WhistlePig with

Master DistillerDave Pickerell

Monday 18 June
7.30pm-9pm Tickets on sale now! 

BOOK NOW  

Welcome WhistlePig Master Distiller Dave Pickerell as he makes his way to the UK for the first time to unveil his tasty rye whiskeys, including previews of three that haven’t been released yet! WhistlePig started by sourcing incredible rye whiskeys, but the team have since been distilling on the eponymous farm and their farm to bottle whiskey is almost ready. Dave will not only be showing off his great cask picks, but also Farmstock – a blend including whiskey made from field to finish on WhistlePig Farm – and two upcoming single casks picked by and exclusively available from The Whisky Exchange!

 

WhistlePig FarmStock

Crop 001  WhistlePig FarmStock
Crop 002

(launching in summer)  WhistlePig 10 Year Old  WhistlePig 12 Year Old

Old World Cask Finish  WhistlePig 10 Year Old

TWE Single Barrel #4177 Cask Strength

(launching later this year)  WhistlePig 10 Year Old

TWE Single Barrel #4176 Cask Strength
(launching later this year)

Dave Pickerell is a luminary in the world of whiskey. For more than two decades Dave has held the title of Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark in Kentucky and now WhistlePig. His current objective: to create the finest rye whiskey.

MONDAY 18 JUNE 2018 

7.30-9pm     £55   

Please arrive at the venue from 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start

BOOK NOW 

VENUE BROWN’S COVENT GARDEN
82-84 ST. MARTINS LANE
COVENT GARDEN
WC2N 4AG LONDON

MEETING CHARLIE

Whisky legend Charlie MacLean has teamed up with the SMWS in our 35th anniversary year to make a special selection of bottlings for July Outturn. Charlie will present a preview tasting at Edinburgh’s Dominion cinema before a screening of The Angels’ Share. Charlie will also host events with his selected drams at our Members’ Rooms across the UK, and share some pearls of whisky wisdom. Secure your tickets for these one-of-a-kind tastings before they’re gone.

VIEW EVENTS

 

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

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Scotch Whisky Auctions Feis Ile 2018 Tasting

As the Feis Ile is fast approaching we wanted to let you all know about our plans this year. We’ll be hosting our tasting at the Ballygrant Inn on Monday 28th May.

We’ll be pouring 7 phenomenal whiskies for you to enjoy over the evening with a 3 course meal from David and the team at the Ballygrant Inn.

Just to whet your appetite with a sneak preview of the drams – we’ll be pouring the legendary Rare Malts Brora 1977 24 year old and GlenDronach’s beautifully sherried distillery exclusive 24 year old. We’ll have a couple of golden oldies from
Islay and our Glenfiddich charity bottling.

The tickets are available here to buy in advance of the event. Speaking of which, you’ll want to be arriving at the Ballygrant Inn at 7pm for a 7:30pm start.

All the money is going to charity, so you can enjoy yourself in the knowledge that you’re supporting a good cause too.

So to summarise: 7 drams, 3 delicious courses, 7:30pm start on Monday 28th May all for £100 a ticket. We don’t need to tell you that this is an event not to be missed, you already knew that.

Failing that, the lure of a certain cheesecake should seal the deal……!

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Tam or Jess and we’ll be happy to help.

We’re looking forward to a great night!

FORTY CREEK RECRUITS FANS TO SELECT 2018 LIMITED RELEASE IN HISTORIC VOTE 

OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO SOCIAL INITIATIVE LEADS TO CANADIAN WHISKY BRAND SELECTING FIVE WINNERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

TORONTO – Five lucky Canadians are on their way to Forty Creek’s award-winning distillery to help Master Blender, Bill Ashburn, select the 2018 limited edition release. This marks the first time that fans are invited to be part of the brand’s whisky making process.

Forty Creek recently hosted an online search where whisky fans across Canada were asked why Forty Creek was their whisky of choice. Due to the overwhelming response from fans, the award-winning brand decided to expand the VIP tasting experience at Forty Creek’s Grimsby, Ontario distillery to include five winners of the first-ever social initiative. Winners   were selected from over a thousand entries.

“We received entries from all over Canada. It was truly touching to not only see how far reaching Forty Creek is, but how ingrained the brand is in our fans’ lives and the role our whisky played in their most memorable moments,” says John Andersen, Senior Brand Manager, North American Whiskies. “We are thrilled to be welcoming fans representing different communities to our distillery for what will be a historic vote for Forty Creek.” 

