We are so proud to share that Umiki Whisky is awarded with ‘’2’’ medals in 2022!

Osaka, JAPAN, 21th March 2022

Umiki Whisky is awarded with “DOUBLE GOLD” Medal and ‘’Whisky of the Year 2022’’ at the WWSA (Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards) which is the World’s most important wine & spirit competition judged by women Buyers.

About.Umiki Whisky

“Ocean Fused Whisky From The Heart of Japanese Pine”

UMIKI is “World’s first Japanese Pine barrel aged” and “World’s first ocean water fused whisky brand” that uses only renewable water source for blending” This sustainable process brings an exceptional smoothness with sea-breeze on the nose, rounded floral taste on the palate and a soothing freshness in the finish to UMIKI.

For further information please visit: www.umikiwhisky.com

About Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards

World’s most influential Female Buyers and Hoteliers Judge the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards – the Most Important Wine & Spirits Awards Judged by Women Buyers.

For further information please visit www.wineawards.org

About Yoshino Spirits Co.

Yoshino Spirits (headquarters located in Osaka) is a private company exporting finest whisky, wine and spirits brands from Japan to the world placing the highest priority on building relationships of trust between
domestic manufacturers and customers all over the world.

For more information, please visit www.yoshinospirits.com

Indulge with the world’s finest whiskies and spirits at the Nth Ultimate Whisky and Spirits Experience in Las Vegas

April 22 -23, 2022 Wynn Hotel Las Vegas

The Universal Whisky Experience 2022

Take your experience into the stratosphere with our incredible High Roller Experience – the absolute zenith in luxury whisky encounters.

• Exclusive High Roller Super Pours

• Exclusive Master Classes

• 1-on-1 meetings with industry legends, whisky & spirit ambassadors, and distillers

• Access to the exclusive High Roller lounge

• High Roller dinner reception

• Entry into the High Roller raffle draw

Grand main tasting experience with over 70 exhibitors

• And so much more!

FULL LIST

Take a peek at our Our Exclusive

High Roller Master Classes: 

The Dalmore and Jura – Experience – Hosted by legendary master blender aka “The Nose” Richard Paterson and USA national brand ambassador Craig Bridgers.

The Macallan Experience – A journey into the world’s ultimate luxury Single Malt, led by Kieron Elliott.

Bhakta Spirits – Raj Bhakta founder of this company and America whisky legend with take your through some of the rarest and oldest Armagnac’s in the world.

Irish Distillers – The master Blender from Midleton’s will taste your through some amazing Irish gems from this legendary distiller

PURCHASE TICKETS

SPEYSIDE DISTILLER SCOOPS THREE GOLD AWARDS AT INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION 

— Benromach Distillery receives a suite of Gold awards at the 2022 International Wine & Spirit Competition —

Benromach Distillery has recorded an incredible result at this year’s International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) by scooping three Gold award wins for its handmade single malt scotch whiskies.

IWSC, which sets an international benchmark for quality and recognises the very best wines and spirits available globally, presented Benromach Organic, Benromach 15 Year Old and Benromach 10 Year Old with Gold awards.

Benromach Organic from the distillery’s Contrasts range is the world’s first certified organic single malt whisky. Matured in Virgin American Oak, it gives sweet, malty notes with creamy pepper, banana, coffee and cocoa flavours.

After maturing in first fill bourbon and sherry casks, Benromach 15 Year Old delivers cracked pepper, charred oak, apples, dark chocolate and forest fruits flavours with rich sherry notes and a touch of smoke.

Benromach’s signature 10 Year Old single malt delivers delicate forest fruits and creamy malt, a touch of smoke and rich, lasting sherry notes, after also maturing in the finest first fill bourbon and sherry casks.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach Distillery, said: “Every expression produced by Benromach Distillery is made by hand for genuine character by our small team of distillers who rely exclusively on their expertise and senses. To bring home three Gold accolades from the IWSC awards is a true reflection of the hard work and dedication that goes into producing our distinctive Speyside single malts.”

The International Wine & Spirit Competition was founded by chemist Anton Massel and has recently celebrated its 50^th Anniversary.

For further information or to purchase, please visit www.benromach.com

TASTING NOTES

Benromach Organic is non-chill-filtered and is bottled at 46% ABV

• Aromas: Sweet vanilla and ripe fruits accompany citrus zest. Toasted malt leads to green apples
• Palate: Creamy with soft pepper and butterscotch. Freshly ground coffee develop alongside dried banana and a subtle herbal edge
• Finish: Medium bodied and long with aniseed and cocoa powder
• Maturation: Matured in Virgin American Oak

Benromach 15 Year Old is bottled at 43% ABV

• Aromas: 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
• Maturation: Matured in first-fill ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks

Benromach 10 Year Old is bottled at 43% ABV

• Aromas: Sweet green apple and pear complement creamy dark honey. Soft vanilla develops alongside gentle smoke
• Palate: Smooth flavours of malted cereal and stewed fruit combine with warm toffee and a hint of black cherry
• Finish: Full bodied finish with malted cereal and soft smoke
• Maturation: Matured in first-fill ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks 

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

We are so proud to share that KAMIKI – “THE FIRST WHISKY BRAND IN THE WORLD WITH JAPANESE CEDAR CASK FINISH” is awarded with 2 new Medals in 2022!

