Céad Míle Fáilte!
St. Patrick’s Day is coming up on Sunday, and we have two ways for you to celebrate with us. Firstly, there is our Shamrocks & Shenanigans tasting, which is a celebration of Irish, and for the first time Irish-style whiskies… we have snuck Bridgeland’s brand-new (released today if you are reading this on March 14th) Innisfail Pot Still whisky into the range, just for fun. We have an awesome range planned, so buy a ticket, don some green, and join us in-store on Saturday!
We are also having an Irish Whiskey Culling Sale (Evan’s name is probably a joke in there that’s over my head)… on now through Sunday, end of day. Save 15-35% on all in-stock Irish Whiskey. If you are looking for caffeinated whiskey, or whiskey for improper conduct such as punching old men in the back of the head… we’re probably not your destination. But if you are looking for premium Irish Malts, Grain, Pot Still, and Blended Whiskies at a great price, then we’ve most definitely got you covered!
We have nearly a dozen new whiskies in-store this week, including the first-ever releases of Meikle Toir, GlenAllachie’s new heavily peated range. Wednesday we are expecting a couple of new Cu Bocans (peated Tomatin) bottlings, including the first age statement in a wee while. There are also some new whiskies from closer to home, including a pair from Calgary’s Bridgeland Distillery, and another from Turner Diamond Valley’s Eau Claire Distillery.
Thank you to everyone who supported our Lassies Only Whisky Festival last Friday, in support of the Brenda Strafford Foundation’s Heart Home Network, which runs Alberta’s largest second-stage women’s shelter. I was especially touched by one customer who offered to buy any remaining tickets, to ensure the event was a sellout!
As always, in the event of a price discrepancy, 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 may not be dealt with as quickly as the web orders… especially if I am busy!
Sincerely,
Andrew Ferguson
Kensington Wine Market
In This Edition
1. Introducing: Meikle Toir from GlenAllachie
2. Two New CuBocan Whiskies from Tomatin
3. Other New Whiskies
4. Two New Whisky Books
5. The Irish Whiskey Culling Sale!
6. Back In-Stock
7. Upcoming Tastings
Introducing: Meikle Toir from GlenAllachie
Is Meikle Toir GlenAllachie’s answer to Octomore?
Meikle Toir translates to “big pursuit”, and this new range has some pretty big ambitions. This is a bit of a departure for Billy Walker, diving deep into peat, but it has his DNA all over it with long fermentations, different cut points, and premium oak.
1. Meikle Toir The Original – 50% – 5 Year – 35ppm – ex-Bourbon, ex-Rye, and Virgin American oak casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Baking spices, burnt honey and espresso, with hazelnuts, smoked almonds and butterscotch. Palate: Sweet peat, rich chocolate and heather honey, with cinnamon, ginger and oak-smoked sugar.” – $92 – Limit 1 Per Customer!
2. Meilke Toir The Sherry One – 48% – 5 Year – 160 Hour Fermentation – Finished in PX & Oloroso Sherry Puncheons – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Cedarwood, cigar box, butterscotch and mocha, with orange peel, honey and plum jam. Taste: Dark chocolate, smoked honey and mocha, with figs, treacle, burnt sugar and puffs of peat smoke.” – $92 – Limit 1 Per Customer!
3. Meilke Toir The Chinquapin One – 48% – 35ppm – 160 Hour Fermentation – Finished in Virgin Chinquapin oak barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Smoldering oak embers, burnt liquorice and honey, with ginger, butterscotch and orange peel. Palate: Cocoa, crème brûlée and toasted almonds, with cinnamon, aniseed and campfire smoke.” – $92 – Limit 1 Per Customer!
There is a 4th release too, but it is extremely limited, and we are only offering it this time around to participants in a tasting. Though we might see more of the Meikle Toir The Turbo in the future. For “The Turbo” only the ‘heart of the heart’ of the distillate was selected to maximize the phenol content in the spirit, which is 71 ppm. Only three virgin American oak and five Oloroso sherry hogsheads were used to create the whisky… hence how limited it is!
Two New Cu Bocans from Tomatin
Cu Bocan is Tomatin’s peated alter ego. We are excited to finally have an age statement release from the range, as well as the 5th installment of their Cu Bocan Creations range, this one from Columbian Andean oak casks.
