Events

Tickets on sale now for Whisky Show 2022! – Whisky Show News

30 Sept – 2 Oct 2022
Old Billingsgate, London

Early Bird tickets on sale now

We are delighted to announce that we are coming back for our 14th year! For three days we will return to Old Billingsgate on the banks of the Thames to make Whisky Show 2022 the biggest and best show yet.

BOOK NOW

We cannot wait to bring you the biggest selection of whiskies, masterclasses, demonstrations and more! Journey through more than 650 whiskies from around the globe as well as our guest spirits at the Flavour Zone. Meet the makers, speak to industry experts and experience the wide world of whisky like never before.

As a subscriber, you are the first to know that 2022 tickets are on sale NOW. Don’t delay and grab yourself a fantastic deal with our early bird prices!

LEARN MORE

Tickets on sale now
Friday 30 September 2022: 4pm – 9pm
Saturday 1 October 2022: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Sunday 2 October 2022: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Weekend tickets available

Venue
1 Old Billingsgate
London
EC3R 6DX

Malt Messenger No. 133 by Andrew Ferguson – New Whiskies, New KWM Casks & New Tastings… & Happy New Year! – Whisky News

Kensington Wine Market’s E-Whisky Newsletter

Happy New Year!!!

Last year, on one hand, felt like one of the longest years of our lives. On the other, it is also hard to believe it is already over.

We have a lot to be thankful for here at Kensington Wine Market. Through the last 21 months, we’ve kept our team healthy, and we’ve avoided an outbreak-induced closure. Business and work have been challenging but it has remained steady, and we know how fortunate we are for that!

We are very grateful for the continued support of our friends, customers, suppliers, and neighbours. Thank you for your kindness to my team, and your patience as we continue to navigate the ups and downs of the Covid era. It is safe to say we have at least a few more months to go…

Over the last year, we have continued to support community organizations and other worthy causes such as the Calgary Foodbank, The Brenda Strafford Center, The MS Society of Canada, and the Veterans Foodbank of Calgary to name just a few. In all things, we can rightly be proud of the fact that we may be small, but we are also mighty!

There is also much to look forward to in 2022, as it will be our 30th birthday in May. We have some new exclusives in the works to mark the anniversary, and if the climate permits, we may even be able to celebrate in person with you!

Wishing you all health, happiness, and prosperity in 2022, Happy New Year!

And now, out with the old and in with the new, because we have some cool new stuff… like two new KWM exclusive casks! Our friends at Hunter Laing offered us a pair of casks we couldn’t turn down in the Spring of 2021, and they have finally arrived. We have a very malty and creamy Old Malt Cask Benrinnes 11 Year, and meaty and fruit-driven Mortlach from First Editions which is also 11 years old.

We also have interesting new whiskies from Two Brewers, Milk & Honey, Kavalan, Whisky Fassle and The Whisky Agency. The Bladnoch 25 Year is back and we also have some new rums from The Whisky Agency.

Lastly, we have just put 9 new tastings up online, one in February, and 8 in March. With the exception of one or two events, where we are still finalizing details, the schedule through the end of March is now all up. The tastings take a lot of time to prepare, each of them takes one of our employees a full day to complete, but we are working hard to get them finished and ready for pick up as quickly as possible.

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions, comments, or requests (but online ordering works too, in fact, it might be faster…).

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition…

1. Introducing: the Old Malt Cask Benrinnes 11 Year KWM Cask

2. Introducing: the First Edition Mortlach 2009 KWM Cask

3. Introducing: Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 29

4. Introducing: The Milk & Honey Apex Range

5. New Whiskies from Whisky Fassle

6. New Whiskies from The Whisky Agency

7. New Rums from The Whisky Agency

8. Introducing: Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask

9. The Bladnoch 25 Year Talia is Back!

10.  Up-Coming Tastings: We Have Added Some New March Events!

Introducing: the Old Malt Cask

Benrinnes 11 Year KWM Cask

This new KWM exclusive cask, our first ever from Benrinnes Distillery, is arriving in-store on Thursday. Only 199 total bottles, from an ex-Bourbon Barrel filled in 2010, and bottled after 11 years at a natural cask strength of 56%! This is great value and a wonderful example of a young Benrinnes.

Old Malt Cask Benrinnes 11 Year KWM Cask – 56.1% – 2010 – ex-Bourbon Barrel – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, decadent, creamy, and floral; spiced crab apple jelly, quince paste, and marzipan; dusty malt, a touch of musty oak and woody spices; rooibos tea dregs and fennel seeds. Palate: still creamy, decadent, and floral with a soft approach and a firm malty base; shelled peanuts, fennel seeds, and more woody spices: licorice root, dried ginger, and cedar saunas; on the fruit side of things, baked apple, orange Starbursts, and zesty lime; creamy vanilla throughout. Finish: medium long, warm, and coating with more juicy malt, gentle spice, creamy vanilla, and a tinge of citrus. Comment: you don’t see a lot of cask strength single casks, even young ones, at this price point anymore, and that was half of the attraction; the other half was the whisky itself… this is a beautiful example of a young Benrinnes without a trace of any rough edges!” – $118

Introducing: the First Edition

Mortlach 2009 KWM Cask

Full disclosure, we are not generally thrilled with wine cask whiskies, but after sampling this Mortlach, we knew we had to have it… Distilled in 2009, this 11 year old whisky was finished in a California cabernet wine cask before bottling at 52.1%. There is a trace of wine cask on the meaty nose, but the rich elegant palate could be easily mistaken for a sherry cask.

First Editiion Mortlach 2009 KWM Cask – 52.1% – 11 Year – California Cabernet Finish – My Tasting Note: “Nose: teriyaki beef jerky and bbq pork ribs with a side of brisket… this is so beefy; firm leather and earthy tobacco; as that element pulls back Jujubes, Strawberry Twizzlers, cooked raisins, and red berry fruits emerge; chocolate and a faint touch of gunpowder… but this is a Mortlach after all! Palate: not what I was expecting, there is still a twinge of meatiness but the fruits are firmly in charge; strawberries dipped in chocolate, pureed raspberries, and dark fruits too: more cooked raisins, grilled dates, and Fig Newtons (before they ruined them by removing the trans fats); dark chocolate-coated marshmallows, Russian caramel, soft leather, and cigar tobacco; the Strawberry Twizzlers are still there, as are the Jujubes; subtle spices, a trace of gunpowder and more beef brisket. Finish: medium in length, it is warming, coating, and smooth with fading dark fruits, caramel, chocolate, and a pleasant meatiness. Comment: the nose suggest wine cask, but the palate could easily be mistaken for that of a sherry cask matured whisky; this is rich, complex, and elegant; this whisky will please both Mortlach fans and anyone who likes sherry forward malts; and if you are one of those Anoraks who think wine cask whiskies are always rubbish, this will change your mind!” – $120

Introducing: Two Brewers

Yukon Single Malt Release 29


This 12 year old Two Brewers Single Malt, release #29, is the oldest Two Brewers bottling ever released. Only 255 bottles were released, and there are not many coming to Alberta. The whisky was distilled from the distillery’s 3rd ever mash in December of 2009, and bottled in December of 2021.

We are only getting 6 bottles, and accordingly, and to be fair, we will draw names for a chance to purchase a bottle. Simply email me if you are interested, by replying to this email.

