Welcome to another grain whisky episode of the show. This time I’ll be taking a look at the North British distillery.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO

Gordon & MacPhail raises £5,000 for Outfit Moray

Colleagues from family-owned Scotch whisky and premium spirits specialist Gordon & MacPhail have helped raise £5,000 for Outfit Moray, an outdoor learning and adventure charity based in Lossiemouth, through a series of digital initiatives.

Outfit Moray aims to make a difference to the lives of others by actively developing the potential of young people, their families and communities through accessible, affordable outdoor learning and adventure. Such activities encourage life skills and improve physical and mental health.

The funds will help Outfit Moray continue to deliver its comprehensive programme of outdoor learning activities for young people in Moray, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged.

Employees at Elgin-headquartered Gordon & MacPhail adapted their usual annual fundraising efforts to meet lockdown restrictions. They held a series of virtual events and activities, including virtually walking from Elgin to Jerez in Spain, virtual escape rooms and quizzes to help raise funds for this year’s chosen charity.

Jodie Clayton from Gordon & MacPhail said: “We are honoured to have supported Outfit Moray as our charity of the year. We’re delighted to have done our part to raise £5,000 which will be used to help the charity offer its wide range of outdoor learning activities for young people in the area.

“This has been a year like no other, given the impact of Covid-19, but we were determined to continue to raise funds in these unusual circumstances. Colleagues at Gordon & MacPhail are committed to fundraising for a different charity annually and enjoy making a difference to local organisations and helping to support members of our community.”

Tony Brown, CEO at Outfit Moray, said: “We are incredibly grateful for Gordon & MacPhail’s generous support. We have been providing outdoor learning opportunities for young people in Moray since 2003 and funding like this is vital for our continued work.”

New Bottle Sharing Project Seeks To Unite Online Whisky Content Creators 

Cheshire-based whisky brokers Mark Littler LTD are looking for UK based whisky bloggers, reviewers or vloggers to be part of a new bottle sharing project.

The concept behind the project is simple: Mark produces a history or guide about the particular bottle in question on his YouTube channel, and then posts the bottle to another creator to pour themselves a dram and review.  They then sign the bottle and it gets posted to another reviewer who does the same.  When there is only one dram left in the bottle it is returned to Mark to enjoy.

The first bottle used for this ‘round robin’ series is a Macallan Edition 6 and has so far been enjoyed by Vin PF from No Nonsense Whisky (YouTube), Anthony from New Dram Drinker (YouTube), Etienne from themaltcask (Instagram) and is currently with Angus MacRaild from WhiskyFun.

Mark Littler LTD are now looking for more UK-based reviewers, bloggers and vloggers to join in the project.  Mark says “The creative community dedicates so much time and energy to the content they produce and can be quite isolating.  This project is a way for us all to be part of a collective experience at a time when we can’t meet at festivals, or anywhere for that matter.”

Although some reviewers receive free samples from companies, many pay for the bottles which they review which limits what whiskies they are able to try.  This project is a way for creators to review bottles and make content around bottles that would not otherwise be available to them.  Future bottles set to be part of the series include bottles of Macallan 2018 Sherry Oak, a 1980s Yamazaki 12 Year Old, and a Midleton Very Rare 2021 poised to send to those lucky enough to be part of the project.

If you are a blogger, vlogger or reviewer based in the UK and want to part of the series contact Mark Littler via mark@marklittler.com

TyndrumWhisky.com

Brings you a Waterford UK Exclusive

Grattansbrook 1.1

The first ever UK Exclusive of Waterford’s Single Farm Origin series.

Grattansbrook has a rich texture with a dry and oily finish. Notes of raisins, cocoa powder, marzipan, green tea, white grapes and brown sugar can be found on the nose, accompanied by citrus zest, toffee, exotic spices and banana on the palate

PRE Order Now >

TyndrumWhisky.com

Brings you

Laphroaig 10 Sherry

It’s always nice to get a new sherry release, and this time it’s from Laphroaig Distillery on Islay. You’ll find sweet and aromatic flavours with rich wax, treacle toffee, maple syrup on the palate, and a long, sweet and spicy finish.

