STEVE MCCURRY CAPTURES THE MACALLAN’S EXTRAORDINARY WOOD JOURNEY

Spanning two continents and thousands of miles, the incredible wood journey undertaken to create The Macallan’s hand-crafted, sherry seasoned oak casks has been chronicled in extraordinary new detail by iconic Magnum photographer Steve McCurry.

His exclusive photographic journal, which is revealed in full for the first time, showcases the people, places and processes involved in the production of The Macallan’s exceptional oaks casks.

Crafted to unique specifications, The Macallan’s oak casks are the single greatest contributor to the outstanding quality, natural colour and distinctive aromas and flavours of The Macallan’s peerless single malts.

The images also provide a compelling new insight into the mastery of wood and spirit for which The Macallan has been renowned since 1824.

Steve McCurry said: “The thing I admire about The Macallan is their passion for craftsmanship, their excellence and their integrity for their processes.

“Sometimes you have to choose a different path – the one less taken – to go beyond hardship, to reach excellence.”

Firstly, the photographer, recognised as one of today’s finest image makers and synonymous with evocative colour photography, made the trip to the vast green forests of Northern Spain, the source of European oak for The Macallan casks. Then he journeyed to Jerez, Southern Spain where The Macallan’s casks are hand-crafted and seasoned with sherry – one of The Macallan’s defining strengths.

McCurry also travelled to Pennsylvania to discover the influence of American oak.  Grown in the lush forests in the North East of the US, it is key to the unique flavour of The Macallan’s highly successful Double Cask range that balances both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks. After leaving America, these casks are also shipped to Jerez to be crafted into casks and filled with sherry, using the same traditional processes applied to the European oak.

When fully seasoned, each cask is transported to The Macallan Estate home to the award-winning Distillery on Speyside. It is then filled with the finest quality, new make spirit ready to be matured under the watchful eye of The Macallan Whisky Mastery Team.

As well as evoking the sights, sounds and even the smells of the forests where the oak trees that form The Macallan’s casks are grown, McCurry also reveals the mastery and commitment of those who craft The Macallan’s casks, including the coopers – professional cask makers – who spend many years learning and perfecting their art.

Stuart MacPherson, Master of Wood, The Macallan, said: “Steve McCurry is one of the world’s greatest documentary photographers and we are privileged that he has expertly captured The Macallan’s wood story through his incredible lens.

“Our people and their craftsmanship have defined The Macallan for almost 200 years and Steve’s outstanding images provide a unique insight into the intensive process of sourcing, crafting and seasoning our exceptional oak casks.

“With up to 80% of The Macallan’s final flavour and character determined by cask quality, Steve has recorded the painstaking commitment and attention to detail that we uphold to deliver the uncompromised excellence that lies at the heart of our brand.”

Steve McCurry’s interpretation of The Macallan’s wood journey is his latest partnership with The Macallan. It follows his previous work with the brand to document the build of The Macallan Distillery, alongside fellow Magnum photographers, in 2018.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

Notes

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character. An obsession with excellence has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding, by Alexander Reid, on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

In 2018, The Macallan unveiled its new £140 million distillery and visitor experience on its Speyside estate, increasing investment in whisky, warehousing and in The Macallan’s signature sherry-seasoned oak casks.  The striking contemporary architecture, cut into the slope of the land, takes its cues from ancient Scottish hills.  It stands nearby Easter Elchies House, the Highland Manor built in 1700 which has been The Macallan’s spiritual home since 1824.  The new distillery marks an important milestone, recognising the significant journey of The Macallan since 1824 and marking an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the luxury single malt. 

About Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry has been one of the most iconic voices in contemporary photography for more than 30 years, with scores of magazine and book covers, over a dozen books, and countless exhibitions around the world to his name.

Born in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; McCurry studied film at Pennsylvania State University, before going on to work for a local newspaper. After several years of freelance work, McCurry made his first of what would become many trips to India.

Travelling with little more than a bag of clothes and another of film, he made his way across the subcontinent, exploring the country with his camera. McCurry brought the world the first images of the conflict in Afghanistan, putting a human face to the issue on every masthead. His work spans conflicts, vanishing cultures, ancient traditions and contemporary culture alike – yet always retains the human element that made his celebrated image of the Afghan Girl so powerful.

He has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1986. McCurry has been recognised with some of the most prestigious awards in the industry, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, National Press Photographers Award, and an unprecedented four first prize awards from the World Press Photo contest, to name but a few.

https://www.stevemccurry.com/

 

Glen Moray Launches Virtual Whisky Series to Encourage Flavour Exploration

Glen Moray has announced a new series of online whisky events in a bid to take UK drinkers on a virtual journey of discovery, one delicious dram at a time.

Glen Moray’s monthly ‘Whisky Surgeries’ will be hosted on Zoom by the company’s very own doctor and Head of Whisky Creation, Dr Kirstie McCallum, gathering curious drinkers who are missing out on their usual distillery visits and festivals this year.

The first ‘after hours’ surgery will take place at 8pm on Tuesday 7^th July and will put the world of unusual cask maturation under the microscope. Participants can enjoy a virtual tasting and discover the hidden gems found in Glen Moray Distillery’s ‘Warehouse 1’, where unusual casks and maturation experiments are housed.