Producer Description

Now 12 years from when malt was mashed, with assorted barrels in its maturating path, this burnished dram is drawn from its final cask direct to your glass.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 29 – – Producer Tasting Note: “Complexity developed from cask & malt is apparent on the nose; vibrant, ginger, earthy hay and dill. A sweet heart quickly follows the crisp cask strength entry, dark toffee, mango and papaya, broadening to oaky cinnamon edges. Sugar and spice dust the intricate drying linger.” – $185 – Limit 1 Per Customer – Email me if you are interested, and we will draw names!<

Introducing: The Milk & Honey Apex Range

Israel’s Milk & Honey Distillery caught our attention with their solid core range. The curiosities from their Apex range take things to an altogether different level! We have a Peated STR release, as well as two firsts: one matured in Pomegranate Wine Casks, and another matured next to the Dead Sea, the lowest and one of the hottest places on earth!

Milk & Honey Apex Pomegranate Wine Cask – 60.3% – Producer Description: “This small batch, single malt whisky was aged in ex-Bourbon casks and finished in fortified style pomegranate wine casks for a period of six months. The unique pomegranate fruit offers this whisky Its exceptional flavors. Non chilled filter. Natural color.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Ripe pomegranate, followed by a swirl of rich vanilla, roasted coffee and butterscotch. Strong earthiness, accompanied by notes of orris root, spearmint and freshly baked sour apple. Palate: Juicy, with crushed pomegranate grains, dried figs and a bouquet of spicy-sour herbs. Finish: Long and dry, with a hint of toasted oak, followed by sourdough pretzels with a side of red fruits.” – $165

Milk & Honey Apex Peated STR Cask – 58.9% – Producer Description: “This single malt whisky was crafted in ex-red wine casks that have been Shaved, Toasted and Re-charred and filled with our peated new make spirit. The STR technique was developed by the late Dr. Jim Swan, who was our consultant and friend. This process enables the casks to release rich flavors and red fruit notes. Non chilled filter. Natural color.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Sea breeze, gentle saltiness, stroke of varnish, gingerbread rich in cloves and allspice, hints of freshly cut hay. Palate: French vanilla cream, crushed white peppercorns, sweet mint, toasted dry leaves. Finish: Cinnamon, roasted chestnuts, buttery popcorn.” – $165

Milk & Honey Apex Dead Sea Matured – 56.2% – Producer Description: “This single malt is the first ever whisky aged in the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea. With temperatures climbing as high as 50°C, this whisky is as strong and intense as the conditions under which it was matured in. Non chilled filter. Natural color.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Sweet with French vanilla and mocha, notes of cigar box and a refreshing hint of spearmint, pleasant oakiness in the background. Palate: A gentle beginning with black tea leaves followed by a powerful wave of warm spices such as cinnamon and coriander seeds, dark cocoa powder and a pinch of crushed white pepper. Finish: Long and satisfying with candied ginger and cloves, joined by a bouquet of toasted herbs and coarse sea salt.” – $165

New Whiskies from Whisky Fassle

Get those bills out, because Jens from Whisky-Fässle has got some interesting ducks in a row this time around. Has he finally quacked? No – he is still selecting great whisky to bottle! For starters, one of the oldest Aberlours we’ve ever seen, and we love twenty and thirty-something malts from Glen Keith and Tormore. A number of curiosities here!

1. Whisky Fassle Aberlour 1990 – We rarely see independent bottlings of Aberlour, cheers to our friend Jens at Whisky Fässle for scoring a 30 year old Barrel. Bottled at 44.8% with ducks on the label… no surprise there! – $705 – 90.62pts Whisky Base

2. Whisky Fassle Glen Keith 1992 – Distilled in 1992 at the Glen Keith Distillery, this 28 year old single malt was selected by and bottled at 44.5% – $560 – 89.16pts Whisky Base

3. Whisky Fassle Tormore 1988 – Selected by our friend Jens at Whisky Fässle, this 32-year-old Tormore was bottled at 44.1% after maturing in a Hogshead cask. – $575 – 87.75pts Whisky Base

New Whiskies from The Whisky Agency

Despite having no ducks on the label there are also some cool new offerings from the Whisky Agency, including a new mystery Blended Malt, a Ledaig, a well-priced old grain, and a trio of whiskies we love seeing in their 20s and 30s: Glentauchers, Teaninich and Tormore. We don’t have a lot of info on these whiskies, but more than a few will end up in tastings, and they rarely if ever disappoint!

1. The Whisky Agency Blended Malt 2001 H&T – 46.1% – 19 Year – Sherry Butt – $192

2. The Whisky Agency Cameronbridge 1974 – 40.1% – 46 Year – Hogshead – $530

3. The Whisky Agency Glentauchers 1989 3 Rivers – 44.1% – 31 Year – Hogshead – $825

4. The Whisky Agency Ledaig 1995 H&T – 45.9% – 25 Year Hogshead – $430

5. The Whisky Agency Secret Islay 3 Rivers – 52.1% – 7 Year – PX Sherry Hogshead – $162

6. The Whisky Agency Teaninich 1999 H&T – 47.1% – 20 Year – Sherry Butt – $275

7. The Whisky Agency Tormore 1995 3 Rivers – 47.7% – 25 Year – Hogshead – $425

Introducing: Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask

This is not a surprising release to see from Kavalan. We know they have great sherry matured whiskies, though I am little surprised they chose to bottle it at 40%. Chasing the Dalmore crowd, I suppose… 😉 Regardless, I am sure it will be excellent, Kavalan whiskies rarely disappoint!

Producer Description

“This is the first time we’ve combined our whisky in three different sherry casks. It’s all about multiplying and enriching the sherry flavours to make a distinct whisky that has dried fruits, rich caramel, sweet maltose and tropical fruits as its profile. During this process, the flavours collide through a myriad combination of the three sherry cask whiskies, creating up to 9 distinct sherry dimensions. With its main character the dried fruits of the Oloroso cask, Triple Sherry is embellished with the sweetness of PX and Moscatel casks.”

Kavalan Triple Sherry Cask Single Malt – 40% – Matured in Oloroso, PX & Moscatel Sherry Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Ripe, mature berries and dried fruits fill the nose, with fresh scents of grapes and citrus interlaced with chocolate brownie and toffee sweetness. Hints of cinnamon, clover and spiciness, blending into pleasant oakiness and fragrant rosemary. Palate: Lingering flavours of sherry dried fruits. Warm and smooth with a mellow texture. A lively dance of candied fruit, caramel, and honey sweetness.” – $140<

The Bladnoch 25 Year Tailia is Back!

We’ve been out of this for a while, but another store seems to have bit off a bit more than they could chew, so we are happy to get it back… but not a lot!