Available for Pre Order now Order Now >

ralfy review 872 – Crabbie 8yo Single Malt @ 46%vol:

Glen Scotia reveals 2021 Campbeltown Malts Festival Edition  

Independent distiller, Glen Scotia, has released its keenly anticipated Campbeltown Malts Festival release for 2021, which this year takes the form of a very special 10 Year Old Limited Edition Single Malt with a Bordeaux red wine cask finish.

The expression has been created under the watchful eye of Distillery Manager and Master Distiller, Iain McAlister, using a series of exclusively unpeated distillations from 2009 to 2011, before being matured in first fill bourbon barrels. The casks have then been vatted together before finishing in hand-selected first fill Bordeaux red wine casks from the Medoc region, for a period of five months.

The Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts Festival 2021 Limited Edition has been bottled at cask strength and is non-chilled filtered. With an ABV of 56.1%, the expression offers notes of classic fruits and spices.

On the nose the scent of crushed red berries can be detected, along with floral notes of rose and violet, heather honey and a maritime breeze. On the palate there is a honeyed sweetness with vibrant strawberry and apple, toasted vanilla and a hint of lime citrus. The finish is long, with the warming spice of cinnamon and aniseed.

The Campbeltown Malts Festival is an annual event that celebrates Scotland’s fifth and smallest whisky region. Once home to over 30 distilleries, Campbeltown is recognised as the ‘whiskiest’ place in the world. As with last year’s event, due to the ongoing pandemic the festival will be hosted virtually and will take place online from 7^th June 2021.

Last year, the virtual whisky festival was extremely well received, with Glen Scotia’s programme of online festival events attracting more than 10,000 whisky fans from across the world.

Iain McAlister, Distillery Manager and Master Distiller at Glen Scotia, said: “The release of our Glen Scotia Festival Limited Edition have become a keenly awaited fixture on our calendar, and I’m very confident that this year’s expression won’t disappoint. The 2021 Campbeltown Malts Festival Limited Edition perfectly encapsulates Glen Scotia’s signature style, taking influence from both its rich history and coastal location, while the deliciously warming flavours from the Bordeaux casks add a unique twist to this exceptional single malt. I’m confident that this expression will sit proudly in any whisky lover’s collection.

“The Campbeltown Malts Festival is the highlight of our events calendar, and although we are disappointed that the festival can’t go ahead in its physical form as we had hoped, we are really looking forward to celebrating the whiskiest place in the world once again with our fans across the world as they join us online, whilst raising a dram to Campbeltown.”

For more information, visit www.glenscotia.co.uk

About Glen Scotia

• Independent distiller Glen Scotia has been producing single malt whisky in Campbeltown since 1832.
• Glen Scotia is one of three surviving distilleries in Campbeltown.
• Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch whisky was awarded a coveted Platinum medal at the prestigious 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
• Glen Scotia Double Cask was awarded a Gold Medal at the Scottish Whisky Awards 2019.
• Glen Scotia 18 Year Old won Best Campbeltown Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2018.
• Images and interviews with key staff from Glen Scotia are available upon request.
• www.glenscotia.com /Twitter: @GlenScotiaMalts

Whisky Writer Delivers Virtual Tasting Class With Paired Cheeses To Your Door 

Author, whisky writer, and spirits competition judge Felipe Schrieberg is hosting regular online whisky tastings four times a week, with packs sent to attendees’ homes. A pack of three delicious cheeses is now being offered as an optional add-on to pair with the whiskies, the first time this has been offered on a regular basis in the UK.

From April 15^th, just over a year after first launching his online whisky tastings, whisky writer and tastings host Felipe Schrieberg is introducing an optional selection of three cheeses to pair with six phenomenal whiskies featured in a new tasting pack this spring.

Running 4 tastings a week, Thursdays through Sundays, Schrieberg will lead groups of guests through a selection co-curated and delivered by whisky subscription service The Dram Team, while the cheeses have been specially selected by Bristol cheesemonger Two Belly to pair with the whiskies. The new tasting pack includes:

• Compass Box Spice Tree
• Glenturret 12 Year Old
• Jura Seven Wood
• Lakes Distillery The ONE Sherry Limited Edition
• Glen Scotia Victoriana
• Royal Brackla 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Finish

Schrieberg, who has now hosted over 200 online tastings for over 3000 guests over the last year, is excited to showcase the new offering.

