Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky Newsletter

As North America’s first Ardbeg Embassy, we are thrilled to have the privilege of launching the 2023 Ardbeg Day release Heavy Vapours. The KWM whisky team helped kick off this year’s celebrations in-store on June 3 with some Master Classes and the main event at Hayden Block. And we are now excited to announce that the Ardbeg Heavy Vapours is available for sale in-store and online now while supplies last. More on that below… but please read on before jumping ahead.

Before we get to the Ardbeg Heavy Vapours, and the handful of other tidbits in today’s Malt Messenger Bulletin, please be aware of the following. To be the first to hear about future Ardbeg Embassy releases available from Kensington Wine Market, you will need to be a registered Ardbeg Committee member. Future release emails may come direct from Ardbeg and will direct you to an Ardbeg Alberta website for your respective embassy.

If you aren’t already an Ardbeg Committee Member, you can join in just a couple of minutes online

As we are already talking Ardbeg, we’ve highlighted the rest of the Ardbeg core range too, as well as one other limited (online only) release we have a few bottles of…

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. You can email your requests in… but they won’t be dealt with as quickly as the web orders!

Sincerely,

 

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market – Ardbeg Embassy

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours Is Here!

The 2023 Ardbeg Day special release, Heavy Vapours, is bottled at 46%, from a parcel of spirit made without Ardbeg’s spirit purifier.

Producer Description

“A missing purifier. A dram forsaken. Who will restore the balance? Something weird has been going down at the Distillery. The legendary purifier on the still – responsible for Ardbeg’s exalted balance – is nowhere to be seen. And this whisky – Ardbeg Heavy Vapours – is the consequence. The familiar harmony between peat and floral fruitiness has been disrupted. What have risen are the untamed darker flavours and notes, gathering and filling the senses. It is an ominous dram of dramatic, aromatic pungency. Heavy Vapours will rise. Non chill-filtered at 46% ABV.”

Ardbeg Heavy Vapours – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: smoke rises with a cloying sweetness. Intense, pungent and aromatic, a distinctive farmyard scent drifts, along with a crunchy aroma, like creosote or tarry rope. A splash of water disturbs the vapours and dark chocolate cream billows, laced with a ribbon of smoked artichoke. Palate: Ardbeg’s untamed darker flavours and notes have risen. A burst of bittersweetness surges, disturbing ashy coal dust and casting a haze of cardamom, peppermint and coffee grits. Clouds of dark chocolate and mentholic eucalyptus roll in, obscuring the fruit and floral notes usually found at the heart of Ardbeg. Wisps of aniseed twists, cinnamon balls and antiseptic lozenges float on the palate. Finish: The aftertaste lingers long and bold, with an almost anaesthetising sensation.” – $175+gst (no discounts) – Limit 1 Per Customer!

Other Ardbegs Available

Details on all these glorious malts can be found on our website by clicking the links.

The Ardbeg 8 Years old For Discussion is limited to 1 per customer and is available online only on a first come first serve basis.

The core range of Ardbeg Single Malts is on sale, at 15-25% off, but today only…

1. Ardbeg 8 Years Old For Discussion – $108+gst – Limit 1 Per Customer / Online purchases only!
2. Ardbeg 10 Year – Retail: $94 – Save 15% – Today Only: $79.89+gst
3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan – Retail: $148 – Save 15% – Today Only: $125.79+gst
4. Ardbeg Uigeadail – Retail: $133 – Save 15% – Today Only: $113.04+gst

Ardbeg Wee Beastie – Retail: $81 – Save 25% – Today Only: $60.74+gst

A Few Selected Deals

Something Like A Father’s Day Sale…

Want to impress Dad, but looking for a deal? Here are just some of the whiskies we currently have on sale, in no particular order, you can browse the full list online.