1. Tomatin Cu Bocan 12 Year – 46% – Producer Description: “Cù Bòcan 12 Year Old transports us to long Scottish summer nights, spent with friends by a campfire on the beach. Finished in Caribbean rum casks, Cù Bòcan 12 Year Old is fresh with grilled pineapple, ginger, and white chocolate.” – $132
2. Tomatin Cu Bocan Creation #5 – 46% – Producer Description: “Our fifth Creation has been finished in an incredibly rare cask type, Andean Oak. The mix of Andean Oak’s unique properties and our subtle smoke has resulted in notes of lightly charred oak with deep hints of exotic floral herbs and campfire banana splits.” – $105
Other New Whiskies
We have six other new whiskies either in stock, or expected next week, and three of them are from local distilleries!
Let’s start with the three local whiskies:
1. Bridgeland Innisfail Single Pot Still Whisky – 40.6% – Bridgeland Distillery continues to experiment and expand its whisky portfolio – this time with a nod to the Irish. This Single Pot Still Whiskey is made with a combination of malted and unmalted barley that has been tripled-distilled. Producer Tasting Note: “Orchard fruits on the nose, particularly apple and pear. Subtle sweetness lingering. The palate is floral, sweet and delicate with a great thick mouthfeel. Hints of baked spices. The finish linger and reveal a hint of sherry.” – $65
2. Bridgeland Single Blend Whisky 2024 Release – 44.1% – The 2024 Edition of Bridgeland Distillery’s Single Blend Whisky is a marriage of Rye Whisky, Taber Corn Whisky, and Single Malt whisky. All whisky was distilled, aged, and blended by Bridgeland at their Distillery in Calgary, Alberta. – Producer Tasting Note: “A vanilla bean, candied cherries and wine gum combination for the nose; The palate is complex with a great silky texture of rich toffee. The finish is anchored in Swiss chocolate, long and lasting!” – $67
3. Eau Claire Your’s Truly Single Malt – 46% – Marriage of ex-Bourbon, virgin European oak, ex-Oloroso, and ex-red wine casks selected by the women of Eau Claire Distillery, and blended by Caitlin Quinn. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Toffee, Caramel, Green Apple. Taste: Red fruit, vanilla, oak. Finish: Lingering heat, hint of sweetness, more-ish.” – $85
And three new Scottish whiskies:
1. G&M Connoisseurs Choice Dailuaine 2009 TWE Cask – 57.7% – 13 Year – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Stewed fruit aromas intertwine with roasted hazelbuts and dark chocolate. Forrest berries combine with flavours of bitter orange and brown sugar. A full and long finish with citrus and oak.” – $150
2. James Eadie Mannochmore 10 Year – 57.1% – First Fill ex-Bourbon – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Delicate, pears and peaches with a grassy note of fresh meadow and grapefruit, alongside some rye bread and marmalade. Taste: Surprisingly rich, floral and fragrant. A nice buttery pastry with toffee alongside pears, zesty notes of grapefruit and lemon sherbet. Delicate, pears and peaches with a grassy note of fresh meadow and grapefruit, alongside some rye bread and marmalade.” – $115
3. Nc’Nean Quiet Rebels Gordon – 48.5% – STR red wine, ex-Sherry, and ex-Rivesaltes casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Crème brûlée / Spiced plum jam / Candied orange peel” – $145
Two Great New Whisky Books
No one knows Canadian whisky like Davin de Kergommeaux, so we are thrilled to finally have the third edition of Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert in stock. We also have an in-store tasting planned with Davin on April 18, which includes a copy of his book (see below). $35 (the tasting is only $45 and includes a copy of his book!)
“Dive into Canada’s rich history of whisky making, legacy distilleries, and contemporary artisans with this fully updated and expanded guide—including over 100 new tasting notes for Canada’s top whiskies, from bestsellers to rare microdistillery bottlings. In this fully updated edition of Canadian Whisky, the nation’s authority himself, Davin de Kergommeaux celebrates the country’s often underplayed—yet integral—role in this storied spirit. A trusted independent whisky expert, de Kergommeaux has travelled the country in search of all things whisky to share the very latest findings, photographs, and tasting notes.”
