Things are really heating up here at KWM, so the Malt Messengers are coming fast and furious. Expect to see another in the next 10 days or so… albeit with the caveat of actually finding time to do it!

I’ve been working on this newsletter for well over a week and, just when I thought I was done, something else arrived. Other items I expected to announce in this newsletter have been delayed, and so I’ve held them back until the next newsletter. In any case, there is an avalanche of cool new stuff to fill you in on.

Before we get to the heart of the matter – the aforementioned avalanche of new whiskies – a quick update on our KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar, which is now well over 80% pre-sold, with 6 weeks left until Advent. The last pieces are finally arriving, and we expect we’ll be able to meet our goal of having the Calendars ready for pick-up in early November!

We’ve also added a new tasting with our friend Ashok Chokalingham, Distillery Manager for Amrut, in Bangalore India. We haven’t seen Ashok in these parts for a couple of years, so we are very excited to have him join us for a tasting, even if only through the magic of the Interweb!

The first few new whiskies to fill you in on won’t appeal to everyone’s budget. There are few in this world who can afford such luxuries, but in an industry where there is an ever-increasing emphasis put on artificial rarity, and over-the-top expensive packaging, the two items I am writing about today are nonetheless intriguing.

Both whiskies are from Gordon & MacPhail, the undisputed champions of old and rare whisky. Gordon & MacPhail recently raised the bar yet again for the title World’s Oldest Whisky, with the launch of the Generations Glenlivet 80 Year. Distilled in 1940, in the early years of WWII, this whisky was matured in a parcel of G&M’s own casks, that included the Generations Glenlivet 70 Year (which KWM had the pleasure of launching in Canada in 2013, see photo above). Only 4 decanters of the Generations 80 Year are available to the Canadian market, in Alberta, they are exclusively available from KWM. Much more info can be found below.

The second old and rare curiosity is the G&M Glen Grant 1953 Mr. George Legacy First Edition. Filled into a first fill Sherry Butt in 1953, the whisky has been bottled at an impressive 67 years of age. It is bottled as a tribute to the late George Urquhart, 2nd generation of his family to own Gordon & Macphail, and under whose direction the cask was filled. While the age may not seem impressive when following in the wake of an 80-year-old, considering what some distilleries charge for their 50, 40, and even 30-year-olds these days, it is an eminently well-priced old whisky. More details can be found below.

In addition to the 67 and 80-year-olds, there are nearly a dozen other Gordon & MacPhail releases expected in the weeks ahead at KWM, primarily Connoisseurs Choice bottlings of Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Glenburgie, Glentauchers, Highland Park, and more. I’ll have more info on those in the next PCU. Besides, there is more than enough in the lines which follow to put a good size dent in your bank account if you aren’t careful!

So what do we have? We have new whiskies from Edradour, Signatory, Cadenhead (7 Stars Blend), Kavalan (Solist Sherry Canada Cask), La Maison du Whisky (Artist Collective), Glen Grant & Amrut. We have also taken on a new exclusive mystery Islay single malt: Smokehead High Voltage. They can’t disclose this, but we are all but certain it’s Ardbeg! There are also returning whiskies from Glenfarclas and Angel’s Envy, while supplies last.

One last-minute addition to this ever-expanding email is the Glasgow Distillery’s core range, which just arrived, and for some reason is already on sale. Details below!

Our fall gifting selection from Atom Brands is also soon to arrive including Gift Packs and Calendars from both Drinks by the Dram and That Boutique-y Whisky Company!

Now on to the controversial stuff… We are getting some GlenDronach 15 Year* but note the “*”, because we are only getting a small amount, and we are asking anyone interested to purchase another whisky from either BenRiach, GlenDronach or Glenglassaugh. Details can be found below.

We are also receiving a tiny amount of 3 Springbank/Kilkerran releases. When I say tiny, I mean it is 1/5th of what we used to get, and we’re expecting demand to be 8-10x supply on them. We are drawing ballots for a chance to purchase. Please follow the instruction on how to enter below!

Everything in this Malt Messenger is available for order or pre-order online and is linked (with the exception of the GlenDronach and Springbanks). If there are no descriptions or photos on the website, we’ll get caught up soon.

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).

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

IN THIS EDITION – A Lot…

1. Introducing: The G&M Generations Glenlivet 80 Year

2. Introducing: G&M Glen Grant 1953 Mr. George Legacy 1st Edition

3. New Whiskies from Signatory

4. Coming Soon: New Whiskies from La Maison Du Whisky

5. Introducing: Smokehead High Voltage

6. New & Returning Whiskies from Amrut

7. NEW TASTING: Amrut Distillery with Ashok Chokalingham

8. Glen Grant 18 Year – They Finally Let Us Have Some…

9. Introducing: The Glasgow Distillery Range

10.  Coming Soon: Atom Brands Calendars & Gift Packs

11. MS Society Savour

12. GlenDronach 15 Year Revival Available*

13.Springbank Whiskies Available by Ballot

14.My Tasting Notes On Some New Stuff

15.Up-Coming Tastings

16. Currently On Sale

INTRODUCING: THE G&M GLENLIVET 80 YEAR

THE WORLD’S OLDEST WHISKY

Some of you might be able to cast your minds all the way back to remember…As if they needed yet more proof of being one of the world’s most forward-looking whisky firms, Gordon & Macphail has gone and done it again, launching once again, the world’s oldest whisky… the Gordon Macphail Generations Glenlivet 80 Year is coming to Canada, exclusively in Alberta to KWM. 250 decanters have been released globally with just 4 of them slated to come to Canada.

Producer Description: “On 3rd February 1940 in a quiet corner in the north of Scotland, George Urquhart and his father, John, had the extraordinary foresight and vision to lay down spirit from Glenlivet Distillery in a bespoke Gordon & MacPhail cask to be enjoyed by future generations.

“On 5th February 2020, leaning on the unique skill and experience acquired by over more than 125 years, the decision was taken to finally bottle the cask’s precious out-turn of 250 decanters.”

The Generations Glenlivet 80 Year is bottled in a decanter and packaging, designed by internationally acclaimed architect and designer, Sir David Adjaye OBE. “When collaborating, I am looking for like-minded partners in terms of their craft, beliefs and traditions. I loved Gordon & MacPhail’s rigour and obsession with their products and their craft – a romantic commitment that enables one to do exceptional things. Our partnership felt so organic.”

– SIR DAVID ADJAYE, OBE

G&M Generations Glenlivet 80 Year – 44.9% – First fill Sherry Butt Cask #380 – Distilled: 3 February 1940 – Bottled: 5 February 2020 – Tasting Note by Charlie MacLean MBE: “Appearance: Deep umber with magenta lights; old polished rosewood. Aroma: A complex, mellow nose-feel, still vivacious after all these years. Top notes of almond oil, scented hand-soap, backed by sandalwood and gorse flowers on a warm day. A whiff of peat-smoke in the empty glass. Palate: An oily texture, and lightly sweet to start (dates, salted plums, figs), drying elegantly (traces of dry Oloroso Sherry), towards a lengthy menthol finish. Drop of water increases spiciness. Summary: Vibrant and wholly satisfying. One of the finest malts I have ever encountered (and he’s had a few…).” – $140,000.00 – 93pts Angus @WhiskyFun.org

INTRODUCING: G&M GLEN GRANT 1953

MR. GEORGE LEGACY 1ST EDITION

So this may be a bit confusing, but even though there was a prior release of Mr. George by Gordon & MacPhail, that one, a 62 year, was the Centenary Edition. This one, a 67-year-old, is the first in a new series. Only 15 bottles are coming to Canada. We’re getting a decent number of those, but most of them are spoken for!

G&M Glen Grant 1953 Mr. George Legacy 1st Edition – 59.4% – 67 Year – First-Fill Sherry Butt Cask #4209 – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Soft aromas of beeswax polish give way to stewed fruit and toasted hazelnuts. Subtle orange peel complements rich ginger notes. Taste: Autumnal spice and ripe plum flavours combine with light blackcurrant undertones. Treacle comes to the fore alongside a light touch of fresh mint. Finish: A full-bodied and long finish with lingering fruit, spice, and a delicate hint of bonfire embers.” – $9,249.99 – 94pts from both Angus & Serge @WhiskyFun.org

NEW WHISKIES FROM SIGNATORY & EDRADOUR

This is technically the rest of our order which arrived this summer but wasn’t ready to ship with the rest. The bulk is from Signatory’s Unchillfiltered Collection, bottled at 46%. The Signatory Edradour, which is heavily sherried, is a perennial favourite here at KWM, and this bottling doesn’t disappoint.

