Archive for March, 2021

Littlemill 1976 at The Whisky Exchange – Scotch Whisky News

The oldest-ever bottling from what was Scotland’s first and oldest licensed distillery, Testament 1976 was bottled in December 2020 after more than four decades’ maturation in a mix of casks including American-oak hogsheads and ex-oloroso sherry casks.

This incredibly special release – limited to just 250 bottles – is a feast of green apple flavours, floral aromas, sharp citrus and juicy, tropical-fruit notes. Littlemill Testament 1976 is as much a treat for the senses as it is a stunning collection piece.

Be sure to check out some of the other fantastic new whiskies from the last couple of weeks, too, including a spread of special bottles from some well-loved independent bottlers.

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Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 377: Torabhaig 2017 The Legacy Series – Inaugural Release – Scotch Whisky News

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 377: Torabhaig 2017 The Legacy Series – Inaugural Release

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries the newest malt from Skye. The first official release from the Torabhaig distillery, founded in 2017, sold out in a flash. This despite the fact that, like many other inaugural releases we’ve seen in recent months, it is very young liquid, only just legally able to call itself whisky. But then again, we’ve also seen that this is not necessarily a problem. The only problem Torabhaig might suffer from is the fact that it will not escape the comparison with Talisker. ‘Let’s not fall into that trap and just judge the whisky on its own merits, what do you say?’ Mark muses.

https://youtu.be/2rGGUmtd-DU

JAPANESE WHISKY 100% SOLD AT BONHAMS ONLINE SALE – Japanese Whisky News

JAPANESE WHISKY 100% SOLD AT BONHAMS ONLINE SALE

 Over 60% of Lots Sell Above High Estimate

Sale Total Doubles Estimate (HK$5.4m vs HK$2.6m)

Top lot of the sale:

Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt- Diamonds Straight Flush Ace to 5 (5)

Sold for HK$1,178,000

Estimate: HK$380,000-460,000

Commenting on the result, Daniel Lam, Bonhams Director of Wine & Spirits, Asia, said: “The Japanese whisky market is evidently off to a great start in 2021. The result of this online sale shows that strong demand exists not only at the top end of the market, but across all price bands. The sale, which comprised 82 lots with an average estimate of HK$32,000, attracted strong and competitive biddings. All lots found a buyer, with over 60% selling above their high estimates. We also saw stronger participation from whisky connoisseurs and drinkers, who attach greater importance to the quality of the actual whisky rather than the label. It suggests that the market is robust and healthy – this is a good time to sell.”

Please get in touch for specialist interviews on whisky market trends, the upcoming Hong Kong spring sale in May and more.

Top 10 lots of the sale:

Sale: A Nippon Whisky Collection Online Date: 26 February to 8 March

NOTES 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com. bonhams.com

Japanese Whisky World – How Is Japanese Whisky Served In Cocktails? – Japanese Whisky News

Our new episode of Japanese Whisky World is just minutes away. Tune in now.

Discover the famous whisky from one of Japan’s most renowned distilleries.

Dekanta

2-49-7 Minamiikebukuro Toshima-ku, Tokyo,

The Grand Whisky Auction is…closing tonight @ 9pm! (BST) – Auction Whisky News

 

The Grand Whisky Auction is…closing tonight @ 9pm!

www.thegrandwhiskyauction.com/live-auction

2700+ lots to bid on including this…

Rosebank 21 Year Old Fascination V

Interested in selling whisky in our next auction?

+44 (0)1463 210 427

E. sales@thegrandwhiskyauction.com

Compass Box “Join our virtual table for a magical get-together” – Scotch Whisky News

AN EVENING OF MAGIC, ART & SCIENCE

We want to take you on an adventure. At Compass Box, we’ve got a healthy obsession with seeking out new flavours, experiences and most importantly, people to share it all with. That’s why we’re inviting you to An Evening of Magic, Art & Science to mark the launch of our new limited edition Magic Cask. We’ll be unravelling a few mysteries and even creating one or two right before your very eyes. It’s all happening on Sunday, March 21st at 8pm (GMT). Sign up here to be a part of it.

Our founder John Glaser and whiskymaker James Saxon will also be joined by Guy Pratt from Stranger & Stranger, who designed the label for Magic Cask, and world-renowned magician Joshua Jay, who has appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden, will be bringing his own kind of wizardry to entertain us.

YOU’RE SUCH AN IMPORTNAT PART

This is an event where everyone can get involved, and for us, the Q&A segment is always fascinating. We invite you to ask us anything about whisky! We will share all of the questions along with our answers following the event.

As an extra treat, we’ll also be gifting ten beautiful Magic Cask limited edition jigsaw puzzles to a lucky few. So, to be in with a chance of owning one, just tune in on the day. The winners will be randomly selected from all the participants after the event

JOIN US FOR A DRINK?

You don’t need to have the whisky at home to enjoy the event, but if you want to sip along with us, you can buy Magic Cask via our website or reach out to your local specialist spirits retailer for availability. Get in touch with us at hello@compassboxwhisky.com if you have any queries about stockists in your area. It’s set to be a great event so spread the word and invite your friends to register.

