Archive for 2022

Bunnahabhain Distillery takes home top Sustainability Award – Scotch Whisky News

Bunnahabhain Distillery takes home top Sustainability Award

Islay distillery, Bunnahabhain, has won the Sustainable Development of the Year Award at the Scottish Green Energy Awards for its Biomass Energy Centre.

Completed in 2022, this industry leading low carbon project is a model of good practice for sustainable whisky production in Scotland.

Funded and owned by AMP Clean Energy and developed, built and operated by Dallol Energy, the energy centre will result in the first Net Zero distillation process on Islay. It is fuelled with a mix of spent process malt (draff) and local woody biomass.

The clean burn biomass boiler is one of the cleanest systems in Europe and whisky’s first example of three zoned biomass combustion coupled with NOx reduction technology. It saves 5500 tonnes of carbon emissions a year, representing a reduction of 95% over oil.

It creates a new forest economy and employment on the island. The need for woody biomass fuel provides a local market for low value biomass that helps finance the export of premium sawlogs, a largely uneconomic prospect up to now. During construction, Islay contractors supplied the groundworks, civil engineering and most of the electrics. The plant manager is also an Islay resident.

The project has improved biodiversity and wildlife habitats through replanting unmanaged conifer forest with hard and soft wood and peat bog is restored to its natural state. Wood ash will be used as forest fertiliser creating circular sustainability. New planting is planned near the distillery helping achieve Scotland’s ambitious afforestation targets.

Angus Colquhoun, Technical & Compliance Manager for Distell said “Bunnahabhain Distillery are very proud to have been awarded the Sustainable Development of the Year award.  As an off-grid, island location, decarbonising our energy supply has been a very challenging ambition. With the support of AMP Clean Energy and the technical knowledge of Dallol, we have taken a huge leap towards our net-zero ambition and are delighted to be Islay’s first distillery to use renewably generated thermal energy.”

Mark Tarry, Chief Executive of AMP Clean Energy, said: “We are honoured to have supported Bunnahabhain in their trailblazing approach to sustainable whisky production. The flagship biomass energy centre at the Bunnahabhain distillery showcases how whisky producers can take control of their energy and meet ambitious net zero targets.”

The energy centre is a trail blazer for the whisky sector, on track to achieve net zero distillation 15 years ahead of the Scotch Whisky Association’s 2040 target. The project puts Islay firmly on the Scottish renewable energy sector’s carbon reduction map.

For more information on Bunnahabhain’s Biomass Energy Centre, please visit https://bunnahabhain.com/

About Bunnahabhain Distillery

Established in 1881 and situated on Islay’s most northerly point, Bunnahabhain is the island’s most remote distillery, overlooking a notorious passage of ocean known by seafarers as the sound of Islay. It has long established links to the sea, previously only accessible by boat – with ships loaded up daily before transporting their important whisky cargo back to the mainland for sale.

The word ‘Bunnahabhain’ is Gaelic for ‘mouth of the river’ referring to the Margadale River, its source of pure spring water which is distilled in the island’s tallest stills, creating the renowned malts. It’s the use of pure spring water that is piped to the distillery which gives it its unique light colouring setting it apart from other darker liquids on the Islay landscape. The distillery goes against the grain – quite literally – with a portfolio made up of broadly non-peated expressions.

Bunnahabhain’s Biomass Energy Centre

  • First Net Zero distillation on Islay
  • Saves 5500 tonnes of carbon emissions p/a: 95% saving over oil, equivalent to removing all road vehicles from Islay and Jura
  • Creates new forest economy
  • Improved biodiversity and wildlife habitats for red deer and sea eagles through peat bog restoration and replanting unmanaged conifer forest with managed mixed hard and softwood
  • The 8000kg per hour steam system is one of the most efficient biomass systems anywhere in the UK.
  • The biomass energy centre will produce more than 14,000,000kWh of steam energy each year, which is currently fuelled by fossil fuels.
  • 5500kW 10.6 Bar.g Steam Boiler fuelled by draff (distillery by-product) and virgin forest residue manufactured by Agro Forst & Energietechnik GmbH of Austria.  It will utilise three combustion chambers and a high efficiency filter for enhanced emissions cleaning
  • The system is fully compliant with the Medium Combustion Plant Directive which enforces strong air quality emissions compliance requirements.
  • Main’s electricity is sourced from a renewable supply.

AMP Clean Energy

AMP Clean Energy is a distributed energy company focused on Net Zero customer solutions to decarbonise heat; and grid solutions to enable the decarbonisation of electricity which enable the growth of renewables. With 180 projects in operation, 100MW of biomass boilers owned or under construction and 168MW of flexible generation in operation, we have been helping organisations to become more sustainable since 2009.

Give the Best Whiskey of 2022 – Journeyman Distillery News

As 2023 knocks at the door, we wanted to reflect on all that 2022 has awarded to Journeyman! In a historic, game-changing victory, our Corsets, Whips and Whiskey single-grain, cask-strength wheat whiskey won three of the highest honors bestowed at the 2022 ASCOT Awards, including Double Platinum, Best Wheat Whiskey, and Best in Class: Whiskey of the Year. Our Silver Cross Four Grain Whiskey also earned a Gold Medal in this year’s awards. With only a few days left in the year, Journeyman continues to top the charts!

