ralfy review 860 – Crabbie 15yo single malt @ 43%vol:

Whiskies and glassware for raising a toast on Burns Night

Burns Night on Monday 25 January provides the perfect excuse to enjoy a dram or two of fine whisky and to raise a toast to the legendary Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Whether you’re a whisky novice or connoisseur, here’s a list of delicious whiskies to suit every palate and price range as well as some beautiful glassware to enhance your tasting experience.

Glenmorangie Lasanta, £47

Gaelic for “warmth and passion,” the 12-year-old single-malt Lasanta is extra-matured in Spanish sherry casks, revealing enticing aromas, full-bodied flavours and a lusciously soft texture. Aged for 10 years in first and second fill ex-bourbon casks, then ‘finished’ in Oloroso and PX Sherry casks, the creation of Lasanta is an exercise in fine-tuning, with Glenmorangie’s craftsmen seeking a smoother, sweeter whisky than is traditional in the Highlands. The ideal whisky to enjoy with your haggis on Burns Night.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.glenmorangie.com 

Ardbeg Wee Beastie, £39

For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the remote Scottish isle of Islay. This new single-malt style showcases the daring, experimental side of the distillery. Aged just 5 years, but with a feisty and intensely powerful flavour, Wee Beastie has been matured in ex-bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks.  Untamed by age, it accentuates the raw power of Islay whisky. Intensely smoky, with notes of cracked black pepper, tar and savoury meats, Wee Beastie has been described as a ‘monster of a dram’ and it’s not for the faint hearted.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.ardbeg.com

Glenmorangie Malaga Cask, £75

Indulgently sweet and rich, Glenmorangie’s latest small-batch Highland single malt Scotch whisky brings the sun-kissed flavours of the south of Spain to whisky lovers old and new. Enriched by the honeyed intensity of famed Malaga wine casks, 12-year-old limited edition Glenmorangie Malaga Cask Finish brims with chocolate, fruit and gentle spice.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.glenmorangie.com

Ardbeg An Oa, £49

An Oa – part of Ardbeg’s core range of whiskies – is named after the Mull of Oa in the south west of Islay where the distillery is situated. The whisky is singularly rounded due to time spent in the bespoke oak Gathering Vat where whiskies from several cask types – including; sweet Pedro Ximénez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others, mingle unhurriedly. The result is a dram with smoky power, mellowed by a delectable, smooth sweetness and a truly untamed single malt. Ideal for those whisky lovers who prefer a more peaty, smoky dram with their neeps and tatties.

Available through www.clos19.com.  www.ardbeg.com

Glenmorangie Grand Vintage Malt 1996, £635

Sixth in the Bond House No. 1 Collection, Grand Vintage 1996 is the first Glenmorangie whisky to be aged in specially designed casks. The casks are first seasoned with bourbon for four years, then lightly charred to magnify Glenmorangie’s creamy character. The result is a smoother, rounder single malt whisky, aged for a total of 23 years and a rare chance to own a piece of the distillery’s history.

Available through www.clos19.com  www.glenmorangie.com 

The Glencairn Crystal Glassware Range

Every whisky aficionado will tell you that the only way to drink whisky is from the iconic Glencairn Glass – in fact 3 million glasses are now sold every year across the world. Endorsed by the Scotch Whisky Association as the official glass for whisky, its unique and stylish shape has been crafted to enhance the enjoyment of both single malts and aged blends. The tapering mouth of the glass captures those all-important aromas,  and its wide bowl allows the fullest appreciation of the whisky colour with the thistle style base designed to be comfortable in the hand.

There’s a wide range of Glencairn Glasses to suit all budgets starting from a beautifully presented single glass (uncut or hand cut crystal) with prices from £6.

Or you could try something special to serve your whisky from such as Glencairn’s best-selling decanter designed in the shape of a whisky pot still. This beautiful crystal decanter holds 75cl and comes in a stylish presentation box, RRP £70.

The Glencairn Glassware range can be personalised with bespoke engraving to create a truly unique gift and is available at the Glencairn online shop.

Responsible Drinking:

Glenmorangie and Ardbeg advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

Malt Messenger Bulletin

Even More New Tastings, a Few New Products & Even More Deals!

We are just over a week out from the annual KWM Year-End Inventory Sale. The shop will be closed on Monday, February 1 so we can count what is left in the store. We hold a sale every year on the weekend before to reduce what needs to be counted… But while the Year-End Inventory Sale is a week away, we have some deals on now!

We added 21 whiskies to the list of Sale Items this morning, with savings of between 20 and 30%. Some highlights include the Tamdhu 15 Year, Aberfeldy 21 Year, Bowmore 18 Year and the Craigellachie 13 Year, which is a steal at $56 (after a 30% discount).