Spring Single Malt Festival Spectacular

• Date: Thursday, June 15
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $75
• FESTIVAL

It is hard to believe, but the last Spring Single Malt Festival was way back in June of 2019… So this is our 9th annual (ish) spring festival of all things malt whisky, though it would have been the 12th, if… you know… so we’ve added the word Spectacular for no specific reason because… why not! It will feature at least 100 single malts from Scotland & around the world, and as always it includes a KWM logo tasting glass. This event sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate… when it is sold out, it is sold out!

Thursday, June 15, 7 PM

SMWS July 2023 Virtual Outturn Tasting

• Date: Wednesday, July 5
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $55VIRTUAL TASTING

Log in, pour your drams and join us from home, the cottage, another country, or work… for the July 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 SMWS bottlings.

Wednesday, July 5 @ 7 PM

SMWS July 2023 In-Person Outturn Tasting 6PM

• Date: Thursday, July 6
• Time:6 PM
• Cost: $60
• IN-STORE TASTING

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada’s July 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 20 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, July 6 @ 6 PM.

Sipping Signatory in the Summer – 140 Years

• Date: Tuesday, July 11
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $70
• VIRTUAL TASTING

We’re suckers for Signatory, especially the older Cask Strength Collection bottlings, so we’ve put together a selection of recently arrived Signatory Vintage malts with a combined 140 years of maturation. On the younger side, we are diving head first into first-fill sherry with the Edradour 10 Year, Linkwood 2012, and Benrines 2010. On the Cask Strength side, we have Benrinnes 1996, Dailuaine 1997, Glenrothes 1996, and an Unnamed Islay 1990 bottling (*cough Laphroaig*).

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Compass Box New & Old with Scott Ellis

• Date: Tuesday, July 18
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $60
• VIRTUAL TASTING

With the arrival of three new limited edition Compass Box whiskies, the time is right for a Compass Box range tasting. So we have recruited Compass Box’s Scott Ellis, and we’ve pulled together a range of 8 whiskies. We’ll sample 3 different bottlings of Flaming Heart, both releases of The Circle, Ultramarine, Vellichor and one other.

Tuesday, July 18, 7PM

Daftmill Vertical Tasting

• Date: Tuesday, July 25
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $50
• VIRTUAL TASTING

It has taken us a while, almost 3 years to be precise, but we have finally cobbled together enough bottlings of Daftmill for a range tasting… true, it is only 6, but how many of you can say you’ve done a vertical of Daftmill whiskies? The tasting will consist of 2007, 2009, and a pair of 2008s, as well as our 2008 KWM Cask, and the newly arrived 15-Year Cask Strength. Andrew is visiting the distillery in the weeks before the tasting, and will no doubt have some photos to share.

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Nothing but North Star Whiskies

• Date: Tuesday, August 1
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $90
• VIRTUAL TASTING

You had us at 31-year-old GlenDronach… We recently received some cool new releases from Iain Croucher at North Star Spirits, and we can’t resist the temptation to try them. On the young side of things, there is the new Tarot Blend, a Campbeltown Blended Malt, and only the second-ever bottling from Dalmunach. We love a good Blair Athol, and how often do you see an indie bottle of Dalwhinnie? But the icing on the cake of this tasting will be the GlenDronach 31 Year. You almost never see indie GlenDronach, and this one has some great reviews!

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 @ 7 PM

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.

We are expecting high demand for delivery after the sale so please be patient!

403-283-8000

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.

The Kensington Wine Market | 1257 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 3P8 Canada

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY ANNOUNCES DANIEL WELLER:

AN EXPERIMENTAL LINE OF WHEATED BOURBONS HONORING AN AMERICAN WHISKEY FOREFATHER

The world’s most award-winning distillery showcases its commitment to innovation by experimenting with different wheats, launching with Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat

FRANKFORT, KY (June, 2023) — Buffalo Trace Distillery is thrilled to announce the launch of Daniel Weller: an experimental line exploring the impact of different strains of wheat on its storied bourbons, inspired by and named after the trailblazer of the Weller family. This exciting release from the original wheated bourbon brand demonstrates Buffalo Trace Distillery’s excellence in innovation while honoring a forefather of American whiskey, Daniel Weller – grandfather to William Larue Weller – and the family distilling traditions he passed down to the generations of whiskey pioneers that followed him.