Throughout the event Dr Kirstie will share her decades of knowledge and experience as one of Scotch whisky’s leading creators, answering questions and revealing the secrets behind Glen Moray’s adventurous approach to flavour
Glen Moray’s first Whisky Surgery is now available to book on Eventbrite. To book a place visit here  

50 spaces are available for this free event, and the first 20 people who sign up will each receive a complimentary Glen Moray tasting kit, which contains the new Madeira Cask Project and Rhum Agricole Cask Finish Project expressions to enjoy during the event. Further session will be announced over the coming months.

Dr Kirstie McCallum commented: ‘I’m really looking forward to presenting our first Whisky Surgery session as there is nothing I enjoy more than sharing a dram with enthusiasts and chatting about one of my favourite subjects – whisky exploration.

‘Glen Moray has a unique history of cask experimentation and I have a good few anecdotes to share on the discoveries that have been made in our distillery. Bringing people who are interested in whisky together to share knowledge is another passion of mine so this new series provides a great platform to do this.’

Crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, Glen Moray distillers have been curious about flavour throughout their history. Surviving handwritten ledgers show that a wide variety of casks were used to mature new make spirit back in those early days, which was an unusual practice for the time. A deep knowledge and expertise of wood has developed at Glen Moray through generations of distillers, resulting in today’s exceptional range of whiskies with a style to suit everyone.

www.glenmoray.com

www.facebook.com/GlenMorayDistillery

www.instagram.com/glen_moray_whisky

www.twitter.com/glenmoraydist

ABOUT GLEN MORAY

Glen Moray is one of Scotland’s best loved single malt whiskies. It has been crafted since 1897 in the ancient town of Elgin, the capital of the Speyside whisky region, on what was once the Elgin West Brewery site on the banks of the River Lossie. Pure waters from the river, locally malted barley, distillation in traditional copper stills and maturation in American ex-bourbon casks combine to give the whisky its smooth, well-balanced, classic Speyside character. Glen Moray has always been a place where curiosity about flavour and cask maturation has been encouraged. Records dating back to the early days show new make spirit maturing in a wide variety of different casks – a highly unusual practice at this time. A passion for experimentation and a deep knowledge of wood have been passed down through generations of Glen Moray distillers. The result is today’s exceptional and extensive range of whiskies, offering a flavour and style to suit all tastes. Glen Moray is the 5th biggest malt whisky brand by volume in the UK and is growing in international markets.

ABOUT LA MARTINIQUAISE-BARDINET

Founded by Jean Cayard in 1934, La Martiniquaise is an independent French spirits group with a large portfolio of international brands. Headquartered near Paris, the group operates in over 100 countries with 38 subsidiaries and production sites. The Group’s four pillars are Scotch whiskies, ports, brandies, wines, rums and craft spirits from France.  www.la-martiniquaise.com

Irish Distillers announces the appointment of Kevin O’Gorman as Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery 

Midleton, Wednesday, 10th of June 2020 – Irish Distillers, producer of some of the world’s best loved Irish whiskeys, today announced the appointment of Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin takes on the role from Brian Nation, who has served as Master Distiller since 2013. Brian is set to take on the role of Master Distiller at a startup distillery in the US.

Kevin will take on one of the most coveted positions in world whiskey. As part of his new role he will be responsible for protecting the rich heritage of the world’s most famous Irish whiskeys, ensuring the quality of all new pot and grain distillates produced at Midleton while supporting future innovation.

A Cork native, Kevin is a Technology graduate from The University of Limerick and holds a Diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. He is a master craftsman having started his career in Midleton in 1998, working as a distiller under the tutelage of Master Distiller Emeritus Barry Crockett. From there he moved to Maturation where he honed his skills under then Master of Maturation Brendan Monks before assuming the role of Master of Maturation on Brendan’s retirement in 2007.

Kevin successfully continued the ongoing innovation in maturation that has made Midleton famous, while working with the team in facilitating spirit options for new brands like Method and Madness and brand extensions in the Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Midleton Very Rare and Spot range. In his previous role, Kevin spent much of his time travelling the globe to source only the highest quality casks from world renowned cooperages, while overseeing the full maturation process across the portfolio.

Commenting on the appointment, Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers, said: “I am delighted to announce Kevin O’Gorman as the new Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery. Kevin’s exceptional leadership and talent as Master of Maturation has impressed the whiskey world ever since he took on the role in 2007. We know that he will continue to impress as Master Distiller, an evolved role which will see him lead both distillation and maturation at Irish Distillers. I am looking forward to working closely with Kevin as he drives the constant pursuit of excellence and innovation that has been exemplified by the entire team in Midleton for centuries.

“We are immensely grateful for everything Brian has done for Irish Distillers, and the entire Irish whiskey category, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavors as he passes the baton to Kevin”.

Kevin O’Gorman added: “Since starting my career in Irish Distillers in 1998, I have been lucky to learn from masters like Barry Crockett and Brendan Monks about the intricacies of the whiskey production, from grain to glass. Of course, Brian Nation and I have also worked very closely together on distillation and maturation for the past 10 years and he will be missed by all his friends at Midleton Distillery. I am excited to use my experience to drive the sector forward by producing innovative new whiskeys that will delight whiskey fans over the coming years.”

