It is hard to believe that is has been nearly a month since the “Dodge Ram Drive-In”… Things have returned to a relative normal over the last few weeks. We’ve prettied up the temporary entrance a little and we have pulled the store back together, as much as we can.
Dealing with all this has been more than a little time-consuming, and as a result, this newsletter is about 3 weeks later than it should be. We have added some long-promised new tastings to the schedule, and I’ve included details on some of the new whiskies that have trickled into the shop over the last 4 weeks.
As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions, comments, or requests (but online ordering works too, in fact, it might be faster…).
Sincerely,
Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market
In This Edition…
Three New Whiskies from Waterford
GlenDronach Port Wood is Back!
Newish Whiskies from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
New Whiskies from Single Cask Nation
Two Brewers Release 30
Writer’s Tears Red Head
2nd Chance: Limited Edition Nikka Whiskies
A Few New Tastings
Other Up-Coming Tastings
On Sale!
Three New Whiskies from Waterford
We have three new whiskies arriving on Wednesday from Waterford Distillery, which we can’t wait to try!
Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1 – 50% – 3 Year – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Plums, apricot jam, fresh fruit salad, cold coffee, lemon drizzle cake, milk chocolate with almonds, fresh soil, bread proofing, brown sugar, herbal tea, hay on the ground after a shower of rain. Taste: Spice on every level, front, middle, back and in between, white pepper, cloves, green peppers, jalapenos, dark chocolate, liquorice, malted biscuits and peppermint tea, grapefruit. Finish: An everlasting heat and spice that’s dry but is mouth-watering, with some mint tea. It has more of a linger and less of a finish.” – $115
Waterford Arcadian Series Organic Gaia 2.1 – 50% – 4 Year – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Orange peel, fresh soil, bread crust, brown sugar, milk chocolate, fresh fruit salad, fig roll biscuits, lavender, sweet marshmallows, butter milk. Taste: Spicy, white pepper, grapefruit, dry heat, liquorice, cherries, coco powder, wine gums, dry toast, salted peanuts, lemon zest. Finish: A dry spice dance that tangos and waltz’s like a happy couple into the golden peach sunset.” – $110
Waterford The Cuvee 1.1 – 50% – 4 1/2 Years – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Red apples, fresh dry soil, breadcrust, green foliage, lavender, digestive biscuits, oranges, barmbrack, over ripe banana skin, a summer flower bed, fresh mint, coffee cake. Taste: Clove sweets, white pepper, oily, grapefruit, lemon zest, dark chocolate, dry toast, cherries, granola bar, dried herbs, aniseed, green olives, 3 peel marmalade. Finish: Pepper up front with oily spiciness that softens, starts dry but then gets mouth-watering & lingers where I close my eyes and relax!” – $100
GlenDronach Port Wood is Back
This limited edition GlenDronach has been finished in carefully selected Port Pipes, and has been bottled at 46%.
Producer Description
“The GlenDronach Port Wood is inspired by the historical import of casked Port into Scotland during the 19th Century. During the 1800s, Port was ‘de rigueur’, and many of the finest Port pipes would travel from Portugal, down its Douro River, destined for the wine cellars of Scotland’s gentry.
“Whilst many years have since passed, Portugal’s majestic Douro Valley is still renowned for its exceptional Port. We have selected some of its finest Port pipes to enrich The GlenDronach for a second maturation period Our Master Blender has expertly combined the whisky from these Port pipes, to create a fruit filled expression, with layers of ripe berries rolling into its signature long, lingering finish.”
GlenDronach Port Wood – 46% – Finished in Port Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Breathe in delightful waves of Victoria plum, bramble and strawberry jam with top notes of cherry blossom and honeysuckle on a base of sandalwood and ginger. Taste: Layers upon layers of rich fruits. Sip blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread, developing into a baked orange and black cherry back note. Finish: Savour orange peel, sultana and cherry cake lingering into the richly fruity finish.” – $135
Newish Whiskies from
Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers
These are new-ish, rather than brand spanking new, as they arrived in-store days before the break-in, and as a result this is the first opportunity we have had to highlight them. There are whiskies from the Carn Mor Strictly Limited and Celebration of the Cask ranges, as well as a couple of older Old Perths:
1. Strictly Limited Ardmore 12 Year – 47.5% – 2009 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla smoke, roasted nuts and flamed orange peel.” – $125
2. Strictly Limited Auchentoshan 9 Year – 47.5% – 2011 – Rum Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Creamy vanilla, rum-soaked pineapple and citrus peel.” – $118
3. Strictly Limited Glen Ord 8 Year – 47.5% – 2012 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla custard with a candy-like sweetness and fresh citrus notes.” – $102
4. Strictly Limited Linkwood 9 Year – 47.5% – 2011 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla and fresh orchard fruits with a hint of citrus.” – $110
5. Strictly Limited Teaninich 11 Year – 47.5% – 2010 – Oloroso Sherry Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Fruitcake, barley sugar and a hint of baking spices.” – $120
6. Strictly Limited Williamson 8 Year – 47.5% – 2013 – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Earthy peat smoke with hints of treacle toffee and toasted almonds.” – $130 – Limit 1 Per Customer!