We have also just opened up two new Virtual Whisky Tastings: A Very Belated Ardbeg Day with Bryan Simpson and the Cadenhead Original Collection with Cameron McGeachy. The sample sets for both tastings are poured and ready to go. Bryan will be joining us live from his home in Toronto, while Cameron will be joining us live from Campbeltown, on Scotland’s Kyntire Penninsula.

Connal Mackenzie, Sales Director for Adelphi and the Ardnamurchan Distillery, joined us live for a virtual tasting this past Saturday. I’ve been to the distillery, one of the most remote in Scotland, a few times over the last 5-6 years, and have been eagerly awaiting the first release of whisky. It did not disappoint. We have a bit of the very first whisky release, Ardnamurchan AD 09.20:01, available for sale. Limit 1 bottle per customer.

There are also some new Bourbons from Smooth Ambler, four different single barrels of Old Scout Bourbon. The Barrels have been bottled with proceeds from the sale of each bottle going to one of two charities supporting out of work hospitality workers: The Bartenders Benevolent Fund and the CPBA – or Canadian Professional Bartenders Association.

There are also some new whiskies from the High Coast Distillery in Sweden. We’ve actually had whisky from the distillery before, which used to trade under the name BOX. The BOX whiskies were good, but 500ml bottles and very expensive. The new range is all 700mls, and the prices are a lot better. The whiskies are also getting good reviews, and I can’t wait to try them.

I’ve also left our newest whisky and rum arrivals from Cadenheads, which were in the last Malt Messenger, up for browsing. They are a great value, and I thought they might tempt you to join us for Cameron’s tasting!

Finally, don’t forget to stay tuned for the Year-End Inventory Sale announcement, in about a week’s time.

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.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In this Edition

1. New Virtual Whisky Tastings

2. Other Up-Coming Virtual Whisky Tastings

3. Introducing: The Ardnamurchan Single Malt AD 09.20.01

4. Introducing: High Coast Whisky from Sweden

5. New Single Barrel Bourbons in Support of Bar Tenders

6. New Whiskies from Cadenhead.

7. On Sale Before the Big Sale

NEW VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

We are just getting started with the virtual tastings, and we will continue to add tastings to the lineup over the weeks and months ahead.

·     A Zoom link for each of the tastings will be emailed 12-48 hours prior to the tasting.

·     A pick-up date for the samples is indicated for each tasting!

·     Tasting samples can be delivered in Calgary city-limits for a $10 fee, which will be waived for orders over $100.

A Very Belated Ardbeg Day Tasting w/ Bryan Simpson

·     Date: January 28, 2021 @ 7PM

·     Cost: $40.00

·     Pick-up Date: Available Now

We’ve been hanging on to some rare bottles of Ardbeg for a special occasion, and this is it. Not surprisingly, we had to put a pin in our Ardbeg Day celebrations this year, but we looked at that as more of a postponement than a cancellation. So, here we go with our first ever Ardbeg Day in January… Bryan Simpson, Ardbeg brand ambassador for Canada will be your host as we sample through a range of 8 Ardbegs (15ml pours), including: An Oa, 10 Year, Wee Beastie, Traigh Bahn 19 Year Batch 2, Supernova 2019, Drum Committee Edition, Blaaack and Blaaack Committee Edition. This is the most epic Ardbeg tasting we’ve had in a “wee” while, and you won’t want to miss it. Each participant will receive 8x 15ml samples and an Ardbeg tasting glass. Thursday, January 28th @7PM

*LIMIT 1 TASTING REGISTRATION PER CUSTOMER!

Cadenhead Original Collection w/ Cameron McGeachy

·     Date: January 28, 2021 @ 5PM

·     Cost: $40.00

·     Pick-up Date: Available Now

Our friend Cameron McGeachy, WM Cadenhead’s Sales Manager, will join us live from Campbeltown, Scotland, as we virtually taste our through the latest Cadenhead whiskies to reach Canada. Cadenhead’s is not only Scotland’s oldest independent bottler, but it is also one of our favourites here at KWM. We’ll be sampling whiskies from Caol Ila, Deanston, Dufftown, Glenrothes, Strathclyde, Tomatin & Tullibardine. The tasting includes 7x 15ml samples.

OTHER UP-COMING

VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

KWM Casks Recap Tasting

·     Date: January 22, 2021 @ 8PM

·     Cost: $55.00

·     Pick-up Date: Available Now

·     Only 10 Spots Left!

