Malt Messenger Bulletin

Details on the MS Society Savour Festival Promotion

An Update on the KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar!

And More!

If you are plugged into the Whiskyverse, especially on Social Media, you’ll probably have seen reference to the #murraygate story over the last 2 weeks. It snowballed after Becky Paskin a UK-based whisky writer and journalist called out whisky companies for referencing Jim Murray and his Whisky Bible while ignoring his use of sexist language.

Kensington Wine Market stopped selling and referencing the Whisky Bible about six years ago. The language in his book didn’t sit well with me, but the final straw was a tasting I attended hosted by Jim Murray. He singled out a young woman, asked her to stand and told everyone to imagine her naked. I’ll spare the rest of the details, except to stay I was shocked and walked out. That type of language and behaviour does not align with my values either personally or as a business.

I’ve put my neck out there a few times over the last couple of weeks, nervously, in support of Becky’s call for a more inclusive whisky industry, and an end to the tolerance of sexism and misogyny. If you haven’t been following the debate, Evan wrote a great post on our blog, complete with loads of links explaining the story and also our position as a business. It includes an audio clip from an interview I gave on CBC Radio’s Calgary Eyeopener last week. A reference from that interview was included in a New York Times article by Clay Risen published yesterday.

Mr. Murray is entitled to his opinions and has the right to free speech. But it is time for businesses (producers, importers and retailers) to ask themselves whether they want to align their brands with someone who un-apologetically objectifies women.

We’ve stated it several times over the course over the last few weeks, but I’ll say it again: there is no place for sexism in whisky!

We applaud the courage of Becky Paskin and the other women who are pushing for change. We also hope the debate will highlight and lift the voices of women in the industry, giving them the respect they are due.

I sincerely hope we aren’t having the same conversation about sexism in whisky again a year from now!

All the above said, we did love the first batch of Alberta Premium Cask Strength here at KWM, and we know we weren’t alone. Hopefully, Alberta Distillers will work the same magic and release a second batch of the same quality soon…  

Kensington Wine Market is thrilled to participate in the MS Society’s “Savour: A Culinary Festival” this weekend. We will donate 10% from the sale of both our Weekend Feature Siegel Wines (which are 15% off) as well as any of our KWM Exclusive Cask whiskies sold October 2n (today) through October 4th (Sunday), in-store and online.

As with many other charitable organizations, the MS Society is struggling with its fundraising efforts this year. We have proudly supported the MS Society over the last decade through the MS Calgary Whisky Festival and other events. More details on our Savour Festival promotion can be found below.

We started taking pre-orders for the KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar, two weeks ago. In that time we have pre-sold more than half of the 384 Calendars we will be producing this year. It probably doesn’t hurt that we are offering our most generous Early-Bird offer ever; which ends on October 15. In addition to a sharp new look, this year’s edition includes 25 never before featured whiskies. More details below.

Our next virtual whisky tasting is coming up in just over a week. Julie Hamilton, Brand Ambassador will be our special guest for an Elements of Islay Tasting over Zoom on Saturday, October 10 at 5PM Mountain TIme. The tasting will consist of five whiskies from the Elements of Islay portfolio, including Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Octomore. In addition to the 5 Elements expressions, there is also a surprise sixth Islay single malt included in the tasting!

In new whisky news, we are expecting the Arran Explorer’s Series Volume 3: Kildonan & Pladda on Wednesday. Most of our allocation is already spoken for, and we don’t expect this 21 year old Arran to last long. We also have a new Bourbon to tell you about, Old Tub Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It is a Bottled in Bond Bourbon I’ve only previously seen at the distillery in Kentucky.

We still have a few bottles available of both the GlenDronach 2009 10 Year bottled for Canada and Millstone 1996 Virgin Oak, which we put on sale a few weeks ago.

I’ve also got an update on our recent Single Malts of Scotland casks. The Single Malts of Scotland Imperial 29 Year KWM Cask is long gone… having sold out in six days. The Single Malts of Scotland Clynelish 24 Year which was limited to 2 bottles per customer, is not far behind; only a little over a dozen bottles are left. Stock of the Single Malts of Scotland Glenburgie 21 Year and Caol Ila 8 Year a fair bit healthier, but are still depleting quickly! More details below.