We hope to see you there!
The Compass Box Team

P.S. Don’t forget that Daylight Saving Time begins in the US on March 14th so please check the start time of the event (8pm GMT) in your local area.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 376: Miltonduff 13 Year Old 2007 Old Particular for Prima Vinum – Scotch Whisky News


Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 376: Miltonduff 13 Year Old 2007 Old Particular for Prima Vinum

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a teenage Miltonduff. Prima Vinum, a Belgian whisky shop, selected a sherry butt that was put to sleep in 2007 at Douglas Laing, containing spirit from the lesser known Miltonduff distillery. They had it bottled last August exclusively for their shop.

https://youtu.be/GXOEhUMXKiQ

Kensington Wine Market Malt Messenger No. 119 by Andrew Ferguson – Irish Whiskey News

Malt Messenger No. 119

IRISH TAKEOVER EDITION

I have some exciting news, our second shipment of Waterford Whisky has arrived. Waterford Distillery has very quickly made a name for itself since releasing its first whiskies last Spring. Some of us had them on our radar well before that, in part because the visionary behind the distillery is Mark Reynier of Bruichladdich fame.

I love what they’ve done with the distillery and their whiskies, and I’m really excited to share this new batch with you. There are four new whiskies, two Organic “Gaia” Cuvee Single Malts, and two Single Farm Origin Single Malts. We held back a few bottles each of the first two Single Farm releases, meaning we have a range of six Waterford Whiskies for a tasting… Details on the whiskies and the tasting can be found below!

The arrival of the Waterford whiskies is serendipitous, given that St. Patrick’s Day is this week. We are marking Ireland’s Day with an Irish whiskey tasting on Tuesday (sold out), and an Irish Whiskey Sale. You can save 10% on all in-stock Irish whiskey (excluding the new Waterfords), now through Sunday, March 21, in-store and online. There is also a selection of 10 Irish whiskies which are 15-35% off, while stocks last!

Before we get to the meat of this Malt Messenger, Evan has sat in front of the typewriter and banged out a few words on Irish Whiskey, as he sees it. Much more besides in this Irish Takeover Edition of the Malt Messenger.

As always, please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

If you are able to, please order online. Most days I receive more emails than I am able to reply to in a timely fashion.

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 Waterford Virtual Whisky Tasting

2. Other Up-Coming Virtual Whisky Tastings

3. A Few Words on Irish Whiskey

4. Waterford Whisky – Round II

5. Irish Whisk(e)y Sale

6. In Case You Missed Them: Our 3 Latest KWM Exclusive Casks

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

NEW WATERFORD WHISKY

VIRTUAL TASTING

Photo courtesy of the upstanding gents behind @frombarreltobottle

What’s All the Fuss About Waterford Whisky?!

·     Date: Apri 16, 2021

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45.00

·     Pick-Up Date: March 22

Mark Reynier’s Waterford Distillery has been making waves in the Whisk(e)y world over the last year. The Irish distillery’s first whisky releases have received acclaim from critics and members of the trade. Waterford’s focus is on the barley, paying very close attention to what they call Teireoir. But that is just a part of their recipe for the quality of their young whiskies. Long fermentation times, yeast selection, very precise distillation and rigorous cask selection all play an important role. We’ll sample our way through the first 6 Waterford Whiskies to come to Canada, as well as a surprise 7th whisky. The tasting will consist of 7 15ml samples. A zoom code will be emailed a day before the tasting.

OTHER UP-COMING

VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

Independents Day: The Whisky Agency

·     Date: March 26, 2021

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $55.00

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

·     15 Spots Left!

The Whisky Agency has earned a cult following at KWM over the last few years for one simple reason: they source and bottle some exceptional single casks. From humble beginnings in the early 2000s sourcing casks for the Limburg Whisky Fair (one of the best Whisky Festivals in the World) it is now a respected international player. We’ll sample 6 Whisky Agency whiskies from: Glen Elgin, Ledaig and a number of “Secret Distilleries!” Many of these whiskies are only available in Canada… We’ll also sample one very old Cognac from 1973. Included seven 15ml samples. A zoom code will be emailed a day or two before the tasting. 8 PM Friday, March 26.

Independents Day: Hunter Laing Whisky

·     Date: April 8, 2021

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $40.00

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Friday, March 12

·     Only 4 Spots Left!

Join us for an exploration of the Hunter Laing whisky portfolio, guided by Andrew Laing. We will sample whiskies from Caol Ila, Tullibardine, Glendullan, Macduff and Tormore from the Hepburn’s Choice, First Editions and Old Malt Cask ranges. We will also be sampling a pair from the Old & Rare range, a sherried Tomatin 25 Year and a special release of “Heritage” Tamdhu 30 Year. The tasting will consist of seven 15ml samples as well as a 50ml mini bottle of Scarabus Islay Single Malt. 8 PM Thursday, April 8. A zoom code will be emailed a few days before the event.

*SAMPLES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON MARCH 12.*

Rare & Old: Things Andrew Wants to Taste Pt.1

·     Date: April 22, 2021

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $150.00

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Monday, March 22

Demand for this tasting was so high we’ve doubled the number of spots for it. Only 19 left!