Back in Stock at K&L California – American Whiskey News

New Riff “Single Barrel” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) 92 $49.99 View

Elijah Craig “Toasted Barrel” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) 93 $54.99 View

New Riff “K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #12818” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

New Riff “K&L Exclusive Single Barrel #12947” Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $54.99 View

Willett Family 4 Year Old Cask Strength Kentucky Rye Whiskey (750ml) $59.99 View

Barrell Bourbon “Vantage ” Virgin Oak Finished Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) 95 $79.99 View

Old Potrero 8 Year 7 Month Old “K&L Exclusive” Single Barrel #1-14/7 Cask Strength 100% Malted Rye Straight Rye Whiskey (700ml) $89.99 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Ardbeg Uigeadail at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

 

Ardbeg Uigeadail

Named after the brooding loch that provides the water for Ardbeg. This bottle takes its name from the brooding loch that provides the water for Ardbeg. This expression has a sherry cask influence providing a deeper flavour.

£69.00
BUY NOW

Nose: Like being on the ferry to Islay, tarry smoke, Christmas cake and baked banana.

Palate: Deep, sweet and spicy with dark rich fruits and exotic spices.

Finish: Long and chewy, black coffee and smoke.

Whisky Of The Year for 2023 (From the Bothy) – Scotch Whisky News

Whisky Of The Year for 2023 (From the Bothy)

Kensington Wine Market Malt Messenger No. 146 by Andrew Ferguson “The Final Final of 2022” – Scotch Whisky News

Malt Messenger No. 146 – The Final Final of 2022

Before we get to some of our exciting news, I hope you’ll indulge me in a little reflection on the year that was.

It is hard to believe that the New Year is all but upon us. 2022 has been another tumultuous year here at KWM, primarily for reasons we don’t need to get into or rehash… cough Dodge Ram!

But despite that early setback, and the six months it took to get things sorted, our 30th Anniversary year has been an overwhelmingly positive one. We celebrated in May with our first Festival tastings in more than 2 years, a lot of great drinks and of course a ton of cake!

2022 was a year of reconnecting in person with friends from home and abroad both here in Calgary and overseas. It was a year where we continued to benefit from the patronage of amazing customers from coast to coast in Canada, and the support of our amazing partners, both importers and producers from around the world.

We also continued to give back to the community that sustains us, with contributions both in cash and kind to dozens of local charities, most notably the Calgary Foodbank, the MS Society, the Brenda Strafford Society, and charities supporting Ukrainian refugees to name just a few. In January we are looking forward to the 10th Annual (delayed by 2 years) MS Calgary Whisky Festival, which is all but sold out!

We saw some staff members move on in 2022, but overall we have gained far more than we have lost. We are going into 2023 with one of the strongest teams we have ever had and a sense of hope, optimism and excitement.

There is much to look forward to in the year ahead. We have some awesome events planned, and the store will start a makeover process which will see some big changes for the first time in 30 years. 2022 was all about celebrating our past, 2023 is all about our future. I hope you’ll continue to be a part of it.

On behalf of everyone at Kensington Wine Market, we hope you have a healthy, prosperous, and fulfilling New Year!

I’ll spare you any more intro… other than to briefly note, we have some new and returned whiskies, to tell you about, as well as some incredible new tastings. We have also put some of our leftover tasting kits on sale!

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Online ordering and in-store purchasing are always our preferences, but you can email too.

On behalf of my amazing team here at KWM, I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

1. New Cu Bocan Releases

2. Introducing: Rosebank 31 Year

3. New & Returned Glengoyne

4. New & Returned Tamdhu

5. GlenAllachie 15 Year & 10 Year Cask Strength Batch 7 Are Back!

6. Compass Box Vellichor – 2nd Chance Offering

7. Macallan 25 Year 2022 Release Anyone!?

8. Past Events on Sale

9. New Tastings

10. Other Up-Coming Tastings

11.  Advent Calendars On Sale!

New Cu Bocan Limited Editions

It has been a wee while since we last saw a release of Cu Bocan, peated single malt from the Tomatin Distillery. The Creation Series showcases the peated Tomatin spirit matured in a variety of interesting cask types. Mainland Scottish peated whiskies sometimes lack the ‘gumption’ of the island distilleries (except maybe Ledaig, which arguably has a bit too much ‘gumption’ <Sorry, Evan, not sorry>), but whatever Tomatin is doing works brilliantly. In fact, one of the Cu Bocan vintage releases absolutely bowled us over a couple years back!

Barely more than a handful of cases of both Creation #3 and #4 have found their way to Alberta!