7. Celebration of the Cask Linkwood 24 Year – 48.6% – 1996 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Floral honey, with butterscotch and creamy vanilla.” – $350
8. Old Perth 12 Year Blended Malt Scotch – 46% – 15-20% PX & 80-85% Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Orange marmalade and ginger on the palate combined with layers of rich, warm fruits and lingering spices on the finish.” – $
9. Old Perth 1996 Blended Malt Scotch – 55.8% – Cherry Casks – Producer Note: “Limited edition – Batch #1 We have used single malts exclusively matured in Oloroso and PX Sherry casks and all distilled in 1996. We have also used a small portion of single malt from Islay to create depth, balance and complexity and bringing the brand “closer to home” due to our connection with Islay. 948 bottles globally.” – $350
New Whiskies from Single Cask Nation
A few new whiskies from Single Cask Nation, arriving Wednesday!
1. Single Cask Nation Tomatin 12 Year – 58.1% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vibrant zesty fruitiness.” – $125
2. Single Cask Nation Craigellachie 13 Year – 58.1% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Salty bacon, mandarin oranges and citrus fruits.” – $122
3. Single Cask Nation Glen Elgin 10 Year – 61.3% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Cask strength Honey Nut Cheerios.” – $105
4. Single Cask Nation Linkwood 12 Year – 55.5% – Refill Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Bright, fresh, floral, and fragrant notes, with poached apples & pears.” – $118
Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 30
A 10 Year Old!
A mariage of whiskies distilled in 2011 and 2012, including both lightly and heavily peated mashes, as well as a blend of two sour mashed from 2011. This is an exciting release from Two Brewers as it is a bonafide 10 year old, with 1/3 of the whisky 10 years old and the rest even older.
Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 30 – 46% – 10 Year – Producer Tasting Note: “An intricate aroma, dry and earthy, intriguing with oaky peat tones. The sweet beginnings, rounded with fleshy tropical fruit, grow quickly to dusty ash edges engulfing the dried nougat heart. The finish dries further, a damp smoulder with a tang that beckons for more.” – $105
Writer’s Tears Red Head
Triple-distilled Irish single malt matured exclusively in sherry casks.
Producer Description
“This exquisite, triple-distilled single malt is matured only in select handpicked Spanish sherry butts, which have previously been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry. It is the influence of these exceptional butts that give this expression of Writers’ Tears its signature rich, ruby hue and hence the moniker – ‘Red Head’. The expression is distilled without chill filtering as nature intended and at a distinctive 46% ABV.”
Writer’s Tears Red Head – 46% – Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: Nose: Orange peel, dried fruits & sherry plums. Taste: Nutty Oloroso, spicy raisins & creamy oak. Finish: Long & complex with a flourish of orange.” – $81.99
2nd Chance Limited Edition Nikka Whiskies
We received a little more of the Nikka Limited Editions which turned the tables on peated. There is a peated Miyagikyo and an unpeated Yoichi.
1. Nikka Miyagikyo Peated Limited Edition – 48% – Producer Description: “This limited edition of Miyagikyo single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is crafted solely from batches of peated malt, offering a significant distinction from the “light and fruity” image of Miyagikyo. It showcases the exquisite combination of bold, distinctively peaty notes while leaving its signature estery hint in the aftertaste.” – $240 – Limit 1 Per Customer!
2. Nikka Yoichi Unpeated Limited Edition – 47% – Producer Description: “This limited edition of Yoichi single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi. It offers a delicate balance of bright fruitiness and rich mouthfeel, along with its distinctive smokiness generated by coal-fired distillation.” – $240 – Limit 1 Per Customer!
A Few New Tastings
The first isn’t new, but we have added space for it, as we were able to source more bottles of most of the whiskies.
· Date: Friday, April 1
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $50
· Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!