The Covid-19 pandemic hit just days before we were supposed to host our first-ever Rare & Old Whisky Festival. We were gutted to have to pull the plug, but it was the right decision. It may still be a year or more before we can put on a festival-style tasting in-store, but we can still have some fun. There are more than a few old and rare whiskies we want to taste, and we know we are not alone in this. So we are putting on a new virtual tasting series, “Rare & Old: Things Andrew Wants to Try!” As the name implies it is built around a range of old and rare whiskies Andrew wants to sample. The first session will include: Auchentoshan 1988 PX, Bladnoch 25 Year, Blackadder Raw Cask Glen Scotia 1991, Glengoyne 30 Year, Pittyvaich 29 Year and Port Askaig 45 Year; a range of whiskies which would set you back about $6000+gst. Andrew’s sampled the Port Askaig 45 Year on numerous occasions… but he loves it and wants to taste it any chance he gets! 8 PM Thursday, April 22. Includes 7x15ml samples. A zoom code will be emailed a few days before the tasting.

A FEW WORDS ON IRISH WHISKEY

by Evan Eckersley

Irish Whiskey is in the middle of a boom the likes of which it has not seen in more than a century. For part of the 20th Century, there were only two distilleries in all of Ireland making whiskey, which was far from its peak.

In the 1800s, Ireland was the largest producer of whiskey in the world. What doomed the industry was a combination of taxes, wars, technology and Prohibition. Scotch Whisky eventually became more popular due to Scotland’s adoption of the Continuous still – specifically the Coffey Still which was created by Irishman Aeneas Coffey. Coffey’s invention allowed for less expensive and more efficient alcohol production and was embraced and purchased by many distilleries in Scotland and the world over, but it was virtually shunned in Ireland. In Scotland, the whisky from these stills was used primarily in blended Scotch Whisky which gained popularity in the UK, Europe and South America, and also in the United States after prohibition ended in December of 1933.

Nearly 30 Irish Whiskey distilleries operated and existed in the early 1900s, but their numbers slowly dwindled through the first half of that century. By 1966, through a combination of closures and consolidation, there were only two remaining: Bushmills Distillery in Northern Ireland and Old Midleton Distillery in the south, In 1987 a new player entered the game – Cooley Distillery – which brought that number to three. Over the next thirty years, Irish Whiskey has consistently been the fastest-growing spirit segment in the world, which has led to a modern revival of whiskey production in the country. There are currently more than thirty distilleries once again operating in Ireland, including the highly touted Waterford Distillery which we will be receiving new bottles from next week!

Much of what many of us believe to be factual about Irish Whiskey is actually a combination of marketing and myth.

·     Irish Whiskey is smoother than Scotch Whisky because it is triple distilled.

There are Irish Whiskies that are triple distilled (such as the Dingle Single Malt Irish Whiskey), but not all of them are. Plus, there are triple distilled Scotch Whiskies available as well.

·     Irish Whiskey is not as rough as Scotch Whisky because it is not peated.

While most Irish Whiskey is indeed unpeated, there are peated Irish Whiskies in the market. Connemara, from Cooley Distillery, is a stellar example of this. Hinch Peated Irish Whiskey is also worth checking out (and it likely comes from the same distillery…) Plus, there is more unpeated Scotch Whisky produced than actual peated Scotch Whisky, even in this era of smoky renaissance that Scotch Whisky finds itself in.

·     All Irish Whiskey contains unmalted barley.

There are indeed Irish Distilleries (like the Shed Distillery – creators of Drumshanbo Irish Whiskey) that use this distilling method that emerged in the late 18th century as a creative form of tax evasion, but not all do. While the origins of this style are Irish, not all Irish Whiskey is Single Pot Still and there are other whiskies from around the world that utilize some unmalted barley in distillation as well, including Vancouver Island’s Shelter Point Distillery with their Montfort 141 Single Grain Whisky.

·     Irish Whiskey is better/worse/different than Scotch Whisky.

At least the ‘different’ part is true – geographically. Irish Whiskey has to be made in Ireland just like Scotch Whisky has to be made in Scotland. Beyond that, you could make the same style of whisky in both countries if you wanted, or in many other parts of the world. That would not make it better or worse. It would just make it different.

WATERFORD WHISKIES ROUND II

Waterford Arcadian Series Organic Gaia 1.1 – 50% –  Matured in a mix of 35% First Fill ex-Bourbon, 29% Virgin American Oak, 17% ex-Wine French Oak and 19% Vin Doux Naturel Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: orange zest, malty figs, seaweed, hay in the field after light rain, salted caramel, peppermint, rosewater, freshly turned soil. Taste: heat and zesty pepper on the tongue, cloves, figs, oiliness that dries in the mouth, cherries, butterscotch, pears, malty, layers of spice. Finish: long and zesty oiliness that dries, but leaves you chewing; a sweetness that comes right at the end.” – $110+gst – Strictly limited to 1 per person! – 90pts Serge @ Whisky Fun!

Waterford Single Farm Ballymorgan 1.2 – 50% – Matured in a mix of 34% First Fill ex-Bourbon, 20% Virgin American Oak, 23% ex-Wine French Oak and 23% Vin Doux Naturel Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Dried herbs, malt, red apple, plums, milk chocolate, vanilla, fennel seeds and custard. Taste: Apple crumble with toffee, milk chocolate, slight fudge, cloves, a green apple collated in caramel, with pepper heat and aniseed. Finish: Lingering spice heat with a mouth-watering oiliness that turns mouth puckering.” – $102+gst – Limit 2 Per Customer – 87pts Whisky Fun

The following Waterford whiskies have arrived at KWM! We are limiting them to a maximum of 2 bottles each per customer, and 1 per customer of the Organic Gaia 1.1.