While William Larue (W.L.) Weller’s place in whiskey history is widely known as one of the first to sell a “wheated” bourbon in Kentucky, his grandfather’s story has yet to be shared. After fighting in The Revolutionary War, Daniel Weller embarked on a flatboat voyage down the Ohio River with his wife and children, ultimately settling in Kentucky in 1794. Following in his father Johannes Weller’s footsteps, who distilled rye whiskey used as currency in early American barter economy, he soon began producing whiskey and leased his still to proprietors like Jacob Hirsch to supplement his income.

When Daniel passed away in 1807, he left no will, requiring his son Samuel to purchase his stills and equipment to continue the family legacy, which he would ultimately pass down to his son William Larue, founder of W.L. Weller & Sons.

The Daniel Weller experimental line is inspired by Daniel and his pioneering spirit, with plans to release one limited expression every other year, when each experiment is deemed ready for bottling by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. The inaugural release is made with Emmer wheat, an ancient Egyptian grain that’s rarely seen in modern-day stills, and mainly used to make beer and bread. Archaeologists have found evidence of Emmer wheat domestication over 6,000 years ago, and its symbol is etched into the Egyptian pyramids.

“We began this experiment to see how one of the original, long-forgotten wheat strains would taste in our wheated bourbon,” says Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Master Distiller. “We’ve found it offers just a slightly – yet delightfully – different taste that brings us into a new bourbon territory. It will taste like Weller, but with distinct, unique notes that make it stand apart from the other Weller whiskies we’ve released to date.”

The mashbill is not the only variable in this experiment. It was distilled in the E.H. Taylor, Jr. Microstill, named after the father of the modern bourbon industry, which Harlen spent two years custom-designing. A combination pot and column still, the Microstill is both versatile and innovative, allowing the team to experiment with very small batches without interrupting main production capabilities.

Aged for nearly 12 years, Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat is bottled at 94 proof. The nose is fresh and nutty, with notes of orange zest, hazelnut, cinnamon and caramel; the palate a well-rounded blend of bold oak, sweet honey and orchard fruits with a complex oak-forward finish complemented by baking spice and leather notes.

“At Buffalo Trace Distillery, we are appreciative that many of our brands have found a place in whiskey culture and we continue to invest in making more whiskey to meet the demand. However, our motto is ‘Honor Tradition, Embrace Change’ because we believe the world’s best whiskey has not yet been created,” says Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director for Buffalo Trace Distillery. “We will continue to experiment with multiple variables that affect the final taste profile – grains, techniques, aging, barrels, and more – in pursuit of that ultimate goal. When an experiment ‘graduates’ to be released under a beloved brand like Weller, it’s a reflection of our confidence in the whiskey.”

In homage to Daniel’s pioneering journey, each release from the Daniel Weller series is packaged in a clear 750ml glass bottle with a unique compass stopper. Once opened, underneath the stopper one will find the coordinates pinpointing the location of Daniel’s farm near Botland, KY.

Daniel Weller Emmer Wheat will be rolling out in limited quantities to its distributor network,  which will ship to select retailers, bars and restaurants across the United States as of June 2023 at a suggested retail price of $499.99 (750ml); state taxes will vary per market. It joins the Weller lineup of Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107, Weller 12 Year Old, Weller Full Proof, Weller C.Y.P.B. (“Craft Your Perfect Bourbon”), and Weller Single Barrel as well as William Larue Weller, which is released each fall as part of the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection.