1. Tomatin Cu Bocan Creation #3 – 46% – Cabernet Sauvignon & ex- Rye Casks – Producer Description: “The tastes and smells of a Moroccan Souk are brought to life with the exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon casks used for this innovative Creation. Light smoke with a touch of strawberries in balsamic vinegar, exotic spices, citrus and tropical fruits.” – $112

2. Tomatin Cu Bocan Creation #4 – 46% – Tawny Port & Cognac Casks – Producer Description: “Our fourth Creation is a nod to The Antrim Cocktail, marrying two of Europe’s most revered drinks, Port and Cognac. The end result is a medley of plum jam, grilled peach, stewed forest fruit, cinnamon and sweet campfire smoke.” – $112

Introducing: Rosebank 31 Year

Rosebank is one of the holy trinity of what were once closed distilleries (alongside Brora and Port Ellen). Its fruity, floral, lemon-heavy single malts have been so coveted in the near-three-decades since Rosebank closed that the distillery is being resurrected and will be producing spirit again within months! Having said that, it will be decades before we see anything even close to this very special release. Assuming, that is, the new team can miraculously clone the old profile. Let’s cross our collective fingers.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen no more than a handful of Rosebanks. They’re not getting any cheaper, as you can imagine, but they are unquestionably getting better with each passing year. Sadly, these old stocks will soon be gone. Get ’em while you can. (Just hide the credit card statement from your significant other!)

Rosebank 31 Release 2 – 48.1% – Producer Note: “This rare bottling has been drawn from casks that were salvaged before the distillery’s untimely closure in the early 1990s. The 31 Year Old is comprised of scarce stocks from just before Falkirk site was mothballed in ‘93.” Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Citrus burst, lime, lemongrass and coriander seed, clove with soft vanilla and sugar coated almonds. Palate: Fantastic age while still light and vibrant, mint, chamomile with leather, berry and banana bread. Finish: Sweetens with hints of peach, oak and long herbal notes.” – $3799.99 – 90.52pts Whiskybase

New & Returned Glengoyne!

It’s definitely the time to start squirrelling away some Glengoyne. We all know how the last few years have played out for fans of the GlenDronach 15 Revival; well…it’s about to be the same situation with Glengoyne. Sadly, we’ll be saying ‘so long’ (but never ‘goodbye’) to the Glengoyne 18 for at least a couple years while stocks recover. This gap in the age-stated portfolio will perpetuate itself through the higher age statements as the years pass, so stock up on the 18+ Glengoynes while you can.

But…if you’re looking for something a bit younger (and punchier!), the new Legacy has just landed as well!

1. NEW Glengoyne Legacy Chapter Three – 48% – The third release in the Legacy Series is supposedly a real banger. According to the good folks at Glengoyne, this was “bottled using some of the very finest American oak sherry casks in our Glengoyne warehouses.” They would say that, of course, but if this is anywhere near the last two releases, we’ll be well pleased. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: On the nose, signature Glengoyne deep sherry notes which accompany our distinctive cinnamon sticks and vanilla aromas. A very pleasing combination of mixed berry jam and apple strudel intertwine revealing some pear. Palate: On the palate, a rich luxurious body that’s satisfyingly chewy with warm boozy raisins combining with spiced buns slowly giving way to tarte tatin and smooth cream sherry. Finish: The finish is light and fruity, which deepens with hints of pineapple, dried fruits, dark chocolate and lingering spice finish are the aromatic ‘legacy’ of this wonderful dram before you reach for the bottle and go back for more.” – $134.99

2. Glengoyne 18 Year – 43% – Get it while you can! And don’t say we didn’t warn you. The cask make-up for this one is 35% 1st Fill European Oak Sherry, 15% 1st Fill American Oak Sherry, and 50% hand-selected quality Oak Refill casks. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Awash with red apple and ripe melon. Heavenly and well rounded, it drifts into hot porridge topped with brown sugar. Palate: Full bodied, round and rich. At first macerated fruits, marzipan and walnuts; then warm spices, dry cocoa and lingering Seville marmalade. Finish: Long, warm and dry.” – $189.99

3. Glengoyne 21 Year – 43% – Three additional years of maturation have had an absolutely massive impact on the spirit. Not to mention, there are no ex-Bourbon barrels in the mix any longer. Producer Note: “100% Sherry Casks. Predominantly 1st Fill European Oak Sherry Casks.” ‘Cause let’s face it, this is where Glengoyne really shines as a distillery. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Red apples, spicy strudel, toffee, sherry and dried fruits. Christmas cake in a glass. Palate: Lots of Sherry, honey, oak with a developing aromatic sensation. Ends with a heavenly cinnamon nip. Finish: Long, sherry, spicy, warm and dry. Long, warm and dry.” – $264.99

4. Glengoyne 25 Year – 48% – Cask selection is key here: 100% rich old sherry oak exclusively. A brilliant alternative to you-know-what (rhymes with Macallan) for about 1/5 the price. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Red Fruits, old leather and brown sugar. Palate: Soft oak, cinnamon, stewed fruits and a Seville marmalade tang. Finish: Very long, with spicy liquorice, slowly drying” – $599.99 – 90.41pts Whiskybase

5. Glengoyne 30 Year – 46.8% – The apex of the range (because in good conscience we can’t include the ‘limited to 150 decanters’ 50-year-old); this is where you really want to be. This bottling is perfect for those that are looking for Macallan-styled malt without Macallan-styled prices. Entirely composed of pristine old sherry casks. A treat every time we get to try it. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Black Cherry, Sherry Trifle, Marmalade, Tea Rose, Rum & Raisin Chocolate. Palate: Burst of sweetness changing quickly to Plum compote, Cinnamon, Cloves and Tangy Marmalade. Finish: Soft Oak dryness and Cinnamon.” – $1449.99 – 91.14pts Whiskybase

New & Returned Tamdhu!