1. Edradour 2009 Natural Cask Strength – 54.9% – 12 Year – Sherry Butt #68 – $220 – 89.55pts Whisky Base. – Limit 1 Per Customer

2. Signatory Ardmore 2009 – 46% – 11 Year – Casks: “Bourbon Barrel after Islay” – $108

3. Signatory Ben Nevis 2013 – 46% – 7 Year – 2 Hogsheads #s 432 & 434 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: Jujubes, gristy malt, and toasted oak; Boursin and a bit of chevre; nutty, lemongrass, and herbs. Palate: still malty and grassy with soft toasted oak and cracked walnuts; chevre with lemon slices; white pepper, melons, and herbal tea. Finish: medium long, warming and fresh; more herbal notes, malt, white pepper, and subtle fruits. Comment: this is a rather naked, malty Ben Nevis, brimming with some of the cheesy-fruity spirit character the distillery is famous for.” – $115

4. Signatory Bunnahabhain Staoisha 2013 – 46% – 7 Year – Dechar/Rechar Hogsheads #s 900168 + 900169 – $105

5. Signatory Caol Ila 2011 – 46% – 10 Year – 2 Bourbon Barrels #310870 + 310875 – $115

6. Signatory Edradour 46% Heavily Sherried – 46% – Oloroso Sherry Butt #187 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: nutty, chocolatey and earthy; stewed fruits, teriyaki beef jerky, and grilled figs stuffed with blue cheese; candied nuts, demerara sugar, and bacon dipped in chocolate; Arnold Palmers and sugary Russian coffee dregs. Palate: big, rich and nutty; this is a dry-oloroso malt with notes of nocino and chinotto; rough old leather, tobacco, and a minty freshness; more beef jerky, grilled figs with blue cheese, and chocolate-dipped in bacon; Russian coffee, Dutch licorice, chocolate-coated gummy bears, and milk duds. Finish: medium long and rich; big earthy sherry tones, spices, and dark bakers chocolate. Comment: this is one of the darkest (flavourwise), earthy and chocolaty of these Edradours we’ve ever seen; I’m glad I revisited my initial tasting note the next day because a little O2 in the bottle did it some wonders; I happily polish a bottle of this in a night with some friends!” – $115 Limit 2 Per Customer

7. Signatory Knockandoo 2007 – 46% – 13 Year – Hogsheads #304100 + 304104 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: honeyed, with melons, dried apricots, and cranberries; malty, heather honey, and Starburst fruit candies. Palate: big, lush, and warming; I wasn’t expecting it to be so big…; lush and floral with sweet vanilla, heather honey, and fig jam; marmalade and starburst fruit candies; gentle toasted oak, almonds, and chewy barley. Finish: medium in length, soft, and warming with bright fruits and toasted oak. Comment: this was a pleasant surprise, we haven’t seen much from this distillery in years; I had no idea what to expect; this bottling is fresh, fruity, and ticking all the boxes for me; not insanely complex, but all around a very drinkable malt!” – $105

8. Signatory Mortlach 2009 – 46% – 11 Year – Hogsheads – 317285 + 817286- $120

INTRODUCING: SMOKEHEAD HIGH VOLTAGE

We were lukewarm about taking this on as a KWM exclusive, we have a lot of exclusive undisclosed Islay Single Malts: Finlaggan Cask Strength, Ileach Cask Strength and the Peat’s Beast PX. But that was before we tried it… once we did, we knew we had to have it!

In the Producer’s words: “It Smokehead is an assault on your senses, then High Voltage is an all-out attack. Its breathtaking intensity is a red light for the faint of heart. And a thumbs-up for those who don’t just enjoy the vigorous thump of the bass drum in their chest at a gig but savour the ringing in their ears afterwards.”

This is a fine bit of marketing, but bold as this whisky is, it has a softer side–as most Ardbeg does!

Smokehead High Voltage – 58% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: salted caramel, juicy malt and earthy peat; lemon and lime spiced tortilla chips with salsa and a bit of guac; tarry and leathery with dried fruits and spices; melons and apricots beneath. Palate: a surge of peat, salted caramel and juicy malt; still tarry with loads of citrus, leather, dried fruits and spices; as the palate adjusts to the frontal assault some softer fruits emerge with heather honey and firm woody spices. Finish: long, drying and smoky with fading peat, spices and malt. Comment: this is a bold but characterful malt that is sure to please the peat heads, and especially fans of the most easter distillery on Islay’s southern coast!” – $90

NEW WHISKIES FROM LA MAISON DU WHISKY

The Artist Collective 4.0 series bottlings feature artwork entered into a competition by art students from all over France in 2020. This series theme is “trompe l’oeil” a representation intended to give the illusion of reality.

“When it comes to whisky, many things can be surprising: its colour, its nose, its finish… Behind the expectations and received ideas sometimes is hidden an original and unexpected reality.”

1. Artist Collective 4.1 Bunnahabhain 5 Year – 61.2% – Staoisha – 3 Refill Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: rich, concentrated. Animal (farmyard, smoked meat), mineral (hail, diesel), oily (olive), peaty – of course, earthy and rooty (ginseng), the first nose is also traversed by plumes of smoke from a powerful Havana cigar. Allowed to breathe, it becomes medicinal (mustard poultice, tiger balm), iodine (tincture) and heady (violet, hyacinth). Gradually, candied lemon, juicy pear and even roasted pineapple bring lots of freshness and light to an aromatic palette indisputably centred on the colour yellow. Palate: dense, full. First, a fruity peat (William’s pear) creates a perfect link between the nose and palate. The particularly phenolic mid-palate is also medicinal (mustard) and spicy (clove, juniper). Then, irreversibly, liquorice stick coats the taste buds as aromatic plants (verbena, sorrel) help refresh the air.” – More on our Website! – $166

2. Artist Collective 4.4 Ledaig 13 Year 2007 – 48% – 2 Refill Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: taut, concentrated. The herbaceous (white mint, straw) and smoky (ash, soot) first nose is also marked by notes of lemon zest, camphor, root ginger, and hydrocarbon (diesel, polish). Allowed to breathe, it moves into a more sweet pastry tone, whilst remaining tangy (lime tart). Note that the aromatic palette gradually gains in floral (lily, iris), infused (green tea), fruity (Mirabelle plum) and velvety (artichoke heart) elegance. Palate: lively, stately. The very mineral (chalk, slate) attack is also very juicy (pear) and honeyed (acacia). Very quickly, however, tiger balm and mentholated flavours guide the tasting to an extremely medicinal and vegetal (aniseed ball, liquorice) register. Saturated with intense smoke, the end of the palate is empyreumatic (tar, Papier d’Arménie).” – More on our Website! – $230 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

3. Artist Collective 4.6 Linkwood 13 Year 2006 – 58.1% – 2 Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: refined, smooth. The floral (lavender, violet) and mineral (zan liquorice sweets, basalt) first nose is incredibly complex. A very beautiful fruity rancio (candied orange, mango, apricot) brings lots of smoothness and depth to an aromatic palette also marked by notes of salted butter caramel and toffee. Allowed to breathe, it becomes increasingly heady, until rose poivrée even rises to the surface of the glass. Palate: full-bodied, rich. More powerful than the nose would have you believe, the attack is captivating. Remarkably vegetal and malty, with impressive length. Evoking harvest time (straw, lucerne), the mid-palate reveals a stunning exoticism (guava, mango) and heady character (purple lilac, freesia). Rose petals are then placed delicately on the palate, accentuating the oriental character of the flavour palette.” – More on our Website! – $240 – 88pts Whisky Base

4. Artist Collective 4.5 Royal Brackla 13 Year – 48% – 2 Refill Sherry Butts – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: deep, distinguished. A complex combination of dried apricot, beeswax, blood orange, precious wood, toasted walnut and dark chocolate, the first nose never stops developing. Right at this moment, noble spices (clove, cardamom, black pepper, ginger) and a very exotic rancio (lychee, mango, guava) appear alongside heady florals (carnation, peony, lavender). Allowed to breathe, notes of tobacco, leather, cocoa bean and rum baba highlight the very mature character of the aromatic palette. Palate : svelte, lively. The very slender attack reveals malted barley in all its splendour. Very rich, it brings to mind a delicious candied fruit cake. On the mid-palate, quince jelly and apricot and mango coulis very delicately envelope the taste buds. Indisputably ethereal, the flavour palette becomes increasingly powdery (cocoa), mentholated and honeyed (lime blossom, heather).” – More on our Website! – $170

NEW & RETURNING WHISKIES FROM AMRUT

We are expecting shortly the best lineup of Amruts we’ve been offered in years. Some of these, like the Intermediate Sherry, weren’t available to us for quite some time, as they were relegated to Duty-Free Shopping. Don’t be surprised if you see an Amrut tasting in the not too distant future…

1. Amrut Intermediate Sherry – 46% – Matured in Bourbon & Virgin Oak, before finishing firstly in ex-Sherry casks before a secondary finish back in Bourbon casks. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Instead of the usual biscuit aroma, we now get moist cake. And my word: is it fruity and spicy!! Love the freshly waxed oak floor, too. Brain-explodingly complex and multi-layered with one of the most intriguing sherry-style-bourbon-style marriages on the market. Taste: Cracking delivery and entirely unique in form. The structure is decidedly oak-based, but acts as no more than a skeleton from which the juicy sultana and spices drape. Salivating, too, as the barley kicks in powerfully. But the liquorice-orangey-honeycomb bourbon theme quietly shapes the flavour profile; the spices pulse and glow. Finish: Quite a chunk of natural caramel quietens the more exuberant characteristics; long and elegant. – $106 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

2. Amrut Kadambam – 50% – Matured in Sherry, then finished firstly in Brandy and then Rum Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Brings cherry and dark Christmas pudding combined with spices and fresh fruit. There are hints of oak in the background. After the addition of water, the oak comes through more strongly, together with barley and cereals There are faint hints of honey sweetness mixed with faint chocolate and vanilla notes. Palate: Oak and spices with hints of dried fruits and plums. Amrut Kahambam has an oily mouthfeel and is smooth and rich. There are bits of spice, fruits and more dark chocolate in the background. Subtle oak with a light dusting of peat. Finish: The best part of this great Indian whisky. It goes on and on and ends in notes of oak and spice. Warming and complex with a dry finish.” – $140