Commenting on the succession, Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Midleton Distillery, said: “As I step down from the position of Master Distiller, I am struck by what an incredible honour it has been to hold this role. I have been fortunate to work with a fantastic team at Midleton for the past 23 years and have experienced enormous change, development, and innovation, from the recent expansion of our distillery to the development of new distillate styles in the Micro Distillery. I am delighted to see Kevin take on the role of Master Distiller. I know that, under his leadership, the quality and reputation of Irish Distillers’ portfolio will continue to flourish long into the future.”

Notes:

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, and producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s bestselling Irish whiskey, experiencing 30 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 8m cases in 2019. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 70 of those experiencing double or triple-digit growth.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the No.2 worldwide producer of wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €9,182 million in FY19. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has developed through organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard, which owns 16 of the Top 100 Spirits Brands, holds one of the most prestigious and comprehensive brand portfolios in the industry, including: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard’s brands are distributed across 160+ markets and by its own salesforce in 73 markets. The Group’s decentralised organisation empowers its 19,000 employees to be true on-the-ground ambassadors of its vision of “Créateurs de Convivialité.” As reaffirmed by the Group’s three-year strategic plan, “Transform and Accelerate,” deployed in 2018, Pernod Ricard’s strategy focuses on investing in long-term, profitable growth for all stakeholders. The Group remains true to its three founding values: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust, and a strong sense of ethics. As illustrated by the 2030 roadmap supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), “We bring good times from a good place.” In recognition of Pernod Ricard’s strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible consumption, it has received a Gold rating from Ecovadis and is ranked No. 1 in the beverage sector in Vigeo Eiris. Pernod Ricard is also a United Nation’s Global Compact LEAD company.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

The Full Ardbeg Experience at a Wallet-Friendly Price
Ardbeg 5 Year Old “Wee Beastie”
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($44.99)

NOTE: In accordance with local directives, our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often free) delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify.

You’d never expect the powerful punch the “Wee Beastie” packs based on its modest age statement. But then, we are talking about Ardbeg, so smoke, peat, and potency are the name of the game. Raised in ex-bourbon and oloroso barrels, this dashing dram from Islay’s most celebrated distillery offers a tantalizing spectrum of flavors both expected and unexpected. There are, of course, the signature elements of smoke and peat, but with a splash of branch, it unveils a whirl of pine, java, orchard fruits, Vanille de Madagascar, Tellicherry peppercorns, and so much more. It’s downright astounding all that this modest 5-year-old serves up. Because of Ardbeg’s international renown, its bottlings often command a princely sum—not so with the Wee Beastie. Priced at $44.99, you can experience all of Ardbeg’s magnificence and stay well within a budget. If smoked cocktails are in your regular repertoire, then this is a must-have for your bar. We couldn’t be happier that Ardbeg has included this impressive single malt in their permanent portfolio. As with all things Ardbeg, we expect our allocation to run out before then next one arrives. So don’t delay in making the Wee Beastie your own.

Ardbeg 5 Year Old “Wee Beastie” Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($44.99)

The famous distillery at the end of the road on Islay’s south shore has just released this monster of a dram, its youngest, smokiest permanent release to date. The Wee Beastie is designed specifically with smokey cocktails in mind, but that won’t stop all the Ardbeg lovers from drinking it neat and if you’re one of the lucky lovers of this little distillery on the rock above the bay, you’ll no doubt devour this raw and unabashed new offering right up. This bad boy is aged in a mixture of ex-bourbon barrels and oloroso sherry casks for just 5 years, but takes much bigger bites than expected. A great balance of power and freshness, the distillery describes it as, “In the nose: Very shiny, fresh and herbal, with a hint of vanilla, pear, black pepper, freshly ground, and glazed ham. Strong Turkish coffee, juicy pine resin. With a little water, more herbal notes such as vetiver grass, fennel and anise, green apple and leather. On the palate: Powerful, explosively filling with lots of chocolate, tar, creosote tar oil and smoked bacon, followed by an eruption of antiseptic lozenges, eucalyptus and more anise. Finish: A long, salty and palatable finish with notes of cocoa, fudge butter caramel and hearty meat.”

At Compass Box we’ve made some really exciting discoveries by breaking with tradition.

But there’s one we’ll always celebrate – Father’s Day.

So this year we’re inviting fathers – and partners, sons and daughters – to the very first virtual tasting we’re hosting on June 28th, a week after the big day. Founder (and dad) John Glaser started Compass Box from his kitchen table, so it seems appropriate to ask you to join him via Zoom from yours.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Compass Box is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. That’s two decades of creation and flavour exploration, and John would love to share some of those stories with you.

Whether you’re totally new to whisky or a long-time Compass Box fan, we’ll make sure you all get plenty out of the event. We’ll be tasting The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and The Story of the Spaniard – all gold award winners at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

But if you don’t own the bottles, we have a great sampler gift pack of all three. For those in the US, shop with your local retailer. If they don’t have stock, email us and we’ll give you a list of places that do. For those outside the US, head to our shop.

REGISTER ON OUR NEW
EVENTS SITE

If you want to join us, or you know someone who’d like to (fatherhood not essential), you can register for the tasting at www.pleasedrinkcreatively.com. This is also where you’ll be able to download a digital tasting mat and more detailed guidelines nearer the time. So save the date for June 28th (8pm BST, 3pm EST and 12pm PT).