The winning blend will be announced and available for reservation prior to Forty Creek’s annual Whisky Weekend in September. Whisky Weekend is Forty Creek’s annual celebration of all things Canadian and Forty Creek, with tours, tastings, seminars, and the official launch of the annual limited edition release. 

The winners hail from across the country. The five winners bringing their unique perspectives to the whisky making process and representing their communities are:

Mike Currah, Ontario

Forty Creek is always top shelf for Mike Currah. Mike was first introduced to Forty Creek in his early 20s – first the Barrel Select, then the Double Barrel Reserve – from the people he was living with in his home province of Ontario. As the brand grew, expanding to offer limited edition releases, so did Mike’s appreciation for and collection of Forty Creek whisky. To date, Mike has all but one of the limited edition releases. Learning from his previous mistake, he now makes sure to buy two bottles of each limited edition release – one to drink and one to save.

Sarah Phelps, Ontario

Sarah Phelps is a fan of whisky, specifically Forty Creek. Her love of the brand has brought her to the distillery so she could witness the process first hand. Her time spent at the distillery led to some surprising discoveries and inventive ways for Sarah to enjoy Forty Creek. Currently, some of her favourites include adding Forty Creek Cream to her coffee, hot chocolate, and ice cream.

 Mark Allanson, Alberta

For Mark Allanson, Forty Creek is the absolute best whisky. Having started off enjoying Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve, Mark has gone on to add Forty Creek Barrel Select, Cream, and Spike Honey Spiced to his cabinet. Always looking to expand his collection, Mark keeps a lookout for blends that are a rare find to bring back home to Alberta.

Steven Schmutz, British Columbia

The simple switch from drinking whisky mixed with coke to drinking it straight helped Steven Schmutz discover the different flavours that can be present in whisky. While out shopping, Steven’s eye was drawn to a bottle of Forty Creek Barrel Select that had a special tag highlighting the blend’s recent showing in a whisky competition. With Forty Creek having beat out several brands that Steven had in his cabinet, he decided to give it a try. Since then, Forty Creek Barrel Select has become Steven’s go-to whisky.

Ryan Belmore, New Brunswick

Ryan Belmore was first introduced to Forty Creek 15 years ago. Looking for something to enjoy during a night out with friends in New Brunswick, he opted to give a bottle of Forty Creek a shot. That night, Ryan went from predominantly being a rum drinker to a Forty Creek fan. Ryan prides himself on introducing Forty Creek to his friends and credits himself for dozens of them making the switch from other Canadian whisky brands. He has never had someone try Forty Creek whisky and not make the switch. 

About Campari Group:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Campari Group’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group’s portfolio includes over 50 premium and super premium brands. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, Grand Marnier, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. In 2014, The Group acquired Forty Creek Distillery Ltd., a Canadian spirits company with a portfolio of brands including whisky, vodka, brandy, rum and liqueurs. Internationally-recognized for its superior taste and quality, the multi-award winning Forty Creek Whisky serves as both the fastest growing brand in its category across North America and Canada’s first successfully launched whisky brand in over 70 years. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 18 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 20 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

Friday, June 15, 2:30 – 5:30 PM

Single Malt Tasting:

 Glen Grant with Robin Coupar 

Join us for a tasting of Glen Grant single malt scotch, presented by global brand ambassador and whisky expert Robin Coupar! Established in 1840, this centuries-old Speyside malt remains one of the biggest selling single malts in the world. Whisky ambassador Robin Coupar will present a guided tasting of Glen Grant’s new and rare releases, providing insider knowledge of what goes into making these incredible drams and the stories behind them.

Pourlist to be revealed as event approaches- RSVP to keep up-to-date.

Click Here to RSVP

Saturday, June 9th, 2:30 – 5:30PM 

Bourbon Tasting: 

Wright & Brown and Wyoming 

A treat for American whiskey lovers, this tasting features whiskies made in the Big Basin of Wyoming as well as our own Bay Area! Expand your whiskey knowledge with a  variety of bourbons, whiskey, and rye from Wright and Brown and Wyoming distilleries, presented by our in-store whisky experts.

Click Here to RSVP

Malt Messenger Bulletin – New Glenmorangie, Whisky Festivals, Birthday Sale, Ardbeg Day & More!

We are in the midst of a busy and exciting week at Kensington Wine Market. Last night we hosted a launch tasting for the lovely new Compass Box Hedonism: The Muse. It is a beautiful dram, composed of whiskies 23-43 years of age. More details on the whisky and my tasting note below! What a great way to kick off the week!