Bladnoch 25 Year Talia – 43.2% – Finished in Virgin French Oak – My Tasting Note: “Nose: raspberry coulee, and fruit compote; sour cherries and Earl Grey creme brulee; soft leather, creme caramel and dulce de leche; very decadent; frozen yogurt and doughy fruit flan. Palate: round, rich and coating; silky, floral and decadent vanilla; more creme brulee, dulce de leche, frozen yogurt and creme caramel; toasted almonds and creamed heather honey; warm pie crust right from the oven with a raspberry filling; delicate tropical fruits slowly start to emerge from behind dark milk chocolate, leather and building spices; waxy Strawberry Twizzlers. Finish: layered, coating and rich; still decadent, creamy and fruity with warming spices and soft tropical fruits. Comment: it took me a while to figure out what is going on here, I could quite pin down the Strawberry Twizzlers note, but it finally hit me; this was finished in virgin oak, and the effect is velvety, creamy and floral; packed with bright berry fruits and decadence; curious to have finished this in virgin oak, but I think it worked; I should probably pour another measure to be sure… quality control!” – $565<

We started rolling out our Winter tastings in December, and many of them have already sold out, others have but a dozen spots left. We added space to the FOMO and Bruichladdich tastings, and the former is now completely sold out. This morning we took most of our March tastings, 8 new events, live online too. We are working hard to get these set up and poured as quickly as possible.

For all tastings, we will notify you when they are ready for pickup. Each tasting takes one of our employees a full day to pour, label and box up.

Evan’s Untitled Bourbon Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, January 11

·     Time: 8PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

·     Only 8 spots left!

This space was intentionally left blank. Will it be a blind tasting? Will it focus on craft Bourbon, the big distillers, or both? Evan isn’t saying, and we think that is because he is not sure himself yet! Regardless, Bourbon will be the name of the game and there will be 8 samples to be explored.

Haggis Not Included: A Virtual Burns Night Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, January 25

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

It won’t be in person, and there won’t be haggis (unless you procure some of your own) but there will be whisky. Curt & Harmony will be toasting Scotland’s favourite son with a range of whiskies either inspired by The Bard, his life and works, or which we feel he’d approve. 7 drams will be enjoyed in memory of Robert Burns, and it might just include a toast or two! Tuesday January 25, 7PM

An Introduction to Scotch Whisky

·     Date: Thursday, February 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

This is an introductory tasting, but far from an entry-level range of whiskies. Curt & Harmony will induct you into the mysterious cult of Scotch Whisky. You’ll learn about the different styles while sampling Single Grain, Single Malt, and Blended Scotch Whiskies. You’ll learn about cask types, peat, the importance of abv, and much more. This tasting is appropriate for beginners, those wanting a refresher, and anyone wanting to sample a cool range at a great price. Tuesday February 1, 7PM.

The Rye-naissance – Exploring the Rye Whisk(e)y Boom

·     Date: Tuesday, February 8

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

Bourbon is the name of the game in the United States. Canadian Whisky has been getting renewed attention. What has been not-so-quietly winning over whisk(e)y lovers both North and South of the border is Rye. Join Evan for an exploration of Rye whisky from both countries – and possibly from the other side of the pond as well! Tuesday February 8, 8 PM

Into the Boutique-y Whiskyverse with ‘Boutique-y’ Dave Worthington

·     Date: Thursday, February 12

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

Our friend Dave Worthington from That Boutique-y Whisky Company will be joining us again for an irreverent tasting of Boutique-y Whiskies. We have a cool lineup planned, including whiskies from Finland, New Zealand, Texas, and a few stalwart Scottish distilleries like Blair Athol, Glenrothes, and Glen Scotia. We will also be featuring our new exclusive single cask of 20-year-old Clynelish… 5PM, Saturday, February 12.

That Laddie Tasting

·     Date: Thursday, February 17

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $60

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-January)

·     This tasting sold out, BUT WE HAVE ADDED MORE SPACES!

With the latest annual releases of Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore having recently arrived, it is high time for another Laddie tasting. We will sample the Black Art 9.1, Port Charlotte PAC:01, and Octomores 12.1, 12.2 & 12.3, as well as a couple of other releases just to round things out. 7PM, Thursday February 17.

Wine vs. Whisky: Lovers Quarrel

·     Date: Friday, February 18

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $55

·     Pick-Up Date: The Day of the Tasting, February 18.

Who emerged victorious in Round One of Wine vs. Whisky? Although it was close call, it’s Abi that took the win back in October of 2021. Like the sore loser he is – Evan called shenanigans and took it personally. Join us for Round Two on February 18 where Evan will have to step up his game if he wants to take the crown from Abi. It is National Drink Wine Day on February 18th. Did Evan plan that with the hopes of unfairly persuading the judges? Join us and watch the sparks fly from the comfort of your own home.

• Tasting kits will be ready for pick up, day of- on February 18, 2022

• This tasting cannot be delivered.

What’s included:

3 x 50ml samples of wine

3 x 15ml samples of whisky

A few snacks for pairing fun!

Classic Kilchoman Whiskies with Anthony Wills

·     Date: Saturday, February 19

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-late January)

We’ve had a love affair with Kilchoman, ever since the launch of their first whisky, a 3 year old in 2009. Over the last 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of bottling 13 exclusive casks. We will sample 4 of them including the new 2013 Mezcal Cask, the 12 Year KWM, and the 14 Year bottled for the MS Society. We will also be featuring a very limited bottling of Kilchoman, which is not available for sale… so you won’t want to miss this very peaty affair! Saturday, February 19, 5 PM.

!NEW! Anohka Distillery with Dave Scott

·     Date: Tuesday February 22

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

·     Only 13 spots left!

Big things are happening at Anohka Distillery, which resides just outside of Edmonton. Their Gin is available now and they have plans for whisky in the future as well. Join us for a special tasting hosted by Dave Scott, who is the distillery manager at Anohka – you might also recognize him from years being the go-to whisky person at Keg n’ Cork as well as being one of the Canadian Brand Ambassadors for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. What happens when a true whisky geek gets his hands on a distillery? What are Dave and Anokha up to? Join us to find out! Tuesday, February 22, 8 PM.

Lost in Translation: 100% Japanese Whisky Edition

·     Date: Thursday, February 24

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-late January)

·     Only 12 spots left!

The regulations for Japanese whisky have changed, and for the first time we can now more easily distinguish between true 100% made in Japan, and what we like to call Japanese-ish whiskies. We will sample two releases each from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, as well two different versions of the Taketsuru Pure Malt, one bottled before and the other after the rule change. Plus, one other 100% Japanese whisky just to round things out. Thursday, February 24, 7 PM.

!NEW! KWM Casks – The Latest & Greatest

·     Date: Tuesday, March 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (late January)

We have some really exciting single casks right now, including a 20 year old Clynelish with a cheeky label, which dare not speak its name; a pair of Mortlachs 11 and 22 years of age; a lovely 17 year old Highland Park; a very tropical 25 year old Tormore; a funky Mezcal finished Kilchoman; and a lovely new Benrinnes, our first-ever bottling from the distillery. We’ll romance you on some of the best whiskies in-store right now, while you taste along with us! Tuesday, March 1, 7 PM.

!NEW! Release the Beast… Peat’s Beast!

·     Date: Friday, March 4

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

An Islay single malt by any other name would smell as peaty… and are usually better value! True, the Peat’s Beast range is not exclusively Islay single malts, we have come to believe that the NAS range are actually Ledaig, from the Tobermory Distillery… even if the bottler won’t confirm our suspicions. But the 27, 30, and 34 are thoroughbred 100% Islay single malts, and IMHO (Andrew’s) likely Laphroaig, Caol Ila and Bowmore. I’m very confident about that last one. We’ll sample the 6 whiskies in the Peat’s Beast range, and a surprise 7th malt, as we release the beast! Friday, March 4, 7 PM.