For the Single Malt whisky geeks out there, there is Independent Scotch: The History of Independent Bottlers by David Stirk. As independent bottlings are a huge part of our business, we were keen to get this into the shop. $48
“Independent Scotch – The History of Independent Bottlers” by David Stirk charts the demise of the small blending and brokering firms from the 1940s through to the 80s and then the rise of the Independent Bottler from the late 1980s onwards. Intertwined is the story of his own career in the whisky industry and the beginnings through to the sale of The Creative Whisky Co Ltd. The book discusses the impact of Independent Bottlers and their place within the modern industry. Also, and in collaboration with Thijs Klaverstijn, the book outlines the history of all of the major Indy bottlers; including interviews and contributions from some of the best known names. The book will be a unique insight into a much-loved part of the Scotch whisky industry.”
The Irish Whiskey Culling Sale!
Saint Patrick’s Day is imminent, and that can only mean one thing: It is time for the annual dispensing of Irish Whiskey!
Irish Whiskey has been undergoing a boom over the past decade and a half, with quite a few new distilleries and labels coming out of the woodwork.
ALL of our Irish Whiskey stock is marked down by at least 10%, with some bottles up to 35% off. Check out the deals below!
· Jack Ryan Raglan Road 5 Year – 54.9% – $82.99 30% OFF = $58.09!
· Powers Gold Label Irish Whiskey – 40% – $47.99 15% OFF = $40.79!
· Waterford Peated Fenniscourt 1.1 – 50% – $114.99 25% OFF = $86.24!
· Bushmills 21 Year – 40% – $209.99 20% OFF for $178.49
· Jack Ryan 12-Year-Old – 46% – $124.99 25% OFF = $93.74!
· Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1 – 50% – $114.99 35% OFF = $74.74
· Killowen Rum & Raisin Single Malt – 55% – $89.99 15% OFF = $80.99!
· Boutique-y Irish Single Malt Whiskey #2 – Batch 6 – 15 Year – 50.2% – $184.99 – 20% OFF = $147.99
VIEW ALL OF OUR IRISH WHISKEY HERE
Back In-Stock
A few whiskies we haven’t seen for a while have trickled back into stock:
1. Benromach 15 Year – 43% – First Fill ex-Bourbon & Sherry Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Aromas of sweet toffee leading to notes of cracked black pepper and peat smoke. Rich forest fruits develop with dark chocolate and dried banana. Palate: Creamy and sweet with ripe apples and an undertone of charred oak. Dark chocolate develops and leads to toasted malt and orange peel with a subtle hint of smoke. Finish: Medium creamy finish with soft smoke and dried fruit.” – $132
2. Benromach Organic 2014 – 46% – Virgin America Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet vanilla and ripe fruits accompany citrus zest. Toasted malt leads to green apples. Palate: Creamy with soft pepper and butterscotch. Freshly ground coffee develops alongside dried banana and a subtle herbal edge. Finish: Medium bodied and long with aniseed and cocoa powder.” – $87
3. Killowen Rum & Raisin Single Malt – 55% – Producer Description: “After aging for 5 years in Bourbon casks, this Single Malt has been divided and finished in Killowen’s own dark rum casks & PX sherry butts. The County Louth malt is the perfect compliment to the marriage of PX sherry flavours of prunes, figs & raisins combined with rum’s tropical Caribbean notes of coconut & vanilla.” – $90
4. Old Pulteney 15 Year – 46% – ex-Sherry & ex-Bourbon Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Intense yet balanced. Bursting with rich dried fruit, ripe apples and citrus, with honey sweetness and a generous chord of creamy vanilla. Slightly chocolaty and floral in the background. Taste: Fragrant spices and Christmas cake, with layers of chocolate and a distinct dark toffee sweetness. There is a hint of salty sea air on the finish, a clear connection to the influence of the sea on this single malt.” – $112
5. Old Pulteney 18 Year – 46% – ex-Sherry & ex-Bourbon Casks – MyTasting Note: “Nose: when we first cracked the bottle the neck misted up, and it smelled like a freshly poured pint of NEIPA; fresh, maritime, coastal and savoury with freshly sliced ginger and loads of citrus; salted caramel, honey and fruit leather. Palate: creamy, floral, fruity and very maritime; lush smoked-vanilla icing, salted caramel and creamed honey; juicy citrus, freshly sliced ginger and soft leather with dried and candied fruit; fresh and vibrant. Finish: medium-long in length with a nice coating body; stays juicy, fruity and maritime; loads of salted caramel, honey, vanilla and layers on candied citrus and dried fruit. Comment: very reminiscent of our KWM exclusive Old Pulteney from a couple of years back; a fantastic addition to the range!” – $160
Upcoming Tastings
· Date: Saturday, March 16
· Time: 5 PM
· Cost: $40
· In-Store Tasting
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 from a range of brands and distilleries to give you the best lay of the land. Because it is the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, we do feel the need to point out that we are not able to serve anyone showing signs of intoxication. If anyone shows up intoxicated, they will not be permitted to participate, and there will be no refund. What you do after the tasting, however, is between you and St. Patrick!