“The whiskies are excellent, and this particular pack features really lovely full bodied whiskies that will be a perfect pairing with the cheese selection we have available. We’re also pleased we can offer the whiskies at a cheaper rate by the dram than what you’d pay at any bar, making great liquid accessible to anyone who’s interested in whisky.”

The tastings are hosted on Zoom, with tickets and vouchers available to purchase on event ticketing platforms Designmynight.com. They are also perfect presents for loved ones, friends, colleagues, and for anyone that would like to get together and have a drink, no matter how far apart they may be to each other.

£1 from each ticket or voucher purchased on Designmynight.com will also be donated to the Trussell Trust, a UK food bank network providing food for the country’s most vulnerable citizens.

Tasting participants will also be able to sign up for a subscription to The Dram Team’s subscription service, enjoying a 20% discount on their first box. 

Event Information

Event: The Virtual Whisky Tasting Masterclass

Price: £39/£75 for two (excl. booking fee)

£64/£125 for two including cheeses

Ticket link: https://tinyurl.com/umnd86o

Voucher link: https://tinyurl.com/qsjhje3

Times:

Thursdays-Fridays: 6:00-8:00pm

Saturdays: 7:30-9:30 pm,

Sundays: 4:00-6:00pm

Website: www.virtualwhiskymasterclass.com

About Felipe

Felipe Schrieberg is a London-based drinks writer, author, tastings host, and co-founder of The Rhythm and Booze Project, a duo fusing live music and whisky through gigs, tasting events, and multimedia. He is a senior contributor for Forbes.com, writing about spirits, and he is also a judge for the World Whisky Awards amongst other spirits competitions.

About The Dram Team

The Dram Team are a whisky box subscription service, offering tasting packs of curated whiskies for subscribers and as gifts. The tasting packs are delivered right to your door, containing 6 different whiskies, deluxe tasting note cards, and a guided tour of the flight.

Malt Messenger Bulletin

Exciting Waterford Tasting Update

& Arran Whiskies Back In-Stock

We received some exciting news, two of our friends from the Waterford Distillery will be joining us for our What’s All the Fuss About Waterford Whisky?!” virtual tasting. We did have to tweak the start time though. Ireland is 7 hours ahead of us after all… so we will be starting the tasting at 6PM; 1AM the next day in Waterford.

We are so thrilled that Head Distiller Ned Gahan and Head of Marketing Megan Kiely have decided to join us, that we have also opened up 20 more spots for this sold out tasting. Megan & Ned are ‘good craic’ as they say in the old country.

We’ll sample 6 Waterford Whiskies including the Organic Gaia 1.1 and 1.2. I’ve held back a few bottles of the Organic Gaia 1.1, just for participants in the tastings. We’ll also sample all four of the Single Farm Origin Releases that have come to Canada, as well as a 7th surprise dram.

I really enjoyed my time at Waterford Distillery last March. They have definitely found their own recipe for success, and I think they are a innovative distillery to keep your eye on. If you’re not already, I hope you’ll consider joining us. Details below!

There are a number of other tastings coming up in the days and weeks ahead, including:

·    Hunter’s Final Ride: A Retrospective – Tomorrow

·    Valinch & Mallet with Davide Romano – Only 3 Spots Left!

·    GlenDronach Batch 18+ with Stewart Buchanan – 15 Spots Left

·    Independents Day: Signatory Vintage

Details on all of these can be found below.

We also just received a top of of whiskies from the Arran Distillery, including the 10, 18 & 21 Years, as well as the Sauternes Cask. Our exclusive Finlaggan Old Islay Reserve Cask Strength is also back in stock.

Last but not least, I’ve refreshed our list of deals below, adding a few new ones!

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 reasonably 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. Exciting Waterford Tasting Update!

2. Waterford Whiskies at KWM

3. Other Upcoming Virtual Whisky Tastings

4. Arran Whiskies Back In-Stock

5. Big Savings on Select Whiskies

!!EXCITING WATERFORD TASTING UPDATE!!

We have changed the time of Friday’s tasting to 6PM, and added 20 additional spots, because we will be joined by a pair of special guests, live from Waterford, Ireland. Head Distiller Ned Gahan and Marketing Manager Megan Kiely are going to stay up late.