!NEW! Women in Whisk(e)y

·     Date: Tuesday March 8

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

Behind many of our favourite whiskies, there is a woman, or many… This is not a new trend, many women have made their mark on whisky. From Helen Cumming, the woman responsible for the rise of Cardhu, and the legendary Bessie Williamson of Laphroaig, to the BenRiach Distillery Co.’s Rachel Barrie, and Caitlin Quinn of Turner Valley’s Eau Claire Distillery, women have helped shape the whisky industry. We’re highlighting Women in Whisk(e)y to mark International Women’s Day, and hosts Harmony and Chelsey have a lot to choose from. A portion of the sales from this tasting will be donated to Calgary’s Brenda Strafford Centre. Tuesday, March 8, 7PM.

!NEW! Evan’s Contractually Obligated Bourbon Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, March 15th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

What is the best way to get ready for St Patrick’s Day? To drink Bourbon, of course! Evan hasn’t put together a lineup for a Bourbon tasting since January, and he is itching to get back in the saddle again. What new bottles and old friends will make the cut for this Blind Bourbon tasting? Only time will tell because Evan hasn’t even decided yet! Tuesday, March 15, 7 PM.

!NEW! Shamrocks & Shenanigans: St. Paddy’s Day 2022

·     Date: Thursday March 17

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

The approach of St. Paddy’s Day means everyone’s feeling a little more Irish, and it is high time for a focused Irish Whiskey tasting. We’ll take you on a wander across the Emerald Isle, tasting our way through some of the finest whiskey the island has to offer. We’ll sample single malts and single pot still whiskies aged up to 21 years from Bushmills, Redbreast, Teeling, Tullamore D.E.W., Tyrconnell, Waterford and more. Thursday, March 17, 7 PM.

!NEW! Wild Life

·     Date: Tuesday March 22

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $ 0

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

The great folks at Wild Life Distillery are well known in Alberta for their sense of adventure, producing authentic rocky mountain spirits and GIN! Join Harmony Pollick from Kensington Wine Market and Wild Life Distillery for a night of Gin sipping and discovery. From Classic Juniper, coriander, and citrus to the world of barrel-aged gin and fruit gins. Co-founder Keith Robinson will walk through the spirit production process and educate on general gin production. Oh, and you like cocktails? Great, we’ll make one of those too! Tuesday, March 22, 7 PM.

!NEW! More Rare & Old Whiskies Andrew Wants to Taste

·     Date: Thursday March 24

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $165

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

The concept here is pretty simple, even if the price tag appears eye-watering… there are a lot of rare and old things Andrew wants to try, and if he’s interested in them, there’s a good chance you might be interested too! For this round, we have selected a range of 8 single malts aged 25 to 31 years of age, 231 years of whisky, all of them very limited, and getting great reviews. When was the last time you had 30 year old Aberlour, 27 year old Clynelish or 25 year old Ledaig? Our selection also includes old bottlings of Glentauchers, Bunnahabhahain, Blair Athol, Craigellachie and Tormore. It is a fine range, and one Andrew’s dying to taste… we don’t think he’s alone! (Note the bottles pictured are not the ones we are tasting!) Thursday, March 24, 7 PM.

!NEW! Great Maltspectations: Under and Over Achievers

·     Date: Tuesday March 29

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $80

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

Do you ever look up at a wall of whisky and wonder if the $400 or $500 bottles are actually that much better than the $150 to $200 ones? Whisky lovers and aficionados are constantly debating the point. Stand around our whisky wall and you’ll hear people ask how good that new release is, while others lament that their old favourites just aren’t as good as they used to be. Are there bottles that deserve more attention than they get? Is there a connection between price and quality? So many questions and considerations, but the reality is this, there are plenty of over and underachieving whiskies out there, and in this tasting, YOU get to decide which bottles meet, exceed or fail to meet our great expectations. There is just one catch, the tasting will be blind!  Tuesday, March 29, 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. 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.*

Malt Messenger No. 133 by Andrew Ferguson coming tomorrow! – Whisky News

A new ever popular Malt Messenger Bulletin will be published tomorrow!

Have you visited our distillery yet? – Cotswolds Distillery News

Our award-winning Tour & Tastings are a memorable experience for both gin lovers and whisky connoisseurs, which is why we’re giving you the chance to enjoy two tour tickets for the price of one throughout January and February.* Come and join us at our distillery here in the Cotswolds where you can discover how we lovingly craft our spirits up close and sample our full range in our cosy tasting room.

BOOK HERE*

Terms and Conditions: two for one offer is only valid on Monday – Thursday tours which take place between Tuesday 4th January and Thursday 24th February. Discount code TOURS20 must be applied during the booking process in order to receive this offer.

Cotswolds Distillery
Phillip’s Field, Whichford Road
Stourton
Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36 5EX
United Kingdom

Kentucky Bourbon Benefit Raises Over $3 Million, Tripling Goal for Western Kentucky Tornado Relief

Kentucky Bourbon Benefit Raises Over $3 Million, 

Tripling Goal for Western Kentucky Tornado Relief

Auction Proceeds Donated to Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Bourbon Benefit auction of rare bottles, private barrel selections and more raised over $3 million to help ease suffering and restore hope for residents of Western Kentucky whose communities were ravaged by a tornado outbreak earlier this month.

The Kentucky Distillers’ Association partnered with the Bourbon Crusaders charitable organization and Bourbon curator Fred Minnick on the six-day auction. The fundraiser culminated with a live-streamed finale Tuesday night which alone raised $1.77 million.

The total – which is expected to climb – was $3,429,203 as of mid-day Wednesday.

The www.kybourbonbenefit.com auction site is still accepting donations and businesses continue to match funds. Proceeds from the benefit are going to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. The state-operated fund assesses no fees on donations.

Angel’s Envy, Beam Suntory, Brown-Forman, Diageo, Four Roses, Heaven Hill, Michter’s, Rabbit Hole and Wild Turkey also donated in excess of $1 million directly to the state’s fund, and Beam Suntory gave an additional $500,000 to the American Red Cross.

Those donations bring the distilling industry’s total impact to nearly $5 million.

“The outpouring of support, care and love for Western Kentuckians is truly unparalleled in the history of Bourbon. We are forever grateful for the generosity of distillers, donors and bidders,” KDA President Eric Gregory said.

“Through this event, thousands of participants are helping lift spirits across Western Kentucky, provide new hope and create momentum for the years of rebuilding and healing ahead,” Gregory said. “This is the spirit of Kentucky shining through.”

Minnick, a best-selling author and Bourbon expert, said the auction’s success demonstrates the fabric of Kentuckians and Americans. “In life, you get a handful of moments you hope to relive in your final moments. Tuesday night was one for me,” he said.

“The only comparison I have for what happened here was going to Iraq as a soldier and experiencing the full depth of the American military coming together under one mission. My team worked with two highly professional organizations in the Bourbon Crusaders and the KDA.

“While different than my Army days, I believe the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit represented the best of America. At the core of who we are, we are a people who want to help our neighbor. And in Kentucky, our neighbors needed our help,” Minnick said.

“The response was tremendous, far beyond our wildest hopes,” said R.J. Sargent, founder of the Bourbon Crusaders. “Our members pulled out treasures from their collections and the community responded enthusiastically.

“You can see it in the auction results. These rarities attracted lots of bids, and every dollar raised is going to be used to help Kentucky.”