Waterford Single Farm Sheestown 1.2 – 50% – Matured in a mix of 33% ex-Bourbon, 19% Virgin American Oak, 25% ex-French Wine & 23% Vin Doux Naturel Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Malty, honey, fruit cake, pears, sherry trifle, cookie dough, a summer hay note, orange peel and an earthy note. Taste: Spices and clove that gently warms then dries; blood oranges, honeycomb, barley sugar and ginger. Finish: Long with a gentle spice and citrus that tingles.” – $102+gst – Limit 2 Per Customer – 87pts Whisky Fun

Waterford Arcadian Series Organic Gaia 1.2 – 50% – Matured in a mix of 35% First Fill ex-Bourbon, 29% Virgin American Oak, 17% ex-French Wine & 19% Vin Doux Naturel Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: a rose bed after a summer shower, white pepper, rhubarb tart, salted caramel, popcorn, fudge, marshmallows, cherries, vine tomatoes. Taste: white pepper, orange zest, almond, dates, lemon sherbet, liquorice, gentle maltiness and warm chocolate brownie. Finish: warm spices that gently goes to leave a cherry biscuit note.” – $110+gst – Limit 2 Per Customer

SAVE UP TO 35%

ON A LOAD OF IRISH WHISKIES

We’ve got some great deals on Irish Whiskey right now. All in-stock Irish Whiskey is at least 10% off (excepting the new Waterford Whiskies above), now through March 22nd. There are also some even better deals, with savings of up to 35%, which we’ve listed below.

Jack Ryan 12 Year Single Malt (the original) – 46% – Matured in ex-Bourbon – My Tasting Note: “Nose: very tropical, bright sugars, wine gums and Jelly Bellies; juicy malt, layers of fruits and minty mojitos. Palate: big juicy malt, soft toasted oak and subtle spices with more sugars; still tropical, loads of fruit, Jelly Bellies, wine gums; some late licorice and leather with more mint. Finish: long, rich and very layered, loads of fruit, full of character. Comment: another stunning single malt from the Cooley distillery, excellent value! – Was $122.99 – Save 30% – Now $86.09

Jack Ryan 10 Year Toomevara Single Malt – 46% – Matured in ex-Bourbon/Finished in Château du Breuil Calvados Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Three shades of apple. Dry and yeasty stewed apple warmth, sour green apple gummies, and the leafier tang of green apples themselves. Beneath that, sap, cut grass, and orange cream soda which, after a little honey cuts the grasses with the creams, turns to actual orange peel. Leafier with water. Palate: Apple pie in a glass. Soft cinnamon, rich applesauce, a light zesty tang as if those apples were unripe, a slight trace of citrus peel and enough mouth-watering juice to bind the sauces to the fruits. Finish: Sandalwood edges round the lingering sauce. Dusty, dry, and even a little yeasty although the sweet green apple tang from the nose still sidles past the finish. One for the grey days.” – Was $150 – Save 30% – Now $104.99

Jack Ryan 12 Year Finisher’s Single Malt – 46% – Matured in ex-Bourbon / Finished in Madeira Casks from Justino’s of Santa Cruz – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Clean orange sweets not cut by grass- lifted by it – and plenty of quirky wood sugars injected into citrus. An ode to orange in notes of bark. Orange honey, subtle saps, Old-fashioned hotel candy coexists with actual blood orange as well as marmalade, tannin, and a waxier leafiness drying back to citrus leaves. Flirts after water, between honeydew and honeysuckle with a glance back to citrus leaves. Palate: On to the cousins. Clean clementine, clean tangerine, a little dark blood orange, that leaf and tanning counter-note now seamlessly engrained into the subtleties of the orange. With water, a pithier drop with more tanginess than sweetness and more crackle than wax. Finish: The pendulum finally swings from the oranges to their trees and leaves. Not zesty or even spry so much as leafy and pale, but with a mouth-drying taste that makes the surviving sweet citrus linger long after the sip. Water adds a lingering tang at the price of those leaves.” – Was $170 – Save 30% – Now $118.99

Jack Ryan 11 Year Haddington Single Malt – 46% – Matured in ex-Bourbon / Finished in Rum Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Cinnamon, ginger and a light pinch of nutmeg over a bowl of brown sugar. The sweet rum plays tag, with a spryer more resinous streak from the distillate and a slight dusty dryness from the oak. A sweet nose, but more bakery than sweet shop sweetness and with just enough spry grass interrupting the rum to keep the whole game interesting. With water, the ginger starts to fuse with the oak into something between cinnamon pastry and freshly peeled bark. Palate: Golden brown, texture like sun… Demerara sugar, warm maple syrup, and old-fashioned rum. Leads after water into honeycomb, nutmeg and thickly honeyed graham cracker glory with a few prickly resisns from the nose’s mown grass keeping all that spiced. Finish: Old dusty floorboards, gingersnap biscuits, and some actual ginger keeping our brown sugar spry.” – Was $154.99 – Save 30% – Now $108.49