What’s All the Fuss About Waterford Whisky?!

·    Date: Friday, April 16

·    Time: 6 PM

·    Cost: $45

·    Pick-Up Date: Available Now

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, including your friends here at KWM! 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 management 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, with our special guests Megan and Ned. The tasting will consist of 7 15ml samples. A zoom code will be emailed a day before the tasting. Andrew & Curt will take a back seat and only offer colour commentary as we our special guest host Megan Kiely & Ned Gahan lead this one. Sample are ready for pick-up now. A Zoom link will be emailed out a day or so before the tasting.

Register Online

WATERFORD WHISKIES AVAILABLE AT KWM!

The following Waterford Whiskies are still available from KWM, and will be sampled on Friday!

1. Waterford Arcadian Sr. Organic Gaia 1.2 – 50% – The Deets: Overture barley, grown in 3 distinct soil types, from a number of different farms. Mauri Distiller’s Yeast was used for the 136 hour fermentation with the spirit matured in a mix of 35% First Fill ex-Bourbon, 29% Virgin American Oak, 17% ex-French Wine & 19% Vin Doux Naturel Casks. The whisky was bottled at 50% after 3 years, 9 months and 20 days of maturation. 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

2. Waterford Single Farm Ballymorgan 1.2 – 50% – The Deets: “Distilled in 2016 and bottled in 2020, this 4 year old Irish single malt whisky was bottled at 50% after maturing in a typical Waterford mix of casks: 34% First Fill ex-Bourbon, 20% Virgin American Oak, 23% ex-Wine French Oak and 23% Vin Doux Naturel. The barley for the whisky was grown by Robert Milne in County Wexford. Produced from Overture barley, and fermented with Mauri Distiller’s Yeast for 136 hours.” – 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 – 87pts Whisky Fun

3. Waterford Single Farm Sheestown 1.2 – 50% – The Deets: “This single farm origin single malt was produced from barley grown by Philip O’Brien at Sheestown Farm in County Kilkenny. Distilled in 2016 and bottled at 2020 after 4 years at 50%. Matured in a a mix of 33% ex-Bourbon, 19% Virgin American Oak, 25% ex-French Wine & 23% Vin Doux Naturel casks. Produced from the Irina barley variety, and fermented with Mauri Distiller’s Yeast for an impressive 131.5 hours.” – 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 – 87pts Whisky Fun

OTHER UP-COMING

VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS!

Hunter’s Final Ride: A Retrospective

·    Date: Thursday, April 15

·    Time: 8 PM

·    Cost: $40

·    Pick-Up Date: Available Now

One of our beloved alumni, Hunter Sullivan, Andrew’s “work son”, is once again moving on. Hunter has left KWM once before but it didn’t stick – this time he swears it’s for good… To celebrate (or mourn) the end of an era, he asked us if he could do one last tasting of “intriguing things!” This may well be your last chance to follow Hunter down one of his rabbit holes. Hunter has carefully curated a eccentric retinue of bottles that reflect his eclectic and wide ranging interest in whisky and spirits. Join us for one (possibly) final ride through the depths of Hunter’s mind and palate! Thurs, April 15th @ 8 PM

Valinch & Mallet with Davide Romano

·    Date: Saturday, May 1

·    Time: 5 PM

·    Cost: $75

·    Pick-Up Date: Available April 7!

We received some very rare and curious new whiskies from Valinch & Mallet recently. Most of them were limited to just 4 bottles each. We could have just sold them all off to those quick with their mouse. But that’s not how we like to handle things. So we reserved the stock of the most sought-after whiskies for a special tasting to be hosted by Valinch & Mallet co-founder Davide Romano. We will sample the: Bruichladdich 19 Year, Caperdonich 20 Year, a “waxy” Highland Malt (cough Clynelish) 24 Year, Imperial 24 Year, Ledaig 10 Year, Ledaig 25 Year and one other whisky. Best of all, participants in the tasting will get first crack at buying the whiskies. Includes seven 15ml samples. A zoom code will be emailed 24-48 hours before the tasting.

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP APRIL 7.

GlenDronach Batch 18+ with Stewart Buchanan

·    Date: Saturday, May 8

·    Time: 5 PM

·    Cost: $125

·    Pick-Up Date: Available April 7!