A total of 5,158 bidders vied for the benefit auction’s 429 lots. Bidders came from all 50 states, Washington D.C. and as far away as Puerto Rico and Guam. Kentucky, by far, led the way with nearly 1,000 registered bidders, followed by Ohio (400), Florida (250) and Texas (240).

Highlights included:

A 19-year-old barrel of Willett sold for $401,001 – which Minnick said was the highest ever paid for a full barrel of Bourbon. The Bardstown distillery then donated another barrel which was matched by the second-place bidder for a total of $802,002 raised.

A private barrel selection at Four Roses Distillery, aged 17 to 24 years, sold for $278,000. The Lawrenceburg distillery also matched the barrel to its second-place bidder, totaling $556,000. With other rare donated bottles, Four Rose’s final tally was $569,920.

Willett also had the third best-selling item: an 8-year-old barrel that sold for $143,000. Again, the distillery donated a matching barrel to the losing bidder, raising a total of $286,000 for that lot – and nearly $1.1 total from Willett’s donations alone.

A barrel experience of cask-strength Angel’s Envy went for $130,000. An Elijah Craig barrel-strength barrel sold for $77,000. Wild Turkey and New Riff private barrels sold for $45,000 and $43,000 respectively.

Nevada-based Distillery Smoke Wagon’s lot of 60 bottles of Rare and Limited Special Batch Small Batch Bourbon sold for $45,000. Smoke Wagon donated another set of 60 bottles and the runner-up matched at $45,000. Smoke Wagon also had two separate donations that went for $26,000 and $6,650, bringing the company’s tally to $122,650.

An exclusive tour and tasting experience at Castle & Key in Woodford County – combined with a private suite at Keeneland for the distillery’s annual Bourbon Stakes in 2022 – sold for $44,000.

A hand-engraved decanter of 23-year Old Rip Van Winkle, one of only 1,200 released in 2009 and donated by Preston Van Winkle, went for $44,000.

Private barrel experiences at Maker’s Mark, Old Forester, Boone County, Woodford Reserve and Jefferson’s Ocean, which donated a 300-bottle lot, all sold between $30,000 and $35,000 each.

The “Mayfield Collection” of 14 bottles recovered intact from Carr’s Steakhouse in downtown Mayfield, Ky., which was destroyed in the EF 4 tornado, sold for $69,475. Nearly all of the bottle’s brands are matching the sales prices with half of the money going to Carr’s for its 29 employees – with a combined 22 children – many of whom are now homeless.

The total amount raised from the Kentucky Bourbon Benefit will continue to climb throughout the coming days as final results are tallied, including matches from Vendome Copper & Brass, Independent Stave Company and the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA).

Auctioneer Bill Menish, founder of Menish Productions in Louisville, Ky., donated his services for the live auction and waived all of his fees. Westport Whiskey and Wine, the benefit’s official retail partner, is assisting with fulfillment.

For a list of the auctioned lots and their sales prices, visit www.KentuckyBourbonBenefit.com.

To watch the live auction call, visit Fred Minnick’s YouTube Channel.

Scotch Malt Whisky Society Boxing Day Sizzling Sale – Scotch Whisky News

BOXING DAY SIZZLING SALE

Merry Christmas! We hope you have a wonderful holiday. Not one to let the fun stop, we’re keeping the festivities going with our sizzling Boxing Day Sale.

Available online now until 10pm, Friday 31 December – now is the time to go BOLD for the New Year, explore new flavours and taste experiences that you may never have tried before. Enjoy a spectacular 20% saving on our selected bottles PLUS we’ve created our Seasonal Mystery Malt Parcels that are sure to surprise and delight the senses.

SPECTACULAR 20% SAVING on our seasonal selected bottlings:
Use Coupon Code: SIZZLINGSALE20
Excludes Mystery Malt Parcels

Simply visit our Boxing Day sale selection online, add your bottles to your basket and apply our coupon code above to enjoy your discount.

GO BOLD

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

SMWS LOGO 2017 NEW

Malt Messenger Bulletin December 22, 2021 by Andrew Ferguson – More Tastings & a Few New Products! – Whisky News

The end is in sight… at least that is the perspective from those of us in retail. There are just two shopping days until Christmas – or as our KWM staff call it: “two well-earned days off”.

We love the bustle of the season and helping people pick the perfect gift, but we are definitely counting down the hours, less than 48 at the time of writing. But new products continue to arrive and we’ve managed to get another seven virtual tastings up on the website.

I’ll keep the intro short, as time is fleeting, and leave the rest for you to browse at your leisure, now, in the weeks ahead, or maybe never… Regardless, this is the last time you’ll hear from me in 2021, and from everyone here at KWM, we hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

As always, in the event of a discrepancy in price, the point of sale at KWM will be taken as correct. Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions, comments, or requests (but online ordering works too, in fact, it might be faster…).

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

In This Edition…

1. New Whiskies from Hunter Laing

2. Introducing: SMWS Hospital Juice (no this does not cure Covid!)

3. New Whiskies From Paul John

4. New from Amrut… Sort Of!

5. Even More New Tastings: Our January 2022 Tasting Schedule is Online

6. The 2021 Malt Messenger Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide – In Case You Missed It!

New Whiskies from Hunter Laing

We have 7 new whiskies from Hunter Laing, including a pair each from First Editions and Old Malt Cask.

1. First Edition Glenrothes 1997 – 48.8% – 23 Year – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “A light golden coloured whisky with a sweet, mellow nose of vanilla custard, apples, pears, and a hint of mint. It is rich and smooth on the palate with a subtle fruitiness alongside sweet vanilla and caramel, leaving a long, satisfying finish with a hint of soft fruits.” – $450

2. First Edition Jura 2007 – 50.1% – 14 Year – Sherry Butt – Producer Tasting Note: “A mellow, rounded, and sweet nose of crème brûlée, vanilla custard, and iced gingerbread. It is smooth, creamy, and sweet on the palate with butter fudge and vanilla shortcake, leaving a long, lingering, slightly dry and sweet finish.” – $150

Old Malt Cask

1. Old Malt Cask Inchmurrin 24 Year – 50% – Refill Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Fruit salad, liquorice, and penny chews. Palate: Strawberries, apples, and caramel chocolate. Finish: Long, with lingering pepper and spice.” – $300

2. Old Malt Cask Talisker 12 Year – 50% – exBourbou Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: vanilla, butter tablet, and chocolate. Palate: creamy with fudge and fresh pineapple. Finish: long and lingering with a hint of fruit.” – $250 – 88pts+ Whisky Base

Authors Series<

We also have a trio of Authors Series releases, a couple of which we’re going to tuck into a tasting! These look very cool, and the reviews are good, but frustratingly, there are no producer-tasting notes…

1. Authors Series Blair Athol 1989 – 45.6% – 31 Year – Sherry Hogshead – $810 – 89pts Whisky Base

2. Authors Series Clynelish 1993 – 53.8% – 27 Year – Bourbon Barrel – $800 – 90.4pts Whisky Base – 1 Per Customer!

3. Authors Series Cragganmore 1995 – 57.2% – 25 Year – Sherry Butt – $700 – 88.75pts Whisky Base

Introducing: SMWS 53.269: Hospital Juice…

We were fortunate to get a better than usual allocation of this Islay single malt because a certain adjacent jurisdiction felt the name was inappropriate or untimely. Once more, who are we to look a gift horse in the mouth?