For more information, please click HERE

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort,  Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 40 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its George T. Stagg was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2022 and its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named 2^nd Finest Whiskey in the World for 2022.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.  To download images from Buffalo

Our auction is almost at a close and finishes on Sunday the 18^th at 8pm GMT so we thought we’d give you a final glimpse of fantastic whiskies from great distilleries. Double trouble with this amazing Rare Malts 1975 Brora is a real cracker, aged for 20 years before being bottled at cask strength with its natural colour. A 23-year-old Brora bottled by Chieftain’s makes up the duo, distilled in 1981 two years before the closure of the distillery and is one of only 846 bottles.

There seems to be a bit of a theme in our auction this month when it comes to the 1950’s, like this beautifully coloured Mortlach 1954. Bottled in 1998, again by Gordon and MacPhail, this eye-catching Speysider is sure to attract the attention of serious whisky folks.

Last up, two very serious whiskies, absolutely brimming with provenance and genuine quality, bottled once again by Gordon and MacPhail, for the highly revered Private Collection. The Caol Ila was distilled in 1965 before the Islay distillery was refurbished, aged for 36 years then bottled in 2002. The colour of the Old Pulteney 1973 is incredible, a snapshot of proper whisky from a superb Highland distillery, aged for 30 years before being bottled in 2003.

These are only a few of the bottles in our June auction, to view more gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 18th!

Today is National Bourbon Day, a day to celebrate the uniquely American spirit that is beloved by many. At The Party Source, we offer a wide selection of bourbons from top brands, as well as some lesser-known gems that are sure to become your new favorites. Whether you’re a bourbon connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of whiskey, we have something for everyone. Come raise a glass with us and toast to National Bourbon Day!

Shop & Sip

The Party Source | 95 Riviera Drive, Bellevue, KY 41073

 

THE 1.9.8.3 COLLECTION

Today marks the launch of our special bottling release, 1.9.8.3, in celebration of the Society’s 40th anniversary.

SET YOUR ALARM: Available Wednesday, 14 Jun (9am UK Time).

VIEW THE COLLECTION

WATCH THE VIDEO

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

DISCOVER DEANSTON

Housed in a former cotton mill in the central Highlands, Deanston distillery dates all the way back to the eighteenth century. Known for its light, nutty and malty style of spirit, the distillery’s core range is predominantly matured in ex-bourbon casks, dialling up Deanston’s trademark tropical fruit and honey character. While Deanston’s limited edition and distillery exclusive releases explore the influence of experimental casks such as Marsala wine, Calvados, and Tequila.

Whether you’re already a fan of Deanston single malt, it’s on your list to try or you’re looking for an impressive Father’s Day gift, it’s an ideal time to grab yourself a bottle as we’re offering two prize bundles filled with a whole host of distillery merchandise and our Whisky of the Year 2022, Deanston 18 Year Old. Simply order one of our selected bottles from the Deanston range – a few highlights below – before 30 June to enter.

 SHOP DEANSTON 

 

Croftengea (Loch Lomond) 15 Year Old “Hart Brothers” Single Hogshead Cask Strength Peated Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) $119.99 View

Part of Croftengea’s claim to fame is making one of the peatiest whiskys in all of Loch Lomond. According to Hart Brothers’ site, the nose reveals “garden herbs, orange fruit, sweet (peat) smoke. It’s fat and rich, with hints of Eastern spice lychee. On the palate, it’s very spicy and peppery with burnt sweet notes, waxiness, and hints of mint and white pepper. This is when it feels bit mystical and really starts talking. On the aftertaste, expect lingering sweet peat, roasted spicy notes, mints and pepper, along with a sensation of fat and waxiness.”

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

Phil will return next week………..

Visit WHISKY WEDNESDAY on Youtube

Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky Newsletter

Summer is fast approaching, the first day as a matter of fact is Saturday… Things will wind down a little, at least events-wise at KWM, though we do have some great tastings planned over the course of the summer.