Osaka, JAPAN, 21th March 2022, Kamiki Original Blended Malt Whisky is awarded with ‘’GOLD’’ Medal from Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge and Kamiki Intense was awarded “BEST WORLD WHISKY-II” at Roma Whisky Festival.

About Kamiki Whisky

“THE FIRST WHISKY BRAND IN THE WORLD WITH JAPANESE CEDAR CASK FINISH”

Kamiki is a new expression super premium Japanese Whisky with a unique second maturation technique, blend is rested for a second time in Yoshino Sugi –Japanese Cedarcasks to capture a perfectly smooth taste, a scent of sandalwood on the nose and a zest of green tea in the finish.

For further information please visit www.kamikiwhisky.com

About Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge

The Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge was established, in conjunction with LA beverage professionals to highlight the best of the best wine & spirits producers in the world. The mission is to introduce those elite producers to the Southern California market of consumers, one of the largest in the country. Winning producers will be featured in a robust LA Times promotional campaign targeting wine, spirits and food enthusiasts in the LA region. Media Sponsor is Los Angeles Times

For further information please visit: https://lainvitational.com

Important message about Maltstock 2022

I’m afraid some not so relaxed news has reached us. As you all know there’s currently a war going on. This has led to millions of people seeking a safe place to stay. With gladness we see countries all over Europe welcoming the refugees offering them safe harbor. Government in the Netherlands is seeking suitable accommodation for them throughout the country. It makes us feel proud that the Maltstock venue (Het Buitencentrum) is opening its doors and welcoming refugees. The relaxed thing to do.

Unfortunately, this also means that all bookings at Het Buitencentrum have been cancelled until at least 31 October. So there will be no Maltstock this year. And yes, this is of course very disappointing. Especially now we seem to have left the worst part of Covid behind us. But offering all those people, who had to flee from their country because of a war, a place where they can hopefully feel just a little bit relaxed is so, so much more important.

We were so looking forward to seeing you all again and enjoy a very relaxed Maltstock weekend. And we will. Next year. Dates are 08- 10 September 2023.

There’s also a slight chance we might move Maltstock to a different venue this year. But we haven’t had time yet to check and see what is possible. If anyone has a good suggestion, please do let us know.
But for now, sadly no Maltstock as we know it this year. Please put 08 – 10 September 2023 in your agenda!

We all really hope that the world will be a much more relaxed place again soon, with no more war! Our thoughts are with all those that have lost their lives, their family, their friends, their homes.

Thank you all for understanding and hope we can share a relaxed dram together soon!

Relaxed greetings

Bob, Klaas, Stan & Teun

BUFFALO TRACE NAMED THE AMERICAN

DISTILLER OF THE YEAR BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

Seven Buffalo Trace Distillery Whiskeys Receive American World Whiskies Awards 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 2, 2022) –The Icons of Whisky America by Whisky Magazine named Buffalo Trace Distillery the 2022 Distiller of the Year. This award, which the competition described as “the most coveted of the Icons awards” was bestowed at a virtual presentation held Feb. 8.

The Distillery’s Visitor Services General Manager, Matt Higgins was highly commended for the 2022 Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. The magazine also announced the 2022 American World Whiskies Awards, honoring seven of Buffalo Trace’s whiskeys, including Sazerac Rye, which was named a Category Winner.

Medals were awarded as follows:

Gold:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey

Silver:

• L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• L. Weller 12 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• L. Weller C.Y.P.B Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• L. Weller Full Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Bronze:

• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

“Our focus has always been on producing the very best whiskeys at every step of the process. Being named Distiller of the Year is a great honor, and tells us we are doing something right,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “We are making huge investments so we can continue increasing our bourbon production while maintaining our uncompromising standards for quality.”

With demand for its whiskeys maxing out operations at the National Historic Landmark distillery, Buffalo Trace is undergoing a $1.2 billion expansion to make more whiskey. This expansion includes creating a second, duplicate stillhouse which will allow Buffalo Trace to double its whiskey production. New warehouses which each hold 58,800 barrels are being constructed at a rate of one every four months on the Distillery’s adjacent farm property. The Distillery also converted an old warehouse into an additional dry house, is building its own wastewater treatment plant, and more.

Whiskies in each category of the World Whiskies Awards were subject to blind tastings in a three-round judging process to reward and promote the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe.  The winners from the World Whiskies Awards and the Icons of Whisky Awards America 2022 will now compete with counterparts from all over the world, and global winners will be announced March 24 in London. For more information about the World Whiskies Awards visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com, and for more information about the Icons of Whisky visit www.iconsofwhisky.com

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, 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 35 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.

Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky Newsletter

I am sure I am not alone in feeling as though I’ve been riding a rollercoaster of emotions over the last 4 weeks, helplessly watching the horrors inflicted on Ukraine and its people. I personally feel anger towards Putin’s vile regime and the Russian military for their unjust and barbaric invasion. I feel great sorrow for the people of Ukraine and those of Ukrainian descent, for the tragic loss of life and the deliberate and unnecessary destruction of their homes, communities, culture, and institutions. But I’ve also felt pride and hope for the people of Ukraine and their leader, who have fought harder and more valiantly in protecting their fledgling democracy than anyone could have predicted. 

We have hung a Ukrainian flag above our entrance to show solidarity with their struggle, and on the subject of Russian vodka, I’d like to point out we haven’t carried any in at least the last decade… 

There is only so much we can do to help, but we want to help. Accordingly, we have decided to donate 10% of our total sales (both in-store and online) today, Saturday, March 26, to the UNHCR Ukraine Emergency fund. 

It is our sincere hope that the war ends soon, that Ukraine and its people emerge strong and independent, and that the world helps it rebuild!

In the meantime, I’ve included the tastings currently open for registration, as well as the sale items listed in the last newsletter.

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

Upcoming Tastings

Note: we just got word that William H Macy will be a special guest at our Woody Creek tasting on April 5…

SMWS

·     Date: Thursday, April 14

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready now!

·     Only 11 spots left!

Join the KWM Whisky Team for the April 2022 SMWS Canada Outturn tasting. Follow along as Evan and Andrew taste and talk about the whiskies, possibly wandering on to tangentially related things, while Cam tries to keep them on course. 7 whiskies included 15ml samples. Wednesday, April 6, 7PM.

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: SCOTCH EDITION

·     Date: Thursday, April 14

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

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.

G&M Distillery Labels with Richard Urquhart

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA: Ready 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.

Rethinking Whisky: The Lowlands

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA: Ready Early April!

While we couldn’t convince Andrew to pop the top on a rare old Rosebank for this one, we’re still pretty confident this will be the coolest Lowlands tasting this side of the pond. And if you’re one of those folks still of the opinion that the Lowlands are all flowers and lemons and triple distillation – oh, my! – then we have just the range to shatter your preconceptions. Join Curt and Harmony for a night of ‘out there’ whiskies and an awful lot of chat, as we try to dispel some outdated myths and showcase some of the bottles that have lit us up over the last few months. Participantes will sample whiskies up to 25 and 35 years of age from Auchentoshan, Bladnoch, Daftmill, Glenkinchie, Inchdairnie, Lindores Abbey and North British. Thursday May 26, 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 8 Year – 45.8% – Young, but lovely Caol Ila at a great every day price… even better on SALE. – Was $68.99 – Save 20% – Now $55.19

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.*

Raise a glass to the women who raised us

Find something really special this Mother’s Day and support our campaign for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. We’re donating £1 from the sale of every bottle in our Mother’s Day 2022 range to this amazing charity via Work for Good. Time to celebrate the wonderful women in your life this Mother’s Day – there’s something here for every mum!

Mother’s Day 2022 →

We want to see cervical cancer prevented and reduce the impact for everyone affected by cervical cell changes (abnormal cells) and cervical cancer. We do this through providing the highest quality information and support, and campaigning for excellence in cervical cancer treatment and prevention.”

For support and to find our more about Jo’s visit www.jostrust.org.uk

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Deadline for Nonprofits to Join in the Quest to Raise Money is End of March

As part of the Distillery’s Commitment to Donate 2,022 Bottles this Year, Nonprofits Need to Register by March 31^st 

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (March 24, 2022) Buffalo Trace Distillery announced in January it would be donating 2,022 bottles of its finest whiskies in 2022 in hopes of raising record-breaking donations for nonprofits around the world. The deadline for nonprofits to register is only one week away!

Who: 501(c) (3) organizations and registered charities located around the world.

When: All entries must be received by March 31, 2022 for consideration; winning charities will be notified of their status by April 29, 2022. Bottles to selected recipients will begin shipping in May 2022 and recipients need to hold their event and report back their monies raised by Nov 30, 2022.

Where:  Interested nonprofits can register their organization here. Buffalo Trace is looking for a diverse group of charities to donate to, comprised of various audiences, locations, and impact in the community.

Why: Buffalo Trace Distillery has a history of conducting similar fundraisers, but nothing of this magnitude.  In 2019 it gave away nearly 400 bottles from its 6 Millionth Barrel, a milestone barrel commemorating the 6 millionth barrel produced since Prohibition. Those bottles raised over one million dollars for various charitable organizations.    Similar offerings ran in 2016, with over a million dollars raised, and also in 2011.  Its hope is to raise more than $2 million dollars globally with this initiative.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, 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 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020.  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

We, too, all feel deeply concerned about Ukraine. We appreciate the situation will be causing us all anxiety, concern or sadness.

And so, join us for a special tasting near you to raise money for those
impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. The evenings will include a 4-dram tasting led by one of our Venue Ambassadors.

100% of the ticket price will be donated to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

VARIOUS DATES AVAILABLE – SEE EVENTS PAGE FOR MORE

VIEW ALL EVENTS

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

t: +44 131 555 2929