You do have to be a member to purchase Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottlings, but if you were considering joining the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the World’s largest whisky club, this bottle would qualify you for your first year’s membership with purchase.

SMWS 53.269: Hospital juice – 60.5% – 10 Year – Refill ex-Bourbon Hogshead – SMWS Tasting Panel’s tasting note: “A crustacean-encrusted blade of raw salt and peat cuts a swathe from the top of the glass. At its edges coagulates notes of antiseptic, sheep wool, fresh oysters stunned with lemon juice, and some limey and gravelly minerality. Water dislodges notes of blue peat smoke, smoked mussels, burnt herbs, bacon sizzling in goose fat, and smoked German beer. The mouth is pure peat oils. Coal tar soap, burlap, squid ink, and mercurochrome all dominate with support from crushed aspirin, TCP, beach pebbles, and BBQ char. Water brings an oiliness and magnifies the viscosity. Notes of peated mead, motor oil, smoked bread, and natural tar essence all emerge. A burning rosemary bush and some salted pecans in the finish.” – $195+gst

New Whiskies From Paul John

There hasn’t been much available from Paul John in recent years, but a new importer could be set to change this. Here are three never-before-seen-in-Alberta Paul John releases:

1. Paul John Christmas Edition – 46% – Finished in Bourbon, Port & Madeira Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Caramel, orange marmalade, berries, malty, coconut and dry raisins. Taste: Creamy, spicy, light smoke, butterscotch, and barley. Finish: Rather long and warming notes with Cocoa, light peat, and spices. Balances: An exotic and multi-faceted peated malt with deep, creamy flavours and a rich finish.” – $90

2. Paul John Oloroso Sherry Indian Single Malt – 48% – Finished in Oloroso Sherry Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Peach, apricot and light notes of molassess and blood orange. Taste: Soft and sweet, with nutty chocolate and Melton Hunt cake. Finish: Long, intense, and sweet with delicious heavy spices imbibed from the Oloroso casks, a dash of coffee mocha, and sumptuous dark chocolate. Balance: An intense and a complex single malt with a sensational explosion of incredible flavours.” – $128

3. Paul John PX Sherry Indian Single Malt – 48% – Finished in PX Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Fig and apricot with a rare hint of banana. Taste: Sweet barley with creamy butterscotch, dry fruits, and Christmas cake. Finish: Long and exquisite, with chocolate fudge, orange peel, and exotic wine drenched nuts. Balance: Intensely sweet like a dark Spanish dessert sherry, having been gloriously finished in handpicked Pedro Ximenez casks.” – $128

New from Amrut… Sort of!

Amrut has begun independently bottling whisky, under the Single Malts of India range. The first bottling is of a peated coastal single malt, and it is bottled at 46%.

Producer Description

“Ancient Tamil texts, dating back to the Sangam period (300 BC – 300 AD), classify mother earth into five regions called Tinais, each being associated with its own distinct literary style, grammar, mood, subtle as well as overt form of romance, culture and even cuisine. “Neidhal”, according to this classification comprises all Oceans and neighboring regions or in short Coastal Plains and the way of living one associates with them.

“This is a special peated single malt whiskey. The whiskey base is procured from another distillery, matured in charred American oak casks and polished at Amrut. Neidhal “is our first independent bottling,” and the first Chapter of our journey with this series of unchartered waters.”

Amrut Neidhal Chapter 1 “Coastal Plains” – 46% – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Notes of tropical fruits, vanilla punctuated by soft phenols, and above all sea salt. Taste: Notes of fruit cocktail and mesmerizing phenols with a touch of iodine. Finish: Finish is phenolic with a touch of sweet vanilla.” – $112

Our January & February 2021 Tasting Schedule

Is Open For Registration

We only just put our first January 2022 Whisky Tastings online last week, but already they are selling fast. The Arran tasting is sold out, there is only one spot left for the Society tasting, and the Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice tasting with Richard Urquhart is 2/3 sold.

Over the last few days we’ve been rolling out our February Tastings, they are all listed below, and they make a great last-minute gift idea!

Look for the March tastings to go online early in January!

SMWS Jan 2022 Virtual Outturn Tasting

·     Date: Thursday, January 6

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now!

·     Only 1 spot left!

Join the KWM whisky team for the first Scotch Malt Whisky Society Canada Outturn tasting of 2022… You’ll sample 7 SMWS single cask, single malt Scotch whiskies, heading down meandering garden paths with Evan and Andrew while Cam tries to keep them on track. Samples available for pickup December 17. A zoom link will be emailed a day before the tasting. 8PM Thursday January 6.

Evan’s Untitled Bourbon Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, January 11

·     Time: 8PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early January)

This space was intentionally left blank. Will it be a blind tasting? Will it focus on craft Bourbon, the big distillers, or both? Evan isn’t saying, and we think that is because he is not sure himself yet! Regardless, Bourbon will be the name of the game and there will be 8 samples to be explored.

G&M Connoisseurs Choice with Richard Urquhart

·     Date: Wednesday, January 12

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early January)

Richard Urquhart will be joining us live from Scotland for a tasting of 7 whiskies from the Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice range. G&M has a wood policy second to no other whisky maker in Scotland, and the proof is in the pudding as they say. Our range includes single cask whiskies from Highland Park (2005), Old Pulteney (1997), Glenburgie (1998), Caol Ila (2007), Strathisla (1987) and our two recent KWM Casks: Clynelish 2007 & Mortlach 1998. Wednesday January 12, 7PM

Haggis Not Included: A Virtual Burns Night Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, January 25

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early January)

It won’t be in person, and there won’t be haggis (unless you procure some of your own) but there will be whisky. Curt & Harmony will be toasting Scotland’s favourite son with a range of whiskies either inspired by The Bard, his life and works, or which we feel he’d approve. 7 drams will be enjoyed in memory of Robert Burns, and it might just include a toast or two! Tuesday January 25, 7PM

An Introduction to Scotch Whisky

·     Date: Thursday, February 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early January)

This is an introductory tasting, but far from an entry-level range of whiskies. Curt & Harmony will induct you into the mysterious cult of Scotch Whisky. You’ll learn about the different styles while sampling Single Grain, Single Malt, and Blended Scotch Whiskies. You’ll learn about cask types, peat, the importance of abv, and much more. This tasting is appropriate for beginners, those wanting a refresher, and anyone wanting to sample a cool range at a great price. Tuesday February 1, 7PM.

The Rye-naissance – Exploring the Rye Whisk(e)y Boom

·     Date: Tuesday, February 8

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

Bourbon is the name of the game in the United States. Canadian Whisky has been getting renewed attention. What has been not-so-quietly winning over whisk(e)y lovers both North and South of the border is Rye. Join Evan for an exploration of Rye whisky from both countries – and possibly from the other side of the pond as well! Tuesday February 8, 8 PM

Whisky FOMO: You can’t buy this… Unless you Take Part in This Tasting

·     Date: Thursday, February 10

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $60

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

There is another pandemic sweeping the globe, and it’s very contagious… Whisky FOMO is real, and as yet there is no vaccine, but we may have an antidote. Sometimes we get just 6 or 12 bottles of some of the most in-demand whiskies, and rather than sell them on a first come first serve basis we hold them back for participants in a future tasting. For Whisky FOMO we’ve cobbled together a range of 8 very sought-after whiskies, and your only opportunity to purchase them is if you register for and take part in the tasting. We have whiskies from Highland Park, Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Macallan (x2), Springbank (x2), and Talisker. Thursday, February 10, 7 PM.