3. Amrut Peated Cask Strength – 61.9% – 23ppm – Oak Casks (probably ex-Bourbon) – Producer Tasting Note: Nose: Gristy smoked barley, kippers with a salted butter, peppered bite. Taste: The delivery is youthful and barely reaching puberty then suddenly an intensely malty ascendancy followed by a healthy dose of drier oaks. Finish: A sublime finale for its sheer delicacy and elegance; the peat no more than oozes, there are cups galaore of sugarless medium roast Mysore and finally, as a bourbony trail is discovered, soft liquorice and molassed sugar – easily the highlight of the experience: one of the best finishes of the year.” – $140

4. Amrut Portonova – 46% – Initially matured in ex-Bourbon & Virgin Oak, the whisky is then finished first in Port Pipes, and again in ex-Bourbon Casks. – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: A Thick pudding of a nose; fruit and caramel have merged into one slightly over-oaked soup; burnt apple pie. Taste: This is essentially a port pipe sandwich…. and it shows. The spicy, jammy fruit is interwoven through any amount of caramel while the oaky saltiness gets the taste buds both salivating and puckering until you run dry. Finish: Long, massive oak with quite evident traces of the virgin barrels now detectable. And more of a cocoa hue as it progresses. At last some muscovado sugars arrive to supplant the berry fruits.” – $110

The Amrut Greedy Angels range is made up of some of the distillery’s oldest whiskies. The Indian climate isn’t ideally suited for long-term maturation, especially when you take into account an angel’s share of 10-15% per annum…

Amrut Greedy Angels Chairman’s Reserve ex-Bourbon Finished 10 Year – 55% – Producer Description: “The 10 years old ex-bourbon Amrut Greedy Angels is created using 100% unpeated 6-row Indian Barley and matured in bourbon casks. It’s among the oldest Indian whiskies ever released, and was bottled in memory of Amrut’s chairman, Neel R. Jagdale, who passed away in 2019. A limited-edition of only 900 bottles worldwide.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Aromas of marzipan, toffee, coconut shavings, vanilla pods, and golden syrup fill the nose. Taste: The palate offers notes of almond cake, sweet orange, toffee, and velvety dried fruits. Finish: Mouthwatering at first and then drying, layers of spice, woody notes, chocolate covered roasted almonds, lingering.” – $875 – Limit 1Per Customer!

About Chairman’s Reserve Peated Rum Finished 10 Year – 57.1% – Producer Description: “This stylish single malt is the work of Amrut over in India, having been aged for a decade. The smoky 10 Year Old Greedy Angels expression was finished in a rum cask before bottling at 57.1% ABV, with an outturn of just 450 bottles. Each decanter comes complete with a decadent presentation box as well as a rather weighty glass stopper.” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Woody aromas mingle with smoky peat, sweet spice and marmalade on the nose, developing into sour cherry, cocoa and sweet vanilla. Taste: The palate offers notes of butterscotch, candied citrus fruit and tropical fruits, followed by camphor, soft smoke and rum-soaked raisins.” – $1080 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

NEW TASTING: AMRUT DISTILLERY

WITH ASHOK CHOKALINGHAM

Amrut Distillery with Ashok Chokalingham

·     Date: Tuesday, November 23

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $65

·     Pick-Up Date: Target October 25

We are thrilled that our friend Ashok, Amrut Distillery Manager, has agreed to join us for a virtual Amrut tasting. We haven’t seen Ashok in at least a couple of years, but it just so happens, that Bangalore India is 12.5 hours ahead of Alberta. Why does that matter? Because 8 PM in Calgary is 8:30 AM the next day in Bangalore, making it easy for us to coordinate a tasting… Ashok will lead us through a range of 7 Amrut whiskies including Bagheera, Fusion, Intermediate Sherry, Kadambam, Peated Cask Strength, and two different releases of Greedy Angels 10 Year. 8 PM, Tuesday, November 23. Samples will be available November 25.

GLEN GRANT 18 YEAR

THEY FINALLY LET US HAVE SOME!

Ok, so that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but the only other time we were offered some Glen Grant 18 Year, we would have had to purchase 10:1 Glen Grant 10 for 18. Might have had something to do with the fellow in the Panama hat saying some nice words about it…but we don’t like playing those games, so we passed.

It seems we are now welcome to play, and also that our patience might be rewarded, as the price has come down too!

Glen Grant 18 Year – 43% – Oak Barrels – Producer Tasting Note: “Aroma: Rich and floral, with oaky overtones and hints of spice. Taste: Malty caramel, dried raisins, and vanilla. Finish: Long, sweet with nuts and spice.” – $198

INTRODUCING: THE GLASGOW DISTILLERY

The flood of new Scottish distilleries hitting the market continues. The Glasgow Distillery is named for Scotland’s “first licensed distillery”, which is a point some other firms might contest. Regardless, I don’t have time to dig into that now, so I’ll let the firm speak for itself!

“In 1770, The Glasgow Distillery Company was founded at Dundashill and remained active until consequent closure at the beginning of the 20th Century.”

“In 2014 The Glasgow Distillery Company re-opened becoming the first Single Malt Whisky Distillery in Glasgow for over 100 years. The Glasgow Distillery Company is re-establishing the metropolitan Scotch Malt Whisky tradition alongside the great whisky regions and bringing Glasgow Malt Whisky back to life!”

The following Glasgow Distillery releases have arrived and are on sale. We’re passing those on, so they are effectively about $8 less expensive than they might otherwise be. The bottles are all 500mls:

1. Glasow Distillery 1770 The Original – 46% – ex-Bourbon Finished in Virgin Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Dried dark fruits with tropical undertones on the nose, followed by hints of biscuit, oak and freshly cut grass.Palate: Sweet butterscotch with a crème brulee char on the pallet. Hints of freshly sliced pear, dried figs, dates and raisin with sweet almond, honey and creamy shortbread notes. Finish: A long finish of thickly spread orange marmalade, nutmeg notes underpinned by complex woodiness and a slight spice.” – $75 – Introductory Price!

2. Glasow Distillery 1770 Peated – 46% – Matured in Virgin Oak & Finished in PX Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Sweet smoke and rich toffee with notes of vibrant vanilla, dried dark fruits and cracked black peppercorn spice with subtle hints of flamed orange. Palate: Tobacco leaf, rich dark toffee and cacao nibs on a background of sweet soft peat and gentle earthy undertones with subtle herbaceous notes of sage. Finish: Long and smooth with notes of salted caramel, liquorice, and lingering spice.” – $75 – Introductory Price!

3. Glasow Distillery 1770 Triple Distilled – 46% – Ex-Bourbon & Virgin Oak – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: The nose opens up to sweet vanilla and white chocolate leading to fresh summer fruits of aromatic apple, pear and peaches. Palate: The palate is well balanced and smooth with vibrant vanilla, soft caramel and double cream opening up to succulent orchard fruits and berries followed by delicate floral notes alongside a sweet almond nuttiness. Finish: The finish is long and lingering with notes of rich honey, anise and black pepper and hints of warming woody spice.” – $75 – Introductory Price!

COMING SOON: ATOM BRANDS

WHISKY CALENDARS & GIFT PACKS

ETA LATE OCTOBER!

There is a treasure trove of goodies coming from our friends at Atom Brands this year, from Drinks by the Dram, That Boutique-y Whisky Co. & That Boutique-y Gin Co. The ETA for everything is late October!

The Not Quite Calendars

Rather than take up a lot of space here, the details and photos for these are on our website. Click the product name to view them:

1. Drinks by the Dram Regions of Scotland Set – 5x30ml Wax Dipped Single Malts, 1 each from Scotland’s 5 Whisky Regions – $50

2. Drinks by the Dram Japanese Whisky Set – 5x30ml Wax Dipped Japanese Whiskies from Nikka, Yoichi, Miyagikyo & Mars (unless the whiskies have changed in the interim) – $65

3. Boutique-y Whisky Scotch Tasting Set – 4x50ml Boutique-y Whiskies in the 10-12 Year Range. – $52

5. Boutique-y Whisky Premium Scotch Set – 4x50ml Boutique-y 1–27 year old Whiskies from Ledaig, Inchmurrin, Cameronbridge & Burnside – $86

7. Drinks by the Dram Irish Whiskey Collection – 12x30ml Irish whiskies bottled with hand-dipped wax seals. – $83

8. That Boutique-y Whisky 12 Dram Set – 12x30ml -. Award-winning expressions and rare drams await you during the holidays or all year round with the removable sleeve. – $120

If the details for any of the above on the website don’t match perfectly, please be patient, we are doing our best to clean that up.

The Whisky Calendar

The Original Whisk(e)y Calendar, boxed without the “A” word in Canada, much as our own KWM Whisky Calendar so as not to have to deal with an unsavoury individual who shall not be named…

That Boutique-y Whisky Holiday Calendar 2021 – 24x30ml (720ml) – Back for another year, the Holiday Whisky Calendar is a collaboration between That Boutique-y Whisky Company and Drinks by the dram. It features 24 whiskies, 30mls each, from 6 countries. The whisky list can be found on our website, in the tasting note, but we always think it’s best to be surprised… there are too few surprises left in this crazy world! – $185+gst

MS SOCIETY SAVOUR

We’ve been proud supporters of the MS Society of Canada for more than a decade. It’s been nearly two years since the last MS Calgary Whisky Festival, and it will likely be another before the event returns… and I think we all know why!