Blackwater Retronaut 17 Year Single Malt – 46% – ex-Bourbon Casks – My Tasting Note: “Nose: dusty, floral and decadent; spring flowers, French vanilla and bright citrus; glazed donuts and pastries dusted in powdered sugar; banana chips and kiwi fruit. Palate: soft, waxy and very toasty; toasted coconut, marcona almonds and more French vanilla; building peppery spices, along with ginger, cinnamon and Demerara sugars; still floral with more citrus, banana and pastries dusted in powdered sugar. Finish: long, drying and spicy with traces of decadent oak and fading citrus fruits. Comment: decadent, silky and spicy, it is almost tropical, but the oak and floral notes take center stage.” – Was $220 – Save 35% – Now $142.99

Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey – 40% – Producer Description: “Velvet Cap Irish Whiskey is a small batch blend of malt and grain whiskies sourced from some of Ireland’s finest distilleries. After blending, we rest the whiskey in a selection of bourbon, port and stouted rye casks to let the flavours marry.” Producer Tasting Note: “On the nose expect candied banana, honey, dark stonefruit & almond leading way to a luscious mouthfeel with flavours of vanilla, plum, and agave.” – Was $74.99 – Save 25% – Now $56.24

*Not all bottles come with tubes!

J.J. Corry The Gael Irish Whiskey – 46% – Irish Blended Whiskey composed of 40% 7 Year Single Grain, as well as malts 11 Years (27.5%), 15 Years (27.5%) and 26 Years (5%) old. – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, floral and toasty with some juicy citrus and apricot notes; vanilla wafers and white chocolate Hershey’s kisses; green apples on sharp cheddar and window putty. Palate: soft, silky honeyed and fruity; bright citrus, vibrant floral notes and crisp spices meet silky toasted oak tones; nutty with peppery spices, white chocolate and soft fruits: green apples, apricots and pears; more sharp cheddar. Finish: fresh, toasty and fruity with firm spices, honey and vanilla; long, drying and fresh. Comment: curious stuff, it has some weight for an Irish Blend… must be the high malt content; the young grains give a bit of warmth, while the single malts (probably Cooley) add some nice fruits.” – Was $110 – Save 20% – Now $87.99

Bushmills 10 Year – 40% – Producer Description: “Bushmills 10 year old single malt whiskey is triple distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for at least 10 years in sherry and bourbon seasoned barrels, which give it a honey, vanilla and milk chocolate flavours. ” – Producer Tasting Note: “Bushmills 10 year old single malt is a very elegant style of Irish whiskey that leaves you with an exceptionally smooth finish. Triple distilled from 100% malted barley, it has the distinctive Bushmills’ light fruity aroma that travels over the lip of your tumbler to deliver 10 years of maturation mostly in bourbon seasoned barrels.” – Was $50.99 – Save 20% – Now $40.79

Teeling Single Malt Whiskey – 46% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: clotted cream of fresh baked scones and vanilla icing sugars; white fruits and citrus, toasty and honeyed with almonds. Palate: creamy and very honeyed, more clotted cream on scones and vanilla icing on white cupcakes; still toasty, a touch of white pepper, more citrus and white fruits with some honeydew melon; soft and malty with a hint of licorice and dark fruits. Finish: long, malty citric and sweet. Comment: a very pleasant malt, youthful but complex and eminently drinkable.” – Was $92 – Save 20% – Now $73.59

Redbreast 12 Year Single Pot Still – 40% – Matured in ex-Bourbon & Sherry Casks – Producer Tasting Note: Nose: A complex spicy and fruity aroma with toasted wood notes evident. Taste: Full flavoured and complex; silky smooth with a harmonious balance of spicy, fruity, sherry and toasted notes. Finish: Satisfyingly long, the complex flavours linger on the palate.” – Was $100 – Save 15% – Now $84.99

IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM:

OUR 3 LATEST KWM EXCLUSIVE CASKS

Late last month 3 new KWM exclusive single casks hit our shelves, a Dutch Rye from Millstone, as well as single malts from Benromach & Old Pulteney. All three have been a hit, but the Benromach and Old Pulteney especially are going fast… The Benromach, our 3rd, is moderately peated, very creamy and fruity. The Old Pulteney, our 2nd from the distillery, is decadent and fruity with a savoury coastal flourish. The Millstone 100 Rye is our 2nd cask of Rye from the distillery. It is very complex and spicy.

Benromach 2007 KWM Cask 134 – 57.7% – 13 Year – First Fill ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, fruity and decadent; vanilla icing sugar, creamed honey and agave nectar; Jujubes, Five Alive and bright candied orange; cantaloupe and apricots; hints of chocolate, gentle spices and clotted cream. Palate: a surge of chewy malt, gentle earthy peat, fruits and toasted oak; more creamed honey and agave nectar with corn syrup; candied orange and crisp lime with more Jujubes and Five Alive; dark milk chocolate and lightly salted caramel. Finish: silky, warming and coating; the fruits, spices and chocolate linger long into an elegant finale that finishes with a flourish of clean earthy peat. Comment: a young malt with a maturity well beyond its years; the citrus fruits, chocolate and subtle smoke are in almost perfect balance.” – $145+gst