I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin. As always, please let me know if you have any comments, questions or requests. 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

In This Edition:

1. The MS Society Savour Festival – KWM Promotion
2. The KWM 2020 Whisky Advent Calendar is More Than 50% Pre-Sold!
3. Next Virtual Whisky Tasting – Elements of Islay with Julie Hamilton
4. Introducing: Arran Explorer’s Vol 3: Kildonan & Pladda
5. Introducing: Old Tub Bourbon
6. SAVE 25% on GlenDronach 2009
7. SAVE on Millstone 1998
8. Update: The Single Malts Of Scotland KWM Casks
9. Compass Box 20th Anniversary Virtual Tasting

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

The MS Society Savour Festival – KWM Promotion

Buy Great Whisky & Wine This Weekend and Support a Worthy Cause!

The MS Society’s “Savour: A Culinary Festival” runs this weekend, Friday, October 2nd through Sunday October 4th, 2020. Kensington Wine Market has been a proud supporter of the MS Society for more than a decade. Were it not for Covid-19, this January we would be hosting the 10th Annual MS Calgary Whisky Festival. It is possible we might be able to put on some sort of virtual whisky festival, but more on that at a later date.

As with many other charitable organizations, the MS Society’s fundraising is off substantially this year due to Covid-19. They had to cancel most of their events, and the coming year will continue to present challenges. We are participating in this weekend’s Savour Festival to help the organization raise funds for research and to aid those living with multiple sclerosis.

This weekend only, Friday, October 2nd through Sunday October 4th, we will donate 10% off the sales from both our Weekend Wine Feature, as well any KWM Exclusive Cask whiskies sold, to the MS Society.

Save 15% on our semi-exclusive Siegel Wines from Chile, now through Sunday October 4th, 2020, and we will donate 10% of the sale price to the MS Society. 

Browse Our Selection of Siegel Wines

Purchase any of our KWM Exclusive Single Casks now through Sunday October 4, and we will donate 10% of the sale price to the MS Society, including (but not limited to):

1. Berry’s Orkney Islands 1998 21 Year KWM 1998
2. Compass Box GKS Glasgow KWM Cask
3. Kilchoman 2011 KWM Cask 770 2011
4. Jefferson’s Ocean KWM Single Barrel
5. Shelter Point Single Malt KWM Cask
6. SMOS Caol Ila 8 Year KWM Cask
7. SMOS Clynelish 24 Year KWM Cask 10204
8. SMOS Glenburgie 21 Year KWM Cask 900890
9. Teeling 16 Year KWM Single Cask
10. Whisky Agency Secret Speyside 1995 KWM 1995
11. & More

Browse all KWM Exclusive Whisky Casks

The KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar is More Than 50% Pre-Sold

25 Day of Dram FIne Whisky is Back Baby… And It Is Going Fast!

We started taking orders for the  KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar just 2 weeks ago, and in that time more than half of them have pre-sold… We are only producing 384 Calendars this year, and at the time of writing a little over 200 are already spoken for.

The KWM Whisky Calendar, now in its 7th year, has a striking new look and includes 25 never before featured whiskies. Once again we have curated a selection of 24 50ml whiskies, mainly single malt Scotch whiskies. There is also a KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar logo Glencairn glass which you will discover along with your Day 1 whisky. On top of the box as always we have a special treat for Christmas Day, a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society whisky.

We anticipate we will have the Calendars ready for pickup in the first week or two of November. We are expecting some delays due to the Montreal Port Strike and Covid-19.

We are not taking deposits for the KWM 2020 Whisky Calendar this year, instead we have two options for ordering including our most generous early bird offer ever:

1.  Early Bird Pre-Pay Pricing – $335+gst – SAVE $50 until midnight October 15 by pre-paying in full for the KWM 2020 Whisky Advent Calendar – No further discounts or promotions, but the early bird price in previous years used to only be a $35 savings!
2.  Pre-Order & Pay Later;- $385+gst – Secure a calendar(s) and you won’t be charged anything until 1 week before it is ready for pickup.