We’d love to see you then so we can share and enjoy together.

ralfy review 830 – Lagavulin 12yo @ 56.5%vol:

Kensington Wine Market’s Belated Birthday Sale last weekend was a huge hit. Our website was pushed to the limit by everyone who chose to shop online, and our team is still working hard to get everything packed and delivered. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding…

While the store wide sale is over,  we still have some great deals to offer, more than 40 on Whiskies to be specific. That’s good news for those of you who missed the sale because you were out of town or otherwise disconnected and not online last weekend. It is also good news for those of you who haven’t got a gift for your Dad yet. He brought you into this World, and if you are reading this email he didn’t take you out of it… at least not yet. The least you can do is buy him a good bottle of Scotch or Bourbon.

Half of the items on Sale, are “Bin Ends”, and on Sale until they are gone. Most of these items are down to just the last bottle or two. The rest of the Sale items are products we got a good deal on, so we’re passing on the savings. We left these items on Sale for Father’s Day. The deal is good as long as we have stock, or until 11:59PM on Sunday night… whichever comes first!

In all we have over 40 whiskies on Sale, 10-40% off, in-store and online… but not for long!

I hope this email finds you well!

Sláinte,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000 / 888-283-9004

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter: @scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/ or @kwmwhisky and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

Still On Sale But Only Until End of Day Sunday, June 21! 

Lots of Time to Pick Up a Great Father’s Day Gift…

Pricing is on in-stock items only, and doesn’t include GST. The Sale pricing ends at 11:59PM Sunday June 21 (online) and 6PM (in-store), or when we run out of stock. Click the links below for more details on the whisky. Please order online if possible, I’m taking the next week off (starting now) and won’t be checking my email frequently.

Item Retail Discount Sale

Aberfeldy 12 Year  $73.99 25% $55.49

Aberfeldy 21 Year $174.99 20% $139.99

Bunnahabhain 12 Year $74.99 20% $59.99

Cardhu 12 Year $79.99 25% $59.99

Compass Box Great King Street $59.99 20% $47.99

Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow $63.99 20% $51.19

Compass Box Hedonism Blended Grain 750mL $99.99 15% $84.99

Compass Box Spice Tree $80.99 20% $64.79

Cooper’s Choice Benrinnes 2001 15 Year $135.99 30% $95.19

Eau Claire Single Malt Whisky Batch 003 $99.99 10% $89.99

Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength $89.99 20% $71.99

Glenfarclas 12 Year $69.99 20% $55.99

Glenfarclas 15 Year $97.99 20% $78.39

Glenfarclas 21 Year $154.99 20% $123.99

Glengoyne 18 Year $140.99 20% $112.79

Teeling Single Malt $91.99 20% $73.59

Laphroaig Quarter Cask $86.99 20% $69.59

Lismore The Legend 21 Year $149.99 20% $119.99

Bin End Bargains On Some Great Whiskies

These Items Are All On Sale Until Our Current Stock is Gone!

We have 21 items on our Whisky Bin Ends List, all of them are in the table below. A few of them are in my humble opinion a little more interesting, and worthy of some special attention. The American Rockies (Wyoming) Bourbon is a great buy at $52.49, and it comes with some good Karma too… We will donate $5 from every bottle sold to the Calgary Food Bank.

The Boutique-y whiskies are interesting too, they may not be Bourbons, but they are from one of America’s most celebrated distilleries. Plus they come with stickers… The Duncan Taylor Rare Auld Girvan 6 Year is anything but Auld, but it is most definitely Rare. It is a complex, elegant and dangerously drinkable whisky, perfect for hot days on the patio!

And then there are the Elixir Distillers whiskies. We sold through our allocation, but many of the Northern Alberta stores with these whiskies were unable to. So we were offered a deal to help clear out the Elements of Islay Cl12, Pl6, Port Askaig 25 Year (Caol Ila), Port Askaig 28 Year (Laphroaig) and Single Malts of Scotland (SMOS) Mortlach 22 Year.

• American Rockies Bourbon – 44% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: dough, dill-y and woody; smells like a High School wood shop; shelled peanuts, butter tarts and aromatic bitters; peppery with some doughy oatmeal-raisin notes. Palate: sweet, fruity and spicy, with loads of wood-shop tones; fresh, fruity and toasty; more oatmeal-raisin cookie dough, peppery spices and oaky tannins; Demerara sugar and aromatic bitters before warm butter tarts. Finish: fresh, doughy, fruity, sweet and spicy; can’t get over the oatmeal-raisin cookie dough and Demera mixed with bitters combo… Comment: very fresh for an American whiskey, lots of layers, with the oak restrained nicely.” – Was $70 – SAVE 25% – Now $52.49

• Boutique-y Whisky Heaven Hill Corn 9 Year – 49.5% – Producer Description: “Straight corn whiskey from the phenomenal Heaven Hill distillery, matured for 9 years before falling into the hands of That Boutique-y Whisky Company! This one features a label similar to that of the Boutique-y bottling of Heaven Hill bourbon, with with a particularly a-maize-ing addition (I am so sorry) of lots of corn!” Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Buttered corn, maple syrup and milk chocolate form the core. Vanilla ice cream and foam bananas add to the sweetness. A little drying oak spice is there underneath. Palate: Prickly black peppercorn rushes through a mix of cooking apples, sponge cake and honeyed fruit. Vanilla pod earthiness and a juicy blackcurrant complete the palate. Finish: Crisp red apples and a little dark chocolate bitterness linger. Overall: Enjoyable and intriguing in equal measure.” – Was $90 – SAVE 25% – Now $67.49