Old Pulteney 2004 KWM Cask 236 – 55% – 16 Year – ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: thick and honeyed with coconut cream icing, salted caramel and firm oak spices; lime zest, candied orange peel and grassy malt; Jolly Ranchers and tarte tattin. Palate: still thick, oily, creamy and coating; more coconut cream icing sugar on vanilla cupcakes; crème brulee and dulce de leche to go with the salted caramel; candy apple and candied orange with lemon and lime zest; warming spicy oak blankets the palate in a comforting way. Finish: warm, spicy and coating it lingers long with toasted oak, honey, coconut and salted caramel. Comment: this must be a first-fill ex-Bourbon Barrel; the oak presence is lush, but far from overdone; this isn’t as subtle as our last cask of Old Pulteney, but it is a banger none the less.” – $170+gst

Millstone 100 Rye KWM Cask #2 – 54.7% – New American Oak – My Tasting Note: “Nose: spicy, oily and jammy right off the bat; German pumpernickel rye style bread and fresh dill; moist jujubes, treacle sauce and barrel-aged maple syrup; Dutch licorice, Goodies and candied fennel seeds; herbaceous, a touch of Fernet Branca and vanilla extract; ginger & molasses cookies. Palate: thick, sweet. syrupy and layered with decadent spices; still dill-y, more German pumpernickel-rye bread and ginger & molasses cookies; floral and herbaceous; loads of licorice: more goodies, Dutch licorice and candied fennel; more Jujubes, raspberry jam and orange-infused chocolate; more maple syrup and treacle sauce; floral French vanilla. Finish: fresh, fruity, floral and layered; more licorice, syrup and chocolate; dill, rye bread and Fernet Branca. Comment: this is a little less decadent from our first KWM Cask of Millstone Rye, but it might just be even more complex; this is proper rye whisky, insanely complex and a delight to nose and drink; sadly just over 100 bottles available; not sure I’ve ever put Fernet in a tasting note before!” – $105

ANDREW’S PERSONAL IRISH WHISKEY PICK

After being in the business of selling and tasting whisky for nearly two decades, there is not much that could shake our beloved leader Andrew Ferguson to the core – but this release from MMA ‘icon’ Conor McGregor has certainly done just that. Not only has it revived his faith in humanity, but it has also left his palate yearning for more celebrity-shilled bottles!

To celebrate Andrew’s fine taste and renewed lease on life, the KWM whiskey staff are proud to offer this splendid bottle with a bespoke brown paper bag signed by the one and only Andrew Ferguson himself at no extra charge!

Secure yours now, as these bags are limited to 40 only to ensure both collectability and resellability. Order soon or be stuck paying secondary market prices later!

Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey – 40 bucks well spent plus GST.

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 Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Unveils Limited Edition ‘Emerald Isle’ Collectable Whiskey Set – Irish Whiskey News

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. Unveils Limited Edition ‘Emerald Isle’ Collectable Whiskey Set
in Partnership with Fabergé – Inspired by The Seven Wonders of Ireland

The Oldest Triple-Distilled Irish Whiskey and First Fabergé Celtic Egg & Rough Emerald Surprise

March 2021, Dublin – The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has collaborated with Fabergé, the world’s most iconic artist-jeweller, to release ‘The Emerald Isle Collection,’ a seven-piece custom-made whiskey set which celebrates the ‘Seven Wonders of Ireland’. Beautifully presented in a dark walnut experience box, each set features two bottles of ultra-rare, 30-year-old, triple distilled Irish whiskey, accompanied by two unique and exclusive creations from Fabergé – the first-of-its-kind Celtic Egg objet and bespoke Altruist timepiece. Each collection also includes a humidor with two ultra-rare Cohiba Siglo VI Grand Reserva cigars, a gold-plated cigar cutter, gold plated water pipette, pure obsidian whiskey stones, a hip flask with a sample of the Emerald Isle whiskey, which is the rarest Irish whiskey in existence, and a carafe filled with Irish spring water from the same region where the whiskey was made.

The official unveiling of ‘The Emerald Isle Collection’ took place on 2 February 2021 in Houston, Texas, and following the launch all seven bespoke experience boxes will be sold at private auctions and events throughout the year. Significantly for the sale of the first experience box, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has pledged 100 per cent of the proceeds to charity, with 50 per cent of proceeds benefitting the Correa Family Foundation supporting children affected by serious illness, and the remaining 50 per cent donated to the buyer’s charity of choice.

‘The Emerald Isle Collection’ is The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s second release, and now takes the crown as the oldest triple distilled Irish whiskey in the world, following the launch in November 2020 of a limited 333 bottles of The Devil’s Keep – a 29-year-old, triple distilled, single malt whiskey. The 30-year-old Emerald Isle’s single malt Irish whiskey has been aged in 200-litre ‘first fill’ American oak casks, which previously stored bourbon, and then finished in a rare single 40-litre Pedro Ximénez sherry barrel. This maturation process has imparted profiles that range from chocolate fudge and maple syrup on the nose, to sweet leather and silky-smooth, ripe banana on the palate which flows into a long finish with hints of creamy meringue and rich vanilla cigar smoke.