But before we slow things down for the summer, we are kicking things up a notch Thursday night with our Spring Single Malt Festival… This is our last whisky festival at KWM until November, and it will feature around 100 single malts, including more than a few treats…

Were cracking some late teens Bruichladdichs, a 25 year old Millstone sherry bomb, and a 1990 Laphroaig amongst other things… (more teasers below). And there will be plenty of good eats from our neighbour Peasant Cheese too, including fine cheese, meats, sausage rolls, and as is now tradition, chocolate dipped bacon…

A dozen or so tickets are still available… so gather some friends, or maybe treat Dad to an experience for Father’s Day this year!

On the subject of Farther’s Day, looking for something to treat or toast your father with this year? We’ve got you covered… We have a bunch of other deals, and also some staff picks, from a few of KWM’s resident fathers.

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. You can email your requests in… but they won’t be dealt with as quickly as the web orders!

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS-We may have another special announcement tomorrow morning!

In This Edition

1. The Spring Single Malt Festival New
2. Father’s Day Picks from 3 KWM Fathers!
3. A Few Selected Deals
4. Woodford Reserve Father’s Day Engraving Promo
5. Upcoming Tastings

The Spring Single Malt Festival

A Few Cheeky Reasons Why You Should

Our Spring Single Malt Festival returns after 4 years on Thursday, and it’s not too late to grab a ticket. We had to pause the event for 3 years initially due to Covid, and then because of restoration work… but it’s back baby.

We’ll have 100 whiskies (almost exclusively single malts) open for tasting, including old favourites, hot new releases, and more than a couple of curiosities.

We are always working on and adding to the pour list right up until game time, but with about a dozen tickets still up for grabs, we thought we’d offer a couple of teasers…

• Berry’s Tullibardine 1996
• Boutique-y 10th Annv. Millstone 25 Year
• Daftmill 15 Year
• Darkness Laphroaig 18 Year PX
• Glenfarclas Family Cask 2005 S22
• Glenfarclas Family Cask 2007 S22
• Nikka Miyagikyo Aromatic Yeast
• Nikka Yoichi Aromatic Yeast
• Rest & Be Bruichladdich 2002
• Rest & Be Port Charlotte 2005
• Signatory Benrinnes 1996
• Signatory Glenrothes 1996
• Signatory Unnamed Islay 1990

Spring Single Malt Festival Spectacular

Date: Thursday, June 15

Time:7 PM

Cost: $75

Buy a Ticket for You or Dad or Both

Father’s Day Selections…

From a Few of Our Fathers!

Evan, Curt, and I aren’t the only whisky-loving fathers at KWM, but we came up with the idea of adding this element on short notice, so we’ve kept it short and sweet.

Andrew’s Pick – G&M CC Balblair 1997 KWM Cask

My family never buys whisky for me, and why would they, I already have plenty, and there is no way they could ever be sure don’t already have a bottle of what they select…

But if they were to purchase a bottle of whisky for me this father’s day, I’d hope they pick our new Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Balblair 1997 ($315+gst) It is a gorgeous old-school sherried whisky, and a great buy for its age quality and price. And there are less than a lot of them left…

Curt’s Pick – Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022

Father’s Day to me isn’t really about me. It’s actually more about the woman who made me a father in the first place, and the daughters who made ‘dad’ and ‘daddy’ two of my favourite words in the English language. Kinda cheesy, right? Yeah, I know.

But if I have to pick a Father’s Day whisky (and Andrew says I do), it’s a really easy choice this time ’round. Compass Box Flaming Heart 2022 ($205+gst) recently arrived in the shop, and I can’t lie, it absolutely bowled me over. Every individual component that went into making this blended whisky had to have been incredible in its own right, but when married together… Flaming Heart became something so much more than just the sum of its parts. It’s strong, beautiful, and elegant. In other words, all of the characteristics that define the women in my life who make being a dad the best thing I’ve ever known. A perfect dram for a lazy Father’s Day evening with the fam.