• Boutique-y Whisky Heaven Hill Whiskey 9 Year – 48.4% – Producer Description: “The American Whiskey label is full of Americanism objects piled up and scattered across the floor such as a hot dog, burger, american football, a baseball bat, a nod to NASA and so much more – you know, a quintessentially American label.” Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Buttery malt, cashew, oak and freshly zested citrus. A good layer of caramel covers it all. Palate: Still quite buttery, though baking spices (think nutmeg and ginger) liven it up. Sultana, marmalade and brown bread. Finish: Toffee, milk chocolate and a touch of cut grass.” – – Was $92 – SAVE 25% – Now $69

• Duncan Taylor Rare Auld Girvan 6 Year – 53.1% – “Oak Cask” –  My Tasting Note: “Nose: silky, honeyed and fruity; Goodies and licorice salt water taffy; exotic fruits, caramel corn and candy apple; not even a slight edge to the alcohol. Palate: soft, very soft and silky; layered and honeyed and fruity; more licorice Goodies and salt water taffy; more exotic citrus fruits, molasses, caramel corn and candy apple; floral with loads of vanilla. Finish: coating, lush and creamy; still silky with decadent vanilla, honey and fruits. Comment: good Lord; for a 6 year old grain this is spectacular; this is not mind-blowingly complex, but there are some nice layers; considering its age, quality and price this is a definite buy (and that was before the 20% discount)!” – Was $63 – SAVE 20% – Now $57 

• Elements of Islay Cl12 – 57.5% – Refill Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Classically maritime. Slate tiles, saltwater, warm tarmac on a sunny day. Sour apple sweets, Pouilly-Fumé wine, aguardiente, rhubarb and custard. Palate: Astringent smoke with salt and liquorice. More orchard fruits, alongside green grass and citrus zest. Lots of cigarette notes, cold smoked meats, chervil and tarragon. Finish: Peaty finish with cloudy lemonade, coal dust, fresh herbs and grapefruit peel.” – Was $88 – SAVE 20% – Now $70.40 – 86pts Whisky Fun / Whisky Base 86.58
•  Elements of Islay Pl6 – 55.3% – 7 Year – ex-Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Farmyards, burnt grass, camphor, young Jamaican rum and petrol. Underneath the more powerful notes, there’s sweet potato pie, malt loaf and just a hint of peaches. Palate: Oily and briny. Smoked ham, barley husks,  Manzanilla sherry, almond oil, green olives. There’s a warmth of Christmas spice towards the end: clove and cinnamon. Finish: Oak chips, sweet white wine, pancetta, rye bread and hot ashes.” – Was $185 – SAVE 25% – Now $138.75 – Whisky Base 87.25

• Port Askaig 25 Year – 45.8% – Presumed to be Caol Ila – 90pts Serge @WhiskyFun: “It’s not exactly this label, which used to mention ‘Port Askaig Harbour’, the new one for America rather has ‘Port Askaig Islay’. Let’s try the latter… Colour: white wine. Nose: it’s not huge, and rather on charcoal and graphite, with some delicate coastal notes, beach herbs, wool, old jacket, sea breeze, a nice wee oyster, and whiffs of freshly shredded celeriac and cabbage. Delicate, elegant, subtle, it’s like looking in a mirror (a little tired, S.?) Mouth (neat): naturally.Sauvignon, lemon juice, charcoal ash, oysters, tincture of iodine, then more shredded celeriac as well as a little angelica, and perhaps one drop of yellow chartreuse (per glass). Finish: medium, with this trademark feeling of peated lemons, green apples, then tobacco ashes. Comments: just extremely good, with this faint lightness that’s so engaging in this famous – and supposedly lighter – make. SGP:456 – 90 points.” – Was $375 – SAVE 25% – Now $281

• Port Askaig 28 Year – 45.8% – Presumed to be Laphroaig – Refill American Oak Hogsheads – My Tasting Note is on the KWM Website – 90pts Serge @WhiskyFun: “Will this one be softer? What’s 3 years anyway? Colour: white wine. Nose: well, it is a little more camphory and mentholy, so probably a little more tertiary, with some pine nuts, greengages, these notes of smoked salmon and other fatter fish, smoked hake, touches of pickled onions and capers perhaps, then a fruitier side with pink grapefruits, then whiffs of rainwater… Mouth: ah yes, transmuting peat, with already more tropical fruits (mangos, maracujas) while the rawer, straighter smokiness is still there. Other than that, it’s all wonderful, perfectly balanced, with touches of caraway and star anise leading to a rising gingerbready feeling. This one’s really very interesting, it’s not a 25 anymore, while it’s not a 30 yet. In short, somewhere in between, and that is pretty lovely. Finish: medium, rather soft, with a saltier, brinier ending. Oyster juice! Comments: the 25 and the 28 are actually very different, but please don’t ask me to choose. SGP:555 – 90 points.” – Was $440 – SAVE 25% – Now $330