Next Virtual Tasting – Elements of Islay with Julie Hamilton

Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Octomore & More!

Julie Hamilton, Elements of Islay Brand Ambassador will join us live from the UK on Saturday October 10, 2020, at 5PM Mountain Time for an Elements of Islay tasting. We will be sampling 5 whiskies from the Elements range, including the Elements of Islay: Peat, Peat Full Proof, Ar11 (Ardbeg), Lg10 (Lagavulin), Oc6 (Octomore) and one other surprise dram (a 50ml single cask, cask strength Islay single malt whisky). As she is 7 hours ahead of us, we are starting the tasting at 5PM. Tasting samples will be made available for pickup starting Friday, September 18. A zoom code for the tasting will be emailed out 24 hours before the tasting. This event is limited to 35 participants, only 12 spots left!

Register online, or by phone: 403-283-8000.

Introducing: The Arran Explorer’s Series Vol.3 – Kil

A Mouthfull on This One… And They Don’t Event Tell You How it Tastes… 😉

Volume 3 of Arran’s “Explorers Series” is the ‘Kildonan & Pladda Island’, and it is arriving in-store on Wednesday. This is a 21 Year single malt, was matured in a mix of Sherry Butts, Puncheons and Ruby Port Pipes. 9000 bottles were released globally, with just a tiny fraction of that coming to Canada. KWM is expecting just under 60 bottles, most of which are already spoken for. Bottled at 50.4%. 89.21pts Whisky Base.

Arran Explorer’s Series Volume 3: Kildonan & Pladda Island – 50.4% – 21 Year – Sherry Butts, Puncheons and Ruby Port Pipes – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Rich and fruity; The “Arran” style remains at the heart of this whisky, with candied orange peel, nectarine and parma violets. Stewed summer fruits with a drizzle of vanilla custard. Palate: Sweet and tangy with a burst of strawberry liquorice, fresh raspberries and ginger. Cask influence adds another layer to the sweet fruit character, with flakes of hazelnut in the development. Finish: A truly multi-layered dram with a long lasting finish of red fruit, oak and a hint of tobacco.” – $220

Introducing: Old Tub Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Pre-Prohibition Style Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Old Tub is a Bonded Bourbon made by Jim Beam Distillery of Clermont, Kentucky. The name Old Tub actually comes from the pre-prohibition name of Jim Beam Distillery itself. No mention is made as to which mash bill is used for this, but given the history of the name it is likely the regular Jim Beam Bourbon mash bill. What sets it apart is the 50% ABV and that it is said to be Unfiltered, “for more robust flavor”. This is apparently a limited release from Jim Beam – but maybe they have enough stock to change their mind on that? Only time will tell…

The term “Bonded” or “Bottled in Bond” means that this whiskey had to adhere to the following standards as originally written into law by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897:

1. All whiskey in the bottle must be produced by one distillery and by one distiller over the course of one distillation season.
2. The whiskey must be at least four years old.
3. It must be bottled at 100 proof / 50% ABV
4. The whiskey must be aged in bonded warehouses under United States federal supervision.
5. The label on the bottle has to state which distillery it comes from and also where it was bottled.

 Old Tub Kentucky Straight Bourbon – 50% – Evan’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Peanut shells – no surprise there given that seems to be part of Jim Beam Distillery’s DNA for me. Beyond that, plenty of sweet corn notes, cinnamon hearts, Double Bubble bubblegum straight out of the wrapper, along with light cherry, banana, peaches and toasted oak. Palate: Oily and viscous on the toungue with notes of Big Red chewing gum, Double Bubble again, fuzzy peach candies, and bananas with melted milk chocolate. Finish: A touch dry with big oak notes and cinnamon spices, but the oiliness of this Bourbon keeps much of that in check. Comment: While I am not the world’s biggest Jim Beam fan, I do tend to like their Bourbon when it is bottled at 50% or more. I would say this has more in common with Knob Creek than the Jim Beam White Label, and that is a good thing. It represents solid value for a fun Bourbon.” – $46

SAVE 25% on the GlenDronach 2009 10 Year For Canada!