Evan’s Pick – Berry’s Tobermory 2008 KWM Cask

In the summer months, I find myself veering more into Bourbon than Scotch when it comes to picking something to have at home. However, I am going to follow Andrew’s lead this time around and pick a Sherried Single Malt Scotch. A Sherry cask-driven Scotch can be elegant and classy, but why don’t we stop with these half measures and turn the volume right up to 11?

That is exactly what this Berry’s Tobermory 2008 KWM Cask ($150+gst) does. We did not select this single cask for its subtle and delicate intricacies. This 13+ year-old Tobermory was filled from one Sherry Butt and is bottled at a whopping cask strength 64.8% ABV.

That all being said, this is a well-put-together beast of whisky. Think of it as a Gorilla doing ballet in a tutu, a group of dogs playing poker, or me having carefully shaved, actually combed my hair, and put on a sports jacket all in an attempt to look like a respectable father. Neither happens very often, but when it does it is a sight to behold!

A Few Selected Deals

Something Like A Father’s Day Sale…

Want to impress Dad, but looking for a deal? Here are just some of the whiskies we currently have on sale, in no particular order, you can browse the full list online.

The SMOS Exploration Pack

Dad Would Love This

I’m a Dad, And I Want One!!

These sets are so cool you just know we’re going to have a series of tastings with them. 25 x 30ml samples of single malts from the Single Malts of Scotland range, aged 7-31 years of age including more than a few heavy hitters like Imperial, Ledaig, and much, much more. The full list is on our site if you want to browse!

We are toying with the idea of doing 3 virtual tastings with the whiskies from this set, for anyone who purchases a Single Malts of Scotland Exploration kit, and wants to take part. Likely Tuesdays in August and September. More info to come.

Producer Description

“From the rugged whisky of the northern Orkney islands to the gentle malts of the southern Lowlands, we have dug deep into our rich stocks of whisky to find some of the world’s most lauded malts – including Islay’s famous Laphroaig, acclaimed Highlander Clynelish and lost Speysider Imperial – while also shining a light on some of Scotland’s hidden gems, including Linkwood from Speyside and Ledaig from the Isle of Mull.

“Ranging in age from seven to 31 years, these whiskies have been matured in a variety of casks – ex-bourbon barrels, hogsheads, ex-sherry butts – and exhibit the variety in style and flavour to be found across the spectrum of single malt Scotch whisky. A remarkable, flavourful surprise is revealed behind each window.”

SMOS Exploration Pack 25x30ml – $350

Woodford Reserve Father’s Day Engraving Promo

Does your father or partner like Bourbon? Do you want to gift him a bottle engraved with a special message?

• #1 Dad
• Happy Father’s Day
• To one of my favourite parents!

We’ve teamed up with Brown Forman, and have a special offer. Order a bottle of our Woodford Double Oaked KWM Cask between now and noon Wednesday, June 12th, and we’ll have the bottle engraved with a special note for Dad at the store for you on Friday.

Please put a note in the memo field, requesting engraving. Please limit your message . The more text, the smaller the font will be

Woodford Double Oaked KWM Cask – 45.2% – Evan’s Tasting Note

Nose: A carpenter’s shop: set ablaze but quickly put out by the fire department. Dark chocolate mousse with a maple syrup glaze, lightly roasted coffee beans, and both apple and cherry strudel. Palate: Dark Rye toast with Nutella spread. Kahlua liqueur-filled dark chocolates, dates stuffed with blue cheese wrapped in prosciutto, a dash of Irish cream, black forest cake with cherry filling, poached peaches with a balsamic reduction, and a cafe mocha to wash it all down. Did I mention chocolate? Finish: The toast and char of the oak is there but it doesn’t manage to overwhelm the decadence of this dram. Roasted hazelnuts and almonds covered in chocolate. Comment: It can be a gamble when don’t get to pick the cask ourselves, but I love the richer, darker take on the regular Woodford Double Oak” – $100

We only have 25 bottles left… so don’t doddle on this offer!

