It is hard to believe that is has been nearly a month since the “Dodge Ram Drive-In”… Things have returned to a relative normal over the last few weeks. We’ve prettied up the temporary entrance a little and we have pulled the store back together, as much as we can.

Dealing with all this has been more than a little time-consuming, and as a result, this newsletter is about 3 weeks later than it should be. We have added some long-promised new tastings to the schedule, and I’ve included details on some of the new whiskies that have trickled into the shop over the last 4 weeks.

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…

 Three New Whiskies from Waterford

 GlenDronach Port Wood is Back!

Newish Whiskies from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

 New Whiskies from Single Cask Nation

 Two Brewers Release 30

 Writer’s Tears Red Head

2nd Chance: Limited Edition Nikka Whiskies

A Few New Tastings

 Other Up-Coming Tastings

On Sale!

Three New Whiskies from Waterford

We have three new whiskies arriving on Wednesday from Waterford Distillery, which we can’t wait to try!

Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1 – 50% – 3 Year – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Plums, apricot jam, fresh fruit salad, cold coffee, lemon drizzle cake, milk chocolate with almonds, fresh soil, bread proofing, brown sugar, herbal tea, hay on the ground after a shower of rain. Taste: Spice on every level, front, middle, back and in between, white pepper, cloves, green peppers, jalapenos, dark chocolate, liquorice, malted biscuits and peppermint tea, grapefruit. Finish: An everlasting heat and spice that’s dry but is mouth-watering, with some mint tea. It has more of a linger and less of a finish.” – $115

Waterford Arcadian Series Organic Gaia 2.1 – 50% – 4 Year – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Orange peel, fresh soil, bread crust, brown sugar, milk chocolate, fresh fruit salad, fig roll biscuits, lavender, sweet marshmallows, butter milk. Taste: Spicy, white pepper, grapefruit, dry heat, liquorice, cherries, coco powder, wine gums, dry toast, salted peanuts, lemon zest. Finish: A dry spice dance that tangos and waltz’s like a happy couple into the golden peach sunset.” – $110

Waterford The Cuvee 1.1 – 50% – 4 1/2 Years – First Fill Ex-Bourbon, Virgin American Oak, Bordeaux, and Vin Doux Naturel casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Red apples, fresh dry soil, breadcrust, green foliage, lavender, digestive biscuits, oranges, barmbrack, over ripe banana skin, a summer flower bed, fresh mint, coffee cake. Taste: Clove sweets, white pepper, oily, grapefruit, lemon zest, dark chocolate, dry toast, cherries, granola bar, dried herbs, aniseed, green olives, 3 peel marmalade. Finish: Pepper up front with oily spiciness that softens, starts dry but then gets mouth-watering & lingers where I close my eyes and relax!” – $100

GlenDronach Port Wood is Back

This limited edition GlenDronach has been finished in carefully selected Port Pipes, and has been bottled at 46%.

Producer Description

“The GlenDronach Port Wood is inspired by the historical import of casked Port into Scotland during the 19th Century. During the 1800s, Port was ‘de rigueur’, and many of the finest Port pipes would travel from Portugal, down its Douro River, destined for the wine cellars of Scotland’s gentry.

“Whilst many years have since passed, Portugal’s majestic Douro Valley is still renowned for its exceptional Port. We have selected some of its finest Port pipes to enrich The GlenDronach for a second maturation period Our Master Blender has expertly combined the whisky from these Port pipes, to create a fruit filled expression, with layers of ripe berries rolling into its signature long, lingering finish.”

GlenDronach Port Wood – 46% – Finished in Port Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Breathe in delightful waves of Victoria plum, bramble and strawberry jam with top notes of cherry blossom and honeysuckle on a base of sandalwood and ginger. Taste: Layers upon layers of rich fruits. Sip blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread, developing into a baked orange and black cherry back note. Finish: Savour orange peel, sultana and cherry cake lingering into the richly fruity finish.” – $135

Newish Whiskies from

Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

These are new-ish, rather than brand spanking new, as they arrived in-store days before the break-in, and as a result this is the first opportunity we have had to highlight them. There are whiskies from the Carn Mor Strictly Limited and Celebration of the Cask ranges, as well as a couple of older Old Perths:

1. Strictly Limited Ardmore 12 Year – 47.5% – 2009 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla smoke, roasted nuts and flamed orange peel.” – $125

2. Strictly Limited Auchentoshan 9 Year – 47.5% – 2011 – Rum Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Creamy vanilla, rum-soaked pineapple and citrus peel.” – $118