But Only While They Last!

The story on this bottling is that GlenDronach

is unable to sell some of their core skus in Alberta on account of a dispute between the old importer and the new one. The GlenDronach 12 Year and 18 Year are tied up in a disagreement over compensation, and until that is resolved, you won’t see them in the market. This product was created to bridge the gap, as a substitute for the 12 year, bottled for Canada!

We thought it decent at the original price $96, and it is a steal at $72…

GlenDronach 2009 10 Year for Canada – 43% – Matured at least partly in Sherry Casks… – My Tasting Note: “Nose: nutty with soft leather, raisins, chocolate and syrup; doughy with baking spices, vanilla icing and dry grasses. Palate: rich and nutty its starts slow but builds in to decadent spices, syrup and cooked raisins; sweet and dumpy with black licorice and dark chocolate; candied orange and chewy malt; late vanilla, dunnage warehouses and minty-floral-tones. Finish: medium in length with leather, spices and candied fruit. Comment: released to replace the 12 Year, at least in Alberta; this is quintessentially GlenDronach and a lovely dram; I think it would have been improved at 46%, but I digress; the nose is good and the palate is better; very quaffable stuff!” – Regular $96 – SAVE 25% – SALE $72+gst

SAVE 20% on the Millstone 1996 Virgin Oak Cask 1376

Elegant Single Malt from the Netherlands!

We got a deal, so we are passing on the savings. This Millstone Single cask is an Alberta exclusive bottled by Greg and Jarka Winters of Craftwork Sprits. The whisky is from a single Virgin American oak cask filled in 1996, matured 20 years and bottled at 51.45%. The Dutch are very precise. I was worried that 20 years in a Virgin Oak cask would have left too heavy an oak imprint on the whisky, but far from it, it was a deft touch!

Millstone 1996 Virgin Oak Cask 1376– 51.45% – 20 Year – Virgin American Oak – My Tasting Note: “Nose: bread and butter pudding with canned whip cream; dried apricots and peaches n cream; strawberry puff candies an cooked marshmallow; French bakery notes: fruit flan, croissants and other baked goods. Palate: waxy, tropical and creamy; toasty, oily and coating; more dried apricot, peaches and whip cream from a can; floral and spicy with toasted coconut, marmalade and some orange rind; this is sweet, fruity and waxy, a beautiful malt. Finish: warming, toasty and peppery; the fruits are all on the front end, but traces linger with a waxy oily grip. Comment: this is a lovely, layered and fruity malt; 20 years in virgin oak, has surprisingly not overwhelmed the spirit, but it has had a deft touch; a wonderful concentration of flavours!” – $285 – Save 20% – While Stocks Last – Now $239.49+gst

UPDATE on the KWM Exclusive Single Malts of Scotland Casks 

Caol Ila, Clynelish, Glenburgie & Imperial!

Though these four malts only just arrived at KWM, demand has been brisk. The Imperial would have sold out on the first day had we not restricted sales to one per customer. The Clynelish too would be gone had we let people fill their boots. But it is limited to 2 per customer until October 7th, if it lasts that long. Barely more than a quarter are left. The Caol Ila and Glenburgie have been selling briskly too. Both are excellent quality and value, especially the Glenburgie. But both whisky had bigger outturns, and don’t have quite the FOMO appeal of 29 Year Imperial and 24 Year Clynelish!