Spring Single Malt Festival Spectacular

• Date: Thursday, June 15
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $75
• FESTIVAL

It is hard to believe, but the last Spring Single Malt Festival was way back in June of 2019… So this is our 9th annual (ish) spring festival of all things malt whisky, though it would have been the 12th, if… you know… so we’ve added the word Spectacular for no specific reason because… why not! It will feature at least 100 single malts from Scotland & around the world, and as always it includes a KWM logo tasting glass. This event sells out quickly, so don’t hesitate… when it is sold out, it is sold out!

Thursday, June 15, 7 PM

SMWS July 2023 Virtual Outturn Tasting

• Date: Wednesday, July 5
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $55VIRTUAL TASTING

Log in, pour your drams and join us from home, the cottage, another country, or work… for the July 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 SMWS bottlings.

Wednesday, July 5 @ 7 PM

SMWS July 2023 In-Person Outturn Tasting 6PM

• Date: Thursday, July 6
• Time:6 PM
• Cost: $60
• IN-STORE TASTING

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada’s July 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 20 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, July 6 @ 6 PM.

Sipping Signatory in the Summer – 140 Years

• Date: Tuesday, July 11
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $70
• VIRTUAL TASTING

We’re suckers for Signatory, especially the older Cask Strength Collection bottlings, so we’ve put together a selection of recently arrived Signatory Vintage malts with a combined 140 years of maturation. On the younger side, we are diving head first into first-fill sherry with the Edradour 10 Year, Linkwood 2012, and Benrines 2010. On the Cask Strength side, we have Benrinnes 1996, Dailuaine 1997, Glenrothes 1996, and an Unnamed Islay 1990 bottling (*cough Laphroaig*).

Tuesday, July 11th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Compass Box New & Old with Scott Ellis

• Date: Tuesday, July 18
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $60
• VIRTUAL TASTING

With the arrival of three new limited edition Compass Box whiskies, the time is right for a Compass Box range tasting. So we have recruited Compass Box’s Scott Ellis, and we’ve pulled together a range of 8 whiskies. We’ll sample 3 different bottlings of Flaming Heart, both releases of The Circle, Ultramarine, Vellichor and one other.

Tuesday, July 18, 7PM

Daftmill Vertical Tasting

• Date: Tuesday, July 25
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $50
• VIRTUAL TASTING

It has taken us a while, almost 3 years to be precise, but we have finally cobbled together enough bottlings of Daftmill for a range tasting… true, it is only 6, but how many of you can say you’ve done a vertical of Daftmill whiskies? The tasting will consist of 2007, 2009, and a pair of 2008s, as well as our 2008 KWM Cask, and the newly arrived 15-Year Cask Strength. Andrew is visiting the distillery in the weeks before the tasting, and will no doubt have some photos to share.

Tuesday, July 25th, 2023 @ 7 PM

Nothing but North Star Whiskies

• Date: Tuesday, August 1
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $90
• VIRTUAL TASTING

You had us at 31-year-old GlenDronach… We recently received some cool new releases from Iain Croucher at North Star Spirits, and we can’t resist the temptation to try them. On the young side of things, there is the new Tarot Blend, a Campbeltown Blended Malt, and only the second-ever bottling from Dalmunach. We love a good Blair Athol, and how often do you see an indie bottle of Dalwhinnie? But the icing on the cake of this tasting will be the GlenDronach 31 Year. You almost never see indie GlenDronach, and this one has some great reviews!

Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 @ 7 PM

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Orders under $100 are subject to a flat rate $10 delivery fee.

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The Kensington Wine Market | 1257 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 3P8 Canada

BOWMORE® ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY LAUNCHES THE ULTIMATE RARE COLLECTION IN THE U.S.