This coming weekend is our 26th Birthday Sale. There will be amazing deals in-store and online. All in-stock wine will be 15% off, all in-stock whisky (with a few exceptions, details below) will be 10-30% off, all in-stock beer will be at least 5% off and there will also be deals on rum, gin and other spirits. To kick off the sale weekend we are hosting a whisky festival on Thursday night. The 26th Birthday Mini-Whisky Festival will not be so mini, it will feature 80+ single malts, including many of the sale weekends best deals. More details on the sale and whisky festival can be found below.

We also have details to share on Ardbeg Day 2018, a festival of Peat & Love! Ardbegians from all over Southern Alberta will gather at Central Memorial Park on Saturday June 2 to mark the release of the 2018 Ardbeg Day bottling, Ardbeg Grooves. There will be a Master Class hosted by yours truly, followed by a festival event at Provision. More details below.

Ardbeg’s sister distillery, Glenmorangie, has just launched the 9th Private Edition bottling. The Glenmorangie Spios arrived in-store at Kesington Wine Market last week. I’ve written up my own tasting note on the first Glenmorangie matured entirely in ex-Rye Whiskey barrels. You can find it and further details below!

I also have details on three new Gordon MacPhail Cask Strength bottlings. These will likely be the last we see before the roll out of Gordon Macphail’s new ranges. Two of them are matured in Ex-Sherry, including a 1998 20 Year old Ardmore, which is exclusive to KWM.

I hope you enjoy this Malt Messenger Bulletin. Stay tuned for the Malt Messenger Bulletin with the Sale details on Friday!

Sincerely

Andrew Ferguson

Kensington Wine Market

PS – Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter:

@scotch_guy, Instagram: @thescotch_guy/

or @kwmwhisky and Facebook: facebook.com/scotch.guy.1

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Thursday’s Not-So-Mini 26th Birthday Whisky Festival

We Will Have 80+ Whiskies Open for Sampling, 10-35% Off!

You won’t want to miss the 26th Birthday Mini Whisky Festival on Thursday. The event will feature over 80 whiskies, and because it is the night before our biggest sale of the year, there are going to be some amazing deals. All in-stock whiskies* will be discounted 10-30% during our 26th Birthday Sale Weekend, and many of these will be open for tasting on Thursday night. Peasant Cheese is doing the food, and registration includes a Glencairn Glass. You won’t want to miss this event, only $50!

Register in-store, by phone 403-283-8000, or online! 

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SAVE THE DATE: 26th Birthday Sale 

Friday May 18 through Sunday May 20, 2018 – In-store & Online

Our biggest sale of the year is nearly upon us. All in-stock whiskies, with a few exceptions*, will be discounted between 10 and 35%. A special Malt Messenger Bulletin will come out on Friday morning highlighting the deals. Until then, save the date, and your pennies!

* Excludes Scotch Malt Whisky Society Whiskies, Membership Kits and a dozen other selected whiskies!

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My Tasting Note: Compass Box Hedonism The Muse 

That and a few other details!

We launched the new Compass Box Hedonism The Muse, at a special tasting last night. The whisky was very well received, and is lovely limited edition release. Less than 150 bottles are coming to Alberta. KWM is getting about a third of that, and nearly half of our allocation has already sold. Here are some further details on the whisky, including the age of the components, and my tasting note.

The latest limited release from Compass Box is Hedonism Muse, a Blended Grain Scotch Whisky built around an “exceptional” mysterious old grain whisky. The whisky has been bottled at 53.3% with a label designed by Compass Box as a tribute to the roll women play in the industry, especially at Compass Box. Just a dribble over 3,000 bottles were produced with only a tiny fraction of this coming to Canada. KWM is getting 48 bottles, half of which as pre-sold!

Compass Box Hedonism: The Muse – 53.3% – My Tasting Note: “Nose: very honeyed, floral and decadent; silky, toasty and fruity; candy apple, poached pear and lemon drops; premium white chocolate, dried apricot and ripe figs. Palate: big, silky, honeyed and sweet; decadent toasty oak, molten white chocolate, vanilla bean ice cream and Manuka honey; warm with decadent spice, more white fruits, apricot and figs. Finish: sweet, silky, honeyed and drying; elegant toasted oak, bright white fruits and fading decadent spice. Comment: very pretty (no surprise there), decadent and layered; dangerously drinkable.” – $375

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Introducing the Glenmorangie Private Edition No. 9 Spios 

The 1st Glenmorangie Matured Entirely in Ex-Rye Whiskey Barrels

The 9th annual release in Glenmorangie’s Private Edition series is the Spios, Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’. It is the first Glenmorangie to be matured entirely in casks that once contained American rye whiskey. It was bottled at 46%. I have included my tasting note and that of the distillery below!