But our support for the organization continues. For the second year in a row, we are proud to participate in the “MS Society’s Savour Festival”. We have curated a selection of wines and whiskies, which we have put on sale, through October 24. But more importantly, we will donate 10% of the sales from these products between October 18 and 24 to the MS Society.

BROWSE THE MS SAVOUR FESTIVAL RANGE

GLENDRONACH 15 YEAR REVIVAL AVAILABLE*

It’s been a year since we last had some of this, and the price has gone up a wee bit. It is available*, but not the “*”.

The amount of whiskies like this we receive is directly tied to the amount of other BenRiach, GlenDronach, and Glenglassaugh skus we sell. So if you want a GlenDronach 15 Year Revival, we are asking you to purchase 1 other bottle of BenRiach, GlenDronach, or Glenglassaugh. Doesn’t matter which. It could be the new BenRiach The Smoky Twelve, or the GlenDronach 2009 Vintage (which is on SALE), or anything from Glenglassaugh!

The reality is that in order to get whiskies like this in the future, we need to sell the rest of the brand’s portfolio. So we are asking for your assistance with this.

GlenDronach 15 Year Revival – 46% – Oloroso & Pedro Ximénez – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: An intoxicating burst of maraschino cherry, ripe bramble and dark chocolate mint with hints of orange bitters and walnut liqueur. Palate: Honey-glazed apricot and ripe fig with a crescendo of black cherry, angelica and muscovado. Long and enveloping finish with dark manuka honey, herbal bitters and dark chocolate.” – $150*

*Please email me if you would like to buy a bottle of the GlenDronach 15 Year and indicate which other bottled from BenRiach, GlenDronach, or Glenglassaugh you would like to pair it with. If you ask to be exempted I am liable to ignore your request with extreme prejudice… 😉

SPRINGBANK DRAWS

TAKE A DEEP BREATH & HOLD BACK THE FOMO

We are getting some Springbank releases in the next few weeks, but it is the smallest allocation we’ve ever before received. We know demand is sure to be high, so rather than inundate my email inbox or the website, I am asking you to register for the draw online.

Moving forward, and due to the increasing scarcity of Springbank whiskies, and the increasingly rabid demand for what must rightly be acknowledged as almost always excellent whisky, we are no longer taking any advanced requests for any limited edition Springbank whiskies. We will only be offering them via draws online when they come in. Springbank requests generate too much paperwork, and consume so much time replying to emails, that we need to calm the FOMO down.

We will draw names for the opportunity to purchase the following whiskies:

Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 4 – 58.6% – 80% ex-Bourbon & 20% ex-Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: A strong maritime influence evokes harbourside memories of sea salt being carried on the wind. Sweet peat smoke is intense and welcoming as it fills the glass, like smouldering blackened marshmallows on the campfire. A floral earthiness reminiscent of our native wild blooming heather. Palate: It is a complex whisky and tastes beyond its years. Peat smoke dominates with malty undertones of crushed digestive biscuits. A familiar liquorice note develops and there is a hint of sticky honey glazing sweetness. Finish: The finish is long with strong peat influence remaining alongside malty, cereal characteristics. A slight oakiness is detectable and coastal maritime flavours endure.” – $85*Springbank 12 Year Cask Strength – 55.4% – 50% ex-Bourbon & 50% ex-Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Incorporating signature Springbank characteristics from the outset; earthy and maritime aromas. Hints of cracked black pepper and a tropical fruity fragrance develops over time, reminiscent of dried pineapple. Palate: Oily and creamy. Sweet flavours are balanced by the salty elements; vanilla, fudge and caramel with a sprinkling of finely crushed sea salt. There are notes of milk chocolate and sweet honeycomb. Finish: Gentle peat smoke endures alongside the distinct maritime influence. Freshly baked salted pretzels, warm vanilla custard and a tang of orange zest.” – $120*

Springbank Hazelburn 13 Year – 48.6% – 75% ex-Bourbon & 25% ex-Sherry – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Deliciously smooth and creamy like lemon cheesecake with notes of vanilla, citrus and crushed digestive biscuits. Palate: Fruity; ripe peach and crisp, juicy red apples. The bourbon influence promotes notes of vanilla whilst there are hints of honey and orange rind with a developing undertone of liquorice. Finish: Delicate, grassy freshness with subtle hints of honey and glazed dates.” – $126*

*The draw will be held on or before October 26. Please refrain from emailing me to ask if your name was drawn, or to indicate your preferences among the releases. I will contact you whether your name is drawn or not. The whiskies are non-discountable, but note we have not inflated the price of these whiskies according to their rarity or anticipated demand.

Enter the Springbank Ballots Here!

One final note, if you think I’m being melodramatic here, we are expecting 8-10x the demand for the above bottles, as there are actual bottles. So adjust your expectations accordingly!

UPCOMING KWM VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

We have a pretty packed tasting schedule over the next two months, and we are now starting to roll out some November events. This is just the first 5 (technically 2 are in October…), and don’t be surprised if we slip in a few more!

Wine vs Whisky with Abi & Evan

·     Date: Friday, October 22

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $55

·     Pick-Up Date: Day of the tasting! Friday, October 22

·     Only 5 spots left!

Abi knows Wine.

Evan knows Whisky.

What would happen if they switched roles?

For this tasting, Evan will select and talk about samples of wine while Abi will take charge on the whisky side, choosing three samples as well. Worlds will collide on this wine and whisky tasting. Which choices will come on top?

Included in the tasting kit:

– 3x 1.7 oz / 50 ml samples of wine

– 3x 0.5 oz / 15 ml samples of whisky

– A few small Halloween-themed snacks for pairing.

This offers enough of a sample size for all the singles out there. Those of you making a date night out of it might want to purchase two kits.

*Because the wine is a bit more perishable than the whisky, we will not be pouring it into sample bottles until the day of the tasting. Samples will not be ready for pickup until the day of the tasting*

Rare Malts: Single Casks & Small Batch Bottlings

·     Date: Tuesday, November 2

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $60

·     Pick-Up Date: September 15

·     Only 2 Spots Left!

The allure of this tasting should be almost self-explanatory… It is a range of Rare and Limited Edition malts that we are dying to share with you. We will be sampling the Daftmill 2009, Ardnamurchan Paul Lanois, Compass Box Menagerie, and Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak, as well as three brand-spanking-new KWM exclusive casks from Berry Bros. & Rudd: Orkney 2003 (Highland Park), Blended Malt 1999 (who knows what this is… and who cares? it’s awesome!), and Tormore 1995. None of the whiskies in this range have ever appeared in a prior KWM tasting, save perhaps the Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak, and I’d wager it’s been at least 10-12 years since we’ve cracked a bottle of that! 8PM Tuesday, November 2.

Evan Even More Blinded By Bourbon

·     Date: Tuesday, November 9

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: October 22

Evan loves his Bourbon, and everybody enjoys blind tastings, so we are pairing the two ideas up once more. This time around we will be including 8 different samples of American Bourbon and Rye to taste through and talk about. Evan won’t say exactly what is in the lineup, but there are at least 3 limited releases that never even hit our store shelves in the mix this time around, a new bottling of an old favourite, and more. Grab your tickets while you can because these Bourbon tastings tend to sell out quickly!

The Ultimate Bunnahabhain Tasting 271 Years

·     Date: Thursday, November 25

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $300

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

A few of our team here, independently noted that we have a lot of old Bunnahabhains right now, and I mean a lot. There are the 43 and 44-year-old Director’s Special bottlings, 40 and 42-year-old Signatory Vintage bottlings and the Port Askaig 45 Year (also a Bunna) is returning this Fall. Add to that a Boutique-y Bunnahabhain 27 Year and a Bunnahabhain 30 Year OB I tucked away for a tasting, because there wasn’t enough to sell, and we had 271 years of Bunnahabhain just begging to be tasted… we couldn’t let this opportunity slip by without having an Ultimate Bunnahabhain Tasting! 8 PM, Thursday, November 25.

The Kinship Collection 2020 – 178 Years

·     Date: Tuesday, November 30

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $200

·     Pick-Up Date: Available NOW

·     Only 11 spots left!

It is likely someone will eventually purchase a full set of the Kinship Collection 2020 from us… but we won’t be selling two! That’s because one of those sets is going to get cracked for a tasting. How can it not?! The set is comprised of a 28-year-old Ardbeg and 30-year-old whiskies from Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Highland Park and Laphroaig. In all, it is 178 years of Islay malts & Highland Park. Reviews of the range are not so shabby either, averaging 90+pts on Whisky Base.

CURRENTLY ON SALE

Here are some of the most highlights for our ever-evolving list of deals:

1. Glencadam 15 Year – $117.99 – SAVE 20%

2. Glenrothes 12 Year – $72 – SAVE 25%

3. Glenrothes Whisky Makers Cut – $95 – SAVE 20%

4. Macallan Double Cask 12 Year – $98 – SAVE 20%

5. Mackinlay’s Shackleton – $69 – SAVE 40%

But there is much more than that on sale, at present nearly 40 whiskies!

Browse all the deals here!

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 out front.

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 deliver fee. We are expecting high demand for delivery after the sale so please be patient!