Featuring exquisitely rare and annual limited edition bottlings of Bowmore® 1969 50 Year Old, Bowmore® 40 Year Old and Bowmore® 30 Year Old

New York, NY (June 1, 2023) – Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces the introduction of a new collection of aged and rare vintages in the U.S., available now.  The Ultimate Rare Collection includes Bowmore® 1969 50 Year Old, Bowmore® 40 Year Old and Bowmore® 30 Year Old. While presented as a ‘Collection,’ the bottles will be sold individually. These exceptional bottles, perfect for collectors, drinkers and investors alike, showcase some of the rarest whiskies from the iconic Bowmore distillery and bring a totally new aged expression to the global portfolio.

For more than 240 years, Bowmore Distillery has been capturing the essence of Islay from the shores of its remote island home. Shaped by time, the single malts harness this in every single drop which tell a story of the past, savored in the present. Each vintage single malt is defined, shaped, and crafted by time. As a result, Bowmore is one of the most awarded single malt Scotch brands in the world.

David Turner, Bowmore Distillery Manager, comments: “These exquisite, aged and rare bottlings are a credit to the Bowmore portfolio and continue to drive our desire to produce highly revered products. We have been able to showcase how vital time is to each individual vintage, how time spent in casks shape and influences each spirit, making it even more characterful. Each release tells the rich stories of Bowmore, but importantly have their own unique style and character.” 

BOWMORE 1969 | 46.9% ABV | A RARITY OF THE 1960S

The final offering in the 50 Year Old Vaults Series, Bowmore 1969 follows in the footsteps of the successful 1965, 1966 and 1964 releases. An extremely rare single malt, Bowmore 1969 has been meticulously nurtured over five decades. During this lengthy union between spirit and oak, a defining character has emerged, becoming increasingly richer as fruit and smoke flavors remain constant. The taste is almost undefinable, with an enigma of flavors which have shaped Bowmore’s legacy, defining the most definitive of decades.

This exceptional limited edition, combining the finest American oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, unlocks several aromas — perfectly unifying fragrant and floral notes contrasting with citrus and sweetness to bring rich warmth to this Bowmore single malt whisky. 

The Bowmore 1969 50 Year Old suggested retail price is $42,000. This expression is available globally, with a mere 339 bottles produced for the world.   

BOWMORE 40 YEAR OLD | 48.7% ABV | ANNUAL LIMITED RELEASE

Inspired by the art of time and the sea front location of the Bowmore Distillery, the colors and textures of Islay’s ancient stone and bleached driftwood are encompassed within this limited release. Ideal for the collector and investor, this whisky is on a limited run of 160 bottles globally.

Bottled at a cask strength of 48.7%, Bowmore 40 Year Old offers up aromas of honey, treacle and exotic fruits combined with caramel. On the palate, pipe tobacco and chocolate unite with spices, leather, chestnuts and pralines giving the whisky a long, lingering, and luxurious finish. 

With only 160 bottles available globally, Bowmore 40 Year Old will have a suggested retail price of $9,000. 

BOWMORE 30 YEAR OLD | 45.3% ABV | ANNUAL LIMITED RELEASE

Distilled in the 1990’s, this rare single malt whisky has been carefully nurtured for three decades in the finest Sherry hogsheads and Bourbon barrels.

Bottled at a cask strength of 45.3%, this 30 Year Old is a celebration of Bowmore’s rich fruity and subtly smoky style. This whisky offers up aromas of ripe apricot, charred pineapple, mango and butterscotch.  On the palate, tropical fruits and honey sweetness unite with subtle peat smoke and hints of eucalyptus, ensuring a warming and lingering finish. 

With only 2,556 bottles available globally, Bowmore 30 Year Old will have a suggested retail price of $2,650.

ABOUT BOWMORE®

Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky.  The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands.  Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore® is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills honed over two centuries to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Time is savoured at Bowmore® and the distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore® Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Through peerless maturation expertise and sense of timing, Bowmore® is “Time, Savoured®” – a rich reward for those that appreciate the value of time and an exquisite whisky coveted the world over.

www.bowmore.com

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ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands.  Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Basil Hayden® and Knob Creek® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier® cognac, Tres Generaciones®, El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, Canadian Club® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com