Glenmorangie Spios – 46% – Matured in Ex-Rye Whiskey Barrels – Andrew’ Tasting Note:  “Nose: creamy and spicy, stone fruits, clotted cream and Old English Butterscotch; thick and oily with juicy malt, cool mint and lemon oil wood polish. Palate: juicy, fruity and very malty with a minty-herbal backbone; more clotted cream and Old English Butterscotch; dried apricots and peaches in cream with building-oily-spicy rye tones; German rye bread, clove and fennel; a sweet maple syrup on buckwheat pancakes note; assorted Jujubes. Finish: medium, and light given the weight of the palate and spicy with fading spices and sugars. Comment: there are lots of layers to this malt, which has picked up distinct oily-spicy rye tones from the casks; fruity and balanced, the finish is short-ish, but the palate is very drinkable!” – $122

Distiller’s Tasting Note

Aroma: Fresh and herbal, with hints of cherry, clove, mint toffee and scents of green grass. With water, more perfumed notes emerge, crisp and clean, alongside an inviting herbal complexity.

Taste: Rye’s spice bursts forth on the palate, bringing tastes of toffee, clove, cinnamon and nutmeg, alongside buttery vanilla.

Finish: Rich, sweet and lingering with more toffee, Brazil nut and a suggestion of citrus.

Distiller’s Description

“The ninth annual release in our acclaimed Private Edition series, Glenmorangie Spìos is the first Glenmorangie ever to be fully matured in American ex-rye whiskey casks. Full-bodied and savoury, its innovative character was inspired by the bygone elegance of America’s golden whiskey era, when American rye whiskey was fêted in the country’s most prestigious saloons. Glenmorangie Spìos (Scots Gaelic for ‘spice’ and pronounced ‘spee-oss’) recalls the spirit’s elegant past, inviting rye’s rare notes of cinnamon and clove to shine through in the Highland Distillery’s uniquely smooth spirit, for a single malt whisky of sophistication and subtle spice.”

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Three New Gordon Macphail Cask Strength Bottlings 

Including a KWM Exclusive Ardmore

We have three new Gordon Macphail Cask Strength release due in-store tomorrow including an exclusive 1998, probably 20 year old, Ardmore. Two of them matured in Ex-Sherry casks.

1. Cask Strength Ardmore 1998 – 53.5% – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Bottled 2018 – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma Rich fruitcake aromas mingle with charred oak and hints of smoke. Cherry conserve, dark chocolate, and toffee notes all combine with a touch of citrus. Taste Sweet and creamy initally with chocolate, cinnamon, and blackberry flavours develop alongside cracked pepper. Aroma with Water Sweet vanilla aromas lead to ripe figs and spices. A candied citrus peel undertone mingles with hints of chocolate and smoke. Taste with Water Baked fruits followed by cinnamon and clove. Seville orange and dark chocolate flavours give way to charred oak. Body Medium. Finish Long and spicy with lingering charred oak.” – $225
2. Cask Strength Miltonduff 1997 – 58.8% – First Fill Sherry Butt – Producer’s Tasting Note: “Aroma Vibrant festive spices mingle with toasted oak and cocoa powder. Hints of grapefruit develop and lead to delicate chamomile floral notes. Taste Intense spice initially followed by toasted oak, chocolate, and orange marmalade flavours. Underlying liquorice comes to the fore on the finish. Aroma with Water Rich vanilla and fruitcake aromas lead to dried cherry and stewed raisin notes. Underlying spices accompany milk chocolate and toasted oak. Taste with Water Creamy and sweet followed by chilli chocolate flavours. Cinnamon and clove mingle with fresh citrus peel and muted liquorice. A subtle menthol edge. Body Medium. Finish Long and creamy with lingering spice.” – $220
3. Cask Strength Mortlach 1999 – 57.2% – 18 Year – Bottled 2018 – First Fill Bourbon – More details to come! – $195

Register in-store, by phone at 403-283-8000 or online: kensingtonwinemarket.com

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Ardbeg Day 2018 – Peat & Love 

The Annual Festival of All Things Ardbeg is Open for Registration

The Ardbeg Day theme this year is “Peat & Love”, marking the release of Ardbeg Grooves. There will be a Master Class hosted by yours truly, followed by a 60s themed party including a live band. More details on the event can be found here!