GlenDronach Brand Ambassador Stewart Buchanan will be your guide as we sample through a range of 8 GlenDronach single malts. We were lucky to receive one case for each of six different Batch 18 GlenDronach vintages, and they sold out almost immediately. We love GlenDronach whisky, and we’re just as curious as anyone as to what they are like. So we held back a bottle of each for a tasting. We are rounding out the lineup with the new GlenDronach Port Wood and the GlenDronach 21 Year Parliament. It is a range of whiskies that would set you back more than $5K, should you even be able to track them down…

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP APRIL 7.

Independents Day: Signatory Vintage

·    Date: Thursday, May 20

·    Time: 8 PM

·    Cost: $60

·    Pick-Up Date: Available April 9

We’ve just received our latest shipment of whisky from Signatory Vintage, nestled in the hills above Pitlochry, Scotland. Signatory has been one of our favourite independent bottlers for years because they offer excellent value and reliably good quality whiskies. It is very rare that we find a bottling that disappoints. For this tasting, we will sampling: Ben Nevis 2011, Benrinnes 1996, Bunnahabhain 2009, Caol Ila 2010, Clynelish 1995, Edradour 10 Year (Heavy Sherry) and GlenAllachie 2007. Seven 15ml samples included.

*SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP APRIL 9.

ARRAN WHISKIES BACK IN-STOCK!

We love our Arran whisky, there was a time when we seemingly had it to ourselves. But that time has passed, the world has discovered Arran, and so has our competition locally. Arran seems to disappear almost as fast as we can put our hands on it these days. A few staples have returned in stock, with a price increase… but don’t fret, the 18 and 21 are just ten dollars more than they were. Arran is still offering some of the best value in Scotch whisky, and have we mentioned how much we love that it is bottled at 46%!

1. Arran 10 Year – 46% – The Arran 10 Year has been a staple at KWM for more than a decade. We love the fact that it un-chill filtered and bottled without colouring at 46%. It is a great whisky for those just cutting their teeth or those in search of a great quality whisky that doesn’t break the bank. – More Details & Tasting Note on the Website – $66

2. Arran 18 Year – 46% – The 18 year old Arran was added to the distillery’s core range in 2016 for its 21st anniversary. Bottled at 46%, un-Chillfiltered and with no colouring added, the Arran 18 year old is created predominantly from carefully selected first and second-fill Ex-Sherry casks. Rich, fruity with some soft spices in style, the 18 year year old Arran represents a great value for its age. – More Details & Tasting Note on the Website – $140

3. Arran 21 Year – 46% – This is the old 18 year we knew and loved, 3 years older still. Matured exclusively in ex-Sherry casks, and bottled at 46% without added colouring or chill-filtering. Only around 6,000 bottles released per year, sourced exclusively from first fill ex-Sherry casks. Exceptionally good value for a whisky of it’s age and quality! – More Details & Tasting Note on the Website – $195

4. Arran Sauternes Cask Finish – 46% – Part of the Arran Cask Finish line, this whisky started in ex-Bourbon casks, and was finished in ex-Sauternes Wine Bariques. 50% – More Details & Tasting Note on the Website – $80

BIG SAVINGS ON SELECT WHISKIES

When we get a deal, you get a deal… simple as that. These whiskies are on sale, but only while stocks last!

We have some cool Irish single malts, all probably from the Cooley Distillery, and the Craigellachie 13 Year is back on sale, 30% off!

The Talisker Distiller’s Edition is in the midst of transitioning from the 2018 to the 2019. We have a mix of both.

Other highlights include the Bowmore 15, Old Pulteney Huddart and the Glengloyn Legacy Chapter 2. I’m not sure why that last one was put on sale by the importer, it just arrived, but it is, so take advantage of the savings whily you can!