3. Strictly Limited Glen Ord 8 Year – 47.5% – 2012 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla custard with a candy-like sweetness and fresh citrus notes.” – $102

4. Strictly Limited Linkwood 9 Year – 47.5% – 2011 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vanilla and fresh orchard fruits with a hint of citrus.” – $110

5. Strictly Limited Teaninich 11 Year – 47.5% – 2010 – Oloroso Sherry Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Fruitcake, barley sugar and a hint of baking spices.” – $120

6. Strictly Limited Williamson 8 Year – 47.5% – 2013 – Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Earthy peat smoke with hints of treacle toffee and toasted almonds.” – $130 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

7. Celebration of the Cask Linkwood 24 Year – 48.6% – 1996 – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Floral honey, with butterscotch and creamy vanilla.” – $350

8. Old Perth 12 Year Blended Malt Scotch – 46% – 15-20% PX & 80-85% Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Orange marmalade and ginger on the palate combined with layers of rich, warm fruits and lingering spices on the finish.” – $

9. Old Perth 1996 Blended Malt Scotch – 55.8% – Cherry Casks – Producer Note: “Limited edition – Batch #1 We have used single malts exclusively matured in Oloroso and PX Sherry casks and all distilled in 1996. We have also used a small portion of single malt from Islay to create depth, balance and complexity and bringing the brand “closer to home” due to our connection with Islay. 948 bottles globally.” – $350

New Whiskies from Single Cask Nation

A few new whiskies from Single Cask Nation, arriving Wednesday!

1. Single Cask Nation Tomatin 12 Year – 58.1% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Vibrant zesty fruitiness.” – $125

2. Single Cask Nation Craigellachie 13 Year – 58.1% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Salty bacon, mandarin oranges and citrus fruits.” – $122

3. Single Cask Nation Glen Elgin 10 Year – 61.3% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Cask strength Honey Nut Cheerios.” – $105

4. Single Cask Nation Linkwood 12 Year – 55.5% – Refill Oloroso Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Bright, fresh, floral, and fragrant notes, with poached apples & pears.” – $118

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 30

A 10 Year Old!

A mariage of whiskies distilled in 2011 and 2012, including both lightly and heavily peated mashes, as well as a blend of two sour mashed from 2011. This is an exciting release from Two Brewers as it is a bonafide 10 year old, with 1/3 of the whisky 10 years old and the rest even older.

Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 30 – 46% – 10 Year – Producer Tasting Note: “An intricate aroma, dry and earthy, intriguing with oaky peat tones. The sweet beginnings, rounded with fleshy tropical fruit, grow quickly to dusty ash edges engulfing the dried nougat heart. The finish dries further, a damp smoulder with a tang that beckons for more.” – $105

Writer’s Tears Red Head

Triple-distilled Irish single malt matured exclusively in sherry casks.

Producer Description

“This exquisite, triple-distilled single malt is matured only in select handpicked Spanish sherry butts, which have previously been seasoned with the finest Oloroso sherry. It is the influence of these exceptional butts that give this expression of Writers’ Tears its signature rich, ruby hue and hence the moniker – ‘Red Head’. The expression is distilled without chill filtering as nature intended and at a distinctive 46% ABV.”

Writer’s Tears Red Head – 46% – Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: Nose: Orange peel, dried fruits & sherry plums. Taste: Nutty Oloroso, spicy raisins & creamy oak. Finish: Long & complex with a flourish of orange.” – $81.99

2nd Chance Limited Edition Nikka Whiskies

We received a little more of the Nikka Limited Editions which turned the tables on peated. There is a peated Miyagikyo and an unpeated Yoichi.

1. Nikka Miyagikyo Peated Limited Edition – 48% – Producer Description: “This limited edition of Miyagikyo single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is crafted solely from batches of peated malt, offering a significant distinction from the “light and fruity” image of Miyagikyo. It showcases the exquisite combination of bold, distinctively peaty notes while leaving its signature estery hint in the aftertaste.” – $240 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

2. Nikka Yoichi Unpeated Limited Edition – 47% – Producer Description: “This limited edition of Yoichi single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years. This expression is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi. It offers a delicate balance of bright fruitiness and rich mouthfeel, along with its distinctive smokiness generated by coal-fired distillation.” – $240 – Limit 1 Per Customer! 

A Few New Tastings

The first isn’t new, but we have added space for it, as we were able to source more bottles of most of the whiskies.