Through the leaner times – when Aberlour a’bunadh sorta disappeared from our market – the clever ones caught on to the fact that Tamdhu had quietly launched a brilliant young sherry bomb not only in the very same vein as a’bunadh, but also at a substantially lower price point. The latest edition of Batch Strength just landed in Canuckville and is already racking up a heckuva score on Whiskybase for such a young dram. And if you’re looking for a more…ummm…friendly drinking strength, the recent 12- and 15-years are showing incredibly well too.

1. NEW Tamdhu Batch Strength No. 7 – 57.5% – A beastly young sherried single malt with a profile built on spiced dried fruit. A brilliant whisky for this somewhat ‘Arctically-inclined’ season. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Waves of heather honey, dried frut, cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by orange peel, mocha and treacle. Taste: Lashings of dark chocolate, figs and heather honey, with raisins, cinnamon, plums and hints of orange zest.” – $114.99 – 88.18pts Whiskybase

2. Tamdhu 12 Year – 43% – Maybe one of the best flagship expressions on the market. And check out the last note in the tasting notes below. It’s been far too long since we opened one of these; we should probably remedy that, and deep dive into this one to suss out that ‘wisp of peat smoke.’ – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Iced cinnamon rolls, fresh sweet oak, and a hint of mint. Palate: Mouth-coating silkiness, with banana, malt biscuit and classic sherry oak depth. Finish: Long and balanced, with ground spice, dried fruit and soft Scottish tablet – with the merest wisp of peat smoke.” – $83.99

3. Tamdhu 15 Year – 46% – Amazing how this one has already become an ‘old favorite’ for so many of us. Almost epitomizes the concept of modern classic. If you’re looking for great mid-aged sherried drams, you need look no further. Except maybe to the other 15 Year mentioned in the section below. That would make for a great partner in crime to this one. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Apple pastry, spiced currants and orange zest. Notes of pineapple and fennel. Palate: Juicy apricot and vibrant raspberry, with lemon tart and almonds. Finish: A rewardingly long journey through malt biscuit, cream sherry and vanilla.” – $146.99

GlenAllachie 15 Year & 10 Year Cask Strength

Are Back!

We all know Billy Walker is the darling of the whisky world. You probably know him as the gent behind the stratospheric rise of GlenDronach (and to a slightly lesser degree, BenRiach and Glenglassaugh), but it seems Billy carries the magic with him. After selling the aforementioned trifecta to Brown Foreman in 2016, Billy bought the woefully underappreciated GlenAllachie distillery in Speyside and proceeded to school the whisky world in how to rebrand and properly launch a distillery (though the Fl*ntstones font may be open to a bit of critical debate). Nowadays, GlenAllachie is on the lips and tongues of whisky enthusiasts everywhere, including the geek team here at KWM. Billy Walker is the man with the Midas touch, it would seem, and it’s not hard to see why he deserves his recent induction into the Whisky Hall of Fame.

The latest GlenAllachie arrivals are just as stellar as the last. We don’t expect either to last too long; this style is simply in too much demand these days.

1. GlenAllachie 10 Year Cask Strength Batch 7 – 56.8% – We were lucky enough to pop the cork on one of these bad boys for our recent fall whisky fests and there was unanimity here: another cracker of a batch! Also a fairly quirky cask make-up for this one: PX/Oloroso/Rioja/Virgin oak. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Waves of heather honey, dried frut, cinnamon and nutmeg, followed by orange peel, mocha and treacle. Taste: Lashings of dark chocolate, figs and heather honey, with raisins, cinnamon, plums and hints of orange zest.” – $114.99

2. GlenAllachie 15 Year – 46% – GlenAllachie 15 Year has maybe supplanted the GlenDronach 15 Revival (also a Billy Walker concoction) as one of the most coveted teenie-boppin’ heavily-sherried drams on the market. And, in our humble(ish) opinion, rightfully so. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Waves of heather honey, dark chocolate and figs, with notes of fruit cake, mocha and cinnamon. Taste: Lashings of fig syrup, mocha and treacle, followed by dark chocolate, sweet spices and heather honey, fused with ginger on the finish.” – $129.99

Compass Box Vellichor 2nd Chance

We initially only received 6 bottles of this whisky and, as we do, we immediately put two of them into a tasting! The small handful that were left were offered by ballot to participants in our Compass Box 30th Anniversary Launch tastings. Well, the whisky fairy has seen fit to bestow a few more bottles on us, and they are available, limited to 1 per customer, first come first served!