Into the Boutique-y Whiskyverse with ‘Boutique-y’ Dave Worthington

·     Date: Thursday, February 12

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (early-mid January)

Our friend Dave Worthington from That Boutique-y Whisky Company will be joining us again for an irreverent tasting of Boutique-y Whiskies. We have a cool lineup planned, including whiskies from Finland, New Zealand, Texas, and a few stalwart Scottish distilleries like Blair Athol, Glenrothes, and Glen Scotia. We will also be featuring our new exclusive single cask of 20-year-old Clynelish… 5PM, Saturday, February 12.

That Laddie Tasting

·     Date: Thursday, February 17

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $60

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-January)

With the latest annual releases of Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore having recently arrived, it is high time for another Laddie tasting. We will sample the Black Art 9.1, Port Charlotte PAC:01, and Octomores 12.1, 12.2 & 12.3, as well as a couple of other releases just to round things out. 7PM, Thursday February 17.

Wine vs. Whisky: Lovers Quarrel

·     Date: Friday, February 18

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $55

·     Pick-Up Date: The Day of the Tasting, February 18.

Who emerged victorious in Round One of Wine vs. Whisky? Although it was close call, it’s Abi that took the win back in October of 2021. Like the sore loser he is – Evan called shenanigans and took it personally. Join us for Round Two on February 18 where Evan will have to step up his game if he wants to take the crown from Abi. It is National Drink Wine Day on February 18th. Did Evan plan that with the hopes of unfairly persuading the judges? Join us and watch the sparks fly from the comfort of your own home.

• Tasting kits will be ready for pick up, day of- on February 18, 2022

• This tasting cannot be delivered.

What’s included:

3 x 50ml samples of wine

3 x 15ml samples of whisky

A few snacks for pairing fun!

Classic Kilchoman Whiskies with Anthony Wills

·     Date: Saturday, February 19

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-late January)

We’ve had a love affair with Kilchoman ever since the launch of their first whisky: a 3-year-old in 2009. Over the last 13 years, we’ve had the privilege of bottling 13 exclusive casks. We will sample 4 of them including the new 2013 Mezcal Cask, the 12 Year KWM, and the 14 Year bottled for the MS Society. And, of course, a few other treats. You won’t want to miss this very peaty affair! Saturday, February 19, 5 PM.

Lost in Translation: 100% Japanese Whisky Edition

·     Date: Thursday, February 24

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed (mid-late January)

The regulations for Japanese whisky have changed, and for the first time we can now more easily distinguish between true 100% made in Japan, and what we like to call Japanese-ish whiskies. We will sample two releases each from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, as well two different versions of the Taketsuru Pure Malt, one bottled before and the other after the rule change. Plus, one other 100% Japanese whisky just to round things out. Thursday, February 24, 7 PM.

2021 LAST-MINUTE

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Only time for an abreivated Last Minute Gift Guide…. but we couldn’t let this tradition pass by!

Books & Accessories

Glasses and books for the Whisky Nerd in your life!

1. Glencairn Glass – Our favourite whisky glass! – $12

2. Glencairn Glass Twin Pack – Two is better than one… and so is the price. – $21

3. Canadian Whisky: The New Portable Expert – No one knows more about Canadian Whisky than Davin de Kergommeaux. This is the second, updated version of his award-winning book. – $25

4. Malt Whisky Yearbook 2022 – Our favourite annual whisky tome is here, the Malt Whisky Yearbook 2022. The book features writeups on most single malt distilleries around the world with a focus on distilleries in Scotland. There are also tasting notes and articles by notable whisky writers. – $34

5. Everything You Need to Know About Whisky: But Are Too Afraid to Ask – A collaboration between Nick Morgan, and The Whisky Exchange, “Everything you Need to Know About Whisky: But Are Too Afraid to Ask” is 250 pages written for whisky lovers, by a man who has dedicated his life to the industry. – $43

6. Glencairn Cut Crystal Glass – Our favourite whisky glass, fancied up a lot with a nice weight! – $59

Gift Packs

We have a decent selection of gift packs this year, not just Scotch whisky, but also Irish and Japanese whiskies. And there is the gift which keeps on giving for a full year, membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society!

1. Tullibardine Tasting Collection – This collection of 4x 50ml / mini bottles from Tullibardine Distillery includes the following: Sovereign, 225, 228 & 500 – $48

2. Boutique-y Scotch Whisky Set – This 4x50ml gift pack features Scotch whiskies from That Boutique-y Whisky Company. – $52

3. Glenmorangie Gift Pack – Just in time for Christmas a gift pack of 4 100ml bottles of Glenmorangie. 10Yr, Lasanta (Sherry Finish), Quinta Ruban (Port Finish), Nectar D’Or (Sauternes Finish). – $57

4. Ardbeg Masters of Smoke – Containing a 20 cL bottle each of Ardbeg’s iconic smoky single-malt whiskies, the Monsters of Smoke trio unleashes flavour in a big way. Each collectable bottle is decorated with a unique artwork hiding beneath the label. Peel to reveal yours. Includes the flagship Ardbeg Ten Years Old, the feisty and youthful Ardbeg Five Years Old Wee Beastie and Ardbeg An Oa, an incredibly complex Islay scotch finished in three different types of cask. – $65

5. Drinks by the Dram Japanese Whisky Set – A handsome wee set of 5x30ml wax dipped Japanese whiskies, perfect for an at home tasting, host gift or stocking stuffer. – $65

6. Drinks by the Dram Irish Whiskey Set – A handsome collection of a dozen Irish whiskies, bottled in wax dipped 30ml bottles, by Drinks by the Dram. The full range of rums is listed below in the tasting note… don’t look if you prefer to be surprised! – $82

7. Boutique-y Premium Scotch Whisky Set – A handsome wee set of 4x50ml Scotch whiskies from That Boutique-y Whisky Co. It is perfect for an at-home tasting, host gift, or as a stocking stuffer. Includes a range or rare and mature whiskies. – $85

8. Boutique-y Whisky 12 Dram Set – This popular gift pack features 12x30ml wax dipped premium whiskies from That Boutique-y Whisky Co., mostly Scotch, in an advent calendar style box with 12 windows. The full range of whiskies is listed below in the tasting note… don’t look if you prefer to be surprised!- $122

9. Amrut Bagheera Gift Pack – A handsome collection of a dozen Irish whiskies, bottled in wax dipped 30ml bottles, by Drinks by the Dram. The full range of rums is listed below in the tasting note… don’t look if you prefer to be surprised! – $140

10.   SMWS Membership Pack – 3x100ml Whiskies, 2 Glasses, a Water Jug and a Pippette… all that and 1 years membership to the World’s largest whisky club. – $230

A Few Gift Suggestions

No time to offer dozens of suggestions at different price points, so here are 10 must-have bottles, that would make a great gift!