We’ve launched some pretty cool single cask whiskies over the course of the last 9 months. In normal times we would have put them into a tasting or two, but we are not in normal times. Thankfully, the AGLC has changed the rules and is allowing us to pour samples for the purpose of virtual tastings, so we’re going to recap 7 of the great KWM exclusive whiskies we’ve launched in 2020. The tasting will consist of 7 20ml samples including our new Glenfarclas 25 Year KWM “Ferg Hommage” bottling, our 12-Year-old Kilchoman and the two new Whisky Agency mystery Speyside whiskies. 8 PM Friday, January 22

Dumangin Whisky with Gilles Dumangin

·     Date: January 23, 2021 7PM

·     Cost: $50.00

·     Pick-up Date: Available Now!

·     Only 6 Spots Left!.

Gilles Dumangin is best known for his fabulous Champagnes and his award-winning Ratafia Champenois (a fortified wine). But Gilles also loves whisky, and he’s been a busy chap… Gilles sourced whisky from a number of distilleries around the World, and then finished it, in Champagne, in his own Ratafia seasoned casks. We think he’s on to something… We’re are thrilled to have Gilles join us live from France for a virtual tasting of six of his whiskies, as well as his Ratafia. This tasting includes 6x20ml samples of the whiskies and a 50ml of the Ratafia Champenois. 7 PM Saturday, January 23.

Boutique-y Whisky Roulette Double Header with Dave Worthington

·     Dates: February 13, 2021 5PM & February 27, 2021 5PM

·     Cost: $160.00 (2 Tastings & 7 Whiskies)

·     Pick-up Date: Available Now!

·     Only 12 Spots Left!

The boys are back with another Boutique-y Double Header tasting. This time we will be tackling the “Boutique-y Greatest Hits Collection Vol. 1” in a virtual trans-Atlantic game of spin the bottles (the Greatest Hits Collection Spins). The tasting will take part over 2 nights, Saturday, February 13, 5 PM MT and Saturday, February 27, 5 PM MT. On each night we will sample 5 of the 10 50ml bottles in the Greatest Hits Collection, selected at random. Call it Whisky Roulette or Spin the Bottle… We will also sample two bonus drams each night, 28ml samples filled by KWM of 4 other Boutique-y whiskies. Dave Worthington will be our guide, and with a little luck, Sam Simmons will crash the party. 5 PM Saturday, February 13 & 5 PM Saturday, February 27..

INTRODUCING: THE ARDNAMURCHAN SINGLE MALT – AD 19.20.01

Of the dozens of new distilleries in Scotland, one of the ones I’m most excited about is Ardnamurchan. This western Highland Distillery is one of the most remote in Scotland, but the drive, not one for the faint of heart, is one of my favourites in Scotland. The setting is spectacular, located on the remote and rugged Ardnamurchan Peninsula. I’ve made the pilgrimage there at least twice, possibly three times, it is hard to be sure.

The driving force behind the distillery, is Managing Director Alex Bruce. Alex is better known for the Adelphi Selection independent bottlings. The Ardnamurchan Distillery and Adelphi Selection brands are owned by parent company Adelphi. Jim Swan consulted on the project, and while Alex didn’t want to produce the archetypal “Jim Swan” spirit, Alex did opt for longer fermentations and slow distillations.

Building started in 2013, with the distillery and its warehouses carved into the hillside. It is a miracle they managed to get all their equipment down the single track road. The first spirit trickled off the stills in 2014, and it was the following year that I paid my first visit. I was impressed with the distillery, and also the spirit coming off the stills. The distillery’s releases of Ardnamurchan Spirit over the last few years did not disappoint.

Six years and change on from the first distillation, the distillery has 10,000 casks maturing, and the first release of proper Ardnamurchan Single Malt Scotch Whisky is here. We don’t have a lot, so we are limiting sales to 1 per person. The distillery produces both peated and unpeated spirit, and the first release is a 50/50 marriage of these styles. We sampled it on Saturday, during our Ardnamurchan Virtual Tasting with Connal Mackenzie. It was a hit.

Ardnamurchan Single Malt AD/09.02.01 (Release 01) – 46.8% – 65% Ex Bourbon cask / 35% Sherry cask – 50/50 Split Peated & Unpeated – Producer Tasting Note: “Honeycomb, waxy peel, oyster shells, brine, strawberries with black pepper and bonfire embers.” – $105+gst Limit 1 per Customer

86pts Whisky Fun: Summary — Full Tasting note on our website: “Did anybody ever try to smoke gingerbread? The aftertaste is more on a classic citron/brine/smoke combo. Comments: this impressive young baby improves a lot with oxygen. Let them breathe! Can’t wait to try these when them too are eleven.