Compass Box Vellichor – 44.6% – A Blended Scotch whisky inspired by the scent of second-hand bookshops, created from whiskies 23-37 years of age, with a high proportion of sherry casks. Producer Description: “‘Vellichor’ is a new word and refers to the aromatic atmosphere within second-hand bookshops. For this project, we have combined complex and impressively mature whiskies from renowned distilleries, as well as parcels of blends that have been aged for many years in ex-Sherry butts, to encapsulate this unique fragrance. Producer Tasting Note: “Hints of leather, polished furniture and the crackling dustiness of decades-old pages on the nose. The palate is stacked with sumptuous malty notes, tropical fruit and Sherry character, with a delicate but persistent peatiness.” – $699.99

Macallan 25 Year 2022

Macallan 25 Year. Sometimes we don’t need to get too wordy. This is an absolutely iconic bottling. It’s expensive, yes, but you want it. We want it. Unfortunately, EVERYONE wants it. We have one bottle and it will go fast. Don’t sleep on it; there won’t be time for that.

Macallan 25 Year 2022 – 43% – Pick your analogy: Rolex, Rolls Royce, Tiffany, Gucci, it doesn’t matter. Macallan sits atop the pantheon with all of these luxury brands and shows no signs of vacating that position. Like…ever. Referred to as “Christmas cake in a glass” by the late, great Michael Jackson (no, not that Michael Jackson), there’s no two ways about it, Macallan ages like a fine wi…errr…whisky. This stuff has to hit your glass at least once in anyone’s whisky journey. Team KWM would like to generously offer the use of our taste buds in determining whether or not this particular vintage is as gorgeous as previous ones. Not all heroes wear capes. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Citrus, balanced with cinnamon, sherry and wood smoke. Palate: Full and rich, with dried fruits and a hint of wood smoke. Finish: Long, with dried fruit, wood smoke and spice.” – $3249.99 – 92.33pts Whiskybase

Past Events on Sale!

Despite how great we think our tasting ideas are, and IMHO there have been very few bad ones, not all of them sold out. Being both practical and frugal, we hold on to tasting kits from past virtual events and periodically put them on sale.

We’ve just loaded 20 such “Past Events” on our site, and while quantities last, you can purchase them for 35-50% off the original tasting price. All of these “Past Event” tasting kits consist of 6-7 products and come with a QR code linked to the tasting’s YouTube video on our KWM page. You can taste the whiskies on your own terms, or while watching members of the KWM whisky team (and some special guests) sample their way through the range.

There are as few as 3 or 4 sets of most of these!

Browse All “Past Events”

New Tastings Both In Person & Virtual

Tomatin Distillery with Scott Fraser

·     Date: Tuesday, January 17th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $20

The larger-than-life Scott Fraser is coming to town in January, and he’s made time for a visit to KWM. Scott will guide you through a range of 7 Tomatins, including the superb new Tomatin Decades II, our excellent recent KWM Cask, and a pair of very limited Cu Bocan “Creations” (peated Tomatins).

Tuesday, January 17 @ 7 PM.

Glencadam & Tomintoul Distilleries with Cody Reynolds

·     Date: Tuesday, January 24th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $20

·     IN-STORE TASTING

Cody Reynolds, Brand Ambassador for Angus Dundee Distillers, will be our special guest for a tasting of 8 whiskies from the Glencadam & Tomintoul Distilleries. You’ll sample Glencadam American Oak, 10 Year, 15 Year, and Tomintoul 10 Year, 16 Year, 25 Year, Cigar Malt, and a 17 year old PX cask finish, paired with charcuterie from our neighbour Peasant Cheese!

Tuesday, January 24 @ 7 PM.

SMWS February 2023 In-Person Outturn 8 PM

·     Date: Thursday, January 6th

·     Time: 6 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     IN-STORE TASTING

6PM seating The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada’s February 2023 Outturn tasting will feature new, never before featured bottlings. The range will be the same as the virtual tasting the night before but will also include nibbles from our friends at Peasant Cheese, and the comradery that can only come from 18 SMWS Members in our tasting room. Please note, we will not be holding back stock of the Outturn bottles specifically to purchase for this in-person tasting, though there will likely be bottles of most whiskies still available.

Thursday, February 2 @ 8 PM.

Spongeworthy Whiskies with Angus MacRaild

·     Date: Saturday, February 11th

·     Time: 4PM

·     Cost: $150

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

Angus MacRaild, aka The Whisky Sponge, has made quite a name for himself over the last decade in the Scotch industry. We have been enjoying his satirical blog, The Whisky Sponge, and its sardonic humour for years. He is also a contributor to Whisky Fun, a website we reference frequently for reviews and tasting notes. In recent years he has started selecting and bottling his own casks under the Sponge and Equinox & Solstice labels. Angus will join us live from the UK for a banging range of Whisky Sponge bottlings: Edradour 2005 Equilibrium 2, Glen Garioch 1991 Ed. 65A, Glenlivet 2007 Ed 57, Highland Malt 1993 No. 59B, Islay Malt 1990 Part 1, Orkney Malt 2005 Ed. 002, and Springbank 1995 Ed. 60B. All in all, we have a range of Spongeworthy whiskies worth more than $5K to sample our way through!