Mo’ Whisky FOMO – No Fooling!

·     Date: Friday, April 1

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $50

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

!!!MORE SPACES ADDED!!! There was so much FOMO surrounding our last Whisky FOMO tasting that we knew there would need to be another… and then some other limited whiskies fell into our lap, and it seemed we had no choice but to double down on the FOMO. We would have announced this tasting 2 weeks ago, but then the sample bottle shortage struck. We were starting to face some FOMO ourselves… but thankfully we have hit the sample bottle motherload! This time around we have a trio of Bunnahabhains (18, 2008 Manzanilla & Aonadh), Deanston 2008 Oloroso, Laphroaig Cairdeas 2021, Tobermory 2004 Oloroso, GlenAllachie 18 Year & the Glenmorangie A Tale of Winter. Not all of these bottles will only be offered to participants of the tasting, but for some of them, like the Laphroaig, GlenAllachie and Bunnahabhain 2008 that will be the case . In any case we will hold back a 6-12 bottles of each of the other whiskies just for participants in the tasting. The FOMO was so strong for this tasting, we had to double it, but don’t worry we got a bit more of the whiskies too. Friday April 1, 7 PM..

WOODY CREEK DISTILLERY TASTING

·     Date: Tuesday, April 5

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA Late Ferbruary!

What’s the deal with Woody Creek Distillery? Besides being plugged shamelessly by the star of Shameless himself – William H. Macy – they also make some darn good whiskey! Join us for a run through their lineup including a gin, two Rye and three Bourbon samples from this Colorado Distillery. See what all the hype is about for only 25 bucks!

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: SCOTCH EDITION

·     Date: Thursday, April 14

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA mid-March!

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.

Kavalan Whisky with Harmony & the Truth Malters Crew

·     Date: Saturday, April 23

·     Time: 6 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA mid-March!

By now it shouldn’t be news that Kavalan is making world class whiskies; we’ve been singing their praises for years. KWM’s Harmony Pollick will be joined by Larry Shoen and Zahara Amiri from Truth Malters for a virtual tour of the Kavalan Distillery, and a range tasting of 7 Kavalan whiskies: Podium; Triple Sherry Cask; Solist Brandy; Solist ex-Bourbon; Solist Oloroso; Solist Port; and Solist Vinho Barrique. The event starts at 6PM, the tasting component will begin around 7. Saturday, April 23, 6PM.

G&M Distillery Labels with Richard Urquhart

·     Date: Friday, May 6

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA 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 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.

Other Winter 2022 Tastings

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 Contractually Obligated Bourbon Tasting

·     Date: Tuesday, March 15th

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Ready Now!

·     Only 8 spots left!

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.

Shamrocks & Shenanigans: St. Paddy’s Day 2022

·     Date: Thursday, March 17

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: To Be Confirmed

·     Only 5 spots left!

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.

Wild Life

·     Date: Tuesday March 22

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $25

·     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.

Compass Box KWM Casks Launch with Scott Ellis

·     Date: Firday, April 8

·     Time: 7 PM

·     Cost: $30

·     Pick-Up Date: ETA Late February!

We have not one, but two new KWM exclusive whiskies from our friends t Compass Box. They are both Single Marrying Casks, one each of the Artist Blend and Glasgow Blend, the first of three Compass Box KWM 30th Anniversary Blends expected this year. To round out the lineup we will also be sampling our first two KWM Marrying Casks, the sold-out Peat Monster Arcana, the sought-after No Name No. 3 and the hot new Orchard House Blended Malt. Our guide for this liquid adventure will be Scott Ellis Western Region Manager for Compass Box Whisky. Friday, April 8, 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 100 Proof – 57.1% – Cask Strength Caol Ila, 100 British Proof. – Was $79.99 – Save 20% – Now $63.99

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.*

 

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MALT WHISKY TRAIL PREPARES FOR BATTLE AT SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL   

Let the battle commence.  Distilleries across The Malt Whisky Trail are rolling their sleeves up and preparing to fight it out at the ‘Battle of the Drams’ now that tickets to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival are available to purchase.

Some of the world’s finest whiskies will go head to head in a showdown with attendees getting to decide once and for all, what is the best single malt on the Malt Whisky Trail at The Drouthy Cobbler in Elgin, on April 28th.

Event-goers will be able to sip their way through the flavours of the Trail, with each distillery fighting it out to be voted the world’s first whisky trail’s top dram. On top of complementary welcome and leaving drinks, there will be opportunity to order from the new cocktail menu, crafted by the bar team at The Drouthy Cobbler.