SGP:655 – 86 points.“

SINGLE BARREL BOURBONS IN SUPPORT OF BARTENDERS

Sovereign Wine & Spirits, the Canadian importer for Smooth Ambler and Old Scout Bourbons, have selected four different single barrels of Old Scout, $5 from each of these four bottlings benefitting two different charities: the Bartender’s Benevolent Fund and the CPBA – or Canadian Professional Bartenders Association.

KWM will also donate $5/bottle sold between now and the end of March to the respective charities!

1. Old Scout Bourbon BBF1 – 56.4% – 5 Year – $98.99

2. Old Scout Bourbon BBF2 – 58.4% – 5 Year – $98.99

3. Old Scout Bourbon CFBA#1 – 58.1% – 5 Year – $98.99

4. Old Scout Bourbon CFBA#2 – 57.3% – 5 Year – $98.99

INTRODUCING: HIGH COAST WHISKY

We’ve actually seen these whiskies before, under the brand name BOX. They were good, if a little pricey given they were 500mls and rather young. Rebranded High Coast, the distillery opened in 2010 in 19th Century buildings. One of the most northerly distilleries in the World, the artic circle passes through the distillery.The distillery has a long fermentation, 72-96 hours, leading to a fruitier profile. It also has some of the coldest cooling water in the world, ranging from 2-6C. The distillery uses both peated and unpeated malt. The following 4 releases have just arrived, and will begin trickling in to the store this week:

1. High Coast ÄLV – 46% – 6 Years – ex-Bourbon – Unpeated – Producer Description: “Älv is the Swedish word for River. Outside our front door runs the beautiful river Ångermanälven, the heart of the High Coast region and essential to our distillery. We are able to make such elegant whisky thanks to the naturally cold, crystal clear water sourced from the river. Älv — a well-balanced soft single malt with vanilla tones. Älv is our most elegant whisky.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Vanilla, Coconut, Sponge cake. Palate: Sweet vanilla, Mature pear, Apple. Finish: Long sweet vanilla notes.” – $96

2. High Coast BERG – 50% – PX Sherry Casks – Producer Description: “BERG – is a sherry matured whisky which has the same natural colour as the Nordingrå granite which can be seen protruding the dramatic landscape of the High Coast. The casks have previously held the flavoursome Pedro Ximénez sherry.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Sultanas, gooseberry, honey, dark chocolate. Palate: Long and fruity with a spicy aftertaste. Finish: Rich dates and balanced honeyed sweetness.” – $105

3. High Coast Hav – 48% – 5 Years – Bourbon, Sweedish Oak & Hungarian Oak – 76,82% unpeated whisky and 23,18% of peated whisky – Producer Description: “Hav is the Swedish word for Sea. In the majestic landscape of a world heritage site, High Coast Distillery sits where the beautiful river Ångermanälven merges into the sea. Here, the river is just about to reach the coast and slowly disappear out into the world, just like our single malt whisky. The message Hav brings to the world is an expression of oak, with a touch of spice and a little northern hardiness.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Fruity, Spicy, Cloves, Light Peat Reek, Nutmeg. Palate: Well balanced, Fruity, Spicy, Peat aroma. Finish: Oak, Cloves, Vanilla.” – $96

·     High Coast Timmer – 48% – 6 Years – Producer Description: “Peated single malt whisky matured in first fill Bourbon barrels. Timmer is our peated whisky, our humble tribute to the men and women who once lived and worked here. Those who risked their lives fighting icy cold waters as they steered the heavy logs downstream and kept warm by burning fires under the pale moon light.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Peat, Vanilla. Palate: Campfire smoke, Rich Vanillia Sweetness. Finish: Citrus, Ash.” – $96

NEW WHISKIES FROM CADENHEAD

Cadenhead has put a pin in the Small Batch range and instead put out what they are calling the Original Collection at 46%. Our understanding is this was to stretch the amount of stock they could supplier retailers like us with. Here’s what’s coming!

1. Cadenhead Caol Ila 12 Year – 46% – Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Faint candle smoke, peppermint, toasted marshmallows. Palate: Stewed apples, vanilla yogurt, kiwi fruit. Finish: Burning coals, honey ham, salted caramel.” – $120 – Limit 1 per customer!