Saturday, February 11 @ 4PM.

That Boutique-y Whisky Co. 10th Anniversary Tasting with Dave Worthington!

·     Date: Saturday, February 25th

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $125

Our friend Boutique-y Dave, aka Dave Worthington, will be joining us from jolly old England to guide us through a tasting of some of the 10th Anniversary releases from That Boutique-y Whisky Company. We have a 31 year old Aberlour, a 45 Year Blended Grain and 25 year old Ben Nevis, Clynelish and Millstone to name just 3 of the whiskies. Andrew and Shawn had the opportunity to sample these whiskies in the fall in London, and they are all excellent… This is a tasting you won’t want to miss, and because the bottles are 500ml, there are olnly 28 spots available!

Saturday, February 25 @ 5PM

Other Upcoming Tastings

Dry January: Tasty Teetotaling

·     Date: Tuesday, January 10th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     IN-STORE TASTING

Whether due to a new year’s resolution, health issues, or personal choice, there are many reasons to not drink alcohol. With the proliferation of non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails, we have reached a point where there are plenty of drinks you can imbibe without that pesky buzz or worrying about getting an Uber afterwards! Join Shawn for an exploration of libations without the unwanted inebriation that alcohol can cause.

Tuesday, January 10 @ 7 PM

Bourbon & Beyond Virtual Tasting

·     Date: Friday, January 13th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

·     READY FOR PICK-UP!

It’s been a few months since our last Bourbon tasting, and Harmony & Evan are chomping at the bit to get back to it. Harmony has selected a lineup of 7 American whiskies, including Bourbon and Rye. The lineup will feature a range of whiskies between 4- and a stupendous 24 years of age!

Friday, January 13 @ 7 PM

The Burns Bash Festival Returns

·     Date: Wednesday, January 25th

·     Time: 7-9 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     IN-STORE FESTIVAL

For the first time since 2020, the Burns Bash is back! We’re marking the birth of ‘The Bard’ on his actual birthday this year, with a whisky festival featuring a mix of the latest and greatest new arrivals and some very good deals. We’ve cut out the poetry, bagpipes and haggis, but you’ll get to sample some great malts while catching up with friends new and old. We think that Rabbie would approve of that!

Wednesday, January 25 from 7-9 PM

Independents Day: Whisky Bargain Hunting Virtual Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, January 31st

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $35

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

Often, the best bargains in Scotch whisky come from independent bottlers. However, with so many indie bottles on the market, where do you even start? It can be daunting to select a bottle of Scotch without tasting it first, so that is precisely what we will do! With this tasting we will sift through some of these bottles in search of some diamonds in the rough.

Tuesday, January 31 @ 7 PM

SMWS February 2023 Virtual Outturn

·     Date: Wednesday, February 1st

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

·     MORE SPOTS ADDED!

Log in, pour your drams, and join us from home, the cottage, or work for the February 2023 Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada Virtual Outturn Tasting. The KWM team will be your guide as you sample through an exciting range of 7 new, never-before-sampled SMWS bottlings.

Wednesday, February 1 @ 7 PM

SMWS February 2023 In-Person Outturn 6 PM

·     Date: Thursday, January 6th

·     Time: 6 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     SOLD OUT!

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada’s February 2023 Outturn tasting will feature new, never before featured bottlings. The range will be the same as the virtual tasting the night before but will also include nibbles from our friends at Peasant Cheese, and the comradery that can only come from 18 SMWS Members in our tasting room. Please note we will not be holding back stock of the Outturn bottles specifically to purchase for this in-person tasting, though there will likely be bottles of most whiskies still available.

Thursday, February 2 @ 6 PM.

That Bruichladdich Virtual Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, February 7th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $65

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

The annual arrival of Bruichladdich limited releases is a little like water and the Okavango Delta; for most of the year there is nothing more than desert, and then all of a sudden there is a surge of life. Conveniently, this also makes for a nice little tasting lineup. We have 8 Laddies slated for this virtual vertical tasting: the latest annual releases of Organic, Bere and Islay Barley; the Port Charlotte SC:01 Sauternes Cask; all three of the Octomore 13s; and as the cherry on top, the Black Art 10.1.

Tuesday, February 7 @ 7 PM.

Whisky & Chocolate

·     Date: Thursday, Ferbruary 17th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $65

·     IN-STORE TASTING

A sumptuous whisky and chocolate tasting for lovers of both, or people who just love whisky or chocolate! Singles, couples and more complicated or unconventional groupings are all welcome.

Friday, February 17 @ 7 PM

Lost in Translation Virtual Japanese Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, February 21st

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

The regulations for Japanese whisky have changed, and for the first time we can now more easily distinguish between true 100% made-in-Japan and what we like to call Japanese-ish whiskies. We will sample two releases each from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, including the limited edition Aromatic Yeast releases, and three other Japanese, and Japanese-ish whiskies!

Tuesday, February 21 @ 7 PM.