The expert-led tasting will include whiskies from award winning distilleries including Glen Moray, Benromach, Strathisla and Glenfiddich.

Rebecca Wood, Benromach Visitor Centre Supervisor, commented: “Here at The Malt Whisky Trail, we don’t like to turn down a challenge and we are really looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and battling it out on the 28th of April. This is a fun way for people to taste the Trail in one sitting and decide their favourite dram.”

Tickets can be purchased via The Spirit of Speyside’s website, where you can also view the full 2022 programme.

About The Malt Whisky Trail: 

The Malt Whisky Trail® includes nine sites each with at least a four star visitor centre promoting the very best of Scottish hospitality and tourism. The trail consists of the following Speyside distilleries and a cooperage: Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Strathisla and Speyside Cooperage.

Visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com to plan your adventure along the Trail and create your own personal itinerary to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

For booking information prospective visitors should directly contact the sites of The Malt Whisky Trail ahead of travel. For all contact details please visit www.maltwhiskytrail.com/malt-whisky-country/distilleries

Instagram: @themaltwhiskytrail
Facebook: @themaltwhiskytrail
Twitter: @TheMWT

Experience The Magic At The Universal Whisky Experience 2022

The most highly anticipated date in every whisky and spirits aficionado’s diary is back – get ready for what is truly, the ultimate whisky and spirits experience on earth! The Universal Whisky Experience is celebrating its 10th Anniversary at the luxurious Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas on April 22-23 and this year is set to be the most memorable event in industry history!

• The largest celebration of whisky & spirits in the world

• Taste the finest super pours

• Over 200 whiskies under one roof

• Exclusive bottlings from around the globe

• Industry leading Master Classes

• Meet legends of the whisky world

• Over 50 exhibitors

PURCHASE TICKETS

PURCHASE TICKETS

DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVES

As a small, family run Scottish distillery, we wanted to be able to find a way to keep the distillery alive and productive during the quieter months, when visitors can be a bit scarce on the ground. With that in mind we decided to ensure that we will always have some single cask distillery exclusive bottlings available, just for pilgrims who make their way to the Spiritual Home of Scotch whisky. These bottles are not available online and cannot be bought over the phone or set aside.

Our next planned releases will be on 9th March 2022, when we will release two Distillery Exclusives – Cask 180074 Monbazillac Wine Barrique, which is outstanding for its age and Cask 180235 Thiron French Virgin Oak Hogshead, which is made from wood that was grown less than 1 mile from the town of Thiron where the original abbey monks came from.

So, if you would like to visit us for a Distillery Tour or to pick up a bottle, our Winter hours are 1st November – 13th March: Open Wednesday-Sunday (Closed Monday & Tuesday). Distillery Tours are available at 11am and 2pm, please book in advance.

Summer Hours: 14th March – end October. Open 7 days a week, 10am – 4pm | Distillery Tours are available at 10am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm, please book in advance.

Refreshments are available if pre-booked.

To book your distillery tour just call 01337 842547, or email stephanie@lindoresabbeydistillery.com

The most highly anticipated date in every whisky and spirits aficionado’s diary is back – get ready for what is truly, the ultimate whisky and spirits experience on earth! The Universal Whisky Experience is celebrating its 10th Anniversary at the luxurious Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas on April 22-23 and this year is set to be the most memorable event in industry history!

• The largest celebration of whisky & spirits in the world
• Taste the finest super pours
• Over 200 whiskies under one roof
• Exclusive bottlings from around the globe
• Industry leading Master Classes
• Meet legends of the whisky world
• Over 50 exhibitors

Don’t miss out on the ultimate whisky & spirits experience

BUY TICKETS HERE

Irish Whiskey Barrel Top

Celebrate the epitome of Irish Whiskey with 25 of the best bottles made in the Emerald Isle showcasing the diversity of one of the world’s oldest whiskey-making countries. The line-up includes iconic organic and biodynamic drams from Waterford, recently released FierField expressions from JJ Corry, sublime drams from Green Spot and many more! Meet the people who represent these incredible drams and discover the secrets of timeless Irish whiskey.

THE DETAILS

Venue: The Whisky Exchange London Bridge, London SE1 1LL
Date: 31 March 2022
Time: 7.00pm
Price: £5

BOOK NOW

Award-winning whisky writers to host online tasting supporting Ukrainian refugees

Award-winning whisky writer Felipe Schrieberg and Whisky Exchange Drinks Ambassador Billy Abbott will be co-hosting a charity online whisky tasting supporting Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland from the violence in their country. 