2. Cadenhead Deanston 10 Year – 46% – 80% Bourbon + 20% Madeira – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Apple skins, green tomatoes, stewed fruits. Flavour: Malty. Rye bread, freshly baked cake. Finish: Long finish with sour grape candy and ice gems.” – $94

3. Cadenhead Dufftown-Glenlivet 10 Year – 46% – Bourbon + PX Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Danish pastry, geraniums, toasted oats and caramelised brown sugar. Flavour: Raisin and rum ice cream, fruit loaf, sultanas. Finish: Slightly tannic, cigar boxes, rock salt.” – $100

4. Cadenhead Glenrothes-Glenlivet 23 Year – 46% – 60% Bourbon & 40% Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Apricots, dried mango, treacle, and banana chips. Palate: Green apples, Danish pastry, stewed rhubarb, and cherry yogurt. Finish: Mouth coating, subtle spice, ginger snaps, coffee liqueur.” – $225

5. Cadenhead Tomatin 12 Year – 46% – Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Icing sugar, marzipan, Battenberg cake, strawberries. Flavour: Salted and sweet popcorn, lemon meringue pie, crystallised orange peel. Finish: Well balanced with cinnamon sugar and butter fudge.” – $108

6. Cadenhead Tullibardine 13 Year – 46% – Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Freshly cut grass, digestive biscuits and lots of tropical fruits. Flavour: Candy floss, white chocolate, vanilla pods and creme brûlée. Finish: Oily. Faint pine notes, hard boiled sweets and hoppy.” – $108

7. Cadenhead Strathclyde 31 Year – 46% – Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Vanilla ice cream, raisins, pecan pie, peach slices in syrup. Flavour: Dark chocolate orange, dense madeira cake, soft spiciness. Finish: Creamy. Pistachio ice cream, cashews and peanut butter.” – $208

ON SALE BEFORE THE BIG SALE

A lot of importers have dropped prices ahead of Burns Day, somewhat forcing our hand. So even though our Year End Sale is just a week away, we’ve got some new deals for you right now!!!

None of these whiskies will be discounted more during the Year-End Inventory Sale. So you can be assured you won’t save more by waiting…

New Sale Items:

1. Aberfeldy 16 Year – Was $110 SAVE 20% – Now $87.99

2. Aberfeldy 21 Year – Was $180 SAVE 20% – Now $143.99

3. anCnoc 2002 Vintage – Spanish and American Oak Casks- Was $120 SAVE 20% – Now $95.99

4. anCnoc Peat Heart – Was $95 SAVE 20% – Now $75.99

5. Bowmore 18 Year – 43% – Was $125 SAVE 20% – Now $99.99

6. Caol Ila 15 Year Unpeated – 59.1% ABV – American & European Oak – Was $190 SAVE 25% – Now $142.49

7. Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve – 59.6% ABV – Unpeated – American & European Oak – Was $185 SAVE 25% – Now $151.99

8. Craigellachie 13 Year – American Oak – Was $80 SAVE 30% – Now $55.99

9. Game of Thrones Mortlach 15 Year – Matured in Sherry Finished in Bourbon – Was $220 SAVE 25% – Now $164.99

10.  The Deveron 18 Year – Was $190 SAVE 20% – Now $151.99

11. Johnnie Walker Green Label – Blended Malt – Was $82 SAVE 20% – Now $65.59

12. Lagavulin 8 Year – Was $92 SAVE 20% – Now $73.59

13. Lagavulin Distillers Edition 2018 – Finished in PX Sherry – Was $175 SAVE 20% – Now $139.99

14.  Royal Brackla 16 Year – Matured ex-Bourbon Finished in Sherry – Was $174.99 SAVE 20% – Now $139.99

15. Royal Brackla 21 Year – Was $279.99 SAVE 20% – Now $223.99

16.  Talisker Distillers Edition – Finished in Amoroso Sherry Butts – Was $120 SAVE 20% – Now $89.99

17. Talisker Storm – Was $98 – SAVE 25% – Now $73.49

18. Talisker Port Ruighe – Finished in Port Casks – Was $120 SAVE 30% – Now $83.99

19. Tamdhu 12 Year – Sherry Cask Matured – Was $98 SAVE 20% – Now $78.39

20. Tamdhu 15 Year – Sherry Cask Matured – Was $140 SAVE 20% – Now $111.99

21.Teeling Single Malt – Matured in American Oak / Finished in Wine Casks (Sherry, Port, Madeira & more) – Was $92 SAVE 20% – Now $73.59

STAY HOME… WE’LL DELIVER!

We Are Offering Some Great Deals

&

Free City-Wide Delivery for Orders Over $100

FREE DELIVERY – We are offering free delivery for orders over $100 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.

COVID-19 Precautions at KWM

To protect our staff and customers we have implemented some policies!

Please do not enter the store if:

·     You have returned from Outside of Canada in the last 2 weeks, or you live with someone who has!

·     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.

If the above applies to you, please order online or by phone and we can deliver!

Precautions we are taking in-store:

·     All of our staff are wearing masks, and we’d appreciate if you would do so too!

