Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky ARDBEG DAY Newsletter

Peatheads! Rejoice! We’re taking over.

This edition of the Malt Messenger is being held hostage by Curt. Don’t worry, Andrew is safe. It was a peaceful coup, and no egos were hurt in the transition, but for now, RADIO KWM is all ours!

For those that don’t know me well, I should tell you that I celebrate two more holidays each year than most people: Ardbeg Day and Superbowl Sunday. The latter of which, Andrew has referred to as a religious holiday in my household. He’s not wrong. Hopefully, we can talk football later in the year, but folks… it’s Thursday, and we are on the eve of the eve of Ardbeg Day 2023! In ‘parentspeak’: “Two more sleeps, kids!”

If you don’t already have plans to join us devout Ardbeggians this coming Saturday, clear your schedule and read on.

Oh, and fear not, the big guy will be back at the keyboard for the next proper Malt Messenger, but for now… pour a dram of something smoky and settle in for a bit.

Hope this finds you well (and heavily peated)!

Curt

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition

1. Ardbeg Day 2023

2. Ardbeg Single Malts

3. Upcoming Tastings

Ardbeg Day 2023

Have you freed up your Saturday afternoon yet? Well…what are you waiting for? I gave you notice several sentences ago.

Join the team from Ardbeg and a few of the KWM crew this Saturday, June 3rd at Hayden Block (just a few blocks east of KWM) for a couple hours of smoky revelry. There will be food, drink, games, prizes, and an opportunity to try this year’s limited edition Ardbeg Day release, Heavy Vapours. And all for the price of a tall coffee at S*****cks. 😉

It seems the day of the 3-litre bottle is behind us, so you won’t Andrew necking this stuff anymore, but we’ll always find ways to be a bit cheeky.

Here are the deets. See you there!

Ardbeg Day at Hayden Block

Registration is through a Third Party Site

·     Date: Saturday, June 3

·     Time: 2 PM

·     Cost: $15

·     HAYDEN BLOCK

For the first time ever at Ardbeg, its whisky has been distilled without a purifier – the apparatus on the still responsible for maintaining Ardbeg’s unrivaled balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.

Following the distillery’s Planet Ardbeg comic launch last year, a dramatic new storyline in the series will be revealed alongside the new expression that’s inspired by its unusual creation. And so this year, whisky lovers are invited to celebrate the theme of ‘Planet’ Ardbeg Day – where they can expect to be transported into Ardbeg’s mythical, graphic novel universe.

·     Location: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

·     Time: 2-5 PM

·     Ticket: $15 includes two drink tickets and food.

·     & giveaways and games

Saturday, June 3rd from 2-5 PM

Ardbeg Single Malts

 

While we might wish for a couple more age-stated expressions in the Ardbeg portfolio, it’s impossible not to concede that this is undoubtedly one of the great core ranges in the modern whisky world. (Though I may be a wee bit biased, as most of you know. There’s probably more Ardbeg than blood flowing through my veins at this point. Humble brag or cry for help? You decide.)

The distillery recently doubled production, yet I can’t imagine they’re anywhere near keeping up with the level of demand there is for anything bearing that iconic stylized ‘A’.

At the risk of stirring up a hornet’s nest, can I just mention how bloody amazing an Ardbeg Ten Caesar is? Trust me.

1. Ardbeg Ten – 46% – One of Scotland’s most beloved whiskies, this 10-year-old highlights the distillery’s peaty provenance. Although technically the most heavily-peated full-time production whisky in Scotland, the distillery’s cinch-necked stills and spirit-purifier give this malt a softer edge than might be expected. Classic and iconic at this point. There are those that love it and those that are wrong. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: A burst of intense smoky fruit escapes into the atmosphere. peat infused with zesty lemon and lime, wrapped in waxy dark chocolate. Bold menthol and black pepper slice through the sweet smoke followed by tarry ropes and graphite. Savour the aroma of smoked fish and crispy bacon alongside green bell peppers, baked pineapple and pear juice. Add water and an oceanic minerality brings a breath of cool, briny seaspray. Waxed lemon and lime follows with coal tar soap, beeswax and herby pine woodlands. Toasted vanilla and sizzling cinnamon simmer with warm hazelnut and almond toffee. Palate: An explosion of crackling peat sets off millions of flavour explosions: peat effervesces with tangy lemon and lime juice, black pepper pops with sizzling cinnamon-spiced toffee. Then comes a wave of brine infused with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. Smoke gradually wells up on the palate bringing a mouthful of warm creamy cappuccino and toasted marshmallows. As the taste lengthens and deepens, dry espresso, liquorice root and tarry smoke develop coating the palate with chewy peat oils. Finish: The finish goes on and on – long and smoky with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and traces of soft barley and fresh pear.” – $93.99 + GST