!!!MORE SPACES ADDED!!! There was so much FOMO surrounding our last Whisky FOMO tasting that we knew there would need to be another… and then some other limited whiskies fell into our lap, and it seemed we had no choice but to double down on the FOMO. We would have announced this tasting 2 weeks ago, but then the sample bottle shortage struck. We were starting to face some FOMO ourselves… but thankfully we have hit the sample bottle motherload! This time around we have a trio of Bunnahabhains (18, 2008 Manzanilla & Aonadh), Deanston 2008 Oloroso, Laphroaig Cairdeas 2021, Tobermory 2004 Oloroso, GlenAllachie 18 Year & the Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter. Not all of these bottles will only be offered to participants of the tasting, but for some of them, like the Laphroaig, GlenAllachie and Bunnahabhain 2008 that will be the case . In any case we will hold back a 6-12 bottles of each of the other whiskies just for participants in the tasting. The FOMO was so strong for this tasting, we had to double it, but don’t worry we got a bit more of the whiskies too. Friday April 1, 7 PM..
· Date: Tuesday, April 5
· Time: 8 PM
· Cost: $25
· Pick-Up Date: ETA Late Ferbruary!
What’s the deal with Woody Creek Distillery? Besides being plugged shamelessly by the star of Shameless himself – William H. Macy – they also make some darn good whiskey! Join us for a run through their lineup including a gin, two Rye and three Bourbon samples from this Colorado Distillery. See what all the hype is about for only 25 bucks!
· Date: Thursday, April 14
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $40
· Pick-Up Date: ETA mid-March!
The Scotch Whisky industry has gone through something of a baby boom over the last decade. Step by Step, the whiskies from these new kids on the block are coming of age. Though young, the whiskies from these small independents are Hangin’ Tough in a market dominated by big multinationals. We’ll sample whiskies from Ardnamurchan, Daftmill, Glasgow, Inchdairnie, Isle of Raasay, Lindores Abbey, and Wolfburn. Thursday, April 24, 2022, 7PM.
· Date: Saturday, April 23
· Time: 6 PM
· Cost: $40
· Pick-Up Date: ETA mid-March!
By now it shouldn’t be news that Kavalan is making world class whiskies; we’ve been singing their praises for years. KWM’s Harmony Pollick will be joined by Larry Shoen and Zahara Amiri from Truth Malters for a virtual tour of the Kavalan Distillery, and a range tasting of 7 Kavalan whiskies: Podium; Triple Sherry Cask; Solist Brandy; Solist ex-Bourbon; Solist Oloroso; Solist Port; and Solist Vinho Barrique. The event starts at 6PM, the tasting component will begin around 7. Saturday, April 23, 6PM.
· Date: Friday, May 6
· Time: 5 PM
· Cost: $45
· Pick-Up Date: ETA late-March!
The Gordon & Macphail Distillery Labels range celebrates the ancient relationships it has nurtured with distilleries all over Scotland. It is also a testament to its ongoing practice of purchasing new make spirit from distilleries, rather than mature whisky, maturing it in its own casks. Richard Urquhart, a 4th generation member of the Urquhart family who own G&M, will guide us through a range of 7 distilleries label bottlings from Ardmore, Glenburgie, Glentauchers, Linkwood and Morltach, including a few 21 and 25 year olds. Friday May 6, 5PM.
· Date: Friday, May 6
· Time: 5 PM
· Cost: $45
· Pick-Up Date: ETA late-March!
The Gordon & Macphail Distillery Labels range celebrates the ancient relationships it has nurtured with distilleries all over Scotland. It is also a testament to its ongoing practice of purchasing new make spirit from distilleries, rather than mature whisky, maturing it in its own casks. Richard Urquhart, a 4th generation member of the Urquhart family who own G&M, will guide us through a range of 7 distilleries label bottlings from Ardmore, Glenburgie, Glentauchers, Linkwood and Morltach, including a few 21 and 25 year olds. Friday May 6, 5PM.
Other Winter 2022 Tastings
We started rolling out our Winter tastings in December, and many of them have already sold out, others have but a dozen spots left. We added space to the FOMO and Bruichladdich tastings, and the former is now completely sold out. This morning we took most of our March tastings, 8 new events, live online too. We are working hard to get these set up and poured as quickly as possible.
For all tastings, we will notify you when they are ready for pickup. Each tasting takes one of our employees a full day to pour, label and box up.
· Date: Tuesday, March 15th
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $40
· Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!
· Only 8 spots left!
What is the best way to get ready for St Patrick’s Day? To drink Bourbon, of course! Evan hasn’t put together a lineup for a Bourbon tasting since January, and he is itching to get back in the saddle again. What new bottles and old friends will make the cut for this Blind Bourbon tasting? Only time will tell because Evan hasn’t even decided yet! Tuesday, March 15, 7 PM.