·     We are only allowing 6 customers in the store at any given time.

·     We have hand sanitizer throughout the store for the use of customers and staff.

·     We kindly ask that you do not to pick up products unless you intend to purchase them.

·     We are frequently disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and high contact areas within the store.

·     We are also not accepting cash payment at this time.

·     Staff are frequently washing and disinfecting their hands.

·     We have cancelled all in-store tastings.

·     We are monitoring our staff for symptoms.

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

403-283-8000

888-283-9004

Store Hours

Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Mon – Wed: 10am – 8pm

Thu – Fri: 10am – 9pm

Sat: 10am – 8pm

*All Prices Quoted here are subject to change and do not include GST. In the case of pricing discrepancies, the price at our point of sale will be taken as correct.*

 

The Grand Whisky January Auction 2021 is…Live!

www.thegrandwhiskyauction.com/live-auction

2000+ lots to bid on including this Rare Cask #2 Glenmorangie…

Auction closes Monday 25th January at 9pm.

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

T. +44 (0)1463 210 427

E. sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

25 January, 6:30pm (GMT)

The Burns Night Virtual Quiz

We have a few remaining tickets for our Burns Night Virtual Quiz up for grabs. Join Dawn Davies and Billy Abbott for a celebration of Scotland’s most famous poet and for your chance to win fabulous prizes, including two tickets to Whisky Show 2021. Have a dram at the ready and put your skills to the test – haggis optional. Tickets for this event are free but limited, so make sure you register in advance.

BOOK NOW

News on your new issue!

The latest edition of Whisky Magazine, issue #172, publishes this week, and is currently winging its way to your doorstep.

Our cover story brings together the best of British, with the story of Islay’s Bowmore whisky and the beloved Aston Martin coming together to create something truly unique. Chris White examines how the newest Black Bowmore came to be, and the circumstances surrounding this iconic partnership. While some may be surprised by an ancient Islay distillery and a luxury motor company joining forces, Chris explains how it might not be all that off-piste. One thing’s for sure: It seems the concept of ‘luxury whisky’ is changing once more…

We hope you enjoy this issue!

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter @Whisky_Magazine or Instagram @Whisky_Magazine, or on Facebook @WhiskyMagazine

Christopher Coates
Editor
Whisky Magazine

WHAT’S IN WHISKY MAGAZINE 172?

• • Justine Hazlehurst learns about the philosophy behind Ardnamurchan Distillery, and how these guiding principles have made the distillery what it is today
  • Mark Jennings shows that whiskey can still surprise us, with the (re)emergence of Irish peated
  • Independent Bottlers Challenge: All is revealed as we announce the winners of the 2020 IBC
  • Liza Weisstuch shows us what’s in store for Jack Daniel’s, as she talks to new master distiller Chris Fletcher
  • Plus 20 whiskies tasted this issue!Including AnCnoc, The Balvenie, Eternity, The Macallan, and more!
•  Remember, you can also purchase back issues from our amazing back catalogue! 
•  BUY TODAY

Scotch Whisky 

The Whisky Magazine Annual

Have you seen our new Scotch Whisky annual? Packed with interviews, distillery focus features and blind tasting reviews, Scotch Whisky turns the spotlight on distilleries old and new, large and small. Curated by Whisky Magazine’s editor, Christopher Coates, Scotch Whisky is a valuable addition to any whisky lover’s bookshelf.

• 132-page ‘bookazine’

• Available in print and digital editions

• Includes six in-depth interviews with the great and good of whisky

• Distillery features on Highland Park, GlenAllachie, Macallan, Rosebank, Raasay, Glenturret, and many more

• More than 100 blind tasting reviews of the latest whiskies
• Tasting notes and progress reports on unreleased spirits from some of Scotland’s newest distilleries

BUY NOW

Best wishes, The team at

Barton Distillery 1792 K&L Exclusive Cask #4017

Bottled in Bond Kentucky Bourbon (750ml)

$39.99 View

After Jim Murray awarded the 2020 Whisky Bible’s Whisky of the Year to Barton Distillery’s 1792 Full Proof, it’s been absolutely impossible to keep their products in stock. While we were able to select a couple of full proof barrels (and bought every one we could because it’s delicious) the whiskey is outstanding at any proof, so when we were able to pile on with a barrel of BIB – it was a no brainer.

WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE WHISKY SET TO BREAK RECORDS IN UPCOMING SALE 

The second half of one devoted whisky lover’s ‘Perfect Collection’ will go under the hammer next month in a sale that is set to go down in whisky history.