‘The Emerald Isle Collection’ fuses Faberge’s unique heritage with rich Irish tradition and mythology, as well as the distinctive flavours of an ultra-rare whiskey, in highly collectable and unique special-edition, legacy bottles. It is little known that Ireland invented whiskey in the 14th century and dominated the sector for centuries until an unfortunate fall due to both world wars, embargoes and their fight for independence; with the launch of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s collection, Irish whiskey is being restored to its former glory as the world’s most iconic whiskey.

This bespoke whiskey collection takes inspiration from seven historical and important places in Ireland and sees Fabergé honour Irish heritage in the form of its first ever Celtic Egg bespoke objet. The Fabergé design team, along with Jay Bradley and Tiago Russo, Design Director at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., worked together to pay homage to seven beautiful and iconic Irish locations that hold a certain mysticism or mythological interest – representing the ‘Seven Wonders of Ireland’, and lucky number seven.

Each bespoke set is presented in an experience box which has been inspired by the shape of an emerald, representing the natural beauty of Ireland, and features an illustration of one of the ‘wonders’ of Ireland and its geographical coordinates, with a frontal egg-shaped aperture and a frame of coloured gemstones. Inside each box is the pièce de resistance, the hand-crafted whiskey bottle containing the ‘liquid gold,’ a collector’s item in its own right. Each of the seven bottles has been inspired by key Fabergé design elements, set with responsibly sourced emeralds from Gemfields’ Kagem mine in Zambia on the neck and lowermost part of the bottle.

Each bottle of whiskey is accompanied by a bespoke Fabergé Celtic Egg, handcrafted by fourth generation Fabergé enamel Workmaster Dr. Marcus Mohr. Each egg is handcrafted from 18k yellow gold and features Fabergé’s legendary guilloché enamel in a pastel green; the green, white and gold colours of the egg symbolising the Irish flag. Guilloché enamelling is a time-honoured technique which combines the art of engraving using an engine-turning machine combined with hot enamel which is hand-painted onto a surface in a series of layers to produce a shimmering liquid silk effect. This rare artform is a signature of Fabergé’s, practised by only a select few expert craftspeople around the world.

The seven unique eggs are set with a pavé diamond Celtic knot, a renowned symbol of Irish heritage which has no start or finish, representing eternity, love and friendship, and frames a coloured gemstone at its centre. Each of the seven Fabergé eggs features a different gemstone on its exterior: Gemfields Zambian emerald, Gemfields Mozambican ruby, blue sapphire, amethyst, rhodolite, spessartite or tourmaline, representing each of the seven locations, from The Blarney Stone to the Giant’s Causeway, and its rich Irish mythology. A matching cabochon coloured gemstone is also set on top of the egg, which itself is mounted on a beautiful hand-carved and polished rock crystal plinth with gold base.

In true Fabergé spirit, a surprise awaits inside in the form of a rough, uncut Zambian emerald responsibly sourced from Gemfields, presented on a gold guilloché base with intricate claw setting. This is the first time in Fabergé’s history that the Maison has featured a surprise of this kind. It invites collectors to further customise the creation by commissioning Fabergé to convert the beautiful rough emerald as part of a bespoke set or piece of jewellery.

Emeralds are 20 times more rare than colourless diamonds, and aptly are believed to symbolise hope, growth and fresh starts – which befits the current challenging times.

In addition to the whiskey and unique Celtic Egg, each edition of ‘The Emerald Isle’ features another ultimate collectors’ item, a bespoke one-of-a-kind Fabergé Altruist 18k rose gold timepiece with a self-winding movement from Vaucher Manufacture. Each piece has a unique dial, inspired by the landscape of one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Ireland’. Hand crafted by Fabergé’s Workmaster André Martinez, a specialist in decorating exquisite watch dials, the white mother of pearl face has been skilfully etched and hand-painted with 24k gold flakes. The case backs on each piece are dedicated to The Craft Irish Whisky Co. with the addition of the CIWC logo and 1/1 engraved to signify the uniqueness. The timepiece is finished with a brown alligator strap which complements the design perfectly.

Jay Bradley, Founder of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. commented on the collaboration: “We are more than delighted to be partnering with prestigious atelier Fabergé to launch ‘The Emerald Isle Collection,’ which is an extraordinary bespoke set, and will truly put ultra-rare luxury Irish whiskies on the map. Fabergé is an iconic brand with an enduring legacy that continues to evolve and knows no bounds, so we cannot think of a better collaboration for a luxury whiskey from Ireland. This is simply a dream come true for me and the team – and an unbelievable elevation for a 30-year whiskey, which was already going to be a particularly sought-after collector’s item. With the Fabergé addition, there is surely nothing that compares for the ultimate aficionado.”

Josina von dem Bussche-Kessell, Global Sales and Business Development Director at Fabergé, said: “This is a thrilling partnership for Fabergé, as it sees us continuing our legacy of creating unique and collectable objects, bridging the gap between historic legacy and modern-day heirlooms. Rare whiskey has seen tremendous investor attention, and the whiskey market is undergoing a dynamic evolution. It is very exciting for Fabergé to participate in such a cross-pollination of luxury sectors, thereby adding a contemporary twist on age old traditions.”

For further information about ‘The Emerald Isle Collection’, please visit www.craftirishwhiskey.com/the-emerald-isle.