Taking place March 28^th at 7 pm, packs containing six delicious whiskies will be sent to guests’ homes by whisky subscription service The Dram Team, and can then join Schrieberg and Abbott on Facebook and Youtube. All profits from the tasting will be donated to Polish Humanitarian Action, a relief organisation working with displaced Ukrainian refugees.

The tasting pack includes drams of:

• Compass Box Spice Tree
• Glenturret 12 Year Old
• Jura Seven Wood
• Lakes Distillery The ONE Sherry Limited Edition
• Glen Scotia Victoriana
• Royal Brackla 18 Year Old Palo Cortado Finish

Though the tasting itself is free to watch and accessible for anyone even if they don’t have a whisky pack, optional ‘viewing only’ tickets are also available to purchase, with all proceeds going to PAH as well.

Both Schrieberg and Abbott are extremely experienced tasting hosts – the former has welcomed over 3,500 people across more than 250 online tastings since April 2020 while the latter has fronted tastings at many whisky festivals both physical and virtual. For their work, they have both won the prestigious Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year – Rest of World award by Whisky Magazine (Schrieberg won this year’s prize, and Abbott received it in 2021).

Schrieberg, who is currently based in the Polish city of Gdansk, was inspired by the compassion shown by his adopted country when he decided to put together the tasting:

“Over half of the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine are arriving here in Poland” he said.

“The response from Poles all over the country has been truly moving, and everyone coming here from Ukraine needs all the help they can get. We’re very excited to be able to share some very tasty whiskies to support an excellent organisation doing amazing work here.”

The tasting will be hosted on Schrieberg’s Facebook and Youtube pages for his online whisky tastings – The Virtual Whisky Masterclass.

Tickets are available to purchase on Designmynight.com

Event Information 

Event: Online Charity Whisky Tasting Supporting Ukrainian Refugees

Price: £45 (excluding booking fee)

           £15 for optional ‘viewing only’ ticket

Ticket link: https://tinyurl.com/2p8a57bz

About Felipe 

Felipe is a whisky writer, musician, author, spirits competition judge, and tastings host.

As a whisky writer, Felipe has been widely published across industry magazines and websites. He is a senior contributor for Forbes.com writing about spirits, and is regularly featured in Whisky Magazine, The Whiskey Wash, Unfiltered, and many other platforms. His book, London Cocktails, is published by Cider Mill Press and is distributed worldwide by Simon and Schuster.

For his work, he was named the 2022 Icons of Whisky Communicator of the Year (Rest of World), and the 2021 Alan Lodge Young International Drinks Writer of the Year.

He is also the co-founder and one half of The Rhythm and Booze Project, a duo combining live music, tasting events, and multimedia.

www.felipeschrieberg.com

About Billy

Billy is a writer and trainer specialising in drinks. Starting as a blogger in 2009 and working full time in the drinks industry since 2011, he’s been writing, presenting and training people about drinks around the world.

While he is the drinks ambassador at The Whisky Exchange during the day, he also regularly runs tastings and training sessions, and also works as a drinks consultant and spirit competitions judge. He recently published his first book, The Philosophy of Whisky, through The British Library.

www.billyabbott.co.uk

About The Dram Team

The Dram Team are a whisky box subscription service, offering tasting packs of curated whiskies for subscribers and as gifts. The tasting packs are delivered right to your door, containing 6 different whiskies, deluxe tasting note cards, and a guided tour of the flight.

www.thedramteam.co.uk

Join us at Arniston House?

With places available throughout the year on our prestigious in-person diploma courses, you can pursue your passion and indulge your interest in whisky, while accumulating professional skills with piles of potential to set you up for success.

Whether your goal is to change careers, upskill or to simply get more enjoyment from your favourite drams, the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky and the Diploma in the Art of Tasting Whisky provide access to expert practitioners across modular self-study and high quality in-person teaching.

VIEW DATES

New Learning Platform

We’re pleased to announce the successful launch of our new and improved online learning platform. All candidates can now enjoy unlimited access to all online course material, so you can revisit anything you’ve studied as you wish beyond 180 days. We’re also working to make more downloadable PDF summaries available for the Certificate and Diploma courses, so you can take your learning offline.