2. Ardbeg Wee Beastie – 47.4% – The latest addition to the core range, Wee Beastie is a 5-year-old Ardbeg that was created to be the rawest and most peaty Ardbeg ever bottled. We particularly love the ballsy nature of throwing a great big ‘5’ on the label. Not a lot of brands would have so much confidence in the swagger of their young spirit. Matured in a mix of ex-Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry casks. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: The first sniff alerts you to a nearby presence… heightened senses are filled with very bright, fresh herbal notes, with creeping hints of vanilla and pear. Rich Turkish coffee mingles with sappy pine resin, with honey-glazed ham lurking in the background. With water, more herbal top notes like vetiver and fennel captivate and pull you in, while beguiling scents of aniseed, green apple and leather cause you to drop your guard. Out of nowhere, a sharp tang of smoke and a crack of fresh black pepper fire warning shots across the senses. Palate: Suddenly, a rich, explosive mouthfeel bursts forth with chocolate, creosote and tar. A powerful blast of eucalyptus thrashes about with antiseptic lozenges and aniseed. The raw, smoky intensity gathers pace, before smoked bacon and savoury meats sink into the palate. Finish: The long, salty mouthcoating finish retreats, with hints of cocoa and fudge slinking slowly away.” – $80.99 + GST

3. Ardbeg Corryvreckan – 57.1% – Corryvreckan was launched as a replacement for Airigh Nam Beist but has become a legend in its own right. It’s sweet, smoky, spicy, and unmistakably Ardbeg. Toasted French oak is the not-so-secret to this one. No shy Ardbeg, Corry is kinda like a peated meteor shower on the tongue. Expect a big un! But why wouldn’t you? This is Ardbeg, after all. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Heady, intense and powerful. Swirl the glass and dip your nose into the torrents of tarry ropes, creosote and linseed oil rising from deep within the vortex. A collision of waxy dark chocolate, warm blackcurrants and muscovado sugar pulls you under its spell with a burst of plump cherries and earthy pine needles leaping from its depths. From salty seasoning comes a briny character with tangy crisp seaweed and smoky bacon swirling on the surface with hints of sweet vanilla, spicy cloves and blueberries. Surrender to its dangerous depths with the heady force of menthol, treacle and chilli sauce. Palate: Plunge into the whirlpool and torrents of taste well up on the palate; deep, peppery and chewy, bombarding the tongue. The first plunge brings forth chewy peppered steak soaked in pepper sauce with the tang of crispy seaweed. As you descend deeper, encounter a mouthful of black tarry espresso coffee that coats the palate with rich melted dark fruits (blackcurrants, blueberries and cherries) and bitter almonds. As the taste soaks in deeper, star anise and hickory dry out the palate before a surprise of chalky effervescent violets fizz to the surface. Finish: Long, deep and remaining powerful into the finish with black tarry coffee, chocolate coated cherries and hot pepper sauce, the lingering memories of your mysterious and daring journey into Corryvreckan.” – $147.99 + GST

4. Ardbeg Uigeadail – 54.2% – Uigeadail (pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’) was launched in 2003 to pretty much universal acclaim. Its heady mixture of ex-Bourbon and ex-sherry casks was like nothing else available at the time and two decades later, the legend continues to grow. The most recent batch is particularly awesome. And for the Ardgeeks who may be curious, the whisky takes its name from the mysterious Loch that also happens to be Ardbeg Distillery’s water source. A game-changer for those that are lucky enough to try it for the first time. Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake, walnut oil and parma violets fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar and pine needles falling from the Christmas tree. A smouldering coal fire and the scent of well-oiled leather brings warmth. The sweetness of treacle toffees and chocolate-coated raisins emerge through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of a fired Christmas pudding. Rich flowering currants and warm baked banana and walnut bread are served with simmering mocha espresso. Palate: Full flavoured and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavours. The flavour is initially sweet. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey glazed smoked food and chewy treacle. Waves of deep smoky tones and rich aromas build up on the palate like a fine Montecristo cigar. Finish: Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisiny, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.” – $132.99 + GST