From 12-22 February 2021, over 1,900 bottles of the rarest, most coveted and expensive single malts in existence, including many from Scotland’s long lost distilleries, will feature in the sale hosted by online whisky auction specialists, Whisky Auctioneer.

Leading the auction is the world’s most expensive bottle of whisky – The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old. Drawn from hallowed Cask #263, containing liquid distilled nearly a century ago in the height of America’s Prohibition, this is one of no more than 14 in the world adorned with the iconic Fine and Rare label. Considered the most coveted bottle of whisky in existence and the pinnacle in rare whisky collecting, the headline bottling is expected to fetch a hammer price of over £1m.

This is not the only collector’s item available in the auction, with whiskies such as The Balvenie 1937 50 Year Old also featured and icons of the whisky world hailing from Bowmore’s legendary 1964 vintage. Elusive whiskies from a bygone era in Scotland’s distilling landscape also appear, including a 1921 private cask bottling of Dallas Dhu which has not been seen on the secondary market for over 25 years.

The Perfect Collection Part Two, which initially launched last April, was postponed following a major cyber attack. Part one of the auction took place in February 2020, fetching a total hammer price of £3.2million and Whisky Auctioneer became the first online auction house to sell a million-dollar bottle.

Iain McClune, Founder of Whisky Auctioneer said: 

“Mr Gooding’s Collection is nothing short of extraordinary and we are honoured and delighted to bring it to auction. Collectors, investors and whisky lovers alike will have their interest sparked by the truly astonishing array of whiskies on offer. 

“Undoubtedly the entire collection is crowned by the incomparable The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare, a whisky that has in recent years become the pinnacle of whisky collecting and for good reason. With no more than 14 bottles in existence the rarity of this opportunity cannot be overstated and we anticipate that the battle for this icon of whisky will be a mighty one.” 

Old and rare whisky expert, Angus MacRaild, commented: 

“The Macallan 1926 Fine & Rare is one of those handful of iconic whisky releases which has accrued such a lofty status that it exists more in relation to fine art these days than other whisky bottlings. Its performance at auction will no doubt be a powerful, bellwether statement about just how iconic and culturally relevant Scotch Whisky remains in the 21st century. Irrespective of where you sit in the whisky world, the chance to see such a bottling come to auction and potentially break price records is undeniably fascinating and exciting. 

“The most notable aspects about The Perfect Collection, for me, are that it offers enthusiasts and drinkers of old style whiskies a treasure trove of opportunities to obtain obscure and very rarely seen independently bottled single malts done solely for the USA market – bottlings which are now all but impossible to otherwise obtain. But overall, the collection represents who Mr. Gooding was as a person, his preferences as a drinker, his quirks and historical fascinations. It’s clearly a collection put together by someone who genuinely loved whisky and who loved to open, enjoy and share it with friends, as all great collections should be.”

Those who used to look to the markets for investment may, at this time, be looking for alternative investments in assets. Not only is whisky seeing a rise in demand with value tied to liquid rarity, recent reports have shown that over the last decade rare whisky has seen a huge increase in value, overtaking more traditional alternative investment assets such as cars and fine art.

The Collection was amassed by late American businessman and philanthropist, Mr. Richard Gooding, who dedicated over two decades to collecting whiskies from almost every Scottish distillery. Guided by his passion for Scotch, its provenance, and the iconic distilleries that craft it, Mr. Gooding travelled regularly to Scotland to search for special bottles in pursuit of creating the ‘perfect collection’ – a representation of every Scottish distillery, open or closed.

His collection would grow to become an eclectic library of 3,900 bottles of primarily single malt whisky – one of the largest and most significant whisky collections ever to go to public auction.

Additional auction highlights include:

• A host of highly sought-after bottles from some of Scotland’s lost distilleries including Dallas Dhu, Port Ellen, Glenugie and Killyloch with some bottles dating back as far as 1921.

• Other historic artefacts in the sale include a 1924 Royal Brackla 60 Year Old, of which only 62 were ever bottled, 1922 vintage Highland Malt from Berry Brothers and Rudd and a 1930s example of Old Vatted Glenlivet from Andrew Usher & Co. the industry fathers of whisky blending.

• Incredibly special and rare Bowmore finds such as the 1967 Largiemeanoch, the heralded 1964 vintage Oddbins exclusive and a 25 Year Old expression limited to just 75 bottles which were gifted exclusively to guests at the Auld Alliance reception at Chateau Lagrange in 1995.

• Near impossible to acquire, The Perfect Collection features some of America’s most enigmatic and sought-after Black Maple Hill whiskeys.

• A singular, 1 of 1 bottling of The Balvenie Vintage Cask 1961. A truly unique bottling, hand-filled and labelled at the distillery two years prior to the official 1961 Vintage Cask release in 1999.