VIEW COURSES

From Diploma to Director of Dál Riata Distillery

We’re delighted to see EWA alumni Ronnie Grant as one of three directors behind exciting plans submitted to local authority chiefs for the new Dál Riata Distillery in Campbeltown. Ronnie achieved our Diploma in Single Malt Whisky in March 2020, shortly before national COVID-19 lockdown restrictions were introduced. He said: “After doing the whisky course, it really did give me the confidence to do something in the whisky industry.” 

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Edinburgh Whisky Academy
15 Fountain Road, Bridge of Allan
FK9 4ET
United Kingdom

UKRAINE EMERGENCY FUNDRAISER

Tuesday 1st March 2022 7:30pm

Tasting, auction and raffle in aid of Ukrainian refugees in Poland with Matt McKay.

Minimum £65 donation in-person at Melody Whisky Bar or £20
(without the drams) over Zoom, 100% donated to refugees.
You probably felt as helpless as we did seeing the pictures of the war
in Ukraine.
Sabine has been in touch with Marcin Schilling today.
Many of you probably know him as the Sherry Knight of Gonzalez Byass
from countless Sherry tastings here in London.
Today he lives in
Poland 40km from the Ukrainian border and is putting his efforts into
helping refugees coming over the border.
They are in need of all kinds
of basic provisions and we would like to help.
The funds will go directly to Marcin who is out buying basics for refugees and hosting some in his own house at the moment.

The flight of the Night

Croftengea 15 Years SMWS

Bunnahabhain 6 Years SMWS

Bowmore 20 Years David Simson

Lagavulin 13 Years Jazz 2021

Springbank Local Barley 2021

Bunnahabhain Hand Fill PX Noe

Amrut Spectrum

Caledonian 33 Years Cadenheads

Glendronach 1992 Single Cask

Mystery Dram 1

Mystery Dram 2

Support Now

The Raffle and Auction

We have over 20 bottles that have been donated to auction and raffle, including

Bimber 1st Release
Bimber Virgin Cask – Melody Whisky Bar (bottle number 24 of 70)
Octomore Event Horizon
Kilkerran Heavily Peated
Macallan Night on Earth
Stagg Junior
Arrrrrrrdbeg Committee Release
Pappy Van Winkle 15
Macallan Edition 6

with other bottles to be announced from

Milroys
Whisky Sponge
Thompson Brothers
and others

Support Now

Note that for this unique emergency charitable event, membership of Capital Whisky Club is not required, and anyone not excluded from Club events is welcome to attend. For this reason, the usual post-tasting sharing of personal drams will not happen.

Croydon Whisky Festival

The Venue on Middle Street, 3-7 Middle St, Croydon CR0 1RE

On Saturday 2^nd April Whisky is coming to Croydon!

For the very first time there is going to be a Croydon Whisky Festival, featuring progressive and craft whisky brands from across the UK, Europe, USA and beyond. Featuring 24 whisky brands and other spirits, alongside beer from Sydenham’s Ignition Brewery and hot & cold refreshments from Croydon’s own Mr. Tinto this is an event not to miss.

Tickets are £35 (early bird discounts until the end of Feb) and attendees receive:

• complimentary tasting glass
• bottle of Sekforde botanical mixer
• samples of all the whiskies and spirits on the stands

Starting at midday on the 2^nd April and finishing at 5, we’re giving people 5 hours of whisky enjoyment to meet the brands, hear their stories and – most importantly – try their products.

With an on-site shop attendees can walk away with a bottle (or 2) of their favourite whisky from the day, ensuring the memory of this fantastic event lingers with every future sip.

Croydon deserves it’s own whisky festival – we have big plans to expand in 2023 and beyond, but for now, come down to The Venue of Middle Street (formerly Beano’s record store) and soak up amazing whiskies and spirits in great company.

Ticket Link: HERE

Brands attending:

– Armorik (France)

– Artful Dodger (Independent bottler)

– Balcones (USA)

– Bladnoch (Scotland)

– Bruichladdich (Scotland)

– Bruges Whisky (Belgium)

– Copper Rivet (England)

– Cotswolds (England)

– Doghouse Distillery (England)

– East London Liquor Co. (England)

– Eire Whiskey (Ireland)

– Glencadam (Scotland)

– Hyde Irish Whiskey (Ireland)

– Kyro (Finalnd)

– Mackmyra (Sweden)

– Milk & Honey (Israel)

– Nc’Nean (Scotland)

– Penderyn (Wales)

– Spirit of Birmingham (England)

– The Oxford Artisan Distillery (England)

– Tomintoul (Scotland)

– Uncle Nearest (USA)

– Westland (USA)