• SMOS Mortlach 22 Year – 54.2% – 3x ex-Bourbon Hogsheads & 1x ex-Sherry Butt – Tasting Notes by Billy Abbot (The Whisky Exchange): “Nose: Brown sugar, cherries and new leather. Candied lemon and orange segments follow, with a little bit of minty freshness. Dark fruitcake and bittersweet dark chocolate peek in around the edges. Lighter notes float on top: rose petals and freshly cut stems, with a touch of candy necklace sweetness. Palate: Lots of dried fruit and grown-up, not-to-sweet fruitcake to start. Sticky raisins and malt loaf add more weight and sweetness. Spiced, stewed apples with anise, cinnamon and nutmeg develop, with buttered spiced bread, black liquorice and treacle toffee. Finish: The treacle toffee fades to leave freshly-cut apples dusted with cinnamon. Comment: A big and sherried Mortlach with balanced fresh fruit and herbal notes that stops it becoming overpowering. Excellent cask selection.” – Was $270 – SAVE 20% – Now $202.49 – Whisky Base 88.99

Item        Retail            Discount                Sale

Adelphi Glenborrodale Batch 6 $98.99 30% $64.34

Adelphi The E & K $224.99 30% $157.49

Adelphi The Winter Queen 19 Year $399.99 25% $299.99

American Rockies Bourbon $69.99 25% $52.49

Benriach Batch 15 1995 Cask 7383 $469.99 30% $328.99

Big Peat Christmas 2019 $129.99 30% $90.99

Boutique-y Heaven Hill Corn 9 Year $89.99 25% $67.49

Boutique-y Heaven Hill Whiskey 9 Year $91.99 25% $68.99

Duncan Taylor Octave Girvan 11Year 51.2% $94.99 40% $56.99

Duncan Taylor Rare Auld Girvan 6Yr 53.1% $62.99 20% $50.39

Elements of Islay Cl12 $87.99 20% $70.39

Elements of Islay Pl6 $184.99 20% $147.99   

Port Askaig 25 Year $374.99 25% $281.24

Port Askaig 28 Year$439.99 25% $329.99

Samaroli 1980 Blended Scotch 34 Year$574.99 30% $402.49

Secret Spirits Auchinderom Peated 2011$139.99 25% $104.99

SMOS Marriage Mortlach 22 Year$269.99 25% $202.49

Black Mountain Notes Fumees 50mL$9.99 30% $6.99

English Whisky Company Smoky 50ml$14.99 30% $10.49

Old Malt Cask Mortlach 11Y KWM Cask 50ml$11.99 30% $8.39

SMWS 72.65 – Winter Comforts 100ml$27.99 30% $19.59

Eau Claire Single Malt Batch 002 50ml$10.99 10% $9.89

Current Covid-19 Store Policies! 

For the safety our staff and customers we are continuing to review and modify our Covid-19 Precautions!

Please do not enter the store if:

1. You have returned from Outside of Canada in the last 2 weeks, or you live with someone who has!
2. You are showing symptoms of COVID-19, or if you have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected to have contracted COVID-19.
3. If any of the above applies, we can come to you… let us deliver!

Precautions we are taking in-store:

1. We have increased our hours to offer more flexibility and discourage lineups (see below).
2. We are asking customers to sanitize their hands on entering the store, and to consider wearing a mask, especially during the sale.
3. We have provided masks for staff.
4. We are only allowing a maximum of 6 customers in-store at a time and are asking them to try and respect 2m social distancing with staff and other customers.
5. We are not allowing in groups larger than 2 people.
6. We have hand sanitizer positioned throughout the store.
7. We asking customers not to pick up products unless they want to purchase them.
8. We are frequently disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and high contact areas within the store.
9. We have stopped accepting cash payments.
10. Staff are frequently washing and disinfecting their hands.
11. We have marked a place for customers to stand when completing their purchase.
12. We have built a sneeze guard around the cash cage.
13. We have cancelled all tastings.
14. We are monitoring our staff for symptoms and following the lead of AHS.
15. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our policies as things develop!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all try to navigate this challenging time!

New Store Hours! 

For the month of June we have returned to our usual hours on Sunday and extended our hours Thurday-Saturday. Please note we are open an etra hour this week on Thursday, Firday and Saturday during the Sale.

Sunday 11AM – 6PM

Monday 10AM – 6PM

Tuesday 10AM – 6PM

Wednesday 10AM – 6PM

Thursday 10AM – 8PM *9PM This Week for the Sale!

Friday 10AM – 8PM *9PM This Week for the Sale!

Saturday 10AM – 8PM *9PM This Week for the Sale!

Free City-Wide Delivery in Calgary & Other Deals! 

Free Delivery in Calgary for Orders Over $50, and Loads of Deals To Be Had!

As with many other small and independent businesses in the city, we are getting creative to continue serving our customers and keeping the business going. We have taken precautions in-store to ensure the health and safety of both our staff and customers. Details on that below! We are also offering options to continue serving those of you in quarantine or who are taking extra precautions with regards to social isolation.

FREE DELIVERY

– We are offering free delivery for orders over $50 placed online or over the phone, and will do our best to deliver within 72 hours.

CURBSIDE PICKUP

– Place an order, we’ll let you know when it is ready. Call us when you are out front or parked in the back lot and we’ll bring it out. Simple as that!

GIFTING

– Want to send someone a care package? All gifting options are still available. Quarantined parents and closed schools qualify as a “wine emergency”. Gift cards are also available and can be used over the phone.