1. Tomatin Contrast – This is a very interesting two half bottle release from Tomatin Distillery which shows the contrast between ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels and their influence on Scotch. The disitllery vatted whiskies from 4 decades, and then further matured it in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry before bottling at 46%. – Was $209.99 – SAVE 35% – Now $136.49

2. Blackwater Retronaut 17 Year Irish Single Malt Whiskey – This 17 year old single was matured in ex-Bourbon casks before bottling at 46%. Presumably distilled at the Cooley distillery, the whiskey was bottlec by Blackwater Distillery while they wait for their whiskey to reach maturity. – Was $220 – SAVE 35% – Now $142.99

3. Craigellachie 13 Year – Part of the Last Great Malts series from Bacardi/Dewar’s – this 13-year-old from Craigellachie Distillery is bottled at 46% ABV. This 13yr old along with the rest of the Craigellachie official prime-numbered lineup was introduced in 2014.- Was $79.99 – SAVE 30% – Now $55.99

4. Jack Ryan 12 Year Irish Single Malt Whiskey – This whiskey is a tribute to 100 years of the Ryan Family at their famous Beggars Bush pub on Haddington Road, in Dublin’s Ballsbridge. Bottled at 46%, this 12 year old Irish single malt is sourced from casks produced at the Cooley distillery. Matured in Ex-Bourbon barrels. – Was $122.99 – SAVE 30% – Now $86.09

5. Ardbeg 10 Year 1L – The only difference between this and the regular Ardbeg 10 Year, is that this is the Duty Free sized 1L bottling. It is still 46% and matured in American oak. One of Scotland’s most beloved whiskies, this 10 year old highlights the distillery’s peaty provenance. Although technically the most peated full time production whisky in Scotland, the distilleries stills and spirit-purifier gives this malt a softer edge than might be expected. It has been bottled at 46% without colouring or chill-filtering. – Was $115 – SAVE 25% – Now $86.24

6. Basil Hayden Bourbon – Basil Hayden Bourbon is made by Jim Beam Distillery. It is created using the high-rye Old Grand Dad mash bill, which purportedly contains about 27% Rye in the mash. Bottled at 40%. – Was $61 – SAVE 25% – Now $45.74

7. BenRiach Peated Cask Strength Batch 1 – Batch 1 of the BenRiach Peated Cask Strength is bottled at 56% ABV. As the name would suggest – it is peated. It has been aged in a combination of ex-Bourbon barrels and ex-Oloroso Sherry casks. – Was $115 – SAVE 25% – Now $86.24

8. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon – Like Eagle Rare, George T. Stagg, Stagg Jr, and EH Taylor Bourbons, Buffalo Trace Bourbon is made using the distillery’s #1 Mash Bill, which is a high corn/low rye content mash in style. This means it is a very high corn content and likely at or less than 10% Rye, with 3-5% Malted Barley making up the remainder. It is purportedly aged for 8-10 years before being bottled at 45% ABV. – Was $44 – SAVE 25% – Now $32.99

9. Maker’s Mark 46 – Maker’s Mark is a mellow bourbon, made with wheat in place of rye. The original Maker’s Mark whisky has been finished in the same barrels as the regular but with new French oak staves inserted to add additional flavours of caramel, spice and vanilla. – Was $66.99 – SAVE 25% – Now $50.24

10.   Mortlach 12 Year – One of the trio of whiskies in the newly revamped Mortlach range. Nicknamed the Wee Witchie in honour of the distillery’s smallest still. The 12 year old was matured in Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry and was crafted to showcase the distillery’s meaty-sulphury character. 43.4%. – Was $98 – SAVE 25% – Now $73.49

11.  Mortlach 16 Year – This 16 year old Mortlach was inspired by the distillery’s long lost, but beloved, “Flora & Fauna” bottling from the 90’s & 2000s. Part of the newly revamped Mortlach range released in 2018 after the disasterous prior range. Matured exclusively in ex-sherry and bottled at 43.4%. – Was $140 – SAVE 25% – Now $104.99

12.   Pike Creek 10 Year Rum Barrel Finish – Pike Creek is part of a trifecta of higher end and Canadian Whiskies released by Corby Distillers. The others in the series being Lot 40 and Gooderham & Worts. Originally released as a Port Cask Finish – this new release is finished in Rum Casks. – Was $41.99 – SAVE 25% – Now $31.49

13.  Basil Hayden Two by Two Rye – A blend of 80% Rye and 20% Bourbon from Jim Beam, bottled under the Basil Hayden’s label. – Was $61 – SAVE 20% – Now $48.79