Saturday, March 16th @ 5 PM
· Date: Tuesday, March 26
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $60
· Virtual Tasting
· SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP
We gave four of our whisky staff the ability to pick two whiskies for a head to head to head to head tasting. It could be something they love, which didn’t get the attention they felt it deserved, or something that they were dying to try! In the end, they selected 6 six malts, a blend, and an old rum. Who’s picks will reign supreme? You’ll have to log in to find out!
Tuesday, March 26, 7 PM
· Date: Thursday, March 28
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $75
· Virtual Tasting
· SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP
THIS TASTING SOLD OUT SO WE HAVE ADDED SPOTS! Andrew was so excited about our 26 year old Bowmore single cask from Berry Bros. & Rudd, that he kind of forgot about the other five whiskies we ordered with it. We also received a pair of Blended Malts from 1979 and 1999, a reasonably priced single grain and a couple of thirty-something Speysiders matured in refill casks. Almost a complete lineup all on its own, we have added a 7th bottling, a blast from the past… our Berry’s Tormore 25 Year from a couple of years back, just for fun. Join us as we taste our way through 207+ years of malt whisky for Berry Bros!
Thursday, March 28, 7 PM
· Date: Tuesday, April 9
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $90
· Virtual Tasting
· SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP
A 30 year old Islay mystery malt (presumed to be Laphroaig), 31 year old mystery Speyside single malt, 26 year old Imperial, and 25 year old Ardmore are a good starting point for a tasting. They are all from the Marriage of Casks range by Elixir Distillers, as is the Glenrothes 31 Year, which while not new, we really wanted to work into a tasting, because it is sublime. We’re rounding out the range with a Ben Nevis, and a couple more mystery malts: Lowland 13 Year and a very sherried 11 year old Orcadian. We’ll sample 8 malts in all, a cumulative 177 years of liquid history.
Tuesday, April 9, 7 PM
· Date: Thursday, April 18
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $45
· In-Store Tasting
Davin de Kergommeaux, the world’s foremost expert on Canadian whisky has updated his seminal work, “Canadian Whisky: The Essential Portable Expert.” So we’re putting on a launch tasting for him at the shop, featuring a range of award-winning and groundbreaking Canadian whiskies. Participants will sample 7 unique Canadian whiskies, and also get a signed copy of Davin’s new book!
Thursday, April 18, 7 PM
· Date: Tuesday, April 23
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $40
· Virtual Tasting
· SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP
KWM’s 5th Compass Box Marrying Cask is landing soon, so we have convinced Scott Eliis to join us remotely for another virtual session. The range will include three versions of the Glasgow Blend, two of which were bottle for KWM. We will also be featuring a couple of very limited new releases, Metropolis from the Extinct Blends Quarter, as well as Art & Decadence. How limited are these two, well they are so limited that we have decided to hold 4 bottles of each back, to offer them for sale to tasting participants! Because we always do at least 7 whiskies, we are rounding out the lineup with the superb new Flaming Heart, and a blast from the past, Juveniles!
Tuesday, April 23, 7 PM
· Date: Thursday, April 25
· Time: 7 PM
· Cost: $45
· Virtual Tasting
· SAMPLES READY FOR PICK-UP
We love ourselves some Craigellachie at KWM, and there is a decent selection of it in the market right now. So it seemed like an appropriate time to sample a wee selection of them… the only thing is, it isn’t so wee a selection… sometimes less is not always more… but we had to draw a line somewhere, so we capped the range at 8! We’ll sample the distillery-bottled 13 and 17 year olds, a trio of Craigellachie independent bottlings from the early 2000s, and three others aged 10-15 years. We think you’ll leave this tasting feeling crazy for Craigellachie too!
Thursday, April 25, 7 PM
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