 

Upcoming Tastings

Ardbeg Day at Hayden Block

Registration is through a Third Party Site

·     Date: Saturday, June 3

·     Time: 2 PM

·     Cost: $15

·     HAYDEN BLOCK

For the first time ever at Ardbeg, its whisky has been distilled without a purifier – the apparatus on the still responsible for maintaining Ardbeg’s unrivaled balance between extreme peat and floral fruitiness.

Following the distillery’s Planet Ardbeg comic launch last year, a dramatic new storyline in the series will be revealed alongside the new expression that’s inspired by its unusual creation. And so this year, whisky lovers are invited to celebrate the theme of ‘Planet’ Ardbeg Day – where they can expect to be transported into Ardbeg’s mythical, graphic novel universe.

·     Location: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

·     Time: 2-5PM

·     Ticket: $15 includes two drink tickets and food.

·     & giveaways and games

Saturday, June 3, 2-5 PM

Rest & Bruichladdich

• Date: Tuesday, June 6
• Time:7 PM
• Cost: $55
• VIRTUAL TASTING

We recently received a quintet of curious new whiskies from the Rest & Be Thankful Co. Four are from Bruichladdich Distillery, 2 each of Port Charlotte and Bruichladdich. The provenance of these Bruichladdich casks is curious, as they are believed to be from Mark Reynier’s personal stash… The 5th whisky is a bottling of Finglassie, only the second time we have had a bottling from the new Inchdarnie Distillery. Those 5 malts make for the start of a tempting lineup, so we’ve added a couple of other Laddies to the range to round things out. Join us for a Rest & Bruichladdich kinda evening!

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 7 PM

Spongeworthy Whiskies Round 2 with Angus MacRaild

• Date: Thursday, June 8
• Time:5 PM
• Cost: $120
• VIRTUAL TASTING

Angus MacRaild, aka The Whisky Sponge, is joining us for another round of Spongeworthy whiskies. We have selected 7 malts from a recent Decadent Drinks delivery, from the Whisky Sponge, Equinox & Solstice, and NAS (Notable Age Statement) ranges. Angus will guide us through whiskies from Ardmore, Ben Nevis, Glen Grant, Ledaig, Old Rhosdhu, and Springbank, as well as a very unusual 30 year old Blended Malt with a crazy back story.

Thursday, June 8, 5PM * Note the early start time… Angus is in the UK, and has a wee girl!

Gordon & MacPhail KWM Casks Launch with Richard Urquhart

• Date: Friday, June 9
• Time:5 PM
• Cost: $40
• VIRTUAL TASTING

We have a pair of gorgeous KWM-exclusive single casks on the way and they are expected any day now… So we have asked our friend Richard Urquhart, part of the 4th generation of Urquharts at Gordon & MacPhail, to host a virtual launch tasting for us. In addition to our sherried Balblair 1997 and tropical Glen Scotia 2000 KWM Casks, we will also be pouring whiskies from Dailuaine, Glen Elgin, Highland Park, Macallan, and Tomatin.

Friday, June 9, 5PM

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt with Bob Baxter

• Date: Saturday, June 10
• Time:5 PM
• Cost: $25
• IN-STORE TASTING

Bob Baxter, one of the founders of Yukon Brewing & Distilling, will be joining us for a Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt vertical tasting. While the brewing started in 1997, Bob and his partner Alan started laying down casks of whisky in 2009. Some of their stocks are now more than 10 years old which is really exciting. We’ve been fans of Two Brewers for years, and truly believe they are making some of the best whisky in Canada. We’ll sample 7 releases of Two Brewers whisky, including the latest batches: 35, 36, 37, 38, and 39!

Saturday, June 10, 5PM

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

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