14.  Bowmore 15 Year – The 15 Year Bowmore is finished 3 years in Oloroso Sherry before bottling at 43%. Bowmore Distillery, est. 1779 is the oldest distillery on Islay and one of the oldest in Scotland. The whisky is moderately peated by the standards of most other Islay whiskies, and malts 40% of their own barley. – Was $97.99 – SAVE 20% – Now $78.39

15.  Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve – What sets this apart from the 15 Year Old Solera is the ex-Bourbon cask focus. The whisky spends most of its life maturing in ex-Bourbon casks before being finished charred virgin American oak barrels and then bottled at 43%. – Was $76 – SAVE 20% – Now $60.79

16.  Glengoyne Legacy Series: Chapter 2 – Bottled at 48% like Chapter 1 – the new bactch of Glengoyne Legacy contains whisky that was aged in first fill ex-Bourbon and refill sherry casks. Chapter 2 was originally released in September of 2020. – Was $110 – SAVE 20% – Now $87.99

17.    Glenlivet 18 Year – New Look! Matured in a mix of first and second fill ex-American oak and ex-Sherry casks. Bottled after 18 years at 40%. – Was $165 – SAVE 20% – Now $131.99

18.    Laphroaig Lore – The marriage draws from the peaty power of Laphroaig in the same vein as Quarter Cask but with the smoothness of double matured stock finished in European oak hogsheads. To add even further depth and complexity we used our mosy heavily peated whisky matured in ex-Laphroaig barrels along with some fully sherry matured casks. – Was $192 – SAVE 20% – Now $153.59

19.   Old Pulteney Huddart – The most curious whisky in the distillery’s new core range, Huddart is bottled at 46% after finishing in casks which previously matured heavily peated single malts. – Was $82.99 – SAVE 20% – Now $66.39

20.   Redbreast 12 Year – Complex with great depth. Huskier than Powers but that same robustness, with apple notes. This SIngle Pot Still Irish whiskey is as Irish as it gets. 40%. – Was $100 – SAVE 15% – Now $84.99

But that’s not all, click the link below to browse all in-stock sale items!

BROWSE ALL SALE ITEMS

An Amazing Price on a Whisky of the Utmost Rarity
Glann-Ar-Mor Distillery Kornog “Roc’h Hir” Bretagne Peated Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $110) ($54.99)

“At 50% off the original retail price and with a scant 60 cases available, it may be the only crack we have at this special, idiosyncratic whisky.” — David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer

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Our spirits buyers are well-known for scouting out rarities and deals you can’t find anywhere else, but it’s our opinion that David Othenin-Girard has really outdone himself with today’s offer. Just hearing that it’s a peated single malt whisky from Bretagne on France’s northwest coast should make your ears perk up. Reading David’s notes below on the long and winding road it took to get this whisky to you for under $55 makes it clear that this bottling is all the more special. Simply put, the Glann-Ar-Mor Distillery Kornog “Roc’h Hir” is a spirit that hits a remarkable balance between rarity and affordability, and you should not hesitate to make this part of your collection.

Glann-Ar-Mor Distillery Kornog “Roc’h Hir” Bretagne Peated Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $110) ($54.99)

91 points Whisky Advocate: “Made by the sea in Côtes dArmor on direct-fired small stills attached to worm tubs, which the French elegantly call condenseurs serpentins. This has smoked fish, iodine, pine forests, driftwood, lemon zest, and clean medicinal qualities rather than peatiness. Waxed lemon, light fudge, lemon bonbons, and vanilla from the bourbon barrels ride a crescendo of pepper and ginger before smoke obscures all before it. A match for any Islay. (JM)” (11/2018)

K&L Notes: From the legendary Celtic Whisky Co. on the far-flung coast of Bretagne, the Glann-Ar-Mor distillery is widely considered one of the world’s best. This tiny, authentic distillery was founded in 1997 and has sold its excellent Islay still-peated malt since 2009, but we’ve never had the privilege to sell their incredible whiskies until today. Their excellent 40 ppm expression, Roc’h Hir is matured only in bourbon barrels. It’s assumed to be under 10 years old, but it drinks as well as any Islay expression. The cultural connection between this part of France and the western Isles is strong, and like those whiskies, the spirit of the ocean is imbued in every bottle. The distillery sits on the site of a farm founded in 1668 in the heart of the Tregor region. Founded by Jean and Martine Donnay, the name of the distillery translates to “by the seaside.” The rugged, windswept landscape is in constant flux, and in the humid climate and temperate weather, maturation occurs relatively briskly. It is Glann-Ar-Mor s commitment to the traditional production practices that sets it apart from many other modern craft distilleries. These whiskies are distilled slowly over an open flame on tiny pot stills. Fermentation is done exclusively in small wooden washbacks made from Oregon pine. The spirit is condensed in traditional worm tubs and never chill-filtered or colored. The tiny production means that these whiskies are expensive to make, but they do rank among some of the world’s finest.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: April 07, 2021