If you are able, please submit your order online. We will answer any questions you might have before finalizing and processing your order. You are not automatically billed when you submit your order.

www.kensingtonwinemarket.com

We will do our best to answer and process as many phone orders as we can. Call us at 403-283-8000. We are offering some great deals too. More on that below, see the bottom of the Malt Messenger!

Customers are still welcome to come in to the store to pick up orders as well as browse and purchase in-store. We are routinely disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and have hand sanitation stations around the store.

Let us know how we can continue to help and serve you in these challenging times!

SAVE 25% on American Rockies & Feed YYC! 

$5 from Each Bottle to go to the Calgary Food Bank!

Looking for your next Bourbon, for sipping neat, on the rocks or for an Old Fashioned?

American Rockies Bourbon has been discontinued by the producer,  and they  are blowing it out. As always, we are passing the Savings on. Not only is this Bourbon 25% off, but we will also donate $5 from every bottled sold to the Calgary Food Bank!

From the people who brought you Canadian Rockies, American Rockies is a Small Batch Bourbon bottled at 44%. We believe the Bourbon is sourced from a Wyoming Whiskey distillery that we happen to be quite fond of.

 American Rockies – 44% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: dough, dill-y and woody; smells like a High School woodshop; shelled peanuts, butter tarts and aromatic bitters; peppery with some doughy oatmeal-raisin notes. Palate: sweet, fruity and spicy, with loads of wood-shop tones; fresh, fruity and toasty; more oatmeal-raisin cookie dough, peppery spices and oaky tannins; Demerara sugar and aromatic bitters before warm butter tarts. Finish: fresh, doughy, fruity, sweet and spicy; can’t get over the oatmeal-raisin cookie dough and Demerara mixed with bitters combo… Comment:  very fresh for an American whiskey, lots of layers, with the oak restrained nicely.” – Was $70 – SAVE 25% – Now: $52.49 & we’ll donate $5 of that to the Calgary Food Bank!

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

LAST-MINUTE FATHER’S DAY WHISKY FOR THE DISCERNING DAD

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has the ideal bottle of whisky and membership offer for Father’s Day

If your dad or the special father figure in your life deserves a truly unique gift that lasts all year round, then The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has the perfect present for him this Father’s Day (Sunday 21^st June). The whisky club is offering membership plus an exclusive bottle of SMWS whisky for only £100: www.smws.com/daddaygift

The SMWS bottle Cask No. 68.41: Hill-Walking Happiness is from the Society’s Spicy & Sweet flavour profile and is one of only 295 from an ex-bourbon hogshead. The 11-year-old Highland whisky’s tasting notes describe it as having “a clean fresh nose of cereal then sugared almonds, donuts and chocolate raisins to balance”.

Now is the perfect time for your dad to sign up to The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Although the Members’ Rooms remain closed, the SMWS is open for business as normal online, with exceptional single cask whisky ready to be delivered straight to your dad’s door.

In times of uncertainty, the Society is encouraging members to grab some drams and share them at home. Membership of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society brings whisky adventurers from all over the world together to share colourful experiences and the finest single cask single malt whisky. It’s a never-ending flavour journey to explore and share with 27,000 fellow members around the globe.

As an SMWS member, your dad will enjoy memorable whisky experiences. Every month, as well as offering an impressive collection of whisky, the SMWS hosts virtual gatherings and tastings, keeping members educated, entertained and able to share drams together.

w: https://www.smws.com/

f: https://www.facebook.com/thesmwsuk

i: https://www.instagram.com/smws_uk/

t: https://twitter.com/SMWSUK

yt: https://www.youtube.com/user/SMWSsilverscreen/videos

Notes:

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society 

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 27,000 members and branches around the world
• The SMWS bottles rare single malt whisky, and a range of other spirits
• The Society bottles single malts, unique single casks and exclusive blends
• The Society has bottled whisky from more than 140 distilleries from Scotland and beyond
• The Society offers a new batch of around 20 single malt whiskies every month
• The Society offers a variety of membership packages which can be tailored. Please see https://bit.ly/2uqKanT
• For more information about the Society, visit https://bit.ly/2HHiNyC
• Twitter: @SMWSUK Facebook: @thesmwsuk Instagram: @smws_uk

Douglas Laing Unveils The Epicurean Cask Strength Edinburgh Edition

Independent Scotch Whisky firm, Douglas Laing & Co today unveils The Epicurean Cask Strength Edinburgh Limited Edition of only 600 bottles.

Honouring Scotland’s Capital, the unique “recipe” for the special bottling is the result of a creative collaboration between Douglas Laing & Co and some of Edinburgh’s finest bartenders and spirit experts. A one-off event was held at leading bar “Nauticus” in Edinburgh, during which the VIP attendees masterfully married together various samples of Single Cask Single Malt Whiskies from the Lowlands with the aim of creating a perfectly balanced end product with depth and character. Each unique blend of Single Malts was then judged with the winning recipe becoming this limited edition release of just 600 bottles. A blind tasting by Douglas Laing’s Chairman, Fred Laing, saw Lindsay Blair of 56 North crowned the winner.

The resulting Whisky is said to burst with lively green fruits, sweet barley and tangy citrus with just a touch of spice. Bottled at 53.3% alcohol strength and offered without colouring or chill-filtration, its high strength is said to ensure the natural robust character of the capital city spirit shines through – even when mixed.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky, comments on the new release:

“The Epicurean’s Cask Strength Edinburgh Edition celebrates our Capital City and its impressive array of bars and spirit experts. With summer just around the corner, this is perfect timing to release this fresh and zesty Lowland Malt. We’d recommend enjoying it straight-up or long with ginger ale or apple juice to further enhance those tangy, slightly spicy sweet flavours.”