403-283-8000

Store Hours

Mon – Wed 10AM – 8PM

Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM

Sat 10AM – 8 PM

Sun 11PM to 6PM

*All Prices Quoted here are subject to change and do not include GST. In the case of pricing discrepancies, the price at our point of sale will be taken as correct.*

Saturday, October 23rd,

1PM-5PM:

Glenglassaugh with Rory Glasgow

Join us for our tasting of Glenglassaugh Single Malt Scotch, presented by whisky expert Rory Glasgow!

Situated on the banks of Sandend Bay, Highland Distillery Glenglassaugh was founded in 1875 and continues to use traditional small-scale distilling practices to this day. They contributed to many well-liked Highland whiskey blends (including Famous Grouse and Lang’s) before producing their own aged statement whiskies in 2008. They’ve gone on to acclaim numerous awards for themselves since, including two Gold awards at the 2019 International Wine and Spirits Competition for their signature expressions.

Click Here to RSVP

(or email us at info@whiskyshopusa.com

FOUR A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY BOURBONS RECEIVE MEDALS AT 2021 WHISKIES OF THE WORLD COMPETITION 

FREDERICKSBURG, VA (Oct. 5, 2021) – A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength continued its winning streak at this year’s Whiskies of the World Competition (WoW) bringing home a Gold Outstanding medal, an award requiring unanimous agreement among judges and given to the highest-scoring products. The honor comes after the bourbon received a Master medal at the 2021 American Whiskey Masters and a Gold medal at the 2021 North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition.

Each barrel of A. Smith Bowman Cask Strength is hand-selected by Master Distiller Brian Prewitt and aged a minimum of 10 years. The initial release of this uncut, non chill-filtered bourbon came in at 141.1 proof and there are plans to release more each year.

Three other A. Smith Bowman Distillery bourbons were also recognized by judges, a group including spirits evaluators, brand ambassadors, whisky retailers, bartenders and mixologists. The other winners were:

Gold Medal

An excellent product that is among the best, remarkable

• John J. Bowman Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Silver Outstanding Medal

A very good product with complexity that is better than most

• Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Silver Medal

A very good and recommended product that shows complexity.

• Isaac Bowman Port Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Full results from the 2021 WoW Competition can be found at https://whiskiesoftheworld.com/2021-award-winners/.

 About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. As Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery, its various brands have earned numerous prestigious awards over the years, including John J. Bowman Single Barrel, which was named America’s Best Non-Kentucky Single Barrel Bourbon at the 2020 American World Whiskies Awards. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com

MILROY’S CHRISTMAS

This year why not have your Christmas gathering at Milroys of Spitalfields?

This year we are hosting a series of private “Whisky Tasting & Food Pairing” experiences, perfect for a meet up with friends or a Christmas party with colleagues.

We have a library of over 1,000 whiskies to choose from, everything from your day to day, to Fine & Rare and Dream Drams.

All of our experiences are customisable and suitable for all budgets!

Tasting & Canapes

£80 per person + (12.5% service charge)

A bespoke flight of 5 whiskies expertly paired with 5 handmade canapes.

One of our resident whisky specialists will guide you and your guests through the tasting and share their knowledge of the whiskies being showcased.

Sample Menu

Whipped Goats Cheese | Honey | Walnut

London Cured Salmon Charcoal Cracker| Red Apple | Tarragon | Honey | Cream Cheese Chickpea & Aubergine Bite | Sriracha Yogurt

Smoked Duck Taco Flower| Asian Slaw | Japanese Plum | Toasted Sesame

Whisky & Coconut Snowball

Buy Now

Deluxe Tasting & Small Plates

£120 per person+ (12.5% service charge)

A bespoke flight of 5 deluxe whiskies expertly paired with 5 small plates.

One of our resident whisky specialists will guide you and your guests through the tasting and share their knowledge of the whiskies showcased.

Sample

Porcini Mushroom Pate | Sourdough | Truffle Salt | Confit Garlic | Olive Oil

Poached Heritage Beetroot | Cider Apple Gel| Pickled Pear | Whipped Goats Cheese | Seaweed Salt

Confit Duck Doughnut | Espresso | Blackberry | Champagne Vinegar | Smoked Sugar | Orange Salt

Brie & Camembert Croquette |

Mulled Wine Cranberry Jam | Watercress

Whisky & Coconut Snowballs

Buy Now

Rare Whisky & Tasting Menu

£200 per person + (12.5% service charge)

A bespoke flight of 5 Old & Rare whiskies expertly paired with a 5 course tasting menu.

One of our resident whisky specialists will guide you and your guests through the tasting and share their knowledge of the whiskies showcased.

Sample

Dorset Crab | Lemon Zest | Lime Zest | Angel Hair Chilli | Confit Garlic | Truffle Salt

Whipped Goats Cheese | Roasted Pear | White Truffle Honey | Pistachio | Sourdough

Confit Duck Doughnut | Espresso | Blackberry | Champagne Vinegar | Smoked Sugar | Orange Salt

Whisky Beef Short Rib | Winter Truffle Cauliflower Puree | Honey Roasted Kingdom Carrots | Dark Chocolate Reduction

Cranberry Curd Tartlet | Meringue | Cinnamon | Pink Peppercorn | Toasted Hazelnut

Buy Now

Speyside’s top whiskies revealed at Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

Celebrating the best whiskies from Speyside as chosen by whisky enthusiasts from around the world, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards unveiled their 2020/2021 winners at a ceremony that saw the Glenfarclas 25YO coming out on top as the overall favourite Speyside malt.

Attended by industry representatives and specialist retailers, the ceremony took place at the Station Hotel in Rothes, hosted by event sponsor, Forsyths. Alongside announcing the winners, the judges also took part in a blind tasting to select the finalists for the Spirit of Speyside Awards 2022. The presentation was streamed via Facebook to allow whisky lovers from around the world to join the celebrations.

Using a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, over 1,600 votes were cast across 15 panels and three new venues across the globe were added to the tasting mix. With sessions from New Brunswick, Canada to Mumbai, India and from Dublin, Ireland to Cologne, Germany, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards are the only industry awards in the world to give consumers the final say when it comes to recognising the best Speyside whiskies.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards 2020/2021 winners included:

12YO & Under

Gold Award – Aberlour 10YO

Silver Award – Cardhu 12YO

13YO – 20YO

Gold Award – Glenallachie 15YO

Silver Award – Benromach 15YO

21YO & Over

Gold Award – Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23YO

Silver Award – Glenfarclas 25YO

Non-Age Statement

Gold Award – Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition

Silver Award – Cardhu Amber Rock

To identify the finalists for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards 2022, the independent judging panel carried out a rigorous blind tasting of entries from 50 qualifying Speyside distilleries, before scoring each whisky on its character and flavour. 

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards 2022 finalists includes:

12YO & Under

Benriach 12YO

Benromach 10YO 

13YO to 20YO

Glenlivet 15YO

Aberlour 16YO 

21YO & Over

Aultmore 21YO

Balvenie 21YO 

Non-Age Statement

Aberlour A’bunadh

Tamnavulin Spanish Grenache Cask Edition

These whiskies will now go forward to be tasted and judged by whisky drinkers and enthusiasts around the world over the coming months. The final winners will be announced at the Spirit of Speyside’s Gala Dinner on 27^th April 2022, which also marks the beginning of the 2022 Whisky Festival.

George McNeil, chairman designate at The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said:

“It’s the first time I’ve been involved in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards and it’s been great to see our judging panels in awe of the standard of whisky produced here in Speyside by our local craftsmen and women.

“Every year we see more and more people from around the world get involved in the final tasting to have their say in which Speyside Malt takes home the gold.That’s what makes The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards truly an award like no other – it’s the real whisky experts, whisky consumers from around the world, voting for the final winners of Speyside’s best whiskies.”

For further information on The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards or to find out how to host a voting session in 2022, visit www.spiritofspeyside.com.

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards 2020/2021

12YO & Under

Gold Award –  Aberlour 10YO

Silver Award  – Cardhu 12YO

13YO – 20YO

Gold Award – Glenallachie 15YO

Silver Award – Benromach 15YO

21YO & Over

Gold Award  – Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23YO

Silver Award – Glenfarclas 25YO

Non-Age Statement

Gold Award – Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Edition

Silver Award – Cardhu Amber Rock

Overall Winner – Glenfarclas 25YO

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards 2022 Finalists

 12YO & Under

Benriach 12YO

Benromach 10YO

13YO to 20YO

Glenlivet 15YO

Aberlour 16YO

21YO & Over

Aultmore 21YO

Balvenie 21YO

Non-Age Statement

Aberlour A’bunadh

Tamnavulin Spanish Grenache Cask Edition

About the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards is an awards like no other. The judging process takes place in two stages. The first round is a blind nosing and tasting of Speyside’s finest malts by selected judges.

Following this, two whiskies from each of the four categories are  shortlisted to go forward for the Roving Whisky Awards Judging  and Tasting, when visitors and locals can cast their vote during the Festival and many tasting and voting sessions take place all over the world. The Spirit  of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards are the only whisky  awards where the real experts – whisky consumers – have the final vote, and with over 1000 people from many different countries expected to vote in the coming six months we will arrive at a true “ people’s choice” for this year’s Best Speyside Whiskies. 

About the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. The Festival is a mecca for the curious beginner and the whisky connoisseur alike. Over the past 20 years, festival events have taken place throughout Speyside, the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland, located in the Moray area in the North-East of the county between Aberdeen and Inverness.

Over the years, the Festival has developed close links with many Speyside businesses and communities who help to fund the festival. It is a true team effort to deliver an ever-improving range of events and services to make the Festival a truly unforgettable experience.

The company is limited by guarantee, it runs the festival with a voluntary board of directors drawn from key areas of the whisky industry along with other local businesses and tourism organisations.

For further information please visit:

Website:  www.spiritofspeyside.com

Facebook: WhiskyFestival

Instagram: spirit_speyside

Twitter:  spirit_speyside

Browse our latest Flash Sale including gems like this 18-year-old from anCnoc – a cracker from the Highlands matured in Spanish and American oak and bottled in its most natural form. Expect fruit loaf covered in caramel with a side of chocolate orange. One to sit by the fire with on the ch incoming chilly evenings!

anCnoc 18YO→ £74.50

anCnoc 18 Year Old Description

I hope this email finds you well and full of Turkey. A belated Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

The Malt Whisky Yearbook 2022 is arriving today, and our KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar is now 80% pre-sold!

A quick update for the upcoming Ultimate Bunnahabhain Tasting, which features 271 years of Bunnahabhain whisky. Mike Brisebois, who recently stepped down as Brand Ambassador for Bunnahabhain, Deanston and Tobermory Distilleries, will be joining us as a special guest host!

We are partnering with Prairie Dog Brewing for our first in-person event since March of 2020… Fully vaccinated individuals can register now for Arrrrrrrdbeg Scotchtoberfest, on Saturday, October 23. The event will be the first opportunity to sample the Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg, a limited edition whisky bottled to mark the retirement of Distillery Manage Mickey Heads. Details on the tasting and how to be included in the draw for the bottle can be found below.

In the “what’s new” department, there is much to fill you in on. We have just received the first release of whisky from the Isle of Raasay Distillery to come to Canada. There is also the stunning Peat’s Beast 30 Year Islay Single Malt. We aren’t sure what it is, but it is excellent… seriously good! And from Cadenhead, there is the 7 Stars Blend, which is a reboot of a historic blend by the Campbeltown firm.

There are a pair of new releases of Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Whisky, new releases from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers and Single Cask Nation, as well as new whiskies and rums from Valinch & Mallet. There is also Kavalan Solist Sherry “Canada Cask,” and a trio of 2 Masters Rums from Dictador, which have actually been here for a while, but we forgot about them!

Arriving soon are some new whiskies from Maltbarn.

Last but not least, we have just been restocked by Glenfarclas and Glengoyne. From the former, 17, 21, 25, 30, and 40-year-olds, and from the latter, 18, 25, and 30-year-olds are back in stock. And one last-minute addition, the Angel’s Envy Bourbon has also just returned. While supplies last.

The new Malt Messenger will be out soon, full of anticipated fall arrivals!

Everything in this Malt Messenger is available for order or pre-order online and is linked. If there are no descriptions or photos on the website, we’ll get caught up soon.

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).

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

IN THIS EDITION – A Lot…

1. Arrrrrrrdbeg Scotchtoberfest

2. KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar Update

3. The Malt Whisky Yearbook 2021 Is Here

4. Introducing: Raasay Single Malt Whisky

5. Introducing: Peats Beast 30 Year Islay Single Malt

6. Introducing: The Cadenhead 7 Stars Blend

7. Two New Whiskies from Two Brewers

8. New Whiskies From Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

9. New Whiskies From Single Cask Nation

10.  Introducing: Kavalan Solist Sherry Canada Cask

11. New Rums From Dictador

12. COMING SOON: New Whiskies From Valinch & Mallet

13.  COMING SOON: New Whiskies from Maltbarn

14.  COMING SOON: New Rums from Valinch & Mallet

15. Glenfarclas Whiskies Back in Stock

16.  Glengoyne Whiskies Back in Stock

17.  Angel’s Envy Bourbon is Back in Stock

18.  Up-Coming Tastings

ARRRRRRDBEG SCOTCHTOBERFEST

To celebrate the launch of the Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg, which itself marks the retirement of Ardbeg Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, we’ve teamed up with Prairie Dog Brewing and Moet Hennessey Canada, to host an Arrrrrrrdbeg Scotchtoberfest!

Join us on October 23rd for a Scotchtoberfest fusion that would make even groundskeeper Willie proud. Enjoy a cocktail to start, followed by games as you move between four pairing stations, each one featuring either the Ardbeg 10 YO, Uigeadail, An Oa, or the limited edition Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg. Sample a dram of Ardbeg, some Prairie Dog beer and the chef-curated food pairing, and vote for your favourite pairing to win!!

Enjoy patio games, good company and of course, don’t forget your jacket- it is Calgary after all. Each attendee will also get a goodie bag to take home with them!

The event will be held outdoors on their patio (with heaters) weather permitting. Masking is required when not seated. Prairie Dog is participating in the Restrictions Exemption Program, so all participants must show proof of vaccination, and are kindly requested not to be a jerk (😉) to enter. So grab your vaccinated friends for an evening like none other!

Participants in the tasting will have an opportunity to put their name in the first draw for a chance to purchase an Ardbeg Arrrrrrdbeg.

I’m sure I’ve opened a can of worms by referencing the Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg at all… but take a deep breath and calm the FOMO. A second draw will be held for all other interested parties in the week following the tasting. You can join the waiting list for the second draw for Ardbeg Arrrrrrrdbeg, if you haven’t already done so, by entering it here.

Tickets for the event are $50 and are only available from Prairie Dog Brewing. Follow the link below to register:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/who-says-theres-no-such-thing-as-scotchtoberfest-tickets-185000279817

KWM 2021 WHISKY CALENDAR UPDATE

“25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky”, aka the KWM Whisky Calendar is back for the 8th straight year, and we’re finally ready, and thrilled to share this year’s design. As with all past editions it was designed by our own Jean-Paul Berube. We gave him only one word as inspiration for this year’s edition, we wanted it to be heroic, as KWM is closing in on its 30th Anniversary.

At the time of writing, the KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar is 80% pre-sold….

More details available online.

We anticipate the KWM 2021 Whisky Advent Calendars should be ready for pick up in early November. For more details check out the website.

KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar – $435+gst

THE MALT WHISKY YEARBOOK 2021 IS HERE!

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.

From the Producer: “Malt Whisky Yearbook has become an authoritative book that whisky enthusiasts worldwide look forward to each autumn. This is the 17th edition – Malt Whisky Yearbook 2022 – revised, fully updated and with new exciting articles.”

“The latest edition also includes articles on:

·     Back To the Future

·     What Is Whisky

·     Japanese Whisky Rules

·     Roasted Malt

·     The Trailblazers of Malt Whisky – innovators, entrepreneurs and risk-takers!

“And as always fully revised and packed with new and up-to-date information on whisky distilleries from all over the world, hundreds of whisky shops, whisky sites and new bottlings. A comprehensive summary of the whisky year that was and all the latest statistics is also included.”

Malt Whisky Yearbook 2022 – $34

INTRODUCING: RAASAY SINGLE MALT

This is the first single malt from the Isle of Raasay Distillery to find its way to Canada, release R-01. Produced from 100% Scottish concerto barley, peated to 48-52ppm and matured in a mix of First fill ex-Rye Whiskey, virgin Chinkapin oak, and first fill Bordeaux red wine. Bottled at 46.4%. The whisky is matured and bottled on the Isle of Raasay without chill filtering or added colouring.

Isle of Raasay Single Malt R-01 – 46.4% – American & Chinkapin Oak & Wine Casks – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: green, grassy and malty; salty and subtly smoky with pickle juice and olive brine; spicy and citrussy with langoustines and kelp drying on the beach. Palate: thick, malty and creamy with building toasted oak, honey, and spices; soft ashy peat with loads more salty tones: olives, langoustines, and beach bonfires; still a touch grassy with leather and dried fruits creeping in; citrus and a bit more pickle juice. Finish: shortish with juicy malt, toasted oak, gentle peat, and spices; a touch of leather along with seafood-y notes and Mezcal. Comment: a promising start and sign of things to come to this malt grows on you with every sip; the unique packaging is pretty cool too; a first-ever trip to Raasay seems to be in order this Spring.” – $100

INTRODUCING: PEAT’S BEAST 30 YEAR

ISLAY SINGLE MALT WHISKY

It is more than a little curious that these undisclosed twenty and thirty-something Islay malts keep popping up. There has been a serious paucity of aged Islay single malts in the last few years, and prices of distillery bottlings have been skyrocketing. So perhaps we shouldn’t be looking the gift horse in the mouth here… getting good Islay malts at a reasonable price is a win-win.

Peat’s Beast 30 Year Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – 50.6% – Oak Casks – Andrew’s Tasting Note: “Nose: toffee apples, salted caramel, and silky toasted oak; agave nectar and soft fruits: starting with citrus and stone fruits, it is heading in the tropical direction with mango and papaya to boot; dark milk chocolate and horse stables… not necessarily together, nor separate. Palate: soft, smoky and decadent; for a split second it seems very tame, but it quickly builds from there; loads of vanilla, creme brule, and salted caramel; soft clean smoke with a faintly medicinal edge; the fruits hold their own on the bold and decadent palate: dried apricots, baked apple, grilled pineapple, and juicy papaya; the oily smoke at the back end comes with a touch of gunpowder; more dark milk chocolate and Peeking Duck. Finish: long, coating, and decadent with smooth smoke and delicate fruits which leave the palate watering in anticipation of more. Comment: we have no idea what this is… the jury is divided between Lagavulin and Laphroaig, though we are leaning in the direction of the latter; if for no other reason than just pure probability; regardless, it is dangerously drinkable, and quite simply superb.” – $615

INTRODUCING THE CADENHEAD 7 STARS BLEND

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.”

Cadenhead 7 Stars Blended Scotch Whisky – 46% – Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Strawberries and cream, Apple crumble, butter biscuits. Flavour: Tangerine skin, Muscovado sugar, ginger snap biscuits. Finish: Raisins, cold cocoa drink, slightly hoppy and zesty.” – $70

TWO NEW WHISKIES FROM TWO BREWERS

Our friends in the Yukon have been busy, with two new releases out.

1. Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 27 – 46% – Matured in ex-Bourbon & Finished 19 Months in Peated Whisky Casks – Producer Tasting Note: “Deep malt aromas rise as misty wafts, quelling the taunting spirit. The cereal weight is evident, rich as buckwheat honey, nuts and nougat engage the palate. Oak and smoke, remnants from peated barrels, brace the continuing composition, absorbing for the attentive listener.” – $105

2. Two Brewers Yukon Single Malt Release 28 – 46% – Finished 2 years in 2nd Fill ex-Sherry Hogsheads – Producer Tasting Note: “The lush aroma is complex, pulpy fruit and granola, opening with a pleasant coating entry. The heart is sweet and savoury, mango and papaya with brine, spice and cane sugar. Mature sherry and Hungarian oak, toasted with cocoa build to a bold and compelling finish.” – $105

NEW WHISKIES FROM:

MORRISON SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS

A new range from Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers.
1. Carn Mor Strictly Limited Benrinnes 2008 – 47.5% – 12 Year – First-Fill Hogshead #736 – Producer Tasting Note: “A Dram of this 2008 Benrinnes brings the beautiful warmth of vanilla to your palate, followed by ripe orchard fruits.” – $120

2. Carn Mor Strictly Limited Teaninich 2013 – 47.5% – 8 Year – Red Wine Cask #1455 – Producer Tasting Note: “Hints of red berries and strawberries covered in butterscotch sweetness that gently evaporates towards the end.” – $105

3. Carn Mor Strictly Limited Tormore 2011 – 47.5% – 9 Year – Peated Cask #1308 – Producer Tasting Note: “A delicate balance of smoke covers fresh stone fruit and fresh apples. An interesting hint of smoke from the cask.” – $105

4. Celebration of the Cask Glenlossie 1993 – 49.5 – 27 Year – Bourbon Barrel #185 – Producer Tasting Note: “This 27-year-old Glenlossie is a beautiful summery dram with notes of vanilla, cotton candy and warm peaches.” – $350 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

NEW WHISKIES FROM SINGLE CASK NATION

Single Cask Nation is an American independent bottler of single casks… simple as that!

1. Single Cask Nation Glen Elgin 10 Year – 61.6% – Refill Bourbon Hogshead – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Honeyed cereals and cooking spices, with spicy caraway and cumin powder popping up along the way. Palate: Chocolate brownie, toasted barley and a touch of peppercorn. Finish: Milky coffee, vanilla blossom and orange oil.” – $105

2. Single Cask Nation Teaninich 13 Year – 56.2% – 2nd Fill Bourbon Cask – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Hazelnut chocolate spread on rye toast, slightly floral barley and some toasted almond flakes. Palate: Still enjoyably nutty, but with fruity hints of lemon and apple coming through.” – $134

3. Single Cask Nation Tomatin 12 Year – 58.1% – Bourbon Barrel – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Quite light and floral, with a touch of spiced fruit compote and cedar. Palate: Sharp green fruit, vanilla, walnut and a very subtle hint of charred oak. Finish: Still packs plenty of vibrant, zesty fruit on the finish.” – $125

INTRODUCING: THE KAVALAN

SOLIST SHERRY CANADA CASK

This is the first Solist Sherry we’ve seen from Kavalan in some time, and it is a single cask bottled exclusively for Canada. One of only 3 released globally.

Kavalan Solist Sherry Canada Cask – 57.1% – Oloroso Sherry Cask – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Clean and complex with multiple layers of dried fruit, nuttiness and spices with some marzipan and vanilla touches to it as well. Palate: Rich, oily and full with pleasant dried fruit and spices that linger on in the mouth plus a hint of fine coffee.” – $230

NEW WHISKIES FROM VALINCH & MALLET

The chaps at Valinch & Mallet don’t believe in writing tasting notes as everyone’s taste is unique. I get that, but it also makes it difficult to understand what you are getting into. This is mildly frustrating, especially when single casks can vary so much. Thankfully the base level of quality from these guys is high!

1. Valinch & Mallet Benriach 12 Year – 52.6% – 2009 – Sherry Hogshead #185 – $164 – Limi 1 Per Customer!

2. Valinch & Mallet Caol Ila 11 Year – 52.4% – 2009 – Bourbon Hogshead #5431 – $162

3. Valinch & Mallet Craigellachie 13 Year – 54.1% – 2007 – Sherry Hogshead Cask 900657 – $164

4. Valinch & Mallet Glenallachie 12 Year – 52.8% – 2009 – Bourbon Hogshead #900354 – $150

5. Valinch & Mallet Glendullan 12 Year – 53.1% – 2009 – Sherry Hogshead – “Unpredictable Ecosystem” by Anne Boleyn – $165 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

6. Valinch & Mallet Glen Keith 22 Year – 52% – 1998 – Bourbon Hogshead Cask #7136 – $396

7. Valinch & Mallet Glentauchers 24 Year – 47% – 1996 – Koval Bourbon Cask #22062 – $325

8. Valinch & Mallet Linkwood 11 Year – 52.9% – 2010 – Sherry Hogshead # 135 – $169

 

NEW WHISKIES FROM MALTBARN

Maltbarn is a German Independent Bottler that bottles their whiskies in the most basic bottles, with a simple but elegant label and no box or tube. In their words: “We don`t care about the latest hype, marketing tricks, or fancy packaging. Instead, we only sell whisky we love to drink ourselves!”

1. Maltbarn Benriach 1995 – 49.1% – 25 Year – Sherry Cask – $448 – 86.61pts

2. Maltbarn Glen Mosset 2013 – 54.2% – 7 Year – Sherry Cask – Suspicion it Could Be Benromach – $188

3. Maltbarn Port Charlotte 2007 – 53.6% – 13 Year – Bourbon Cask – $340 – 87.52pts

4. Maltbarn Old Rhosdu 1993 – 50.8% – 27 Year – Bourbon Cask – $426 – 87.9pts

GLENFARCLAS WHISKIES BACK IN STOCK

Seems Glenfarclas is getting tight on some of their older core skus, a sign of the times it would seem. But one could argue that perhaps their whiskies have been too well priced for too long! Some of them are getting especially tight, including the 17, 21 Year and 40-Year-olds. In fact the 21 might stock out for a couple of years and the 40 is all but certain to go up in price in the near future.

Here’s what just landed:

1. Glenfarclas 17 Year – 43% – Sherry Cask Matured – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: complex with distinctive butterscotch and sherried fruit. Palate: big, full-flavoured, with excellent balance, develops slowly, full of sherry sweet malty tones. Finish: long-lasting and smooth, with a hint of spice and sherry sweetness.” – $130

2. Glenfarclas 21 Year – 43% – Sherry Cask Matured – My Tasting Note: “Nose: buttery, fruity and elegant all at once; I used to think that it was like a warm blueberry pie right out of the oven, but it is more like butterscotch pudding or sticky toffee pudding drowning in cream; some soft leather, spices, and dark fruits–truly a lot going on. Palate: rich, fruity and spicy; still very buttery, and while I can still taste blueberries it is more like wholewheat blueberry pancakes with maple syrup and a side of thick-sliced bacon; leather, tobacco, dark fruits and spices develop. Finish: very long, coating, pleasant and elegant. Comment: this was one of my favourite malts when I just started in the industry 14 years ago, and it still holds up today!” – $170

3. Glenfarclas 25 Year – 43% – Sherry Cask Matured – My Tasting Note: “Nose: peach crumble, decadent vanillans, oranges, mango, and canned pineapple; soft spices, earthy-oaky tones and a hint of pine. Palate: big, rich and very fruity; layers of spices, fruit and balanced oak; more peach crumble, flambéed banana, pineapple, and mango; it tastes old, antique-y: like opening an old book with a sherry in a soft leather armchair. Finish: long, fruity, and rich; the layers continue long into the finish. Comment: not as heavily sherried as I remember older vintages to have been, but more subtle, layered, and complex; a beautiful old malt.” – $278

4. Glenfarclas 30 Year – 43% – Sherry Cask Matured – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Full complex aromas with fruit and full sherried malty tones. Palate: With Sherry, cognac, brandy, fruit, nuts, marzipan (and even icing), this is a wonderfully indulgent Christmas cake, in a glass! Finish: A whisky you never want to end and it very nearly doesn’t. The finish is exquisite with a real taste of burnt chocolate at the back of your mouth.” – $700

5. Glenfarclas 40 Year – 43% – Sherry Cask Matured – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Nose: Antique leather, walnuts and chocolate covered raisins. Palate: A sweet initial taste, orange segments, chocolate. Then a lovely flavour of burnt brown sugar. Finished: The dry finish oozes big tannins and more rich dark cocoa beans. Let the whisky breathe a little or add a drop or two of water to fully open up the dram.” – $1300

GLENGOYNE WHISKIES BACK IN STOCK

A few older bottlings of one of our go-to sherried malts are back, in limited quantities. We had an awesome vertical tasting with Gordon Dundas a few weeks back and not surprisingly they all showed really well!

1. Glengoyne 18 Year – 43% – “Matured in 35% 1st Fill European Oak Sherry, 15% 1st Fill American Oak Sherry, and 50% Hand-selected quality Oak Refill casks” – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Awash with red apple and ripe melon. Heavenly and well rounded, it drifts into hot porridge topped with brown sugar. Palate: Full bodied, round and rich. At first macerated fruits, marzipan and walnuts; then warm spices, dry cocoa and lingering Seville marmalade. Finish: Long, warm and dry.” – $190

2. Glengoyne 25 Year – 48% – 100% Sherry Oak Matured – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Red Fruits, old leather and brown sugar. Palate: Soft oak, cinnamon, stewed fruits and a Seville marmalade tang. Finish: Very long, with spicy liquorice, slowly drying.” – $520 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

3. Glengoyne 30 Year – 46.8% – 100% Sherry Oak Matured – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: Black Cherry, Sherry Trifle, Marmalade, Tea Rose, Rum & Raisin Chocolate. Palate: Burst of sweetness changing quickly to Plum compote, Cinnamon, Cloves and Tangy Marmalade. Finish: Soft Oak dryness and Cinnamon.” – $1100 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

ANGELS ENVY BACK IN STOCK

At long last Angel’s Envy Bourbon has finally arrived in Alberta. Finished in Port Casks before bottling at 43.3%.

Producer Description: “Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon is finished in port wine casks for an award-winning spirit. We guide each batch’s conditioning, blending our handcrafted bourbon in small batches of 8 to 12 barrels at a time. It’s typically aged for up to 6 years. While we lose about 5% of the spirit each year to evaporation, or “the Angel’s Share,” what’s left behind after we’re done is truly worthy of envy.

“Once it’s deemed ready, we finish our bourbon in ruby port wine casks, which adds subtly distinct flavor nuances that enhance the whiskey without challenging it. Our port finishing process lasts between three to six months, depending on taste. We use 60-gallon ruby port barrels made from French oak and imported directly from Portugal. This creates a whiskey of unprecedented smoothness, sweetness, and balance.”

Angel’s Envy Bourbon – 43.3% – Port Cask Finish – Producer Tasting Note: “Nose: You’ll detect notes of subtle vanilla, raisins, maple syrup, and toasted nuts. Palate: Vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast, and bitter chocolate. Finish: Clean and lingering sweetness with a hint of Madeira that slowly fades.” – $70 – Limit 1 Per Customer!UPCOMING KWM VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGSWe have a pretty packed tasting schedule over the next two months, and we are now starting to roll out some November events. This is just the first 5 (technically 2 are in October…), and don’t be surprised if we slip in a few more!

Wine vs Whisky with Abi & Evan

·     Date: Friday, October 22

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $55

·     Pick-Up Date: Day of the tasting! Friday, October 22

·     Only 3 spots left!

Abi knows Wine.

Evan knows Whisky.

What would happen if they switched roles?

For this tasting, Evan will select and talk about samples of wine while Abi will take charge on the whisky side, choosing three samples as well. Worlds will collide on this wine and whisky tasting. Which choices will come on top?

Included in the tasting kit:

– 3x 1.7 oz / 50 ml samples of wine

– 3x 0.5 oz / 15 ml samples of whisky

– A few small Halloween-themed snacks for pairing.

This offers enough of a sample size for all the singles out there. Those of you making a date night out of it might want to purchase two kits.

*Because the wine is a bit more perishable than the whisky, we will not be pouring it into sample bottles until the day of the tasting. Samples will not be ready for pickup until the day of the tasting*

Cooper’s Choice Curiosities

·     Date: Tuesday, October 26

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $40

·     Pick-Up Date: Available NOW

Having recently received a curious parcel of bottlings from Cooper’s Choice, we knew we’d have to build a tasting around them. For one, there are a pair of Secret bottlings, one each from the Lowlands and Islay, and the Ileach is believed to come from a distillery that rhymes with Lardbeg! Also from the Lowlands, a region we rarely talk about, there is the first bottling we’ve ever seen from the new (established 2015) InchDairnie Distillery… and adding to the intrigue it is a peated Lowland single malt! We’ll also be sampling a 25 year old Old Rhosdhu, an intriguing Blended Malt, a Caol Ila and a late teens Ardmore. Expectations are high for this rag tag bag of drams! 8PM Tuesday October, 26.

Rare Malts: Single Casks & Small Batch Bottlings

·     Date: Tuesday, November 2

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $60

·     Pick-Up Date: September 15

·     Only 8 Spots Left!

The allure of this tasting should be almost self-explanatory… It is a range of Rare and Limited Edition malts, that we are dying to share with you. We will be sampling the Daftmill 2009, Ardnamurchan Paul Lanois, Compass Box Menagerie, and Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak as well as three brand spanking new KWM exclusive casks from Berry Bros. & Rudd: Orkney 2003 (Highland Park), Blended Malt 1999 (who knows what this is… and who cares? it’s awesome!), and Tormore 1995. None of the whiskies in this range have ever appeared in a prior KWM tasting, save perhaps the Macallan 18 Year Sherry Oak, and I’d wager it’s been at least 10-12 years since we’ve cracked a bottle of that! 8PM Tuesday, November 2.

Evan Even More Blinded By Bourbon

·     Date: Tuesday, November 9

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $45

·     Pick-Up Date: October 22

Evan loves his Bourbon, and everybody enjoys blind tastings, so we are pairing the two ideas up once more. This time around we will be including 8 different samples of American Bourbon and Rye to taste through and talk about. Evan won’t say exactly what is in the lineup, but there are at least 3 limited releases that never even hit our store shelves in the mix this time around, a new bottling of an old favourite, and more. Grab your tickets while you can because these Bourbon tastings tend to sell out quickly!

The Ultimate Bunnahabhain Tasting 271 Years

·     Date: Thursday, November 25

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $300

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

A few of our team here, independently noted that we have a lot of old Bunnahabhains right now, and I mean a lot. There are the 43 and 44-year-old Director’s Special bottlings, 40 and 42-year-old Signatory Vintage bottlings and the Port Askaig 45 Year (also a Bunna) is returning this Fall. Add to that a Boutique-y Bunnahabhain 27 Year and a Bunnahabhain 30 Year OB I tucked away for a tasting, because there wasn’t enough to sell, and we had 271 years of Bunnahabhain just begging to be tasted… we couldn’t let this opportunity slip by without having an Ultimate Bunnahabhain Tasting! 8 PM, Thursday, November 25.

The Kinship Collection 2020 – 178 Years

·     Date: Tuesday, November 30

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $200

·     Pick-Up Date: Available NOW

It is likely someone will eventually purchase a full set of the Kinship Collection 2020 from us… but we won’t be selling two! That’s because one of those sets is going to get cracked for a tasting. How can it not?! The set is comprised of a 28-year-old Ardbeg and 30-year-old whiskies from Bowmore, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Highland Park and Laphroaig. In all, it is 178 years of Islay malts & Highland Park. Reviews of the range are not so shabby either, averaging 90+pts on Whisky Base.

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 out front.

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 deliver fee. We are expecting high demand for delivery after the sale so please be patient!

403-283-8000

Store Hours

Mon – Wed 10AM – 8PM

Thurs & Fri 10AM – 9PM

Sat 10AM – 8 PM

Sun 11PM to 6PM

*All Prices Quoted here are subject to change and do not include GST. In the case of pricing discrepancies, the price at our point of sale will be taken as correct.*

Whisky Advocate Results Are In!

National whisky magazine, Whisky Advocate, has awarded high marks to the entire line of Courage & Conviction American Single Malt Whisky. Here are the results! Awards aren’t everything, but we’re excited that our hard work is being celebrated across the country. Click below to see all of our awards.

See More Awards

Saturday, October 16th,

10AM-4PM

Mystery Single Malt with Sam Filmus

Sam Filmus is back with more award-winning whiskies to share! As president of JVS Imports & “Keeper of the Quaich”, Sam Filmus is a venerable whisky expert who always brings exceptional whiskies from Scotland and around the world to share with us.

Sam’s tastings are some of the most popular at the shop, and no two event pourlists are the same. Whether you’re looking for a unique new scotch experience or simply thirsty for a taste of whisky, this tasting is sure to please.

Click Here to RSVP

(or email us at info@whiskyshopusa.com

Imperial Scotch Wins Gold Medal at International Spirits Challenge 2021 

LOUISVILLE, KY (Sep. 8, 2021) – Imperial 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky brought home a Gold Medal from the 26^th annual International Spirits Challenge (ISC).

The ISC strives to be a truly global competition, this year accepting more than 1,800 entries from nearly 70 countries worldwide. Tasting Award winners were chosen over 12 days of rigorous blind tastings held in the United Kingdom. A Gold medal indicates favorable scores from judging panels made up of more than 50 industry professionals for the product’s aroma, appearance, taste and finish.

Imperial 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky is blended with only the finest of whiskies and patiently aged to deliver a complex, yet well-rounded experience.

Full results from the 2021 International Spirits Challenge can be found at https://www.internationalspiritschallenge.com/live/en/page/isc-2021-winners.

About Sazerac

Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.