Register for the Ardbeg Day Master Class – Saturday June 2 – 11:30-12:30 – $20

“An Ardbeg Master Class hosted by Andrew Ferguson of Kensington Wine Market, featuring this year’s Ardbeg Limited Release, the Ardbeg Grooves, along with select Ardbeg expressions.”

Register for the Ardbeg Day Main Event – Saturday June 2 – 13:00-15:30 – $20

“Come and be transported back to the 60’s era, expressed in a uniquely Ardbeggian way…with Peat and Love!! Tickets include one Ardbeg cocktail, a sampling of this year’s Limited Release, the Ardbeg Grooves and 60’s themed snacks provided by Provision at Central Memorial Park.”

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KWM’s Spring 2018 Tasting Schedule 

With 6 Weeks Left in the Schedule, There Are More Than a Few Great Events Still to Come…

There 5 Spring Whisky Tastings Remaining Before Summer!

1. KWM’s 26th Birthday Mini-Whisky Festival – Thursday May 17 – Consider this the “Sneak a Peek” for the whisky deals during our birthday sale weekend. Includes a Glencairn glass and the opportunity to sample from a range of more than 80 different whiskies! – $50
2. Two Brewers Single Malt Release Vertical with Bob Baxter – Thursday May 24 – We will sample our way through the Two Brewers Releases 04-09, and another treat, with co-founder/owner Bob Baxter. He’ll highlight the broad range of single malt whisky styles coming from this award winning Yukon distillery! – $25
3. Ardbeg Day 2018 Peat & Love – Saturday June 2 – Ardbeg Day 2018 will be a celebration of Peat & Love all over the world. See the section above for more details. – $20 Master Class – $20 Main Event
4. Ancient Malts – !!!Choice of Two Nights!!!: Friday June 15 (3 Spots) or Thursday June 21 (SOLD OUT) – It’s been over a year since we’ve put on an Ancient Malts tasting, and frankly, we’re overdue! We have some very special bottles selected for this one, including a pair of Broras, two 1968 vintage single malts and three other treats. Includes a special cut crystal Glencairn glass! – $250
5. The Spirit of Canada – Wednesday June 27 – Canadian whisky has caught the world’s attention in the last few years, just as a surge of craft Canadian whiskies are about to hit the market. We’ll feature some of the best new releases! – $35

Register in-store, by phone at 403-283-8000 or online: kensingtonwinemarket.com

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Thank You for Reading the Malt Messenger! 

Contact & Disclaimers 

If you have any whisky questions or comments concerning The Malt Messenger please contact me by e-mail, phone, or drop by the store.

All of the products mentioned in THE MALT MESSENGER can be purchased in store, over the phone or from our website at www.kensingtonwinemarket.com. All prices quoted in the Malt Messenger are subject to change and don’t include GST. In the case of discrepancies in pricing, the price in our in-store point of sale will be taken as correct.

Thanks for reading the Malt Messenger.

Slainte!

Andrew Ferguson

Owner & Scotchguy

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kensington Wine Market

403-283-8000

Friday May 25th, 5-7PM 

Whiskey Tasting:  Westland 

Malted barley is the most complex and flavorful grain used to make whiskey. For centuries, single malt whiskies have been considered solely the domain of Scotland. But a new category of single malt is taking root, made in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Made from natural and local ingredients, each Westland expression honors the traditions of distilling and adds something new and distinctly American. Every whiskey is underscored by Westland Distillery’s signature house style – a sweetness and ease on the palate accompanied by a fruity and complex but ultimately grain-focused finish worthy of distinction among single malt whiskey.

Whiskey Ambassador Trent Simpson will present a variety of Westland’s award-winning releases. Pourlist to be announced as event approaches – RSVP to be notified.

Click Here for More Details and RSVP

Single Malt Scotch Tasting

Highland Park & Macallan

With Sammy Karachi

Thursday, May 24th

4:30 PM OR 6:00 PM

In a couple weeks we will have Sammy Karachi join us in the store to share with us some of his vast knowledge of the Scotch industry and pour for us a sampling of malts from Macallan and Highland Park. This will be a very nice tasting and we will try some excellent whiskies. We are still working on the final list of bottles to be tasted and will, of course, follow up with another email. Mark your calendar, pick a time that works best for you and invite a friend or a co-worker. It should be a memorable evening!

Joe Howell

Federal Wine & Spirits | 29 State Street, Boston, MA 02109