Notes

Price: POA

Seven Wonders of Ireland and Their Mythology

1. The Old Head of Kinsale, Co. Cork (Blue Sapphire): The cliffside headland is a celebration of Ireland’s beauty and heritage, with panoramic views of the sea. It also marks the location where the first settlers came to Ireland over 6,000 years ago.

2. The Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare (Gemfields Zambian Emerald): Located on Ireland’s breath-taking west coast, the aerial sight of the grassy headlands of the Cliffs of Moher epitomise the Emerald Island, and are home to some of the greatest Irish mythology chapters, where great creatures of both land and sea meet.

3. The Newgrange, Co. Meath (Amethyst): Built around 3200BC, this Neolithic tomb is one of the most significant references in early Irish literature and tradition. It is associated with the Tuatha Dé Danaan, a race of supernatural beings who, according to legend, ruled Ireland before the coming of the Celts and afterwards retreated into the fairy mounds and forts.

4. The Blarney Stone, Co. Cork (Rhodolite): According to legend, those who kiss this mythical stone, which is built into the battlements of Blarney Castle, are endowed with the gift of gab (or eloquence). The myth is associated with Clíodhna, the goddess of love and beauty, who assisted Cormac McCarthy by instructing him to kiss the first stone he saw on his way to court in order to help him win his case with surreal eloquence.

5. The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim (Spessartite): Renowned for its scenic beauty, Giant’s Causeway features more than 40,000 basalt columns which, according to the Gaelic mythology, are the remains of a causeway built by a giant that was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner, who built the causeway across the Channel so that the two giants could meet.

6. The Ring of Kerry, Co. Kerry (Tourmaline): The first home of the Milesians, the original settlers arriving in Ireland, this circular route full of valleys, lakes and river streams is the site of ancient legends, with sightings of mythical creatures such as the Leprechaun – who is said to have been first seen here.

7. The Ha’penny Bridge, Co. Dublin (Gemfields Mozambican Ruby): The Ha’penny, now named Liffey Bridge, is Dublin’s oldest footbridge, which dates back to 1816. It was originally a tolled access bridge for travellers to cross the River Liffey, where they would have to pay half a penny – a “Ha’penny” – to cross. The toll system was abandoned a century later, but to this day, the bridge keeps its name, and memories of ancient stories of lovers from both sides of the bridge meeting at the very top, sharing that moment together over the cost of a ha’penny.

Emerald Isle Tasting Notes:

Nose: Butter toffee, chocolate fudge, followed by maple syrup. Hints of brine and tobacco
Palate: Old leather-bound books up front with slight tobacco backdrop. Really silky smooth with some cherry notes, ripe banana and residual caramel.
Back palate: Christmas cake spices that flow perfectly into the finish Finish: Very long finish with some hints of creamy meringue and vanilla cigar smoke that transform into a lingering touch of spice and sweet leather flavour.

About The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is different. This is not mass-produced whiskey, but an attention to detail and crafting processes that create the very finest craft Irish whiskey.

The company sources rare whiskey and uses ultra-premium finishing barrels to mature its whiskey due to the high quality of the wood and previous spirit or wine that helps deliver complex flavour profiles. The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., knows that a premium level of spirit stored in this type of barrel adds deep and complex flavours into the finish which produces a phenomenal Irish whiskey.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. uniquely cask their whiskey at 52% ABV. Adding water in at the start allows the water and whiskey to marry over time creating a far smoother whiskey.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the proud whiskey partner of the The MICHELIN Guide and a partner in the Michelin Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2021.

Their first release in November was The Devil’s Keep, the first ultra-rare Irish whiskey in the world and the oldest ever triple distilled Irish single malt whiskey, as well as being crowned the most expensive first release in the history of whiskey at €10,000 per bottle. Significantly, it also achieved the world record for the most expensive inaugural whiskey release ever at auction at USD $60,000 (almost £46,000 and €51,000 Euros).

About Fabergé

Fabergé, the world’s most iconic artist jeweller, creates extraordinary jewellery, timepieces and objets d’art, as well as bespoke commissions for a discerning international clientele.

Founded in 1842, Fabergé has been the most revered name in jewellery ever since Peter Carl Fabergé became official goldsmith to the Russian Imperial Court; the house created exquisite jewels and objects, including the legendary series of lavish and ingenious Imperial Easter Eggs.

Today, Fabergé takes inspiration from its storied past to introduce a new era of enchanting and enduring personal possessions and gifts for contemporary connoisseurs. By painting with the world’s finest coloured gemstones, Fabergé explores the art of colour through creations which are designed to become future heirlooms.

Fabergé collections are available to purchase via its boutiques in London, Houston and Dubai, its’ By Appointment service in London and New York and through authorised retailers in over 80 countries around the world. Selected items are also available via Fabergé’s online boutique at Faberge.com.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 375: Secret Speyside 26 Year Old 1994 The Barrel Baron – Scotch Whisky News

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 375: Secret Speyside 26 Year Old 1994 The Barrel Baron

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries the inaugural release from the Barrel Baron. One of his whisky buddies from Holland, Marcel Kip, has released his first bottling. He certainly made an entrance with this one. Mark had the good fortune to taste this beforehand and was happy that he was able to secure two bottles of this beautiful dram.

https://youtu.be/UEVIZJvcTmg


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