The Glann-Ar-Mor Distillery on the far-flung coast of Bretagne represents one of the most unlikely stories in whisky today. This little distillery committed to making Scottish-style malt the very old school way was but a legend to us for many years. I’d read reviews of the incredible quality and stupendous depth of the whiskies, but after reaching out to the distillery, I could not find a way to get the products to market. I even travelled to France searching for whisky years ago, but the extremely remote location made visiting impossible. So, I was absolutely delighted when I turned up at an appointment with a distributor and a kind Frenchman joined us, offering this special whisky. After years of pining for this rare relic, here it was, finally sitting in front of me.

The anticipation was palpable, like trying any unobtainable legend, except this one was for SALE! And honestly, it lived up to the hype for me in every way. The gorgeous, peaty whisky could have easily been from one of Islay’s finest, even better than what many of the modern distillers are doing now. But my utter joy at finding this delicious and completely underappreciated spirit died moments later when the price sheet was handed to me. And yes, it was worth $110. Well worth it considering the quality, scarcity, and notoriety–at least in Euro-malt geekdom. But I also knew that we’d never make much of a dent at that price point. It’s simply too much of a risk for most people to pony up for the unknown. That’s because Scotland still did peated whisky so well and so affordably. Ardbeg for $45 and Laphroaig at $40 seemed like something that would last forever.

Fast-forward two long, weird years, and the world’s turned upside down. Not only have we seen incredible price pressure on Scotch, but the Glann-Ar-Mor distillery itself has sold. Whether the quality will remain is yet to be seen, but the likelihood that we ever see it in the states again is almost unfathomable considering the price point and collective shrug that the first launch garnered. And as luck would have it, the distributor that sells Kornog ALSO sold. They’d already had trouble selling this product at the ridiculously high price, and there was no way the new distributor would take the final cases off their hands. So, I made them an offer that would allow us to price this product exactly where it should have been two years ago. At 50% off the original retail price and with a scant 60 cases available, it may be the only crack we have at this special idiosyncratic whisky. This might be one of the best deals we’ll ever have in single malt and many of the geeks have already loaded up, but I think this whisky has appeal to any lover of peat, casual and connoisseur alike.

Let’s have a taste of this magnificent and soon-to-be extinct little malt and say a wishful prayer perhaps that it may be revived and return at a similar price! The color is old gold. A wafting oceanic quality immediately hits the nose. Salt air, fishing boats, the seafood shake in Tarbet. It’s somewhat Ardbeg-like, but in a way that modern Ardbeg distinctly isn’t. The nose is pure TAPAS! Green olive tapenade, boquerones, pickled apricots, citrus oil, green walnuts, almond butter, sea spray, and camphor smoke. On the palate the bold peat, which seems to have been held in suspension or perhaps imprisoned by the fruit and the oils on the nose, is released. A dark, heavy peat coupled with more fruit and lemon rind, thank god! Still salty with bitter herbs, roasted spices, olive oil, also just more olives. It remains pointed and vibrant despite these heady, savory notes, while the chewy peat, citrus, and orchard fruits keep us from being totally overwhelmed. While I’d love to see this at full strength, there’s something extremely approachable and generous about the whisky at 92 proof. Of course, no chillfiltration, so the texture and length are fully intact. Had this whisky been released two years ago at $55, as it sits on our shelf today, I have no doubt that we’d all be referring to Bretagne as the other South Coast of Islay, and maybe our dear friends in Pleubian would have kept their gorgeous little distillery. Instead, it will live on, in our cabinets and on our bars, an artifact of what could have been and likely one of the best peated whiskies in your collection. We’ll all make do, I’m sure.