· Date: Thursday, March 17
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $40
· Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed
· Only 5 spots left!
The approach of St. Paddy’s Day means everyone’s feeling a little more Irish, and it is high time for a focused Irish Whiskey tasting. We’ll take you on a wander across the Emerald Isle, tasting our way through some of the finest whiskey the island has to offer. We’ll sample single malts and single pot still whiskies aged up to 21 years from Bushmills, Redbreast, Teeling, Tullamore D.E.W., Tyrconnell, Waterford and more. Thursday, March 17, 7 PM.
· Date: Tuesday March 22
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $25
· Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed
The great folks at Wild Life Distillery are well known in Alberta for their sense of adventure, producing authentic rocky mountain spirits and GIN! Join Harmony Pollick from Kensington Wine Market and Wild Life Distillery for a night of Gin sipping and discovery. From Classic Juniper, coriander, and citrus to the world of barrel-aged gin and fruit gins. Co-founder Keith Robinson will walk through the spirit production process and educate on general gin production. Oh, and you like cocktails? Great, we’ll make one of those too! Tuesday, March 22, 7 PM.
· Date: Firday, April 8
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $30
· Pick-Up Date: ETA Late February!
We have not one, but two new KWM exclusive whiskies from our friends t Compass Box. They are both Single Marrying Casks, one each of the Artist Blend and Glasgow Blend, the first of three Compass Box KWM 30th Anniversary Blends expected this year. To round out the lineup we will also be sampling our first two KWM Marrying Casks, the sold-out Peat Monster Arcana, the sought-after No Name No. 3 and the hot new Orchard House Blended Malt. Our guide for this liquid adventure will be Scott Ellis Western Region Manager for Compass Box Whisky. Friday, April 8, 7PM.
!!!On Sale!!!
Deals, deals, deals… especially on Waterford, and more than what I have highlighted below too… you can browse the full sale list online!
1. Waterford Single Farm Hook Head 1.1 – 50% – Complex young Irish single malt produced from barley grown on a single farm, matured in a mix of cask types. – Was $101.99 – Save 20% – Now $76.49
2. Waterford Single Farm Lakefield 1.1 – 50% – Complex young Irish single malt produced from barley grown on a single farm, matured in a mix of cask types. – Was $102.99 – Save 20% – Now $77.24
3. Compass Box Peat Monster – 46% – The Peat Monster combines extremely smoky malt whisky from Islay with medium-peated Highland whiskies to create a balanced and approachable monster, but a monster, nonetheless. Enjoy! – Was $79.99 – Save 25% – Now $55.99
4. Smokehead Rum Rebel Islay Single Malt – 46% – This undisclosed Islay Single Malt is rumoured to come from Ardbeg, and has been finished in rum casks. – Was $92 – Save 20% – Now $72.79
5. Smokehead Sherry Bomb Islay Single Malt – This undisclosed Islay Single Malt is rumoured to come from Ardbeg, and has been finished in sherry casks. – Was $115 – Save 20% – Now $91.99
6. Lismore The Legend 21 Year – 43% – Undisclosed Speyside single malt, from the owners of Glenfarclas, with a soft sherried character. – Was $165 – Save 20% – Now $131.99
7. Jura Seven Wood – 42% – Not content with double wood or triple wood, Jura has gone right to SEVEN WOOD with this bottling. – Was $121.99 – Save 35% – Now $79.29
8. Port Askaig 100 Proof – 57.1% – Cask Strength Caol Ila, 100 British Proof. – Was $79.99 – Save 20% – Now $63.99
9. Craggnamore Distillers Edition – 40% (boo) Diageo is still playing catch up, so this is still on sale. – Was $107.99 – Save 25% – Now $80.99
10. Cragganmore Flavour Led – 55.7% – Old NAS Cragganmore with good reviews that is a lot more palatable on sale than at full price! – Was $1199.99 – Save 30% – Now $839.99
FREE DELIVERY
We are proud to offer Free City Wide Delivery on all orders over $100 Monday-Friday! Orders under $100 are subject to a flat rate $10 delivery fee. Note we likely cannot offer delivery before Christmas at this point!
CURBSIDE PICKUP
Physical distancing is made easy with curbside pickup. Order online or by phone, wait for confirmation your order is ready then call us when you are parked in the back or out front. Be sure to let us know what your vehicle looks like!>
403-283-8000
888-283-9004
Regular Store Hours
Mon – Wed 10AM – 8PM
Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM
Sat 10AM – 8 PM
Sun 11PM to 6PM
*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.*