Bladnoch Distillery Virtual Tasting

·     Date: Thursday, February 23rd

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

For the longest time, from the 1990s through the first 5 years of the new Millenium, the Lowlands only had three active distilleries: Auchentoshan, Glenkinchie, and Bladnoch. And the Bladnoch Distillery was barely in production for most of that time. It was only in 2015 under new ownership that full time production was resumed, and it would be another 3-4 years until the first bottlings found their way to Canada. A few short years later we find ourselves with a shelf full of Bladnoch single malts, so we’re going to do a range tasting with 7 of them.

Thursday, February 23 @ 7PM.

30 for 30 on the 28th: KWM 30th Anniversary Virtual Tasting Pt.2

·     Date: Tuesday, February 28th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $225

·     VIRTUAL TASTING

We did an epic range of 30-year-old whiskies and whiskies from the 1992 vintage (the year we opened) to celebrate our 30th Anniversary back in May of 2022 (on the 30th of the month if we are being precise). And we’ve had it in the back of our mind to do another such tasting before our 30th Anniversary year was up, but alas there are only 28 days in February. Andrew has been tucking aside 1992 vintage and 30 year old bottles for the occasion for months, but the paucity of both 30 year old and 1992 vintage whiskies was making it hard to flush out the range…so we’ve gotten creative. Our range consists of Bowmore 30 Year 2021 Edition (we sampled the 2020 in May), Glengoyne 30 Year, Springbank 30 Year, our Glenfarclas 1992 KWM 30th Anniversary bottling, and the two 30th Anniversary Cognacs bottled for our store by Chateau Montifaud and Vallein Tercinier. For our 7th bottle we have selected a 1991 vintage Tormore 29 Year from Gordon & MacPhail. True it isn’t from 1992, or 30 years of age, but we are determined to see this tasting go ahead, and it does look very enticing…

Tuesday, February 28 @ 7 PM

Calendars… both Advent and Not!

2. That Boutique-y Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Whiskies – $259.99

3. DBTD Peated Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Peated Whiskies – $279.99

4. DBTD Scotch Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Scotch Whiskies – $279.99

5. DBTD Whisky Holiday Calendar – 24x30ml Whiskies – $280

FREE DELIVERY

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Speyburn Celebrates 125th Anniversary with Series of 1890’s Serves – Scotch Whisky News

Speyburn celebrates 125th anniversary with series of 1890’s serves

Speyburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky has plenty to celebrate this December, as the distillery marks its 125th anniversary this Christmas.

Producing its first drop of whisky in 1897, Speyburn Distillery, based in the stunning Speyside region in Scotland, was born. John Hopkins, founder, worked tirelessly with his team of dedicated men through freezing winter days and nights, determined to fill its first barrel of whisky in time to bear the date of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Finally, after long days and overcoming challenge after challenge, they did it, sealing their first cask on Christmas Day.

125 years later, Speyburn remains dedicated to producing quality single malt, using many of the same traditional techniques and practices that were used all those years ago.

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, the distillery has created a series of 1890’s inspired cocktails, perfect to enjoy over the festive period, and to raise a toast to 125 years of history and heritage. Taking inspiration from the Victorian era, Speyburn’s cocktails include a Jubilee Punch, a Jack Rose and a Holland House, each nodding to the heyday in which the distillery was born, whilst showcasing Speyburn’s wonderful expressions.

An additional cocktail, named the 125 Highball, has been created to add to the celebrations, made with Champagne, and is a wonderful serve to raise a toast to Speyburn’s anniversary.

Jubilee Punch

Ingredients for 1L of Jubilee Punch:

  • 222ml Speyburn 10 Year Old
  • 222ml Earl Grey tea (chilled)
  • 111ml Raspberry Oleo
  • 111ml Lemon juice
  • 33 dashes aromatic bitters
  • 333ml sparkling wine

Method:

Take a punch bowl, add your ingredients and stir. Spoon into coupé glasses, top with edible flowers and nutmeg, and enjoy.

Taking inspiration from one of the Victorian era’s favourite pastimes, an afternoon tea, the Jubilee Punch offers flavours of raspberry, lemon and Earl Grey tea, which pairs wonderfully with the notes of vanilla, butterscotch and citrus of Speyburn 10 Years Old.

Topped with sparkling wine, Speyburn’s Jubilee Punch is the perfect celebratory serve, combining the nostalgic flavours of afternoon tea with the deep and complex notes from Speyburn’s core expression.

Jack Rose

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Speyburn Bradan Orach
  • 25ml Apple oleo
  • 5ml Pomegranate syrup
  • Egg white/vegan foamer
  • 25ml Lemon juice

Method:

Add all your ingredients to a cocktail shaker, and mix vigorously. Take a strainer, and pour into a chilled coupé glass. Add a slice of apple to garnish, and enjoy.

Spinning a Speyside twist on a beloved 1890’s cocktail, the Jack Rose, Speyburn’s serve showcases the apple notes from its Bradan Orach expression beautifully. The traditional serve was a firm favourite throughout both the Victorian and Edwardian eras, featuring in Hemingway’s ‘The Sun Also Rises’, and was the epitome of style.