The Epicurean Cask Strength Edinburgh Edition is available from June 2020, from specialist Whisky retailers with an expected retail price of £49.99. 

ABOUT DOUGLAS LAING:

www.douglaslaing.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/douglaslaingwhisky

Instagram: @remarkable_malts

Douglas Laing & Co. is a leading independent Scotch Whisky blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of Single Cask Single and Small Batch Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.

The company philosophy is to bottle the way the distiller intended – at a high strength and without chill filtration to preserve the robust and unique character of the Whisky. Douglas Laing’s industry reputation and many awards is testament to this ethos.

Douglas Laing’s Remarkable Regional Malts, the Ultimate Distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions, encompasses The Epicurean Lowland Malt Scotch Whisky, Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Scallywag (Speyside), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), Rock Island (Islands) and Big Peat (Islay). Beyond its Blended Malts expertise, the award-winning Douglas Laing portfolio also includes Provenance, Premier Barrel, Old Particular and Xtra Old Particular, collectively known as the firm’s “Exceptional Single Casks”.

Canadian Distilleries News

Stalk & Barrel

Three Barrel Whisky

It’s been a decade since lineups snaked through the parking lot at Still Waters distillery. Ontario’s first modern-age microdistillery was releasing its inaugural single malt whisky.

Rye soon followed, then their carefully crafted Blue- and Red-labelled blends. Now, distillers Barry Bernstein and Barry Stein have added Stalk & Barrel Three Barrel Whisky to the line-up.

Three Barrel blends Still Waters’ rye and single malt with traditional corn whisky, each aged separately in ex-bourbon casks.

“The single malt adds complexity and robustness to our blends,” says Bernstein, “and we can now afford to use more of it, given our increased inventory. “We thought there was more room to play at this end of the range with bumping up the rye and malt components.”

Three Barrels is blended in batches of less than 1,000 litres at a time. The whisky’s age has polished those familiar young grassy rye notes into chest-warming spices and cloves while the barley malt shines with creamy vanillas, barley sugar, chocolate covered almonds, cocoa and a splash of citrus.

As Still Waters enters its second decade, Three Barrel Whisky ushers in a new age for the distillery, as it builds on an already well respected portfolio of whiskies.

 

The Forager

Forty Creek Botanical Whisky

 

Innovation does not always mean new – by tradition, most whisky once had herbs and spices added. But innovation does mean going against the grain, and today adding such things to your whisky is a pretty bold move. But then, Forty Creek Master Blender, Bill Ashburn is no shrinking violet.

A new Forty Creek whisky, labelled The Forager, and without the Forty Creek logo, reveals a surging twister of whisky and botanical flavours. It seems Ashburn has infused gentle portions of sweet fern, spruce tips, juniper and Labrador tea into Forty Creek whisky.

Their subtle flavours contrast with the distillery’s trademark fruit, underscoring hints of citrus, medicinal pine resin and a refreshing, slightly bitter, herbaceous top dressing.

It is great whisky, for sure, and like all innovations, The Forager, challenges the status quo.

Whisky Book Club with

Odd Society Spirits

Tour Canada’s distilleries with us each Saturday, as we make a virtual stop at one of 15 Canadian distilleries. The tour begins Saturday, June 13 with Odd Society Spirits in Vancouver. Hosted by Dolph Shaw of the Whisky Book Club and Alberta Scotch Society. Catch us each week at 7:00 Mountain time – that’s 9:00 Eastern. Or view at your leisure afterwards on YouTube.

Join us here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LxqS8FLGZM for the main event

and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhRN-yId-aE for a more casual After Dram.

This Father’s Day treat Dad to an Armchair Distillery Tour

While travel vacations are on hold, with a copy of The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries, your dad can still enjoy a coast-to-coast virtual tour of Canada’s distilleries. Between the richly illustrated pages, he’ll meet the people, learn the stories, read the tasting notes and make the cocktails from over 200 Canadian distilleries. Custom drawn maps will help him plot the getaway that is sure to follow as covid travel restrictions ease.

THANK YOU!

If you are one of the lovely people who posted a picture of your copy of our book on social media, thank you. Here is a selection of some of your shots. Want to be included in our next newsletter? Simply post a picture of our book with your favourite Canadian distillery or spirit and tag us @davindek .

A Sip of Knowledge with Marty, Lew & Liz

It’s new and kind of cool. Billing themselves as “The Good, The Bad and The Brainy,” Former Diageo Master of Whisky and North American Glencairn representative, Marty Duffy, whisky author extraordinaire, Lew Bryson, and whisky scientist Liz Rhoades host a fun weekly podcast packed with real whisky learning . Join us on June 16 at 1pm Eastern time.

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/a-sip-of-knowledge-davin

Where to buy The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries

The Definitive Guide to Canadian Distilleries is available in in traditional paper and e-book too. Huge thanks to Amazon and Chapters for supporting this.

Here too is a list of independent bookstores in Canada that offer delivery:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/canadian-independent-bookstores-delivery

Video: A quick armchair tour of distilleries ending with a drink:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-iItl9htNG/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet