BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKEYS WIN 10 GOLD MEDALS AT 2021 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 26, 2021) – Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits took home 16 medals, including 10 Gold medals for top-performing whiskeys, at the 2021 International Spirits Challenge (ISC). Judges also awarded six Silver medals to the Distillery’s spirits following this year’s blind tastings, which took place in the United Kingdom.

Gold Medals:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Bourbon
• Stagg Jr. Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon
• Col E. H. Taylor, Jr. Barrel Proof Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Straight Rye Whiskey
• W. L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Full Proof Bourbon
• W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon

Silver Medals:

• Buffalo Trace Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Single Barrel Bourbon
• W. L. Weller Special Reserve Bourbon
• W. L. Weller CYPB Bourbon
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream

Panels of experienced judges score products’ aroma, appearance, taste and finish before they are awarded an ISC medal. This is done over 12 days of intense blind tastings.

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

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 35 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year for 2018 and its William Larue Weller and Thomas H. Handy Sazerac were named 2^nd and 3^rd finest whiskeys in the world for 2020.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

JUSTERINI & BROOKS CREATE A UNIQUE MASTERCLASS EXPERIENCE ‘THE ART OF COLLECTING RARE WHISKY’

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF RARE WHISKY WITH THE UNRIVALLED EXPERTISE
AND ACCESS OF JUSTERINI & BROOKS

21 September, LONDON: Justerini & Brooks has created the ultimate whisky masterclass, The Art of Collecting Rare Whisky, a three-part online guide that takes viewers on a journey of discovery to start their own rare whisky collection. Alongside three videos, the experience includes a Justerini & Brooks tasting kit featuring four samples of exquisite whiskies from Mortlach, Talisker, Johnnie Walker and ‘The Cally’, as well as a journal to record tasting notes. Providing unparalleled access to insights, guidance and tips, The Art of Collecting Rare Whisky opens for registration from today (21st September) and will be available to purchase at the end of October.

The Art of Collecting Rare Whisky invites collectors and enthusiasts to go on an exciting and personal journey of discovery into the world of Scotch whisky, bringing the passion and knowledge of industry experts directly to the viewer. Filmed in the heart of Scotland, the interactive experience hosted by Tod Bradbury, Head of Rare and Collectable Whiskies at Justerini & Brooks, provides viewers with unique insights and tips on the art of rare whiskies collection. From the carefully considered decisions that take place in the distillery to make these golden liquids to the stories behind some of the best know distilleries in Scotland. Viewers will learn how to start building a collection, what whiskies to search for and to taste, and how to look after their precious bottles.

Split into three chapters, in first chapter, viewers will be introduced to the world of rare whisky, learning how to start their own collection from the people at the heart of the industry: Dr. Craig Wilson: Master Blender, Joanne McKercher: Senior Archivist, Ewan Gunn: Global Scotch Brand Ambassador and Pierrick Guillaume: Distillery Manager at Lagavulin.

Chapter two uncovers the story of taste. Here is where you are invited to sample the whiskies in your tasting kit with Tod. Featuring drams from some of Scotland’s best-loved distilleries, both working and ‘ghost’ or closed, including: Talisker, Xpedition Oak, 43 Year Old; Mortlach, 26 Year Old; Johnnie Walker, Ghost and Rare, Glenury Royal and The Caledonian, ‘The Cally’, 40 Year Old. This chapter will deepen the viewers understanding of the spirit, learning how to identify subtle nuances in the whiskies, the notes and characteristics and the language used when describing tastes and flavours.

In Chapter three, viewers will be invited to begin crafting their own story. Providing advice on which whiskies are best suited to the viewers tastes and preferences, how to look after rare bottles and how to build a collection that is truly bespoke.

Included on the purchase of this masterclass, each participant will receive access to the three video chapters, a whisky tasting journal featuring tips, a tasting wheel guide and insights into rare whisky collecting to help individuals on their whisky journey. The offering also includes the Justerini & Brooks Tasting Kit complete with four 50ml samples of extraordinary whiskies from Talisker, Mortlach, Johnnie Walker, and The Cally, these are accompanied by a glass pipet and displayed in a Justerini & Brooks presentation box. Viewers can register from today via Justerini & Brooks’ website and will be the first to be notified once the experience is available to purchase in October.

Created by Justerini & Brooks, the fine wine and spirits merchant that has been supplying every successive British Monarch since King George III, The Art of Collecting Rare Whisky highlights Justerini & Brooks’ uniqueness as the destination for the rare whisky collector. Their access to some of the best Scotch whiskies in the world, knowledge and advice, as well as unrivalled storage services, gives collectors the opportunity to build their ideal whisky portfolio.

Register for “The Art of Collecting Rare Whisky” HERE  from 21st September to be the first to receive the Masterclass.

The full digital masterclass 3- part series including a Justerini & Brooks Tasting Kit and Smythson whisky journal will be priced at £500

About Justerini & Brooks

Justerini & Brooks was founded in 1749 and has been supplying every successive British Monarch since the coronation of King George III in 1761. Today, Justerini & Brooks continue to look after the needs of the discerning whisky collector and connoisseur across the globe. Priding themselves on their access, expertise and personal service, Justerini & Brooks’ time-honoured relationships to many of the world’s best distilleries opens the doors to those seeking rare and collectable gems, including whiskies from lost or ghost distilleries, such as Brora and Port Ellen, alongside limited-edition releases or exclusive single cask bottlings. Justerini & Brooks is the destination for the ultimate whisky collector.
www.justerinis.com

The Launch of the O.S.W.A. public voting at the V-Pub

The V-pub – https://youtu.be/5rzNiQhBg6Y

EDRINGTON UK TO HOST A MONTH OF EVENTS FOR THE TRADE AS PART OF LONDON COCKTAIL WEEK 

As the hospitality industry continues to open back up, Edrington UK and London Cocktail Week will host a series of unique events dedicated to the hospitality industry throughout October.

London, UK., Tuesday 14^th September 2021 – Edrington UK has announced a series of unique workshops and events dedicated to the trade across London this October as part of London Cocktail Week. With the hospitality industry continuing to open, the workshops and events have been designed for those working at the forefront of the bar and hospitality industry. The programme will champion the incredible world-class skill at the heart of UK bartending, host training sessions and insights from industry experts, and provide support during what continues to be a tricky time in hospitality.

Events include:

Tending to the Tenders: Lyaness

This year, Tending to the Tenders will move from Shoreditch to the South Bank, but the message to the trade remains the same – ‘come hang out!’. Maker’s Mark and the team at Lyaness, Sea Containers London, have partnered to create a community space that’s focused on great food, delicious cocktails, wellness, and mental health.

Overlooking the Thames in the heart of the city, Tending to the Tenders will offer a beautiful setting to escape, relax and recharge during this hectic month. And, most importantly, it’s all FREE; the cocktails, the food, the massages, the interactive sessions, the yoga and the cinema nights.

Open every Monday from 12pm to 4pm throughout October, guests are encouraged to swing by to grab some lunch, a drink and a chill at any time. There will also be different activities taking place in the hotel throughout the month which are bookable via the London Cocktail Week website.

Location:                      Lyaness, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD

Dates:                           1^st October – 31^st October, every Monday 12-4pm

Booking link:               https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/35954/tending-to-the-tenders-at-lyaness-trade-only/

Laphroaig at The Gibson

Since 1815, Laphroaig has cemented its place as one of the world’s most iconic single malts, epitomised by its intensely smoky characteristics and legions of steadfast fans.

Laphroaig’s no.1 fan and all-round whisky specialist, David Miles, will be talking all things Peat, Heat, Sour and Sweet alongside Marian Beke at the world-famous The Gibson bar. Guests will taste delicious Laphroaig drams and cocktails paired with some of the world’s weirdest tropical fruits for an intense and interesting tasting experience.

For the duration of each tasting, Marian will impart knowledge and answer questions about his role heading up this world-famous cocktail bar.

Location:                      The Gibson, 44 Old Street, EC1V 9AQ

Dates:                           1^st October – 31^st October, every Tuesday 12-2pm

Booking link:               https://londoncocktailweek.com/events/35859/peat-heat-sour-sweet-laphroaig-at-the-gibson-trade-only-05-oct/

Maker’s Mark x Tayēr + Elementary Workshops

Tayēr + Elementary, a bar of two halves from a world-famous duo, will be joined by Maker’s Mark over the course of London Cocktail Week to provide unique, one-off trade workshops.

Starting with a masterful workshop on Wednesday 6 October, guests will be able to purchase tickets and join the world-renowned bar team at Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark to introduce how to use the rotary evaporator and learn first-hand how to achieve more delicate flavour profiles and aromas.

The following week, a practical workshop on how to upcycle glassware. This workshop will offer trade tips and tricks on the best way to fix glassware in a mission to reduce waste. For businesses looking to make moves towards becoming more sustainable, this session, hosted on Wednesday 13 October between 1-3pm, is not one to miss.

With an optimistic look ahead for the hospitality industry, during the third week of London Cocktail Week, bartenders are invited to introduce bar economics. From costing to price strategy and bar finances, this insightful workshop is geared towards helping the trade prepare for a normal return.

Rounding off the four-week event, Tayēr + Elementary and Maker’s Mark are offering an introduction to fermentation. With the ability to change and preserve ingredients, this workshop will demonstrate the most common methods used for drinks and showcase how fermentation can transform flavours.

Location:                      Tayēr + Elementary, 152 Old St, EC1V 9BW

Dates:                           Wednesday 6^th, 13^th, 20^th and 27^th October, 1-3pm

Booking links:   https://resy.com/cities/ldn/tayer-and-elementary?date=2021-09-09&seats=2

London Cocktail Week is running from Friday 1 – Sunday 31 October.
For more information or tickets, visit londoncocktailweek.com. 

About Edrington UK

Edrington UK is the UK’s number one whisky supplier, part of the global Edrington family and responsible for the UK sales, marketing, and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands including The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Naked Malt and Brugal.

As a distribution partner of Beam Suntory, Edrington UK also represents many of its brands in the UK marketplace, such as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Courvoisier, and The House of Suntory range of Japanese craft spirits.

Edrington UK also handles sales and distribution for a portfolio of liqueurs and specialities including 1826 Cocktails, Sourz, and AfterShock.

Malt Messenger Bulletin

We have been taking pre-orders for the KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar for a little over a week, and it is already more than 3/5 sold out… It might help that we are offering our most generous early bird offer ever. If you purchase the Pre-Pay Early Bird option, by end of day September 22nd, you will save $60 on the KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar. On September 23 the price will increase to $435+gst.

We will be revealing the design of our 2021 Whisky Calendar in a week or so.

We also have a new Glenfarclas Family Cask offer, including 18 new single casks. We weren’t expecting a release this year, so this is a pleasant surprise. And there is another Glenfarclas expected soon, the Glenfarclas 185th Anniversary bottling!

I also have included info on some up-coming virtual tastings, and there are also another half dozen tasting notes I’ve managed to write up over the last few days.

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.

Sincerely,

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

 

GLENFARCLAS FAMILY CASK OFFER 2021

At long last we have a new Glenfarclas Family Cask offer, and it includes 18 new “Summer 2021” bottlings. Vintages 2005 and 2006 have been bottled for the first time as Family Casks. I’ve done a little digging on them and the vintages I’m most curious about are 2004, 2001, 1996, 1992 and 1991…

Please see the PDF linked below for pricing.

ETA is Winter/Spring 2022.

Dowload the Glenfarclas Family Cask List

If you would like to order any of the vintages please advise me by email, by Friday, September 24.

COMING SOON:

GLENFARCLAS 185th ANNIVERSARY

To celebrate their 185th Anniversary, the Glenfarclas Distillery has created a special multi-vintage bottling, just as they did for their 175th Anniversary. Only 6000 bottles have been released globally, bottled at 46%. It has an 88.8pt score on Whisky Base!

Glenfarclas 185th Anniversary – 46% – Producer Description: “To mark the occasion, Callum Fraser (Distillery Manager) and Douglas Belford (Managing Director) were given the enviable task of going out in to the warehouses to hunt for casks from across the decades that they felt best represented our 185 year history. This was a long process, but after almost 2 years of adding a few casks at a time, they are more than delighted with the final result. This well layered dram with a phenomenal finish showcases the true Glenfarclas character. It was bottled at 46% and will be available soon from specialist whisky shops via our network of international distributors.” – $170 – Limit 1 Per Customer!

Early Bird Pricing on the KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar Ends in 48 Hours!

“25 Days of Dram Fine Whisky”, aka the KWM Whisky Calendar is back for the 8th straight year. Once again the calendar will have a fresh new look, which we will be revealing in late September. This year’s calendar includes 24 50ml premium whiskies, a custom logo Glencairn glass, and a 100ml Scotch Malt Whisky Society whisky for Christmas Day. You can follow along on the KWM Blog starting December 1, or one of our various social media channels, as we introduce and discuss each day’s whisky. And there is more…

Last year, inspired by Covid and the rise of Zoom events, we held 5 Whisky Calendar Recap Tastings throughout the month of December. They were such a big hit that we knew we’d have to bring them back again this year. Accordingly, we will hold tastings for participants in this year’s Calendar on December 5, 10, 15, 20, and after Christmas on 29th. Each of them will cover the 5 prior day’s whiskies in the Calendar.

The whiskies this year include 3 KWM exclusive casks, a number of whiskies in their 20s, and more than a dozen distilleries and producers never before featured in any of our prior Whisky Calendars. We also worked hard to keep the pricing as reasonable as we possibly could this year, which wasn’t easy. Prices have been rising across the board, and supply chain issues have affected everything from the availability of glass and cardboard to delays in shipping and bottling. Never the less we are confident that we have put together another amazing product this year, and we know you are going to love it!

Best of all, if you select the pre-pay pre-order option, you will save $60. This option was very popular last year, and completely sold out 2020’s original production in just 2 weeks!

We anticipate the KWM 2021 Whisky Advent Calendars should be ready for pick up in early November. That is, as long as everything goes as planned (which, in the Covid Era, you can never be 100% sure of). But we’ve planned accordingly, and ordered early from all of our suppliers!

Two Options to Order the KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar

1. Pre-Pay Early Bird Special Offer– Select this option if you wish to save $60 on the regular price of $435, by prepaying now in full (please note this cannot be combined with other offers or discounts). You will be charged $375+gst when we receive your order. This offer will expire at 11:59:59PM on September 22nd.
2. Pay Later Pre-Order– If you want to reserve a KWM 2021 Whisky Calendar and pay thefull price of $435+gst later, please select this option to submit your order, and you will not be charged until a few days before it is ready for pick-up.

UP-COMING VIRTUAL WHISKY TASTINGS

Adelphi & Ardnamurchan with Connal Mackenzie

·     Date: Friday, September 24

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $55

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

·     Only 12 spots left!

Adelphi Distillery Sales Director Connal Mackenzie will be our guest as we sample a range of whiskies from Adelphi Distillery Ltd. We have five independent bottlings from their Adelphi range, including bottlings of BenRiach, Breath of Speyside, Caol Ila, Glenborrodale, and Springbank. We also have a pair of single malts, from Adelphi’s Ardnamurchan Distillery to sample, including a peated single cask. We held back stock of all of these releases, so participants will get first crack at the bottles! 5 PM, Friday, September 24.

Independent’s Day: Boutique-y Whisky with Dave Worthington Round 1

·     Date: Saturday, September 25

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $80

·     Pick-Up Date: Available Now

·     Only 6 spots left!

We’ve just received a boatload of exciting new whiskies from the That Boutique-y Whisky Company, so we’ve cajoled our friend and Boutique-y Global Brand Ambassador Dave Worthington into joining us for a couple of tastings. Dave always puts on a good show, and just might be joined by Sam Simmons, aka Dr. Whisky… we never can be sure! Round I will include a mature range of malts including a closed distillery bottling. Specifically: Ben Nevis 22 Year, Caperdonich 22 Year, Glengoyne 19 Year, Inchgower 14 Year, Inchmurrin 20 Year, Irish Single Malt #1 14 Year and Tobermory 24 Year. 5 PM, Saturday, September 25

Bourbon: Learning About New Riff

·     Date: Tuesday, September 28

·     Time: 6 PM

·     Cost: $30

·     Pick-Up Date: Target September 17

New Riff is coming to Kensington Wine Market (virtually)! We can finally showcase this Newport, Kentucky Distillery that has a big focus on Bottled in Bond and Single Barrel Bourbon and Rye Whiskey. Join Evan and special guest Jay Erisman – Distiller at New Riff – for an online guided tour through 6 samples of New Riff Bourbon and Rye Whiskey.

*Please note that this stating starts at 6 PM Calgary Time instead of our usual tasting time to accommodate our special guest, who will be joining us virtually from Kentucky.*

Independent’s Day: Feis Ile Take 2

·     Date: Thursday, September 30

·     Time: 8 PM

·     Cost: $100

·     Pick-Up Date: Available now!

Our last virtual Feis Ile tasting in the Spring/Summer was a bit of a fiasco… we had to postpone it for months due to global shipping problems. And in the end, we were never able to feature a couple of the whiskies we had hoped to showcase. So we’re doing it again, but we’re taking our range up a notch. On the tasting docket this time: Boutique-y Bunnahabhain 14 Year, Boutique-y Bruichladdich 27 Year, Grace Ile 25 Year, Peat’s Beast PX, Peat’s Beast 27 Year, Signatory Caol Ila 2010 & Signatory Unnamed 1992 Islay Single Malt. 8 PM, Thursday, September 30.

SMWS October 2021 Virtual Outturn – 10th Anniversary Edition

• Date: Wednesday, October 6
• Time:8 PM
• Cost: $40
• Pick-Up Date:Available September 20

It is hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since we helped launch the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Canada. Over the last decade, the Society has released over 800 whiskies to its Canadian members, and we’ve hosted well over 200 Outturn tastings at KWM. It has been quite a ride, to say the least… We hope you’ll join us for the Society’s 10th Anniversary Outturn tasting on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at 8 PM. As always your purchase limit is 2.We will sample 7 new releases, including a special bottling. *Tasting samples will be available for pick-up on Monday, September 20.

Independent’s Day: Boutique-y Whisky with Dave Worthington Round 2

·     Date: Friday, October 15

·     Time: 5 PM

·     Cost: $65

·     Pick-Up Date: Available now!

·     Only 8 spots left!

We’ve just received a boatload of exciting new whiskies from the That Boutique-y Whisky Company, so we’ve cajoled our friend and Boutique-y Global Brand Ambassador Dave Worthington into joining us for a couple of tastings. Dave always puts on a good show, and just might be joined by Sam Simmons, aka Dr. Whisky… we never can be sure! Round 2 will include a pair of teaspooned “Blended Malts” believed to be 25-year-old Balvenie and 24-year-old Glen Scotia. In addition to that we’ll sample Bunnahabhain 10 Year, Glen Elgin 22 Year, Glen Garioch 29 Year, Tobermory 12 Year and an unnamed 10 Year Islay Single Malt. 5 PM, Friday, October 15

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

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 September 14

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

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.

The Ultimate Bunnahabhain Tasting 271 Years

Date: Thursday, November 25

Time:8 PM

Cost: $300

Pick-Up Date:Available September 24

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 September 30

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.

MY TASTING NOTES:

ON SOME RECENT NEW ARRIVALS

A lot of the old and rare whiskies we get in need a bit of extra love, and deserve bespoke tasting notes written by what I hope is seen as a trusted source… me! Here are my own thoughts on a half dozen recent arrivals, all of them lovely in their own unique ways!

Compass Box Menagerie – 46% – Predominantly Mortlach (42.7%) with Deanston, Glen Elgin, Laphroaig & Highland Malt Blended Malt – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, fruity and spicy with a hint of smoke; perfumed floral top notes; a faint meatiness with leather and waxy tones; baked apple, poached pear, and over-ripe banana. Palate: soft and fruity with chewy malt that melts into silky oak tones; a touch of subtle ashy peat upfront before the fruits take over; more baked white fruits, uber ripe banana, apricot jam, and marmalade; the oak adds waxy-honey, soft leather, and decadent spices; late earthy tones, chocolate, and darker fruits. Finish: soft, elegant and complex; cream, fruits, and clean smoke… then more fruits. Comment: a very pretty dram from start to finish, this is another fine example of Compass Box’s mastery of Whisky Making! – $155 

Grace Ile 25 Year – 48% – American Oak – My Tasting Note: “Nose: soft, fruity and floral with clean smoke; clotted cream, salted caramel, and seaweed wafers; ashy peat, seaweed crisps, langoustines dipped in butter and seared scallops; moving into melons, apricot jam, and Strawberry Twizzlers. Palate: soft, creamy and floral with ashy smoke; lush with more clotted cream and salted caramel, but also creme brule and dulce de leche; chewy malt, toasted almonds, and toasted oak; a burst of citrus with melons and apricot jam; faintly medicinal with more seaweed crisps, langoustines, and scallops. Finish: long, coating, creamy and medicinal with soft fruits, toasted oak, and spice; warming and lush with layers. Comment: this is a lovely older Ileach with fading medicinal peat, soft fruits, and chewy malt; based on the profile, I’d guess Laphroaig.” – $550

Signatory Caol Ila 2010 – 58.9% – 10 Year – Refill Sherry Butt #316650 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: thick, oily and peaty with chewy malt, earthy dunnage tones and beef jerky; figs, dates and stewed prunes; dark chocolate, leather, and tobacco. Palate: big and oily, woof… it starts big and only gets bigger; maple syrup, treacle sauce and Dutch licorice; chewy malt, dark bakers chocolate firm leather and fruity tobacco; more dried dark fruits and teriyaki beef jerky; coal smoke and a touch of gunpowder; medicinal with bacon-wrapped scallops. Finish: long, coating, and fruity with loads of dried fruits and Dutch licorice; oily and medicinal. Comment: classic sherried Caol Ila, this is a muscular dram loaded with chocolate, leather, spice and medicinal tones.” – $215

Signatory Caperdonich 2000 – 56.4% – 20 Year – Hogshead #29481 – My Tasting Note: “Nose: fruity and nutty with soft toasted oak; coconut icing, creme brule, and marzipan; bright citrus fruits and peaches n’ cream. Palate: nutty and toasty with decadent spices and soft fruit; the oak is dominating the palate, but in the best possible way; more creme brule, coconut icing, and marzipan; silky with Demerara sugars, candied nuts, and decadent spices; pecan pie; on the fruit side of things more citrus, apricot jam and canned peaches. Finish: warming and spicy with more creamy oak tones, decadent deserts and bright fruits; the finish is on the short side of things, but leaves you wanting more. Comment: decadent and very drinkable with a nice complexity; this is without question the best priced Caperdonich we have at the moment; an increasingly rare whisky, from a closed distillery! – $535

Signatory 30th Annv Glenlivet 1973 – 43.1% – 45 Year – a Sherry Hogshead & a Sherry Butt – My Tasting Note: “Nose: hot damn… this is something; antique-y; swirling old Armagnac in a brandy sifter while sitting in a leather armchair in an oak-paneled cigar lounge; fruity pipe tobacco, strawberries dipped in dark chocolate and maraschino cherries; syrupy and then into the tropical fruits: mango, papaya, and guava; rosewater. Palate: big, rich and deep… oh boy this is good; super old-school, more Armagnac, leather, tobacco, and polished oak; maple syrup, chocolate fudge, and quince paste; then we step into the tropical fruits again mango, papaya, and guava… a bit of Kiwi too; the spices build along with a waft of cool mint and something reminiscent of old Jamaican rum; sweet funk and more rosewater. Finish: long, layered and elegant; waves of Armagnac, fruit, chocolate, tobacco, and more. Comment: surprisingly balanced at 45 years of age, with a good synergy between the nose and palate; while I’m not suggesting this is the General or the Black Bowmore, it is trending in that direction… superb stuff!” – $2400

Signatory Jura 1992 – 52.2% – 29 Year – Bourbon Barrel (#2495) – My Tasting Note: “Nose: honeyed and floral with a waxy tone and dried fruits; honeydew melons, dried apricot, and dehydrated apple slices; dunnage warehouse notes; a touch cheesy, powdered sugar, and French bakery aromas. Palate: silky delivery into more French bakery tones, dried fruits, and dunnage warehouse notes; aged cheddar on oatcakes with chutney; more dried apricot and dehydrated apple slices with barley sugars and building decadent spice; floral and waxy with powdered sugar on pain au chocolate. Finish: floral, toasty, and fruity with firm decadent spices; long and warming. Comment: this is a lush, floral and fruity Jura with a pleasant cheesy funk; thinking long ferms before a long oxidative maturation; good recipe for success that! – $515

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.*

8 – 10 OCTOBER 2021

Our Whisky Colours Festival is going ahead in 2021, subject to any change in restrictions.  It will have a reduced programme and there will be no specific distillery trips so may be not so intimate but we think it will bring you some exciting drams to enjoy in Speyside’s Autumn colours.

Tickets will go on sale on this website at 6pm on Monday 30 August (UK Time).

Whisky Tasting Programme

Each tasting will be no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes and cost £27.  The tastings will be held in the Royal British Legion Dufftown (50 Balvenie Street, Dufftown  AB55 4AS).

Friday 8th October @ 2pm – Douglas Laing:  This tasting hosted, by an ambassador from Douglas Laing, with be a range of single malts from the last 2 releases from this Independent Bottler.

Friday 8th October @ 5pm – GlenAllachie with Ben Chambers: Ben, the UK Sales Manager for The GlenAllachie Distillers Co. Ltd, will present a range of whiskies from the GlenAllachie distillery including some of their newer releases.

Saturday 9th October 1pm to 3pm – Free In-Store Barrel top Tasting of the Berry Bros & Rudd Classic Blended Malt Range with Andy Stewart of BB&R.

Saturday 9th October @ 2pm – Glen Moray with Emma Ware:  Emma, the Visitor Centre Assistant Manager for Glen Moray, will host a tasting of Glen Moray whiskies including some of their newer releases and may be an exclusive.

Saturday 9th October @ 5pm – Benriach-Glendronach-Glenglassaugh, Capturing the Nuances of the North East with Stewart Buchanan:  With 3 Scottish distilleries in the Brown Forman stable to choose from for this tasting,  Stewart, Brand Ambassador, has decided to include all 3 in this tasting.

Sunday 10th October @ 2pm – Watt Whisky with Kate and Mark Watt:  The owners of The Campbeltown Whisky Company, Mark and Kate Watt, will be returning to Dufftown to host this tasting from their latest release.

Sunday 10 October @ 5pm – Vicky and Mike’s Malt Whisky Mayhem:  We would not want you to miss out on some quality time with Vicky and Mike from The Whisky Shop Dufftown so here is a tasting of some of the whiskies that they have enjoyed recently.

Other Things to Do

Seven Stills – Historic Pub, Scottish Restaurant and Malt Whisky Bar: The Seven Stills is a small, family-run French restaurant and malt whisky bar.  The Seven Stills is gaining a reputation as an inviting place to escape to, and enjoy a carefully selected whisky in the lounge, patio garden or to savour a menu prepared with passion and flair by Chef Patrick. Patrick combines the best traditions of Scottish cuisine with fine old recipes from his native France, the result being a memorable dining experience.  Open for food from 4pm each day of the festival.  Booking required.  Telephone: 01340 820880 / Email: dine@sevenstills.co.uk

Dufftown Craft – Saturday 9 October 10am to 4pm: Dufftown’s monthly craft fair at The Dufftown Glassworks with lots of different items for sale.  They are also great for coffee.

With free UK delivery on orders over £75, what are you waiting for? Grab your favourite…

The GlenDronach 12 Year Old

£51.95
£36.99
Buy Now →

The GlenDronach 18 Year Old

£115.00
£97.93
Buy Now →

Saturday, September 25th

12-5PM

GlenDronach with Rory Glasgow

Established in 1826, Highland distillery GlenDronach was one of the very first licensed distilleries in Scotland. The award-winning GlenDronach range marries the best of Highland and Spanish skill and heritage to offer whiskies of elegant, complex character and tremendous depth of taste. Masters of Sherry Maturation, Glendronach scotches are recognized for their deep color and rich flavor profiles, ranging from sweet fruity Pedro Ximenez sourced single malts, to the dry and nutty Olorosso expressions.

Click Here to RSVP

(or email us at info@whiskyshopusa.com)

Why not come and visit us in Edinburgh and join us on a journey of discovery, adventure and friendship as we stride into a bold future of whisky enjoyment any way you like it. Book your experience and be one of the first to visit Johnnie Walker Princes Street when we open on the 6^th September.

Book your place here: https://www.johnniewalker.com/en-gb/visit-us-princes-street/.

 

BALLOT NOW OPEN

We are very pleased to announce a very special pair of whiskies, the penultimate bottles in the critically acclaimed Karuizawa Geisha series – The Karuizawa Ruby Geishas.

After eight years of releases, the Geisha series is almost complete. The Ruby Geisha pair consists of a 34-year-old and a 38-year-old whisky, each matured in a sherry butt. They both display the distinctive Karuizawa sherry-cask-matured style, bringing together rich, sweet and savoury notes into an intense but balanced whole.

As whiskies from this long-closed Japanese distillery are so rare and sought-after, the very limited numbers of bottles available will be sold via ballot. Each bottle will be balloted separately, but each entrant will only be able to win one of the ballots to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy these whiskies.

Karuizawa Ruby Geisha 34 Year Old Cask #7582 is priced at £18,000 and 38 Year Old Cask #3668 at £20,000.

The ballot will run from 1am BST Thursday 16 September 2021 to 11.59pm BST on Tuesday 21 September 2021. Details of how to enter the ballots are below..

HOW TO ENTER

• Click the ‘ENTER BALLOT’ button on the ballot page to add the bottle to your basket

• No bottles other than the other Ruby Geisha release may be added to your basket as part of this transaction

• To confirm your entry, complete the checkout process

• You must enter your card details as part of the checkout process, but you will not be charged unless you are successful

• You will receive an email confirming your ballot entry

• The ballot will remain open until 23:59 BST on Tuesday 21 September 2021

  ENTER KARUIZAWA
34 YEAR OLD BALLOT  

  ENTER KARUIZAWA
38 YEAR OLD BALLOT  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Winners of the ballot will automatically be charged for the Ruby Geisha bottle they have won (price breakdown will be detailed at checkout), plus any relevant taxes and charges. • Only one entry per Ruby Geisha bottling per person. Multiple entries will be ignored.  Entrants may only win one of the two Ruby Geisha ballots.  The ballot will close at 23:59 BST on Tuesday 21 September 2021.  The draw will take place on or after Wednesday 22 September 2021.  Ballot winners will be contacted with confirmation of purchase.  Those unsuccessful in the ballot will receive confirmation that they have not been selected. This ballot is not open to employees of The Whisky Exchange or associated companies.