Last year was a record year for Whisky Auctioneer as it experienced huge growth in its online customer base and announced its expansion into Europe with a new base in Germany, reflecting the global rise in demand for whisky. The business currently sees over 100,000 bids per month and has conducted deliveries to 74 countries across the globe.

To sign up for Part Two of The Perfect Collection by Mr. Richard Gooding and for more information, visit:  www.whiskyauctioneer.com

Nicole Sykes Appointed Maker’s Mark UK Diplomat

 

14^th January 2021, London: In 1943 when Bill Samuels Sr. walked away from the whisky founded by his great,  great grandfather by burning the only copy of 170 year old family recipe, he set off to personally create a whisky that he could proudly share with his friends and family. Collaborating with his wife Margie Samuels, their result was Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky.

To continue the tradition of proudly sharing this great tasting whisky with our friends and family, we are delighted to share the news that the award-winning UK bartender and drinks expert Nicole Sykes has joined Edrington Beam Suntory UK as Maker’s Mark Diplomat.

Nicole brings 5 years’ experience to the Bourbon Whisky brand, working in some of the world’s most iconic bars in London and Edinburgh including Lyaness, Voodoo Rooms and most recently at Satan’s Whiskers, one of the world’s leading independent cocktail bars.

Nicole has also received numerous awards and accolades for her creativity and commitment to quality. Nicole’s passion for handmade cocktails and crafted American whisky will be key to sharing Maker’s Mark remarkable story.

Commenting on Maker’s Mark new role Nicole Sykes said: “The most compelling part for me is the genuine story behind Maker’s Mark. Each step of the process has its purpose and is there to create the best tasting Bourbon Whisky. It’s much like when bartenders create cocktails, each ingredient and method is well thought out. We don’t use the cheapest or quickest methods; we use the best methods to achieve the best taste experience.” 

In her new role, Nicole will share the unique hand-crafted story of Maker’s Mark with bartenders and Bourbon Whisky enthusiasts across the UK.  She will also work to support the on-trade during their transition back into service as restrictions loosen in the coming weeks.

Nick Temperley, General Manager for London at Edrington-Beam Suntory UK also commented:  “We are extremely excited to have Nicole join the team here at Maker’s Mark. Having proven herself as an outstanding bartender in some of London’s best bars, she will now bring her own sense of fun, energy and cocktail experience to help us grow our remarkable bourbon whisky and support all our customers in 2021.”

For more information visit: www.makersmark.com

Notes: 

About Maker’s Mark

In 1954, in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream of creating a handmade and delicious bourbon. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches, using soft red winter wheat, with a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness. Bill Samuels, Sr., transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handmade spirit, and today Maker’s Mark® continues to make its bourbon exactly the same way. In recent years, Maker’s Mark has introduced thoughtful, super-premium innovations to its portfolio including Maker’s 46® and Maker’s Mark Private Select™, the brand’s custom barrel program.

In 1980, the Maker’s Mark distillery became the first distillery in America to be designated a National Historic Landmark and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records. It remains one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

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

About Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK

Edrington-Beam Suntory Distribution UK is one of the UK’s biggest sprits sales, marketing, and distribution companies. It is a joint-venture company jointly owned by Edrington and Beam Suntory.

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK represents leading spirit brands in categories including:

• Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Naked Grouse and Teacher’s)
• Malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan and Bowmore)
• Japanese whiskies (Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu, Toki and Chita)
• Bourbon (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Knob Creek)
• Imported whiskies (Canadian Club and Kilbeggan Irish whiskey)
• Gin (Roku and Larios)

It also handles UK sales and distribution for Courvoisier cognac, Brugal 1888 rum and a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities (including Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and After Shock).

AVAILABLE NOW – SAVE £75

Scotland’s Lowland region has been – and, indeed, still is – home to some of the whisky world’s best-loved drams and distilleries, including Rosebank and, more recently, the much-lauded Daftmill. It’s also the home to Glenkinchie – an underappreciated distillery, too-often overlooked in favour of its arguably more famous neighbours.

This 20-year-old, bottled as part of Diageo’s Special Releases and matured in American-oak casks, is packed with a perfect sunny-day’s-worth of soft floral and green, grassy notes, backed up by sweet summer fruits, plenty of punchy spice and clean vanilla flavours.

A crisp and clean dram, this 1990-vintage is both a great example of the famed Lowland style of single malts, and an excellent way to explore a distillery which is something of a hidden gem – all for a rather good price.

BUY GLENKINCHIE 1990

SHOP OLD & RARE WHISKIES