1. Old Pulteney Huddart – The most curious whisky in the distillery’s new core range, Huddart is bottled at 46% after finishing in casks which previously matured heavily peated single malts. – Regular $83.99 ON SALE! Now $54.59

2. Cadenhead 7 Star Blend – This high-malt-content Blend is superb value. Cadenhead 7 Stars is a historic Blended Scotch Whisky, which hasn’t been bottled in decades… until now! The blend is composed of whiskies sourced from all over Scotland, which are then finished in Oloroso sherry casks “giving it a bolder, yet well balanced, flavour.” – $70

3. Waterford Single Farm Sheestown 1.2 – This single farm origin single malt was produced from barley grown by Philip O’Brien at Sheestown Farm in County Kilkenny. Distilled in 2016 and bottled at 2020 after 4 years at 50%. Matured in a a mix of 33% ex-Bourbon, 19% Virgin American Oak, 25% ex-French Wine & 23% Vin Doux Naturel casks. Produced from the Irina barley variety, and fermented with Mauri Distiller’s Yeast for an impressive 131.5 hours. – $102

4. Tomatin 2009 Private Cask – This 2009 Tomatin cask was selected with the assistance of KWM and bottled for the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s). It is an Oloroso Sherry Hogshead, Cask 3450, bottled after 12 years at 59.6%. – $145 – $15 from every bottle will go to the Veterans Foodbank of Calgary!

5. Glenfarclas 185th Anniversary – To celebrate their 185th Anniversary, the Glenfarclas Distillery has created a special multi-vintage bottling, just as they did for their 175th Anniversary. Only 6000 bottles have been released globally, bottled at 46%. – $170

6. Berry’s Orkney Islands 2003 KWM Cask – Proof that Highland Park by another name is just as, if not sweeter… Matured 17 years in a Sherry Butt (Berry’s Cask No.1) before bottling at 59.9% in 2021. It is almost 50% stronger than the Highland Park 18 Year, and about 15% cheaper… that and it’s awesome. Would we ever bottle it if it were not?! – $180

7. Daftmill 2008 Winter Batch Release – From the coolest distillery you’ve likely never heard of. This is a pleasant surprise, another Daftmill release, which we were not expecting. It is also one of the biggest releases of Daftmill we’ve seen, 6000 bottles filled at 46% after maturing 12 years in First Fill ex-Bourbon barrels. 88.25pts Whisky Base! – $200

8. Kilchoman 14 Year MS Society Cask – The oldest Kilchoman yet to come to Canada, has been bottled for the MS Society of Calgary, Calgary and area chapter by Gold Medal Marketing and Kensington Wine Market. Distilled May 24, 2006 the whisky was filled into a Bourbon Barrel (#78/2006), and matured just shy of 15 years before bottling on March 15, 2021, at 53.4%. $225 – $25 from every bottle purchased by December 31 will go to the MS Society of Canada!

9. G&M CC Mortlach 1998 KWM Cask – One of a pair of casks from Gordon & MacPhail selected by, and bottled exclusively for, KWM in 2021. This 22-year-old is from a First Fill ex-Bourbon Barrel, bottled at 58%, and one of only 183 bottles. We were drawn to this cask partly because it is atypical of the distillery style, and because it is a tropical fruit bomb. – $300

10.   Peat’s Beast 30 Year Islay Single Malt – We know absolutely nothing about this whisky, other than that it is a 30-year-old Islay single malt, matured in “oak casks”, and bottled at 50.6%. That and the fact it is utterly gorgeous, and amazing value for an Islay single malt of this age. – $615

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

Holiday Hours

Thursday, December 23 10 AM – 9 PM

Friday, December 24 10 AM – 4 PM

Saturday, December 25 – Closed

Sunday, December 26 – Closed

Monday, December 27 – 11 AM – 7 PM

Dec 28-30 Regular Hours

Friday, December 31, 10 AM -7 PM

and please note we will be closed

January 1-3!

*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.*

Sullivans Cove “Complimentary Whisky Tasting” – Tasmanian Whisky News

Thank you and welcome back!

As a thank you for your support and to celebrate the reopening of Tasmania’s borders, we’d like to welcome you back to our cellar door with a complimentary whisky tasting.

How to book your tasting:

  • Choose the date when you would like to visit our Hobart cellar door by clicking the link below.
  •  Time slots are released one month in advance at the start of the preceding month (e.g. January dates are released on 1 December).
  • This offer expires on 31 December, 2022.
  • Bookings are subject to availability.
  • Offer is not transferable.
  • To redeem your complimentary tasting, simply present this email and a valid form of identification upon arrival at the cellar door.

BOOK YOUR TASTING

Introducing the Highland Whisky Academy 2022 – Inverurie Whisky Shop News

Introducing The Highland Whisky Academy

Inaugural Dates Now Available

We have been working on the Highland Whisky Academy since 2016 and we are delighted to announce that our first courses are now available to book! Having seen a void in Whisky Experiences in the North East corner of Scotland we wanted to establish a fully immersive course which not only brought whisky lovers together to enjoy a dram, but to also give an insight to some of the secrets hidden behind warehouse doors and flashy brand marketing.

What started off as a weekend of informative lessons and distillery trips, we have extended this to a full week of in-depth, immersive and hands on whisky fun. We have gathered a host of the finest Distillers and Whisky Experts and brought them to the North East of Scotland.

A unique, once in a lifetime experience

Each week at the Highland Whisky Academy is a unique insight to the behind the scenes workings of the industry. Meet Master Blenders, Independent Bottlers and Industry leaders in Malt, water and peat. Backed up by our team of lecturers, brought in from all over the world, you are in the finest hands to learn and progress your whisky knowledge. You will be based in the Heart of Aberdeenshire, in luxury accommodation provided for the duration of your stay.

Secure your dates today

We have two courses currently available for 2022:

14th – 18th March 2022 – Introduction Experience

– 8 Places available

– £900 early bird offer per person (normally £1000)

– Includes 4 day experience with 4 nights accommodation, transport and lunch.

4th – 11th September – The Academy Experience

– 16 Places available

– £1200 early bird offer per person (normally £1500)

– Includes 5 day experience with 6 nights accommodation, transport and lunch

To request your dates please email info@highlandwhiskyacademy.com

Secure your place today

Follow the Highland Whisky Academy for updates and stories

Inverurie Whisky Shop

1 Burnside, Inverurie, AB51 3RY, United Kingdom

mike@inveruriewhiskyshop.com

https://www.inveruriewhiskyshop.com

 

The Fisherman’s Retreat Receives Two 1st Place Awards at the World Whisky Awards 2022 – Scotch Whisky News

The Fisherman’s Retreat has received two first place awards at the recent World Whisky Awards for its Editions 6.1 & 8 Scottish single malt whiskies.

CATEGORY WINNER –

SINGLE CASK 13 -20 Year old ISLAY

Edition 6.1 – Bruichladdich 14 Years Old was distilled on 23/05/2007 maturing in a Rivesaltes cask for 12.5 years before finishing in a Yalumba fortified wine cask from the Barossa valley for a further 18 months eventually being bottled on the 24/5/2021

CATEGORY WINNER –

SINGLE CASK 12 Years & Under ISLANDS (non Islay)

Edition 8 – Arran 7 Years old was distilled on the 27/08/2013 maturing in a Yalumba Viognier cask from the Barossa valley South Australia and was bottled on 09/02/2021

Hervey Magnall commented saying that he was delighted, and wished to thank the whole Fisherman’s Retreat team for all their dedication and hard work as well as thanking his good friends at Yalumba  vineyard.

Both releases are available via The Fisherman’s Retreat website

https://www.fishermansretreat.com/shop/


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