1. SMOS Caol Ila 8 Year KWM Cask – 61.2% – 2011 – Sherry Butt (Presumably Refill) – My Tasting Note: “Nose: smoked haddock chowder, rustic bread and farmhouse butter; I’m in the Old Kiln (I know, I know, this isn’t Ardbeg but never the less I’m transported); coal dust, chewy malt; crisp smoke, firm leather and a dash of lemon and lime. Palate: here we go, warm, earthy and smoky with a base of honey, vanilla and crisp spices: more lemon and lime; the sherry elements grow in prominence over time adding Demerara, some dark fruits and loads of spice: clove, fennel seed and Dutch licorice; more smoked haddock and chewy malt (my hearty bread), dark earthy peat and sea weed; thick, oily and warm but without a sharp or rough edge. Finish: long, thick and coating, the soft peaty oils and spices cling to your palate while crisp smoke, smoked haddock and chewy malt slowly fade away. Comment:  big and bold but balanced for a young malt tipping the scales at well over 60%; lots of layers given its youth, the sherry notes build over time balancing the brash young peat and smoke; the nose transported me to Islay, to one of my favourite places to sit, dine and dram, the Old Kiln Cafe; the palate is layered and satisfying, but also leaves me wanting more; more whisky adventures, more smoked haddock chowder, and a return to my spiritual home!” – $85
2. SMOS Clynelish 24 Year KWM Cask 10204 – 52.2% – 1995 – Hogshead – My Tasting Note: “Nose: oozing with dripping candle wax and honey; then bright tropical fruits: grilled pineapple, mango dusted in pepper and plantains; very floral, like walking in to a botanical garden on a hot day; then some nutty tones: cashews and macadamia nuts, the latter with white chocolate. Palate: rich, honeyed, waxy and oozing with fruit; quite decadent, creamed and heather honey; the body is thick, creamy and waxy, you could almost spread it with a knife; bags of fruit, starting on the citrus side with Wine Gums and Starburst candies; with each sip the fruits become more exotic, dried apricot, baked apple and poached pears; with patience the tropical fruits emerge: mango, papaya and pineapple. Finish: staying thick and waxy the finish is long, decadent and fruity; loads of honey and bags of fruit ending in toasted oak and spices. Comment: when we first sampled this whisky we were absolutely stunned, and desperate to bottle it; I’ll admit, it came in a little higher priced than we had hoped, but that was wishful thinking; mature Clynelish is becoming increasingly dear, and this bottling is spectacular; it would still be a must have at twice the price!” – $350 – Only 18 bottles left! 
3. SMOS Glenburgie 21 Year KWM Cask – 49.9% – 1999 – First Fill ex-Bourbon – My Tasting Note: “Nose: decadent, honeyed and floral; big citrus tones, mango and cantaloupe; nutty, almond paste filled croissants and polished oak; vanilla extract and rose hips. Palate: soft, creamy and coating with a burst of bright fruits and floral tones; waxy with more polished oak; still nutty, it is thick with lush creamy vanilla, honey, marzipan and warm almond paste filled croissants; juicy orange, ripe mango and cantaloupe; even a bit of Crema di Melone. Finish: very long, thick, waxy and coating; it stays fruity, floral and toasty right to the end. Comment: it’s been almost a year since we selected this cask, and while my memory of its selection is hazy, sampling the finished product is proof positive that we have something very special here; at 21 years of age this malt is lush, floral and very fruity; it is a banger at $175, and very more-ish!- $175
4. SMOS Imperial 29 Year KWM Cask 4561 – 45.2% – 1990 – ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: heavenly… I want to crawl in to the glass; old leather sofas and polished mahogany book shelves filled with dusty old books; this is antique-y, this is tropical, this is right in my wheelhouse; did I mention I want to crawl in to the glass? candy-apple, kiwis and canned pineapple; vanilla bean, Manuka honey and soft floral tones. Palate: yes… yes, yes, yes… this is what we’ve been waiting for since November!!! soft, silky, floral and full of bright, juicy tropical fruits; vanilla bean, Manuka honey and silky toasted oak; quince paste, candied apple and loads of other fruits: kiwi, pineapple, spiced baked apple and persimmons(first ever usage in one of my tasting notes, had to look up the spelling); waxy with soft leather and more polished wood; divine. Finish: delicate, but long, and fruity it clings to the palate with lush velvety oils; the mouth waters while it awaits more, more, more… never enough! Comment: sinful, decadent, sublime, and dangerously drinkable; easily the best Imperial I’ve ever had, and one of the best casks we’ve ever had the good fortune to attach our name to (nearly 100); we’ve been telling people for months that this whisky blows our last cask of Imperial out of the water, and it does that and then some… they also bottled it on my birthday in January, so belated happy birthday to me!” – $400 – SOLD OUT!

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!

Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kensington Wine Market