Subtle, but full bodied, Speyburn’s vibrant Bradan Orach showcases notes of honey, vanilla, apple and citrus, with a spicy and creamy finish. Speyburn’s Jack Rose cocktail brings the flavours of the expression to the fore wonderfully, creating a fantastic serve that deserves to be savoured.

Holland House 

Ingredients:

  • 50ml Speyburn 15 Years Old
  • 15ml Triple Sec
  • 5ml Pimento Dram
  • 2 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
  • Orange peel

Method:

Add all your ingredients to a mixing glass with ice, and stir. Pour into a chilled coupé glass, top with orange peel, and enjoy.

The 1890’s didn’t just see the opening of Speyburn Distillery, but was also a time where the Manhattan cocktail was a big hitter.

Speyburn’s Holland House is a creative twist on the much-loved serve, and created using its 15 Years Old expression, shining a spotlight on its orange notes. Aged gently and taking influence from its Speyside surroundings, the expression also showcases rich notes of dark chocolate, raisins and vanilla, and encapsulates the craft and expertise that goes into every bottle.

Typically created with Rye Whisky, Speyburn’s Holland House has a more mellow flavour, which is perfectly complemented with the juicy and tart notes coming from the Peychaud’s bitter.

125 Highball

Ingredients:

40ml Speyburn 10 Year Old

30ml Homemade apple cordial*

100ml Champagne

2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Apple to garnish 

Method:

Add Speyburn 10 Year Old, cordial and bitters to a highball glass with good quality ice cubes and top with Champagne. Add two dashes of Angostura Bitters to add complexity and complement the flavours. Garnish with an apple slice, or star anise if you want a touch of theatre!

The 125 Highball highlights the beautiful tasting notes of apple in Speyburn’s 10 Year Old, with the sparkling fizz from the Champagne complimenting the toasty sweet-caramel notes of the expression. With a crisp fizz and creamy malt undertones, this serve is fruit forward and deserves to be enjoyed this winter.

You can purchase Speyburn on Amazon and [preferred stockist]. Prices vary across the range, from £24 to £82.

For more information on Speyburn, visit https://www.speyburn.com/

About Speyburn Whisky

Distilled since 1897 in the world-renowned Speyside region of Scotland, Speyburn distillery embodies the generations of commitment, experience and tradition that go into producing award-winning single malt scotch whisky.

Speyburn’s award-winning core range includes Bradan Orach, 10 Years Old, 15 Years Old and 18 Years Old, each created with the same care, passion and expertise as when it first created whisky 125 years ago.

Recent awards include a Gold at the 2022 ISC for both Speyburn’s 10 and 15 Year Old whiskies, along with a Silver for its 18 Years Old. Speyburn’s range was also recognised at the 2022 IWSC awards, with its 18 Years Old winning Gold, and a Silver award for the 10 Years Old.

THE LOST DISTILLERIES OF SCOTLAND – Whisky Exchange News

LOST DISTILLERIES

Hard-to-find single malts from Scotland distilleries that have been lost to the world and reached near-legendary status.

SHOP NOW

Over the years, distilleries across Scotland have closed. Fortunately, whisky takes time to mature and we still have the chance to try drams from these lost whisky makers.

 

2012 Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength ~ Single Malt Scotch Whisky News

2012 Bunnahabhain 10 Year Old “Signatory” K&L Exclusive 1st Fill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
$149.99

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Bunnahabhain, originally founded in 1881, has, like many distilleries, had a rocky history. Built at a heady time for the Scotch industry, it is simply massive. The huge size helped it supply Highland Distillers (the precursor to Edrington) with copious amounts of smoky malt for blends like Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark. The 60s saw a doubling of the stills and the removal of the floor maltings, but eventually the 1980s took their toll and the remote distillery was mothballed in favor of easier to operate venues. While the closure was short, the distillery wasn’t really returned to its former glory until recent times. Now under the stewardship of Distell and with massive upgrades underway, Bunnahabhain, while still hard to pronounce, has become a household name (at least in those households that drink single malt). The enormous still provide ample copper contact giving a lighter profile to the spirit, but in a return the classic style of the 19th and ealry 20th centuries, this cask from Signatory is a first fill sherry butt of the highest order.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
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Glen Scotia Victoriana at Loch Fyne Whiskies – Scotch Whisky News

 

Glen Scotia Victoriana

Subtle wood and vanilla flavours combine with a full bodied spicy fruit aroma

£80.00
BUY NOW

Nose: elegant with oaky notes to the fore, interesting creme brulee tones leading to caramelised fruits and finally polished oak.

Palate: sweet and concentrated with blackcurrant jam fruitiness to start, subtle wood and vanilla, tightening towards the back palate.

Finish: clean and sweet with cocoa characteristics.

Glen Scotia Victoriana Description

An exceptionally smooth single malt, Glen Scotia Victoriana is created from hand-selected casks chosen for their character and flavour before being re-casked in sherry and heavy char oak casks to be married together by Master Blender, Michael Henry. Bottled straight from the cask without chill-filtration, subtle wood and vanilla flavours combine with a full bodied spicy fruit aroma to create an exceptionally smooth whisky.


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