembled the finest portfolio of casks available in the United States. They have won a bevy of major awards ranging from 2018’s Best American Whiskey according to Forbes’ Fred Minnick to Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2019 San Francisco Spirits Competition, as well as a host of double gold awards. Their dedication to quality cask selection and bottling whiskies unadultered at cask strength has earned them the awards and reputation in the industry to perpetuate their penchant for access to the very best any distillery or broker has to offer.

While we have long loved Barrell’s small-batch whiskeys here at K&L, this is the first time we’ve been able to select from their already vetted selection of casks for an exclusive bottling. We jumped at the chance and sorted through a host of samples of extremely old Tennessee bourbon. While they won’t confirm where the whiskey comes from, it’s not a secret in the industry that George Dickel has old whiskey to sell, while other Tennessee producers do not. What we know for sure is that this 14-year-old whiskey is delicious and tastes like a better, older, full proof version of some of the 9-year-old Dickel casks we have bottled in the past. Namely, it is toned down on the big, buttered popcorn notes and amped up on the chocolate, dusty cocoa notes without picking up too much wood tannin. It’s a perfectly balanced whiskey in a style we don’t often get to see. It’s what happens when the palates at Barrell narrow down a huge selection of Tennessee whiskey into only the best handful of casks, and then we at K&L take the cream of that crop. The barrel only yielded 128 bottles, so act fast to secure yours, as they won’t be here long.

Barrell Bourbon “K&L Exclusive” 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Barrel #E522 Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) ($109.99)

K&L Notes: While there is a plethora of aged Tennessee whiskey on the market at the moment, there is certainly an enormous variation in the quality of those casks. Careful selection by Barrell and a subsequent selection by us at K&L have led to this beauty being bottled. At 14 years old, it really shows its age in all the best ways. It’s dark and spicy without being overly tannic. The sweet brown sugars have caramelized perfectly into a robust and complex whisky expressing notes of chocolate, citrus, and a lively herbacous note to be savored. Clocking in at nearly 108 proof, it’s a powerful whiskey, but not overly hot.

Neal Fischer | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

This new single barrel from Barrell Bourbon is BIG on spice and fruit, like a dessert you’d bake in autumn or winter. Cinnamon apples and cobbler come out on the nose with candied citrus and toasted oak. A nice supple mouthfeel is balanced with the spices which hit different points on my palate and light up my cheeks. Rich vanilla coats the tongue before a menthol medicinal finish.

Stefanie Juelsgaard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

Bottled exclusively for K&L and made at George Dickel, this bourbon is a great addition to our Tennessee whiskeys. Bottled at cask strength, this guy shows lots of chocolate, muscovado, and apple crumble notes on the nose. Though it is rich and sweet in the mouthfeel, the cask strength nature keeps it from being cloying and offers a toasted sourdough element. The 14-year aging process has helped it to blend seamlessly and given it spice and length. A touch of citrus at the end gives it an unexpected lift and leaves you wanting just a little bit more.

Cameron Hoppas | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 19, 2019

This is a sophisticated cask strength bourbon. While it carries classic, big bourbon aromas, it’s incredibly well-integrated and smooth–dark, rich and woody. The foundation deep aromas of cereals, burnt sugar, and licorice, with pretty delicate aromas of dried brush, sweet spices and fresh mint. It has a dense weighty body and concentrated flavors that match up to the cask strength ABV. Powerful, smooth, and elegant.